Mabel's designs 2023

[Serinde]

Agree. And there is a lot of learning in that little card.

[rcperryls]

So simple, but simply wonderful

Jo

Totally agree!

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

No time to start on the new crewel design until after the K&S Show, probably, but I've got the threads together - this is what is intended be in the kit, so ideally I need to make sure the design can be stitched using no more than this!

[Mabel Figworthy]

Over the weekend I finished the stitched model for the second part of my crewel course; the bunny in danger of being eaten by the triffid is based on a doodle I've scribbled everywhere over the years, from exercise books and meeting agendas to the wall of the small room at Leiden University where graduates are allowed to sign their name. I am particularly taken with his fluffy tail For the course he will not be on the fabric to begin with, as I hope to encourage the students to design their own animal.

[rcperryls]

He is so adorable and I hope he escapes before being eaten. Wonder what your students will come up with for their animals.

Carole

[Roland]

Cute little bun. Love the entire picture.

[Mabel Figworthy]

A bit more project on the second Do-Pea:

[Mabel Figworthy]

And a bit of couching down:

[Serinde]

That peacock is so cute!! It's the turn of the head, I guess. And beautifully stitched, of course. Looking at the two photos of before and after some couching, I realised you put all the satin stitch in first. Wonder if that would work with a larger area or not. Hmmm But it has pulled down the green beneath the gold of the wing, leaving a space (but I guess you've noticed that!).

Note to self: must try harder to get to grips with split stitch (which I cordially dislike). You've made it so expressive on the beak and feet.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Thanks Serinde! Yes, I had noticed the gap , everything will be outlined so that will be covered.
The satin stitch is actually laid stitch, so practically no thread at the back - those Bayeux stitchers were economical with their wool! the beak and other bits that aren't Bayeux stitch are stem stitch, although I may need to use split stitch to outline the three little dots on his head feathers as they are so small.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Here he is with some of the outlining done - in different colours, as per the original style

[rcperryls]

He gets better with every photo. I adore him !

Carole

[Serinde]

Of course it's Bayeux stitch -- or will be! Silly me, I knew that! I like stem stitch a LOT more, but split does get in tight spaces easily. Mediaeval stitchers might have ben economical with their wool (and after learning the basics of spinning last weekend, I can see why!), they sure loved their colours.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Is it your aim to spin for your weaving? how did you find the experience - it always looks like magic to me, the way they produce an even thread from pulled out tufts of wool!

[Serinde]

At the moment, I absolutely believe it's magic. Mostly because I can't manage anything like a consistent thread. Yet. Like most things, it takes practice. I guess my aim really is to understand the process. But if I can eventually produce something reasonable enough for weaving, that would be fabulous.

[rcperryls]

I loved when I took weaving decades ago. Never thought about tackling spinning as well. That is daunting in my opinion.

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

And here he is fully outlined:

[rcperryls]

And here he is completely adorable. I love him!!!

Carole

[fccs]

And here he is completely adorable. I love him!!!

Carole

My thought exactly!

And I'm a little late here, but I also love your bunny!!

[Serinde]

Wonderful.