Mabel's RSN Certificate - goldwork

[Mabel Figworthy]

First goldwork class yesterday, pretty much finalised the design and got my smaller slate frame framed up (not tensioned yet as the silk has yet to be attached to the calico). The silk I had, which is the absolute perfect colour, unfortunately had the grain running vertically when the tutor and I agreed it really had to be horizontal (the grain on silk dupion is very visible!), and if I turn it 90 degrees it isn't high enough, so I've ordered a fat quarter of the same colour.
Meanwhile I have plenty of homework to be getting on with!
In the picture my stitching spot by the big dining room window with the small slate frame, some of my sketches, my box of goldwork threads, my pencil case with useful bits and bobs, my doodle cloth (the olive green) and the silk-with-wrong-grain (the grey-ish green).

[Mabel Figworthy]

And here is the final tracing, ready for pricking (so that you can rub colour through the holes and so transfer it to the fabric).

I have decided to call her Bruce.

[wendywombat]

Not Sheila? Bruce is a boy ....not that gender should get in the way of good design.

[Mabel Figworthy]

DH suggested Sheila, and I did consider (waltzing) Mathilda, but unfortunately I've been calling this kangaroo "him" from the moment I first drew him, and when I first thought of giving him a name Bruce popped into my head and wouldn't pop out! So Bruce it is, possibly with a sort of tie-on apron pouch

[fccs]

I can't wait to see Bruce progress under your talented needle.

[Mabel Figworthy]

It's a bit difficult to do a mock-up of goldwork - not much colour differences for one thing but here is some idea of which areas will be fairly solidly stitched and which will be more open. The dotted stuff is "chipping", little bits of gold sewn on like beads, the lines are mostly couched in differently textured threads, and the tail will be in longer chips/beads sewn on over very thick padding.
The second one shows it with the approximate colour of the fabric as a background.

[Squirrel]

How lovely to being doing a Kangaroo with her Joey - I love it. Having had the privilege of seeing a 'Big Red' in the flesh it is great to see this design - even though it won't be in red. Well done Mable and I look forward to watching it grow under your busy needles.

[rcperryls]

I am also looking forward to seeing this one progress. You are doing amazing work!

Carole

[Serinde]

Are there really clouds in Australia? (Asking for a friend.) Love the name of Bruce... after all, Bruce could be the joey, couldn't it?

[Mabel Figworthy]

Actually the joey isn't a joey.... all will be revealed
The clouds were a bit of an afterthought but I'm not quite pleased with them. Can't comment on how realistic they are!

[Mabel Figworthy]

The "joey" is in fact *drumroll*..... Haasje, my beloved cuddly toy! The whole story of the design and my first goldwork class is in FoF, but short version of why there is a hare in Bruce's pouch is as follows: my favourite aunt, who lived with us for two years when I was little, used to tell me bedtime stories in which the hero was my cuddly toy Haasje ("little hare" in Dutch), and in one series of stories he went to Australia where he was offered a lift by a kangaroo. Hares are good at hopping, but the kangaroo being so much bigger made much bigger hops, so Haasje was rather nervous and clung on to her pouch for safety. Hence the slightly panicky look in his eye, which I hope to convey by means of a big round spangle.

Here he is with me in the dim and distant past:

[rcperryls]

I love the story behind this design! I'm sure it will make the stitching even more special!

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

All the felt padding bits have been cut in preparation for tomorrow's Certificate class, and I've pretty much worked out how I will do Bruce's eye. Just a bit more couching to do on my sampling cloth tonight!

[Garnet]

Oh my goodness Mabel, Bruce looks ever so complicated, I am certain if anyone can master Goldwork it is you.

I will look forward to seeing him come to life.

Have a great day at the class tomorrow.

[Squirrel]

Wow, you have the patience of a saint I am sure. What a lot of prep there is even before you start stitching the design. Totally amazing that is for sure.

[karen4bells]

Wow, you have the patience of a saint I am sure. What a lot of prep there is even before you start stitching the design. Totally amazing that is for sure.

I agree!! What an amazing project this is

[Mabel Figworthy]

Lexi inspects the new slate frame and the latest Certificate project. "So, am I in this one as well?"

[Garnet]

Well of course Lexi has to inspect, she is your supervisor after all

Have you had the heart to tell her yet?

That frame set up looks the business, all set to go.

[Serinde]

Surely, a supurrvisor?

[Squirrel]

I am sure that the set up has passed HM Lexi inspection and you are now free to begin.