SQ Garden of Delight by Kathy A FINISHED!!! 03/25/2021 update

[Kathy_A]

Since I have finished off the Scarlet Quince map, I am moving onto my next SQ project (I have four others in my to-be-done bin, so I'm set for the next decade!!). It's the Garden of Delight, by John Henry Dearle, designed for the William Morris studio in England in 1910.



I just started it on the 8th (last Sunday), so my first WIP pic won't be all that exciting yet. I'll post it here before the end of the day, though, so you can see where I'm at this early on.

It took a few weeks to get all the prep work done, between bobbinating all the single colors of floss, then putting together bobbins of all the blended colors, then gridding out the pages on the fabric, which is as far as I do my gridding, so I can start in the upper left page and work my way right and then down.

Can't wait to share this new project with everyone!!

[rcperryls]

I can't wait to see it!!!

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

Gosh - how large is it?

[Kathy_A]

According to the pattern book, it'll end up 22 inches wide by 30 inches tall, on the 18-count aida that I'm using.

Here's where I'm at now:



It's just the outer edges of the neutral color border, but it's a start!

[wendywombat]

That's different from your map. I love the William Morris designs and looks to be a real challenge. I shall watch this one with interest.

[mysterystitcher]

Looks pretty picture. I mean the photo. I am sure you tame this.

[Squirrel]

WOW that is a big undertaking for sure and you have made an excellent start on it too. It will be fun to watch this interesting one grow.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Only a few more inches to go... - Great start!

[richardandtracy]

I suspect that some form of lunacy must run in the family...
To propose to do another four SQ pictures!!!!!!

They will be remarkable.
I do hope you will enjoy this one. I feel that I want to like the Morris Studio designs, but in the end I'm not convinced I do. In this picture I like the individual components, I like the colours, but the image as a whole looks too busy for me. However, that's a matter of personal taste & I should stop bleating on about it.

It will be a task and a half. And very definitely an heirloom piece when you've completed it. I wish you all the best, and see you've made a great start already.

Regards,

Richard

[Mabel Figworthy]

Richard, how recognisable - I too see designs I feel I might like, or ought to like, but in the end for whatever reason I don't like them enough to stitch them. And then hey presto, someone comes along on this Forum who loves them and stitches them with great enthusiasm, and I get to enjoy them vicariously! One of the many joys of this place is seeing designs stitched that I would never in a million years do myself, but greatly enjoy watching .

[wendywombat]

Oh yes, I can echo both of you! I love looking at those William Morris designs and I spent some time looking at the SQ site yesterday evening.
I cannot see me stitching anything from there....but I wholeheartedly admire all who do and I shall continue to applaud them here!

[RosemaryD]

This is such a detailed picture; really looking forward to seeing it take shape.

Richard, how recognisable - I too see designs I feel I might like, or ought to like, but in the end for whatever reason I don't like them enough to stitch them. And then hey presto, someone comes along on this Forum who loves them and stitches them with great enthusiasm, and I get to enjoy them vicariously! One of the many joys of this place is seeing designs stitched that I would never in a million years do myself, but greatly enjoy watching .

Agree 100%. Aren't we lucky in this hobby to have such diversity of designs available that everyone can find something to like.

[Kathy_A]

Thanks for all the responses!

I love interlace and Celtic design. I actually submitted a carpet page from the Book of Kells to SQ as a potential future design for them to do, and it is all about intricate interlace and tons of stuff happening on every square inch. I have always seen Art Nouveau as an extension of Celtic design in the flowing patterns, just a little more organized and less busy with the number of elements packed into the artwork.

Also, I love tapestries, and these Morris pieces from SQ really look like actual tapestries. One of my other SQ projects is another Morris piece.

My only concern with this piece is the sheer volume of taupe and neutral stitches, especially in the outer border! I already have to be careful with verifying I am using the proper color blend before stitching.

[AngieR]

Very impressive. Looks like you well be busy a while.

[rcperryls]

Lovely start! And what a great way to make staying indoors during a Chicago winter more than worthwhile!!! I believe you have another heirloom starting !

Oh yes, I can echo both of you! I love looking at those William Morris designs.
I cannot see me stitching anything from there....but I wholeheartedly admire all who do and I shall continue to applaud them here!

Another echo from me. It's been a long time since I have stitched with blended threads and don't think I have the patience for that anymore, but I love the results and am also so thankful that I get the joy of watching these projects develop!

Carole

[karen4bells]

Wow!! This is really a very pretty design!! It will be great to see your progress updates on it!!! Fantastic start!!

[AlwaysGoofy]

It's a very nice and intricate design you've chosen. Since I can't personally stitch every design out there (although I wish I could), I love to see all the different designs people choose to stitch. This one is definitely of an heirloom quality.

Looking forward to more updates.

[kingfisher68]

What an amazing design you are going to stitch :whoop This reminds me of the rich fabrics you get on antique four poster beds, thick coverlets & other heavily draped very old furnishings .

You have made an excellent start & it will be so interesting watching this one as you stitch. Well done

[Purple Patsy]

Love this design and well doen for tackling confetti hell with blended threads to boot.

I'm already looking forward to further updates on this one.

[fccs]

This is going to be stunning and you've made a very nice start on it. I'll be watching for updates.