Mabel's Tree of Life SAL - mounted and ready for framing

[Mabel Figworthy]

You could even choose to do all the leaves the same colour, for example shades of orange for an autumnal tree...

Oddly enough I am doing neither of my two trees in the colour combinations that I originally designed it in which was blue/green/purple leaves with gold, or orange/yellow/green leaves (no gold). For some reason I ended up with dark pink, purple and turquoise in both versions!

[Mabel Figworthy]

The Tree of Life SAL has started

Here are my two versions of Part One, the trunk:

[wendywombat]

How can the same design look so different???

Your wording is perfect and meaningful

I shan't be stitching this as I said to you BUT I shall be watching with Great Interest!

[Mabel Figworthy]

They'll get even more different as the other parts are added Wendy !

[Mabel Figworthy]

Second part, first leaf!

[poppy]

Such an elegant and meaningful design, Mabel. Beautifully executed as always.

[rcperryls]

These are so beautiful already. My fingers are itching to start but I have to finish "Hands" first and I've avoided even choosing supplies so I don't get distracted.

Carole

[wendywombat]

What a difference in those two versions.
Both so beautiful!

[luv2craft2]

This is going to be wonderful when done as you have all those great colours to work with. Looking forward to seeing it as you progress.

You have everything kept so neat & tidy, makes me feel rather ashamed at how mine are stored & also when I am working on a project I tend to become even untidier. When I do tidy up I can't find anything. Funny how that happens!!

[karen4bells]

Such an elegant and meaningful design, Mabel. Beautifully executed as always.

I couldn't agree more!! Amazing!! Wow!!

[Mabel Figworthy]

Time for Part 3, with a choice of Plain or Bling, Bird or Caterpillar!

[wendywombat]

I just love that sequin Caterpillar!! He's munched away happily at your pretty leaf.

Wonderful additions to the Tree!

[rcperryls]

I love the options!! It is so amazing how the same design can look so different and each version is beautiful!

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

Part 4! Stitchers are given a choice between Ceylon stitch, detached buttonhole filling and battlement couching. The first one I did only as a sample leaf, the other two are on my trees. My personal favourite is the battlement couching even though it's quite fiddly!

[wendywombat]

My favourite is the 3rd picture.
I love the green one though, it looks like the leaf has been knitted!

[Mabel Figworthy]

It's fun, isn't it, that knitted Ceylon one? I will definitely use that in other places!

[luv2craft2]

Wow again, another wonderful item you are doing. Cannot believe some of those threads are actually stitched. They were just wonderful, intricately woven. Amazing.

Looking forward to seeing this again soon as well as your other one.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Part 5 - bling or bullion knot, raised chain or Mountmellick, whipped or laced backstitch. I've had to choose two combinations but it'll be fun to see what the participants come up with (you wouldn't believe the variations in caterpillars we've seen so far!)

[Podolyanka]

All I can say is I like this design and Mabel's great work on it.

[wendywombat]

I've just been onto the Gallery for the SAL and I'm amazed at the variations of stitches/colours as well as those Wiggly Caterpillars!!

Love your variations of Course, Mabel!