Working on Nefertiti’s Cartouche – 1
Lower Block
I need to learn to believe in myself more. As I was stitching this little seated figure, I was really very doubtful about it. I was twisting the sandy silk filament for every stitch, and it was being difficult, and looking rather odd and clunky.
Then I added the wig, in a variegated – and slightly slubby – silk perle, and suddenly I’m completely captivated!
The walking-stick like thing is a row of chain stitch with detached buttonhole stitch added to broaden the shaft. I think that works rather nicely, too.
Middle Block
False Start
There was a slight false start with the row of spoon-like things. After I did the bottom row of this pair, ending with a crossed spoon in heavy chain stitch and long and short stitch, I wondered whether perhaps I should vary the stitches in the row above. An experiment in that direction soon proved me wrong, though!
The two little blocks started out as closed herringbone stitch, but that looked scrappy and a bit twisted. I left the closed herringbone stitch in place, and covered it with satin stitch, breathing a sigh of relief when it worked.
The fabric is the same as I used for the Faience Hippopotamus, and it’s frightfully difficult to photograph. No matter what I do, the colour careers around the spectrum, and the grey, overcast days aren’t helping, either.
Nor is it especially easy to stitch on. It doesn’t look like a loose weave, but it behaves like one, even though I’ve supported it with a piece of calico. Stitches that I like using are proving unsuccessful and behaving oddly. All in all, although I’m enjoying it, it feels most peculiar!
Beautiful colours and stitching – I love your ‘spoony’ things!
Excellent terminology for the hieroglyphs! A woman after my own heart…
Probably no use whatsoever or you may have ditched it already, but if you have an HDR setting on the camera it might help? I’ve been doing a bit of trial and error stuff and had some ok results. Of course some decent weather would help 🙂
I really like the background fabric (from my far distance vantage point). But I can see how it might be difficult to stitch on it. However, once again my friend you are persevering and its all looking lovely.
You’re doing a great job.
That does look like a self-willed fabric. I think you’ve done a great job with the strange symbols (and I like the names). The leaf with legs looks like it’s going to walk off and see if the spoons hold anything for its lunch. (Or maybe that’s because I haven’t had my own lunch yet and am feeling a little hollow.)
That blue green thread is gorgeous. What kind is it?
What is it with some fabrics? They have a mind of their own and are unrepentant about their attitude. I think you are handling this one very well.
Haha! I love your terminology too! I’m sure ‘spoonlike things’ was exactly the term used by the archaeologists! And yes, they do look very good despite the bad behaviour of the fabric.
beautiful details Rachel….I always have to remind myself to ”see the bigger picture”…wart until something is finshed before doubting as it often looks much different as more elements are added.
ON my monitor it’s the most perfect faience colour – delicious!
It IS completely captivating and you should definitely believe in yourself (says she with the same affliction!). You do have a way of capturing figures, moving or still. xCathy
With all the troubles of the background and the stitching, it’s turning into a beautiful piece. I love the turquoise you added – so bright and perfect.
Love that variegated thread, it’s all looking great.
Dum dum dum…’What is the mystery of the mysterious spoony things? Tune in next time, for the next exciting instalment’ Cue music….