More Laid and Couched work – The Unicorn
The Unicorn
I enjoyed working Rusty and Spots in the Opus Anglicanum Stitchalong so much I decided I wanted to do some more laid and couched work.
I rummaged around in my heraldry books and online for medieval unicorns (for a quadruped) and swans (for something winged), and produced something of a synthesis. Some of the medieval unicorns had leopard feet, and one of them had a curly, piggy tail. Mine has vaguely leopardly feet, and a lion’s tail. I’ve sized him so that he fills the same space as did Spots.
It occurred to me that I may want to work medieval creatures in the corners of the Vision of Placidus, when I get that far. I was going to use Rusty, Spots, and their friends, but then I realised that in that context, it would be more appropriate to the story of conversion to use the symbols of the Evangelists – the winged ox, ram, man, and eagle.
Unicorn – the first layer
So I’m still not sure what I will do with these present creatures when they are done..
Since I am using existing stores here, and I wasn’t sure I would have enough of the colours I used for Rusty and Spots, I moved on to a different colour range – purples and blues. These aren’t the slightly fluffy Appleons wools I used for the other two, but are rather smoother, softer version.
Again, I’m stretching out the colours by threading two colours in the needle for the underlayer. And my goodness, doesn’t it grow quickly!
Wow, he is a wonderful companion for Rusty and Spots. Any idea what his name is?
You will just have to write a story concerning these four and use them as illustrations. The subtle two-colour blends work very well to give the sections a little bit of extra oomph without it being obvious. I love blending colours like this.
I love him and love the colors you’ve chosen. I agree with Sue, write a story to go with these wonder magical creatures.
he’s looking good, great choice of colours
I love unicorns – (proper unicorns, like this). He ‘s very handsome and I love the purple and blues. How about Lance for a name?
A very fine chap he is too. I’m not sure I understand why medieval unicorns had leopard feet and curly piggy tails…
A very handsome chap!
What a noble beast and I love his colours.
curly pig tails? He is far too majestic for one of those.
A fabulous creature!
Gorgeous work, as ever Rachel. We still have no broadband one my iPad only works in a car park three miles up the road, but am loving Edinburgh and this area. discovered Phoebe Anna Traquair in the Nat Gallery of Scotland. you will of course already know her work. Her embroideries left me speechless. But they did remind me of you! Happy Christmas! XCathy
Always like to see your work on animals. So great textures and detail.