Suddenly Re-Thinking
Drawing Design
I bought the turquoise pashmina with the intention of working one of the Stitch-Off designs on it, but as I was playing around with colours, I had a sudden thought…
It’s an absolutely gorgeous faience colour, so why don’t I choose colours inspired by my Dreams of Amarna project. And while I’m about it, create a design inspired by those patterns I’ve been playing with…
That famous bust of Nefertiti
In the end I’ve decided to take my inspiration from that famous bust of Nefertiti, discovered by Ludwig Borchardt in 1912. It would therefore have been known to Mary Chubb. This picture is a Creative Commons-licensed image I found online, but in this particular case, all I wanted it for was to check on the distribution of small and large segments and colours.
So that’s garnet or carnelian coloured sections, lapis-coloured sections and jade-coloured sections, all outlined in gold. In this case, I don’t want to use metallic thread, so the gold will be rendered in golden-yellow.
Choosing Colours
I’ve been working on making a design printing and transferring board, so I pinned out the end of the pashmina I want to embellish on the board, and simply drew straight lines as a guide.
Then I had a wonderful time fishing out jewel-coloured silk threads.
All I need now is some idea of the stitches I intend to use!
I think you’ll have a very attractive shawl, and the design will have an interesting backstory for those who show interest in the patterns, which should spark a few conversations when you wear it.
This looks like fun 🙂 Love your color choices as always.
Looking good! I remember that bust of Nefertiti so well from my school visit to the Tutankhamen exhibit at the BM, too many years ago to recount now 🙂 !
I love the colours – and I know that as always you will find the perfect stitches!
I love the colours but there are just so many stitches to choose from!
What lovely jewel-like colours!
I like the sound of this – the colours are gorgeous. That head is amazing. xx
beautiful colour choices Rachel…..I love the excitement of planning anew project.
This fabric is soooo beautiful!! I love your design process.
Beautiful color of the shawl. Looking forward to seeing your finished stitches. You always have brilliant ideas.
Beautiful shawl and lovely threads as well. Always you come up with some exciting and unique ideas with simple stitches so looking forward to see the progress of this one.
A wonderful idea to choose Nefertiti’s bust as inspiration for design and colors!