I’m currently working on a crosstitch for Laura and Mike, with a flexible projected completion date of two years. I want it to be something of a surprise so the pictures and explanations won’t be comprehensive.
The book I’m using is An Encyclopedia of Ribbon Embroidery Designs by Deanna Hall West. It is very self-explanatory, with clarifying rather than confusing illustrations, and explains all that one needs to know about fabric, needles, ribbon types, sizes, etc. It includes color recommendations but the colors on the cover differ from the colors inside (as do some of the designs) so I gather that one is somewhat free to play with colors and ornamentation. It isn’t written for counted crosstitch of course, but it’s easy to translate into the little boxes. So far (beyond the verse “The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His loving-kindness”), I have completed a Lupine.
Before the project is complete the canvas (which is not so tan in real life, but more squashed sunflower seed & shell) will be, I hope, tastefully peopled with flowers in more pastel shades than the anchoring purple of the Lupine. Laura works in a flower shop and when I saw this book in the store, it seemed so quietly and gracefully (like herself) to speak “Laura”. I don’t know what Mike’s tastes are: no doubt the project would otherwise prove an abomination to him, but I’m banking on one of his favorite verses and our mutual regard for Laura.
4 responses so far ↓
Laura // January 17, 2008 at 12:53 am |
*Grin* How perfect. Thanks for no spoilers. Mike is open to any home decor within reason and I’m sure will be open to a lovely cross-stitch of a Psalm done by such a good friend. I can hardly wait. And that is like real art! Wow. I’m impressed.
Lauren // January 17, 2008 at 2:06 am |
Pretty lupine…it will be a treasure, Heidi. A pistachio tree in the middle of a field of lupines would be lovely.
I had to let you all know somewhere: we caught Coolidge eating shelled, dry-roasted, unsalted pistachios last night. We are still discovering the diversity of his tastes and talents.
kamelda // January 18, 2008 at 12:57 am |
I’m /so/ glad you like it Laura. It’s not really that impressive I assure you, with the clear instructions and all. I’m perfectly ‘entry level’ at all this sort of thing.
Lauren a pistachio tree in a field of Lupines does sound peculiarly beautiful; such a peculiarly you vision.
hmmm. So you have to hand feed him fish, but he’ll eat the nuts when you have your back turned. He sounds as troublesome as Ruben.
winter projects? « keeping house // September 14, 2009 at 3:43 am |
[...] was a helpful one, and having taken a survey of my own resources am going to return to my ribbon crosstitch (I’ve been crocheting simple scarves for about a year and a half now unintermittently; [...]