Stash Busting Canvaswork Footstool – 3
The notion that was guiding me – apart from stash busting – was of the colours getting lighter as they spiral out from the central point on either side of the central bar. So I picked more colours that I had enough of (see the constant balancing act I was involved in here?), and this time, stitch patterns which were squarish, rather than stripy. This is Checquer Stitch, and somehow by the time I’d finished the alternation of the colours, I ended up with something that rather reminded me of a Welsh Tapestry blanket. I’m happy with that – I was born in Wales, after all!
The balancing panel is even squarer. I suppose it is another variant – rather as with the Moorish Stitch Variation, I’ve moved all the tent stitches to the edges to form a grid. I think it still has enough family resemblence both to the original stitch and to the “Welsh Tapestry” version to balance them.
So here is stage two completed.
I think the balance and harmony I’m trying to create really are still there, but I feel as though I’ve rather shot my bolt. I’ve mislaid my canvaswork books and I can’t think of another suitable pair of diagonal stitches to use.
However, the first thing to do is to find a suitable set of colours. Onward, ever onward!
In the meantime, Epsiode 41 of SlowTV Stitchery is now live. A fairly quiet episode, this, which nonetheless discusses musical deceleration and taking refuge in learning things, while also anticipating the enjoyment of a Holiday Project.
Good combination of colours and your works are inspiring. Wish you another year filled with creativity.
It’s coming along well, isn’t it? I like the Welsh tweed look! There are lots of ways to vary combinations of diagonal stitches and tent stitch, so a few minutes playing on graph paper should give you some finishing patterns. If all else fails, simple squares in a single medium-dark colour will show up the multi-coloured sections as well as their own texture. Perhaps one in alternately tent and cushion and the other cushion in alternating directions?
“learning will never let you down” – I love that, and the reminder of T H White, a favourite author from years ago. It rather echoes another favourite quote of mine – “life is for learning” from Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock”
There’s some nice echoing going across your canvaswork too isn’t there? You are reminded of Welsh blankets, I am reminded of patchwork – you even have those zingy flying geese across the center. Will you do the outer panels on the same diagonal, or the opposite one, to create a sense of enclosure?
I am enjoying your Christmas playlist, some things I recognise, others I don’t. Mine has included Jethro Tull’s Songs From the Wood, an album I never tire of listening to at this time of year
That is such a beautiful mix of stitches. It will be a delight to use this foot stoll!
Thank you for all your inspiration, good advice and lovely stitches during this year.
All the best for 2021.
Wonderful!
That piece is very nice, I look forward to seeing the new colours you use. And, loosing a reference book is the pits. Have you tried some of the on-line sources?
And after you have gotten the replacement, the original copy will magically turn up!