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OK, my first topic on my own (deep breath).

I started this last year when I was off work with shingles but haven't done any for a couple of months as I got distracted by a bookmark and some nice weather so technically it could be a UFO? Anyway...

OK, I couldn't figure out getting a picture to load. Grrr. Hopefully this link works:
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/ ... directlink" target="_blank

If it does work, please let me know what you think. Thanks!

That's beautiful! Great stitching there. I like your fabric choice.

Totally beautiful and I agree, the fabric choice is perfection!!!

That's so pretty and I love owls! Great job. =)

I love owls too! It looks very nice!

Oh wow what an intense look from Mr Owl. Great work so far.

He's gorgeous! I love owls!

Wow, thanks everyone! So very kind.

The fabric is lovely, although very large which makes it a bit unwieldy, si I maybe don't work on it for as much time as I would if it was a smaller piece. It's about 52" wide and 36" high. Easily the biggest thing I've ever done! I did think about doing it as 5 separate owls and framing them as a set, but I think it will just look amazing as one big picture. Here's hoping!

There is an inspiration behind it. I have an auntie, my mum's sister, who is also my godmother. We don't live in the same town so don't see each other all the time, but we're still very close, if that makes sense. She was a Brownie Brown Owl for about 30 years and was always given little owl ornaments and other owl-related things as presents, so owls always remind me of her. She retired from work and Brownies in 2004 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following surgery, she made a good recovery and got the all-clear early 2009. Couple of months later, they found cancer again - ovarian, bowel and stomach. After major surgery and a lot fo chemo, she is again recovering. She is a truly remarkable woman with strength that I can only ever hope to have. This project is a tribute to her!

Sorry, that really on a bit, didn't it? Anyway, hopefully stitching this weekend after I get back from watching Hull City v. Swansea with my husband!

Oh that is so pretty. Great stitching I love owls they are beautiful

The design is stunning!! .... and your stitching is wonderful!!

What a lovely story behind your choice of design. Some people in this world are totally inspirational and I'm so glad that you have someone in your life like that!!

I'll be routing for Hull at the weekend - you'll stitch happier if they win!!

Oh, we so need a win! Fingers crossed for a good start to the season....

This is also my first time at stitching on a dark fabric. I never realised it would make so much difference! Really hard. I have a very good stitching light with LEDs which does help, but the dark fabric requires so much more concentration than white or cream. It was a real shock! Any hints for working with dark fabric are much appreciated!

Really stunning!!!

I'm a real fan of Mary Hickmott's designs, and her owls are fantastic. Working on dark fabric takes some getting used to, but you have already sussed out good lighting. Daylight is, of course, the best (don't you wish you could always stitch during the day?) Good luck with this.

Thanks Serinde. Think I'm going to need it! Yes, stitching in daylight would be LOVELY. The thing I like best about the Mary Hickmott is that usually there's no backstitch. All the detail is in the shading. I love the effect of that. I've done a few from Jill Oxton's Cross Stitch Australia magazines for the same reason.

There may not be a lot of backstitch in the owls, but -- oh, boy -- I've done some of her designs where the backstitch has to be described on a separate chart!

She does like detail! Some of the botanical ones, especially the larger charts, have a lot of backstitching, I think. Mostly I'm running away from those at the moment

Looking good. Hope you can continue with it.

Very nice! That owl looks stunning!
Faith

1 very pretty owl!!!!

Thanks! A small bit of a pretty owl - long way to go yet. And then 4 more owls! Yikes!