Serinde's Galloway Hoard project UPDATE 5 May 19

[poppy]

All I can say, Serinde, is that you have amazing embroidery skills. I would not know where to start.
Looking forward to the development of this project...

[Serinde]

Here are the two designs, traced out using a light box. First time I've ever used one, or traced a design, so feeling very chuffed. Now the hard part starts!



Any last thoughts?

[Mabel Figworthy]

How interesting that the knotwork ends in the void, so to speak - and the dog is gorgeous! Did you feel happy about tracing with a pencil?

[rcperryls]

I am really looking forward to seeing your progress on these two designs. I'm especially interested in how the dog turns out. That is a really interesting design.

Carole

[Serinde]

Yes, Mabel, I did. The tracing was much simpler than I thought, in fact. (Why should it be hard?) But lots of prep I don't normally bother with: finding the centres of both designs and transferring it to the fabric; stitching the backing fabric to the top fabric (Normandie), mostly because the design area can be no more than 10cm, which makes it impossible to hold it to the Normandie and have it in the hoop at the same time. (Did that make sense?) Once I actually turned off my working light, of course, it was much simpler too... Learning! Always learning!

As for the dog, apart from his caramel coat, I know he'll have a blue eye (possibly a bead?), bit of red for the mouth. The ear will be interesting, as it appears to have a little turn in it. As for the muzzle, well, I hope I have an idea once I get there.

[Mabel Figworthy]

stitching the backing fabric to the top fabric (Normandie), mostly because the design area can be no more than 10cm, which makes it impossible to hold it to the Normandie and have it in the hoop at the same time. (Did that make sense?)

I'm sure it does, but I can't quite visualise it. Can't you just hoop them up together and cut to size afterwards? I generally try to use a very generous amount of fabric in a hoop that leaves lots of room, then trim later.

I see what you mean about the ear, it seems to have a little turn-over - looking ofrward to seeing your various solutions!

[Serinde]

Ah. No, I can't hoop them up together. We were only given a piece of fabric which was 22cm wide by 11cm high for each of the designs. It was supposed to act as both the stitching fabric and the backing fabric. I'm only using a piece 11x11cm as backing for each of my pieces, so it wasn't bit enough hoop up. Stitching the small backing piece to a larger front piece (18x22cm roughly) has done the trick.

[Serinde]

Here is the roundel with most of the satin stitch done, even if imperfectly. I've been using Carrie's Threads (Masquerade, Gator Green and Midnight) which were from stash. You'll notice they are slightly variegated, which I like in this context. I'm dithering about the centre, though. My thought was to fill in all the little diamonds with a gold, which I think will look nice. Then it's on the the stem stitch outlines, which should mask a multitude of stitching sins.

And if anyone has any idea how to get the blood spot out of the top right, I'd appreciate it. (Did I say the threads aren't colourfast?) Who invented sharp needles!!

[Mabel Figworthy]

Lots of cold water applied strictly to the blood spot? Is the only thing I can think of, unfortunately.

Lovely combination of colours and yes, that slight variegation is really effective. What gold are you thinking of using for the little diamonds? I'm thinking (from an illuminated calligraphy background, where gold is often raised a bit the better to catch the light) gold kid over felt padding... I could send you some if you haven't got any, and it should be with you within a few days !

[wendywombat]

Hint for the blood spot first before waxing lyrical over the stitching and threads!

Dissolve some salt in very hot water. Leave it to cool then apply with a cotton bud just to that area. A dabbing motion rather than scrubbing of course.

Now onto the main design!

Love those colours! They look very 'renaissance' and the shading is subtle so doesn't detract from the overall design.
I think Mabel has the right idea about the gold diamond shapes.
Really looking forward to the Celtic Dog. The swirled convoluted shape is fantastic!!

[rcperryls]

Absolutely beautiful!!! I love the subtle varigation of the thread and can’t wait to see the gold diamonds. I’m also impatiently waiting to see that Celtic Dog

Carole

[Serinde]

Lovely combination of colours and yes, that slight variegation is really effective. What gold are you thinking of using for the little diamonds? I'm thinking (from an illuminated calligraphy background, where gold is often raised a bit the better to catch the light) gold kid over felt padding... I could send you some if you haven't got any, and it should be with you within a few days !

I was thinking of using Carrie's Thread "Antique gold". I have a bit of (probably faux) leather in both gold and silver, so I could do this. Although cutting nine 5mm diamonds might test my resolve! It is a thought, and I'm not entirely concerned with it being "authentic" so am not ruling it out. (I have some recently acquired a bit of real -- exquisite -- silvered kid, but that's another story!) Gold was never my first choice, thought. Rootling around, I have discovered a skein of Caron Snow, colour way Shadow, which has the sort of leaden look I'm actually after, and its lighter than the grey of the stem stitch colours, so it works well. So that's another possibility.

Edit: And I do have that bronze PTB which is shouting at me to be used!! I have used it, doubled with itself, padded by 2 strands of Anchor 308. It looks jolly good!

Hint for the blood spot first before waxing lyrical over the stitching and threads!
Dissolve some salt in very hot water. Leave it to cool then apply with a cotton bud just to that area. A dabbing motion rather than scrubbing of course.

Now onto the main design!

Love those colours! They look very 'renaissance' and the shading is subtle so doesn't detract from the overall design.
I think Mabel has the right idea about the gold diamond shapes.
Really looking forward to the Celtic Dog. The swirled convoluted shape is fantastic!!

Thanks, WW. I'll give it a try.

Regarding the Dog, I might have to start the pooch while I think about the rest...

[Serinde]

Here're the trials for the diamonds:
At the bottom you'll see a plain gold diamond (Carrie's Threads, Antique gold)
A308 with PTB Bronze, doubled over the top
Caron Snow "Shadow" (27), padded over itself

Photo is rubbish, of course: all that shininess.

[Mabel Figworthy]

If you're not too worried about not having bling, the Antique Gold is a beautiful shade, it will stitch up well (and quickly) and contrast enough with everything else.
I Caron Snow, I'm just not sure about the shadowy grey, but then you have more of an overall view of what you want to achieve so if smokiness is what you were after, that will make a lovely subtle sparkle.
Purely from the point of view what I like best in your samples, I'm with the doubled PTB - lovely sparkle, yet because of the bronzy/coppery colour not in your face.

Well, that was a big help, wasn't it...

[Serinde]

Actually, Mabel, it was -- as you can see. On to the stem stitch, while I think about the Hound's head.

[richardandtracy]

Perfection.

Well, it's much closer than I can get. It looks amazing. The colours complement each other perfectly.

Regards,

Richard.

[kaliii]

May I make an unqualified comment: Wow! This just is amazing. Such a beautiful thing, and the way it's done - all my thumbs and toes up!

[Squirrel]

Totally awesomely PERFECT.

[wendywombat]

Yes! Love it!!
I especially like the contrast between the central 'blinged' diamond and the rest of the gold satin stitches.

[rcperryls]

Beautiful!!! The colors are perfect! Great job!

Carole