Last week when I showed you the beginnings of this silk embroidery project, I didn’t realize exactly how difficult it would be to write about something, without showing you the “Whole Something.”
Some of you guessed right away that this silk project is a bird of sorts – and it is!
The design is inspired by the swashes and flourishes of ornamental penmanship of the 19th century.
This is the type of ornamental, swashy penmanship samples I’m talking about. I chose a much simpler design as my starting point – these flourishy things can get so very ornate!
When I first approached the project, I was thinking in terms of black-on-white, or black-on-parchment-colored fabric, to mimic as closely as possible the pen work. But as I worked through the preliminaries, that idea just didn’t grab me. After all, the two mediums are completely different. What may look beautiful done with pen and ink will not necessarily look the same when attempted with needle and thread.
Then, I went to the other extreme – I contemplated whitework, with a lot of texture, since this would be practically opposite of the pen work, which is black and completely flat and one dimensional. But that didn’t grab me, either.
So I settled on my Greatest Love – silk, with a touch of goldwork. Nothing like working within one’s comfort zone, eh?
One thing I have discovered along the way is a nice way to create a slightly textured background with a bit of glimmer to it. I’ll show you that discovery next time we take a peek at this project!
A little peek here, a little peek there. At least you know I’m working on something!
Tomorrow, needlework tools! I’ll be giving away two nice groups of Bohin needlework-related tools, including needles, scissors, and the like! See you then!
G’day there Mary,
Goody, to both this project and the tools giveaway.
Cheers, Kath
I’m so glad you shared this Mary! I would have never thought of flourishes as inspiration for embroidery. Actually, flourishing (sp?) is something I’ve been trying to learn to do for my calligraphy. There’s a book called
“Designing Figures, Faces & Florals” by Linda Schneider which has some beautiful and whimsical designs. Looking forward to tomorrow’s post!
Thank you for mentioning the book. I will have to take a peek.
Did this pattern come from a published book of designs with transfers? I have seen a similar pattern and adore it. I want to buy the book for this one pattern. This might be an intriguing stitch-a-long (hint, hint). I appreciate your sense of adventure by choosing the dynamic blue color. I need to be less afraid of silk. Are you going to be filling in the bird with a solid color?
No, it didn’t come from an embroidery design. I started with the penmanship sample and went from there to work up the drawing. It’s not that far off from the original, design wise, except for the tail, which was originally a rounded swash. – MC
Oops… Missed the last question. No, the bird won’t be filled, but the background around it will be.
Dear Mary
Thanks for sharing this with us I thought it was either a bird or angel of some sort. Yes like you I love silk and gold together, it looks beautiful.
Oh such a shame I’m going away for the w/e will miss your give-a-way on Bohin needlework related tools love their needles hope I can still apply when I return.
Regards Anita Simmance
OH-h-h-h-h, Mary, how lovely. I have used Soie d’Alger, and Carons Soie Cristale and Waterlillies, however, I will try the Soie de Paris on my next project. Is it made by Access Commodities?
Mary, this is going to be a beautiful project. I have a “Farmer’s Manual” published in 1895 that has a section on penmanship and I think your birdie is in there. There are several different ones, as well as a horse, a deer, a swan, and the most beautiful lion. I’ve often tried to figure out some use for the drawings and I actually have purchased a couple that were made into cross stitch designs.
I’ll be interested to watch yours come to life!
That is such a lovely color of blue! It’s going to be a stunning piece of work. 🙂
What a breath taking shade of blue! It is hard to tell from the picture–is the fabric pure white or a different shade?
Oh ! The bird is stunning.. I am new to the group
But have a great love for all needle arts
Love your newsletter
Ellen
I really enjoy watching your project progress, Mary. I’ve got the most exciting project coming up! My friend returned from France with an amazing gift-a Bayeux Tapestry Embroidery Kit purchased at Bayeux! I’ve been reading Racaire’s site on the stitch and contemplating backing the provided cotton with more cotton for stability. The provided wool is earthy and textured. As a fairly new embroiderer, this will be a CHALLENGE!
Oh gosh! That bird looks so pretty already! Really looking forward to seeing where you go with it. Just been catching up on your site and you have given me loads of inspiration. Can’t wait to see more of this!
Hi, Mary!
This is beautiful already. I look forward to watching it develop.
This piece that you are working on currently has inspired me, I was already wanting to get into embroidery.. but I had no idea things could be this beautiful…
I do hope that some day there will be a pattern for that bird you have done. For I would really like to have it framed in my house.
I was wondering if you know of any good beginner/intermediate bird patterns…
Hope to hear back.
Katy