The Cuckoo Wasp: WIP by Ketta *Update 2 August 2011*

[Ketta]

Here is the image I used to create a pattern using PC Stitch Pro, and my current progress. The image has been shared extensively online and I'm still looking for the proper person to credit (it's on a few species info sites without credits... so the hunt goes on).





I'm stitching on 28 count eggshell white linen, measures approximately 5" x 6 3/4" finished. Plans are to show it if I can find the right manner in which to do so (fairs, stitching contests, etc.) though I won't feel comfortable doing so until I can find who to credit the photograph to. In the past I've given away or sold most of my work, but now that I use the program to convert images, I have to find the right way to do so (copyright issues). Depending on how THAT goes determines if I'll be creating patterns to sell also (different subject for a different forum).

I decided on this subject after watching the Life in the Undergrowth series on BBC hosted by David Attenbourough; this insect was featured in one of the shows briefly. I'm very much into biology (studying toward a Master's) and this is what I do with what little spare time I have.

[coffee_freak]

[Squirrel]

I agree Very well done and I love the fabric you have used, most unusual.

Sally

[karen4bells]

What a fantastic picture and I love how it's translated into cross stitch! Great detailing!!!!

[Ketta]

Thanks!

I've literally searched most of my life (since I was about 11 or 12)... 25 years or so... for patterns that gave realism to subjects. There are some good ones out there, but when compared to other types of patterns (whimsical, traditional, classic, etc), they are few and far between. Gold Collection kits and patterns were some of the best I'd seen, but they still didn't get me excited until I found the program I use now. It was like a revelation!

I still haven't found anyone else who does this exactly, and while I do hope to create my own designs from scratch someday, I'm perfectly happy doing work from beautiful images. I'll happily update as I can!

[Pinguxxx]

Now that is something different, fantastic colours and great stitching.

[Corey.G]

This looks amazing. I love the colours. Are you using DMC for this? And for a project like this I think the only way to go would be one over one, which is what you're doing. It's nice to see someone taking a different approach to cross stitch and trying to bring in as much realism as possible. Well done and a great pattern.

[Mystonique]

Magnificent! Truly. I thought I was the only person to take close ups of insects lol.

[Ketta]

Thanks very much!

Yes, only using DMC colors. I try *very* hard for realism, and two things I have found that helps are a large color palette and small count fabrics using a relatively large pattern. In this one, about 120ish colors on 28 count linen, single thread and 1 over 1 as you said Corey G.

[Rose]

The colors are amazing!!!!! Very unusual!!!!!

[~threadbear~]

This is going to be stunning!

[gyork]

love the detail on the wasp.

[Mabel Figworthy]

The detail is incredible already -- I can't wait for the greens/turquoises to appear! I love the effect of very small stitches, it is of course very time consuming but the end result is always worth it. Have you ever considered using silk gauze? Because of the way it's made you can use much finer counts (e.g. 60ct) with no more difficulty than, say, 32 or 36ct linen.

[Juel]

Fantastic start The colors are really stunning!

[Carole]

Fabulous detail

[Ketta]

Thank you, everyone!

Mabel, I have just started hearing about silk gauze and it is definitely something I'm going to research more. I have a fairly small hobby budget to work with, and since I like to have a really wide colour base to work with, it may take me a bit to get a good stock to start. I love working with silk fabrics, so I know I'd love working with it as a floss.

[midnightsun]

This is looking absolutely fabulous so far! The colours are absolutely beautiful!

[Sarah Gixxer]

Wow, what a stunning looking insect! This a lovely colourful and unusual thing to stitch and you're getting on wonderfully. Looking forward to the next update.

[Jaki :)]

It's looking so realistic already especially the translucency of the wings

[Ketta]

Jaki that is *exactly* what I'm going for. The insect even casts a shadow, and I'm hoping it will look realistic enough that it appears to be just sitting there on the fabric. In reality, the bug is very tiny (about the size of a fat grain of rice) and can't bite or sting skin.