This is an embroidery project that I started about two years ago. I have never embroidered before and can't remember what it was that made me decide to start. Something captured my imagination I suppose, two years ago. Now it's gone..but my project isn't! And I'm almost finished, I have to add another tree and add some tree trunks that I missed. It will look better framed.
It was actually quite a challenge to decide upon my first project. I didn't want to do crosswork. This is what most people do. Most people use a pattern and there is only one stitch involved...the crossstitch. It looks like a little X.
They are best used in a simple or geometric design. But most people tend towards the patterns and these usually feature ducks wearing sunbonnets or little cartoonish houses with home sweet home written above them or similar things that I am so not into. Or even worse...something like this!
Using a pattern involves no creativity or talent, only lots of gruntwork, which is why it flourishes I suppose but only among the patient as they take a long time. But if you happen to find a great pattern, it could be worth it.
And then there are samplers
If you are a beginner who doesn't want to make a cross stitch, an alternate project could be stitching a sampler. Lest you snort in disdain at the mere thought of a sampler...wait. I realize that when one thinks of a sampler, one usually thinks of something like this:
Which, if you like this sort of thing then I suppose it is okay. But it just doesn't do it for me. That's why I'm glad that I know that a sampler can look like this!!
If I didn't know that there were cool things like this, I'm sure I wouldn't bother trying to learn embroidery.
Blackwork
I finally decided on a piece utilizing what is called blackwork. Simply, this means that it is worked in only one color. This is the piece that I 'borrowed' from when I designed mine.
I chose this piece because of the simplicity and it has a sort of 'unfinished' look. Since I am only beginning and can't really razzle-dazzle with my incredible stitiching.......YET! I thought that, instead of trying to compensate for my lack of skill, I would incorporate it into the piece instead.
There are things that I like about this piece that I just couldn't seem to bring off in mine. Also, there are things I don't like about this piece that I think I avoided in my own. This piece looks more sweeping than mine but a little too sloppy and smudgy if you ask me. Mine isn't as sloppy, but it looks too cautious and careful.
I want to add more too it but I'm afraid. I don't want to screw the whole thing up after I've done so much. Do you know that one of these trees takes several hours?
I will probably just leave it alone even though I don't think it's just right I may add some birds somewhere. When I folded it over to try to get an idea of what it would look like framed, the impression it gave changed quite a bit. When it was folded around so that there were no bare edges it didn't look as barren.
I'm thinking of making small ones with just one tree on each one, framing them and giving them as gifts this year. What do you think? Would you like to get a picture like this? Or would you secretly think it was lame and stash it in the closet after I left?
12 comments:
I like the globe.
The “sweeping piece” as you referred to it fives a sense of depth, no boundary, space. The Mt. peaks in your piece over power. Just my opinion.
Screw up, go at it without being directed by some expectation. Work away without ego, and see what comes. Always move in the direction you feel most awkward.
That’s what my art therapist tells me;-)
The head always takes over art by giving you the idea of perhaps making a profit, or hey you/I could give them as gifts.
Then you’re caught in the real world again, stressing about if they’re good enough, and so, and away from expression.
However in answer to your question. I would take my time, and put a lot of effort and a lot it would take not letting you mind direct you; exhausting in fact. Working unconsciously requires a considerable amount of energy; you’ll be lucky to manage fifteen (if at all that) without having to stop.
I think you may be aware of “Active Imagination.” That’s what I’m on about.
Anyway, I dropped by your Blog and found no sign of new life. I am glad you’re back. Please post more;-)
Thank you. Yes, I think your right. It's really the mountain and the little lake that I don't like too much either. It too expected.
This is very new to me. I've never really tried to do anything artistic before. I can't draw.....it took me forever to draw this.
And it's hard for me to envision something if I don't draw it first. That's what is giving me the trouble.
I really do want something to hang in my house though. And as far as giving them as gifts. I know my mom and sister would like it. I was just kidding about saying they wouldn't like them....though you never know with my mom.
I may rip the mountains and the water out. Because, honestly, I do think that you honed in on what it is that I don't like about it. But I'm going to have to make sure that they don't leave a mark if I rip them out. If they do, I will have to put them back in or cover them up in some way.
Now I'da said it was the lake. LOL
I guess it's about what's pleasing to each person, huh?
I set aside the embroidery and crossstitch--too hard on the eyes. But it was always about what would be pleasing for the recipient....cuz it always went out the door. I don't have a single piece of it.
Those must take ages!
I admire your patience.
This is beautiful. Do you find it soothing as well as creating a work of art?
I've always wanted to do embrodiery, but my fingers won't do the walking.
Great to see you again!
A woman of many talents! You are indeed!
You keep on following your own beat and the drums catch up to you in time. That's what I have found.
Keep doing whatever you want to do, and make sure to show us!
Go with it I say. I would be thrilled to own one. Owning a piece of someone else's creativity is an honor in my opinion. But then I grew up with an Aunt who did it all. Crocheting, needlepoint, knitting, etc. Then I married a basket maker. And I make my living with my hands. I have a deep appreciation of any effort that comes from personal handwork.
Oh no - don't rip out the lake and the mountain. I really like it - I like the simplicity of it and it makes me want to see tiny people doing things in the landscape.
I really like the colour and shape of the blue stripey orb one - it reminds me of a scandinavian christmas bauble.
Glad you are back x
(1) I guess I have a new name for my page, should I ever need it: The Crossstich Spot.
(2) These designs are lovely, and I can imagine spending hours on even the most basic design (especially with my lack of small muscle control).
(3) Regarding your previous post, the Zinn quote is enlightenng, and I recommend his People's History of the United States.
I did a bit of that when I was young, enjoyed it. I would value something you gave me, if it had some spirit in it that had meaning to us, like the quilt that Laurel Ann made for me.
I bought a Pancho the other day, and am improving it. I think that I will make some.
Needle work is relaxing, enjoy.
nice work, and looks like fun too.
i recently learned how to felt - not by any conscious choice. just wandered into a lesson. it was fun. made a little cat. there's a pic of it on one of my blogs.
That's really good!
Post a Comment