Testing, Testing (phase 2)
I’ve been playing around with possible stitches for the pathway in the Knot Garden. In the source picture, it looks to be made of bricks laid in a pattern, rather like a parquet floor.
I don’t feel I’m obliged to replicate that pattern, but this one on the left is altogether too square, and won’t help the sense of movement I’m going to need to counterbalance the borders, which I rather expect to be rather static, given all the Diagonal Rhodes Stitch that’s going to be happening.
The one on the right is the same Medieval Mosaic Stitch from Jo Ippolito Christensen that I used, voided, in the sunglasses case, but this time worked exactly as diagrammed. I like it, and it’s easy enough to work, but I don’t think it does the job I will be asking it to. I’m sure I will work it for real one day, but not for this project!
When I replaced the stitches that were voided in the sunglasses case with stitches in a different colour and thread, to point up the woven pattern, I got something a lot more hopeful…
I like this one a lot. Although I must admit it does rather recall the diaperwork you sometimes see on Tudor buildings, so maybe not very floor-like!
And then I found another, one that actually looks a lot like herringbone brickwork without any adaptation.
I like this one a lot, too.
I will have to see which of these presents itself most strongly when I’ve got more of the ideas crystallised.
Some pleasing patterns there. The plain herringbone looks the most like the real paving. Perhaps some very subtle colour variations would add a touch of variety – a single strand of thinner, variegated thread/yarn in places?
I like the pattern in the last picture. It would add movement and help the eye travel around the garden.
The last two are my favourites.
I’d be hopeless at choosing, I like them all.
You keep temp;ting me to do some canvas work again. I must not give in.
First and last have an appeal for me – I always think of tiled floors as having a simple repeat but I can see any of them working well enough. The addition of the second colour certainly adds interest without a lot of complexity, also good for a floor I think. Good luck choosing!