Finally, a way forward

Where I had Got To..
Where I had Got To..

The Nefertiti Shawl started with great enthusiasm, but I ran into a few hitches. I’m not at all confident of the blue panels, and my first couple of efforts on the green ones took me nowhere at all.

Chain Stitch outlines, green section
Chain Stitch outlines, green section

Finally, I came up with a possible way forward. The scale pattern is taken from one of the Tutankhamen coffin panels, among other places, and each scale is outlined in gold, but the coloured fill is in progressively darker colours, not edged.

I’ve edged the scales with a very pale shade, and outlined the colour progressions in darker shades. The fabric is very mobile, so a little more definition may help..

Dark and mid shades, green section
Dark and mid shades, green section

I’ve picked several filling stitches, and I’m working them in various orientations, and several different combinations of solid and overdyed colours in stranded silk and silk floss.

That paragraph glosses over some considerable confusion and head scratching. Being so closely involved, I lost track of the sequence of patterns, and had to call for the assistance of The Australian’s mathematical and analytical eye!

9 Comments

  1. Mam says:

    This looks more hopeful! When in doubt, return to source.

  2. Lady Fi says:

    Looking good!

  3. Karen says:

    Your artistry with a needle and various threads, beads, wires, textures, and color is awe inspiring!

  4. Carolyn Foley says:

    More than one solution to your problem here.

  5. Catherine says:

    This looks great! And I’m glad you found some use for the Australian mathematician 😂😂

  6. Jen says:

    Progress! Slow and steady does the trick. 🙂

  7. Sue Jones says:

    Oh yes, that is a good solution. Enough symmetry and repetition to take its place in the larger scheme of things, with lots of variation and interest to enjoy on a closer look. Well done – both of you!

  8. Elizabeth says:

    Great solution for the problem and the result is great!

  9. Meredithe says:

    I do like this scale pattern!