Finishing the Antelope Frieze
The Antelope Stitched
That didn’t take as long as I expected. Reverse chain stitch goes quite quickly once it gets started.
I am not at all sure what the elements to the right of the Antelope are intended to represent, but in the interests of completeness I’ve included them anyway.
Finished and Framed Antelopes
I decided to stitch the frame after all, using the Hungarian Braided Chain Stitch I first used on The Crane Pot last year. It is structurally easy to get a grip on, especially immediately after an orgy of reverse chain stitch!
And furthermore, I’ve rather fallen in love with it – the intricate braided effect excites all my imaginative faculties!
One Antelope Close Up
The slubby, handpainted silk is rather reminiscent of the sort of papyrus that tourists bring back, but rather than the garish coloured designs that are painted on those sheets, the subtle variations in the silk thread pull the impression back to resemble the stone in the original photograph. I also rather enjoyed the simplicity of a single stitch and a single type of thread.
I was really pleased, when I took this close up, to see how even the stitches were. This evenness hasn’t, in the past, come naturally to me – anyone who has ever received a handwritten letter from me will know that – but I think all the work on Thistle Threads Online University Courses is beginning to pay off!
It’s looking good!
yes, why is that? Precise stitching and untidy handwriting must go hand in hand. My writing is appalling. I am sure I should have been a doctor.
Well done you on this neatness, the perfection…..
Looking your finished piece, and also at the original photo of the panel, I think the objects on the right are simply a hay rack and a manger – which means that these antelope are in a stable or a barn. It’s a very pleasing little picture.
I like the HBCS outline – I’m also a fan of that stitch now, especially with random-dyed threads where the ins and outs of the stitch make for subtle changes in colour. Have you tried it with two (or three) threads in different needles yet, worked in rotation? Even more fun!
I didn’t think I was going to like this at first but it turned out beautifully. I love the interplay between the stitches, the fabric and the colors. It all works together. Great job!
I somehow missed part one of this piece but have gone back to take a look at it now. Very nice, I like the simplicity of two stitches,, one thread and a line drawing, it works very well.
Do you know that there is an exhibition on at the Ashmolean untile 2 November, “Discovering Tutankhamun”. As the name suggests, it is about discovering the tomb, rather than an exhibition of the treasures found there. I think that you might enjoy it.
oh yes….beautiful stitching. lovely work.
your stitching really is beautiful. It reminds me of tambour work – have you tried that?
Your stitching is beautiful! My writing gets worse the older I get – could this mean that my stitching will improve?!
I like the subtlety of this; very well done. The stuff to the right of the antelope is probably a palm tree . . . but I read too much science fiction, I think it also might be an airborne squid.
The composition and stitching of this piece compliment each other. Lovely.
It looks lovely – a project that is just sitting right if you know what I mean.
in other words stitch, fabric and design is married well
This piece is looking up to your usual exquisite standards and I am still chuckling at the phrase ‘orgy of reverse chain-stitch’ – surely a first! The Nightcap is simply stunning, though somewhat startled to see it on Mandy! Obviously you are treating her with a little more respect these days! xCathy
Oh yes, beautifully neat and even. I shall be checking your Christmas card this year for tidiness! 🙂 Looks really good, Rachel.