Progress on the Azorean Cutwork
Azorean Cutwork Progress
You may recall that when we visited the Azores, I found an embroidery shop, and bought myself some fabric and thread, and a book of patterns.
I’ve now finished the outside edge of the piece, which means that I can stop worrying about the potential for the piece to fray. My buttonhole stitch isn’t entirely consistent in width, but now I’ve pinned it out to look at it, I suspect that isn’t going to matter very much when the piece is finished.
I haven’t damp-stretched it (with apologies to Karen!) because I’m not entirely confident that the drawn line will survive washing, and I really don’t want to have to draw it yet again!
I’m continuing to work around the perimeter, rather than working each flower individually. I’ve commented before that I don’t much enjoy repetition, so as I go around the perimeter I alternate between curved and straight lines, no buttonhole bars and adding buttonhole bars, which keeps me a bit more interested. Not least of the (underrated!) skills involved in embroidery is managing longer-timescale projects in order to make sure that they do in fact get finished. I’m pleased that – in spite of the fact that this is essentially my embroidery project for when I don’t have good enough light for my big projects! – I’m making slow but steady progress with it.
However, my next task is to write my shopping list for my visit to the Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show. Over the years, I’ve often bought things with a project in mind, and then found the project changing when I come to think about it seriously, so I am trying to be a bit more organised and disciplined this time – while still leaving some leeway for the odd enthusiastic impulse purchase!
A great start. I wouldn’t have fancied drawing that design out, though!
Surely Harrogate is also a good place to purchase essentials that have become so during ongoing projects. I’m sure Armana is throwing up some unexpected requisites as it grows and develops!
Enjoy Harrogate! Too far for me to meet you there. But in any case I have too many projects already without being tempted by supplies for even more!
This is going to be lovely – and I like the idea of making it an ‘ongoing’ project without trying to push through it. Its so exacting in nature. Have fun at Harrogate and say hello to Chris Gray ‘textile butterfly’.
I’m trying not to be envious of the trip to the Azores, but I’m not succeeding!!=) However, I’m at least going to Harrogate on Friday, so we can share that experience!
I’ve got my shopping list more or less complete as well as a self-made show guide with all the stands I mustn’t missed marked up. In 72 hours, I’ll be there…!=)
Will this work? Fingers crossed!I am, as usual, in awe of your wonderful variety and scope of projects! Wish I was coming to Harrogate with you!
Oh those button hole edges. I found out all about them when I was a teenager. They are not easy in fact they are really hard to keep even. You are doing a great job. Hope you enjoy the show.
It’s coming along beautifully. Good luck with your list and your shopping expedition. I’ll be excited to hear how it goes and what you end up with.
So lovely – it is coming along nicely.
It is coming along beautifully! Enjoy Harrogate – I could have gone on Friday, as Kelso Embroiderers had spare seats on the bus, but having been in September for the quilt show, I thought I would give this one a miss.
The cut work is coming along beautifully and it’s been so good to catch up with all that you’ve been up to. Hope that Harrogate was good and you’ve picked up some exciting goodies. :o)
Wow…I wish I were brave enough to try white work. This is beautiful!
Aha! Should have read your blog before writing mail – glad you’ve got a winter light-friendly project on the go.
ha!!! No need to apologise to me, your work is worthy of more than my advice….