Actually Beginning the Appliqué
Flag Sunrise
Once I had extended the flag sunrise -by nearly half an inch in all directions, just in case – I ironed it, and then ran a gathering thread around the curve. I’ve cut a circle of heavy buckram and another of wadding, and stretched the flag sunrise over the top.
Before I tried to attach it, I flattened it very thoroughly, and trimmed away as much of the excess fabric as I could. Then I fitted it into the circle I’d drawn on the backing fabric already, and stitched it down. Since there will be a frame around the outside, the stitching doesn’t have to be invisible, but as a matter of pride it does have to be neat, even and the next thing to invisible…!
Pinning The Headland
The next stage was to add the headland. This didn’t happen all at once, because the first thing to do was to remove the sky. Since there are a variety of edge treatments here, some of the fabric was folded back, and some of it was simply trimmed very closely.
It took two days of stitching time, and it drove me completely mad with frustration!
Flag Through The Windows
However, one element which worked exactly as I hoped that it would was the ruined priory’s windows. This is version two of the headland, and the ruin hasn’t been wired. I just invented a way to keep the windows open as I was doing it. Removing the fabric behind this square inch (barely) of needlelace took nearly as long as the rest of the sky put together, but it was worth every minute, and every quiver of anxiety as I pulled threads away.
Just as I hoped, you can see the flag sunrise through the windows!
it does look like a very hard join. I’m curious why britain and sweden?
It just gets better and better!!
It’s lovely the way the colours show through the windows. xx
I can see that this must have taken a LONG time, but the result is impeccable and worth the effort. BRAVO!
This is a piece with a lot of love! I can see how carefully taking away the fabric for the windows would have taken just as long as stitching it. And I’m sure all done with a held breathe! You must be pleased that your initial vision is starting to take shape so well.
Wow! That’s so clever to be able to see the flag thru the windows. Definitely worth the frustration!
Great work–so much thought goes into what you do!
It looks like it was worth every minute of frustration
That has worked a treat!
The final piece is coming together beautifully. So worth all the work you have put into it.
Good that you decided to go with the popular version of headland. Now waiting for the ship to sail 🙂
Oh yes, the windows work beautifully. Clever you! The headland has a very good feeling of depth from the shading of the grass, very three-dimensional. I’m getting impatient to see the next addition to the picture….
So nice!
Amazing! I have been following your journey(s) – quite often with bated breath. Wonderful to see another piece completed.
I look forward to see each step you tackle. Love how everything is taking shape and the wonderful window idea.