Glittering Nightcap – Making Changes
Although I have already commented that I usually regard Online University pieces as tutorial pieces to be worked according to the instructions, I’ve decided to make a few changes on the brim. This will mean I will be able to compare directly some of the working methods I’ve learned about since I began on the Nightcap, so I should learn even more!
The first change was to use Bordered Corded Brussels Stitch for much of the detached buttonhole stitch. I can’t say that I am finding the Gilt Sylke Twist markedly easier to use now than it was when I started. However, I do find that the Bordered Corded Brussels stitch is easier than working Detached Buttonhole with return into a border of chain stitch, and less prone to breakages of the gilt wire.
In the case of the strawberries I have also chosen to use satin stitch in place of trellis stitch for the sepals. I’ve padded the satin stitch, to give it a little more life.
New Version Pansy
Old Version Pansy
There are changes to the Pansy too. Again, the petals are worked in Bordered Corded Brussels stitch, but the curled edges I worked in satin stitch. The outer edge is padded with a line of back stitch to lift it a little. Possibly not enough, so when I work the second pansy I might choose to pad the edge with chain stitch, or whipped back stitch to see whether it makes a difference.
The straw-coloured sepals are unpadded satin stitch this time, rather than the trellis stitch suggested in the instructions. It’s much less fiddly to do, but I wonder whether these changes rather undermine the style, looking a little too modern, too simple, too plain.
And if there is one thing I have learnt from the exhibition “In Fine Style“, and from its fabulous book, it is that the Tudors believed very much that more is more – more texture, more glitter, more colour, more everything.
Yah! I’m with the Tudors, more glitter, more bling 🙂
This is looking good. I like the contrast of the satin stitched curled edges but agree with you that the may benefit from more padding.
To me, the “old version” pansy looks flat. I like your version better.
Your version looks much better, got far more umph!=)
I’m with the rest. Your version – hands down!
more is more……I like the sound of that…
‘Rules’ are made to be broken! ;o) And your version is a joy.
I do prefer the new version pansy. Scrolling down, though, I cannot believe you have already finished the cushion top for the stool! It looks really effective – the stool will be stunning! xCathy
I too prefer the new pansy – and as always I am in awe of your beautiful stitching!
I agree with everyone else, I like your new stitching.
I think the vote is unanimous for your version of the Pansy. I think the textures you’ve created are a lot more. I love it that you’re ‘coloring outside the lines’ by not following the exact stitch directions. This will allow your skills to shine and will give the project that personal, from the heart feel.
The new version looks lighter and clearer – very nice.
Both versions I love. I’m too love your stitches. They’re so dainty.
More is good 😉
Love the satin stitch on the pansy.,
What is “Bordered Corded Brussels Stitch”? I’ve never heard of a “bordered” version.
Love them both. Also love the ‘more is more’ philosophy!
I like your version better as well. I didn’t know what Bordered Corded Brussels stitch was either so I just googled it. Funny that Megan’s post came up from 2009 which she obviously doesn’t remember (teehee). That nightcap is looking great.