Crock of Gold Hoard – Working the Rim of the Lid
Trellis Stitch Finished
While continuing to work the eccentric spiral trellis stitch for the lid, I’ve been thinking about the rims.
Before I move on, though, this picture shows how I’ve tried to introduce darker colours inside the lid to create an impression that it is hollow.
I think it’s worked, too!
Padding Lid Rim
It’s clear that I’m not going to be able to use the same techniques for both rims, since one is so much wider than the other. I used felt for the rim of the crock itself, and four lengths of silk thread twisted together to put some padding on the lid rim. As much as anything else, this is to create a visual sense of depth when I put in the chipwork. Even without the padding covered, this works pretty well.
Lid Rim Done
However, with the padding covered with satin stitch, it looks altogether better. Working the satin stitch was something of a trial, because I have a layer of calico, a layer of turban cotton, and then the edge of the trellis stitch to deal with. I’ve varied the colours around the rim to create some sense of depth and highlight.
I’ve realised while I’ve been working on this that the next serious challenge on this piece is going to be working out how to put the shadows in. As it stands, it is interesting, but not visually satisfying, because the crock and the lid seem to be floating in mid-air. They need to be brought back to earth, preferably without a crash!
you have executed this so beautifully and the description of your thought processes really brings the whole project alive for me.
Oh, that really looks gorgeous! The rim is fab.
This is sooo beautiful and beautifully executed!! If anyone can bring these baskets safely to ground it is you!
Wow, that basket is beautiful.
This is going to be incredible! Your 3-D skills are wonderful, Rachel! XO-
They look amazing – and I love reading about how you structure your ideas 🙂
Hi Rachel,
This piece is my favorite. The gentle colors and the rich textures are so peaceful and so beautiful.
Ah Rachel, I found you! What beautiful stitching you do!!! I should have known you follow Karen also….isnt her work amazing.
Beautiful composition and I love the texture you are achieving on these pieces.
Jacky xox
It’s spot on – the shading and the texture are pretty much perfect.
This is beautifully executed, lovely work!
I agree with everyone,it’s beautiful,lovely texture.I was wondering about how you are going to do spiral trellis initially because of the shape.Well done Rachel ,you’ve done a great job!
OH FABULOuS!! I’m awake in the middle of hte night and cannot sleep so I’m reading all about this spiral stitched crock and I ADORE it. The shading, the stitching, the depth of the lid…the perspectives of the rims…SOOO beautifully wrought. That being said, the “imperfections” that you point out in the satin stitch on lid and the changing of color on the pot…I think those make it look real. I don’t see them as imperfections but as giving the pot its character as a worn, used old crock.
You are doing a splendid job. The chip work will be icing on the cake. And that’s no crock!
Oh, my goodness, the lid is wonderful – in the 3rd pic, it looks like it’s sitting right up off the fabric!