Mabel's Hardanger

[Mabel Figworthy]

Just won a piece of Moss Rose fabric from Crafty Kitten so I will use that with Caron Rose Blush (if Tandem Cottage get on with sending it...) for the first stitched version of this -- bit different from the cream-on-black-with-gold version I originally envisaged, but I'll just do both

[Nachstenliebe]

On the boss' time Tsk tsk Mabel
Faith

[maggs]

Lovely design Mabel

[Mabel Figworthy]

At the Knitting & Stitching show there was one thing I bought without having any project for it in mind -- the silk ribbons. I saw them and there were such lovely colours, and most of the ribbon I have is sheer (organza) and the silk has quite a different look, so I went for two dusky rose pinks, green and ecru.

Earlier on I'd bought two Pearsall's silk perles, but it wasn't until I was looking through my purchases towards the end of the day and saw them together, that an idea stirred -- they would be perfect for a mixed Hardanger & ribbonwork project!

Here they are to remind you what they look like together:



On Saturday I walked a lot through London's parks, sitting down and furiously scribbling down design ideas, and by that afternoon the project had developed into a bellpull on 28ct antique white Jobelan, with a Hardanger heart shape at the bootom, and bands of Hardanger, satin stitch motifs and ribbon embroidery -- no idea yet in what order, but I've jotted down lots of ideas for the various bands.

I'll be using the silk perle and ribbon, and also DMC perle in 223 and 503, Mill Hill beads in soft green and pink, and possibly Caron Watercolours in Rose Quartz, and some Petite Treasure Braid.

I'll be stitching my mat design first, this one is going to take a lot of drawing, but watch this space!

[maggs]

That sounds like a great project Mabel and can't wait to see you starting it

[pamelam]

Looking forward to seeing the bellpull, Mabel!

[Mabel Figworthy]

Just realised I hadn't posted the two things I did on the train to and from London -- I'd mentioned the free Mary Hickmott designs on the Caron website and found that i'd actually never done them myself, so I thought they'd make nice relaxing "train projects" , and here they are, the first in Watercolours 237 Apple Blossom, the second in 008 Nefertiti, both on cream Fine Ariosa:

[Fizzbw]

They are really sweet! What will they be for?

I'm very interested in the bell pull idea design - look forward to seeing its genesis!

Niki xx

[Mabel Figworthy]

They are really sweet! What will they be for?

That's what DH wondered about as well -- and when I told him about the bellpull he said "but we haven't got a bell"

I have resigned myself to the fact that most of my hardanger is likely to be either purely decorative (and we haven't got room for a lot of that, alas), or will be made simply because of my pleasure in making it!

These two will probably just fit into cards, so they will come in useful.

[pamelam]

These are going to make very pretty cards! Great work!

[Cecilia]

I have resigned myself to the fact that most of my hardanger is likely to be either purely decorative (and we haven't got room for a lot of that, alas), or will be made simply because of my pleasure in making it!

These two will probably just fit into cards, so they will come in useful.

Sounds like two good reasons to me. Lovely work, Mabel

[maggs]

Lovely work, they are both nice but I do like the vibrant colours of the second one.

[Nachstenliebe]

Gorgeous work!! I love those colors.. one is so subtle serene.. the other is so fun exotic! I can't wait to see what you have in store for your new goodies!
Faith

[karen4bells]

Lovely work as usual Mabel! You are so very inspiring!!

[Rose]

Wow those are really super. I like both colors but the second one is so bold and really grabs you!!!!!

[Serinde]

good looking work, Mabel.

Have you come across these designs before (I haven't): http://www.creativestitchdesigns.co.uk/html/Designs.htm" target="_blank

[Mabel Figworthy]

Now that is just cruel!! I've had to bookmark that page for future reference...

Did you also look at her Latest Designs page? I very much like Rhapsody in Blues (except for the rather bright blue starry shapes, but I suspect one could edit those out )

[dollystitcher]

Lovely work as always Mabel. The top design is so pretty and the colours really make it stand out

[Mabel Figworthy]

I realised I hadn't shown any progress picture of my Victoria Sampler kit -- this is Level 5 #6 (picots) of the Beyond Cross Stitch series. It's nearly done, except for the weaving, dove's eyes, picots (that'll be a challenge!) and some beads:



PS I don't think I'd ever use #8 perle on 25ct for the Kloster blocks and satin stitch -- it's OK but I like better coverage, and it's very hard to poke away the cut ends with this skimpier coverage

[maggs]

That looks lovely Mabel.