Wednesday 24 January 2024

The Playing Of The Merrie Organ...

...Sweet Singing In The Choir 
My parcel from Kirsten arrived yesterday. Her stitching was stunning - initially it just looks like a wintry hedgerow, then you realise the subtle Christmas references behind it. 
She has cross-stitched a beautiful back ground in shades of green, ivy-like foliage. Then embroidered over the top of that - Holly leaves, berries and flowers. 
The leaves are outlines, silvery metallic thread couched in place with darker brown. As you move it, the piece reflects light like frost on the edges of the leaves., and the berries and blooms are bright pops of colour. 
And these all represent the ancient Christmas Carol of the Holly and the Ivy.  Traditionally Holly and Ivy symbolise male and female, and in this carol they specifically stand for Jesus and Mary. 
It is a lovely piece of sewing, the textures and techniques perfectly executed. Like me Kirsten is relishing the challenge of trying out new ideas with stitching and I think this section is fantastic. 
We've both noticed the difference between the depth of colour when the whole area is cross stitched, with more stitching on top, and the more traditional "sampler" style where there are areas of blank canvas between stitches and it feels "lighter". 
Just two more sections and the border - I wonder if we will be done by Easter? 

27 comments:

  1. I find this whole project incredible!! The planning and meticulous attention to detail is astounding to see! Can't wait to see the whole piece! Kxx

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    1. It is getting slightly terrifying to realise how much thought is going into this - but exciting to consider how much we are learning. And lovely to have a true friendship which is growing deeper too.

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    2. I hope you get to meet!

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  2. I've been enjoying your cross country stitching . It will be good to see the whole thing when you finish

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  3. Who is going to keep it when it is finished?

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    1. There are two panels which we work on alternately. We keep a notebook with each one, explaining our inspirations, techniques used etc. At the end we each keep one panel & notebook, plus a photo of the other panel plus a scanned copy of the other notebook!

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  4. Absolutely lovely. Couching is a stitch I have tried and unpicked over and over again. I find it difficult, I am okay if it is a straight line but not curves. Much impressed with Kirsten's neat couching.

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    1. You are right about couching curves versus straight lines -K is SO neat!

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  5. How lovely you are both so gifted, not just in the execution but in the planning and forethought. What a lasting treasure of your friendship and collaboration. Regards Sue H

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    1. The whole project has been full of unexpected joys

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  6. How very lovely x
    Alison in Wales x

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  7. It’s stunning! Are you the lucky person who will keep this one? Catriona

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    1. πŸ‘❤️ Yes, this one says 'Ang' in the corner!

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  8. What incredible creativity this project between you and K! An empty, odd shaped space must be filled. Applause, applause!!

    Hugs!

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  9. Absolutely marvellous!

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  10. Replies
    1. So quintessentially English 🎢🎡🎢

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  11. Beautiful!! Love FD xx

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