Glittering Gentleman’s Nightcap – Month One Stitching
Glittering Gentleman's Nightcap - Month One
You may recall that I commented in my last post about the Nightcap that it looked very “bitty” because each flower, leaf and bud was going to be done before the stems. This view of the whole piece, with all of Month 1 finished, shows precisely what I mean. If you click on the photo to the left you will be able to see a larger version of it, with the blurred copyright notice unblurred (something strange happened there!).
Glittering Gentleman's Nightcap - Month One - Detail
There are two of these flowers worked in two shades of blue, using detached buttonhole stitch in Gilt Silke Twist. Some of it is tricky because I want to change the orientation of the fabric relative to me, which is impossible because it’s framed up as an entire rectangle. Since I really don’t want to crush work already done, I can’t put each element in a hoop, so I’m occasionally having to sit in a rather contorted fashion to to tackle some of the sections.
The leaves and strawberry calyxes are in Soie Perlee, which is a joy to use, supple, smooth and strong. That said, there’s something distinctly odd about the right hand leaf in this detail photograph. It seems almost as though the stitching has pleated or bunched up on itself. One of the possibilities is that I was working this leaf before I bought my Necessaire stand, and somehow I tied myself in knots because I was balancing the frame on the windowsill as well; it might be something to do with the angle of the stitch relative to the stitcher; or I might simply have lost concentration.
Oh, and when I say “All of Month One”, that’s a slight exaggeration. Because of the structure of the Nightcap, there is a band of stitching on the back, which will form a brim or browband. I’m going to do that last, so that I don’t spend too much time changing the orientation of the fabric in the frame. So what I really mean is “All of Month One on the front”…
I think that is a lot of work for one month and it is looking great. I have not used Soie Perlee but other threads that I have used from the au ver a soie range are wonderful.
Oh, this is just beautiful! As I read your posting I was trying to picture you in all sorts of positions trying to stitch – the image of you and the window sill was priceless *smile*.
Looks fabulous to me! Love that Gilt Sylke Twist.
Your stitching is exquisite – I have been peering at the leaf, but I can’t see anything amiss – but then we are always our own harshest critic!!
It’s looking great! I like the two shades of blue ,could see the glittering GST when I clicked to see the larger version.This project of yours is tempting me to buy GST 🙂 I’ve not used it so far, got to try it soon…
Keep up the yoga! No idea why that strange line happened. Way overdone thread twist is the best I can think of, but you would have noticed that straight away.
Lovely stitching . I see what you mean about the leaf, is there to much twist on the thread?
The detail is amazing!
Your works are delicate and detailed. I’ll learn from you. They’re inspiring.
Lovely stitching, Rachel. I really like the blues you’ve used in these pictures. I’ve used au ver a soie threads and they’re the best silk threads I’ve known.
I think this is the sort of project you can only do in small bursts – not because of the level of detail but because of the positions you have to sit in. The end result will be worth it though. It’s looking beautiful so far.
such delicate and precise embroidery, it’s beautiful
| also admire your needlework. It looks perfect. I wish I could do this but I’m not good at using needles.
Gosh, I adore anitque 17th and 18th century textiles. I only wish that I could sew like you very talented ladies. I happened upon your blog whilst researching one of my antique items. I do hope that you can stop by my English on line antique shop? I adore antique textiles and have many examples. It would be wonderful if you could pop in for a browse. Thank you so much and keep up the wonderful projects. Such talent……..