Christus Natus Est is Finished! (I think..)
Back view of the finished panel
After considerable effort, and not a few significant struggles that I rather doubted I would win, I think I have finally finished the Christus Natus Est panel.
This back view shows a tangle of ends of the gold thread, caught down occasionally where the silk work has carried on over the top. If you look at the full size picture (click on the one on the left) you will see that in fact the central section is reasonably neat. What has made it untidy is that there were elements that I added to it – the halos that were done after the heads, the rust colour that I added into St Joseph’s robe, the additional light blue added to the Virgin’s robe. And of course there are all those wild gold threads which have a mind of their own!
The full size picture also gives you some idea how tiny all the coloured silk stitches are (we think on the order of 80 to 100 stitches per linear inch) – which will explain why I really didn’t want to have to unpick anything..
I’m going to put it away for a week and then look at it again to be sure it’s as finished as I can make it, before I mount it over padded acid-free card in preparation for framing.
Impressive work. You must be pleased.
Sigh- it’s just lovely!
Congratulations! I think that you have done amazingly well to complete this within the time that you have. If you recall, about the time you started this, I was considering an or nue project that I wanted to complete by September. Boy am I glad that I decided not to start it. I am pretty certain that I would not have worked at the same pace that you have, so I would have missed my deadline by a mile.
I will look forward to seeing the front of the finished Christus Natus Est when it has rested for a week or so.
I LOVE the backside — anyone who stitches wants to see ‘the back’ – it tells a story all of its own. Can’t wait to see this mounted and ready for framing.
Another finish! And in time for Christmas Card printing, I hope 🙂 What’s this about ‘resting’ Or Nue?
Congratulations! I’m in awe.
I love the wild gold threads – like a tangle of gold chains in a pirate’s treasure chest!
The back is great. Can’t wait to see the front now!
So glad you got it finished in time to be made into your cards.
Well that came together very quickly in the end, after all the concerns! Good strategy – leaving it a week. Looking forward very much to seeing the completed front.
I’ve just found you (via your comment on Potter Jotter). Your work is exquisite – I have enjoyed a quick scroll through your oloder posts – I will be back for a longer look! Regards, Anne
it looks amazing Rachel and I am so pleased you have this picture. It will always remind you of the skill you have and the time you spent on this lovely piece.
First of all, congratulations…that’s a considerable accomplishment. And yes, at 80-100 stitches/inch, I wouldn’t be picking anything out either.
I find the picture of the back to be a wonderful subject of study. I can indeed see why it might take so long to make all of those tiny, beautiful stitches. I think it’s ready for a Christmas card, isn’t it?