Home Sweet Home

So, I finished my BIG project that I have been stitching.  It is a 15" vintage hoop with some happy colors and a simple sentiment.  I had originally planned on hanging this on the front door instead of a wreath, but I get a little wacky when watering my ferns, so I will need to put something a little more durable.  I only really like traditional wreaths at Christmas anyway, but I still like to have something on the blank blackness of my front door.

I stitched some parts really loosely and others more tightly.  I wanted it to look really sketchbook-y.

When I saw the cover of Country Living a few months ago with Reed Van Brunschot's work in embroidery and cross stitch, I knew I wanted to create something large.  Mine still isn't on the same scale size wise or artistically (I feel his are a little tongue in cheek *wink*)

And, I was also inspired by the lovely work of Anna Rifle Bond I love her florals and her colors that she uses.

I have to resize this pattern before I can make it available for all you stitchers out there.  I think it looks best BIG, but the hoop I had was a vintage and you don't find that size everyday.  Back later with my letter {T}

Inspired by: Blackwork

Lately I have been inspired by Blackwork embroidery.  The designs are so clean and simple and graphic.  It was typically black silk thread on even weave cloth.  I find that the designs are a mix between cross stitch and embroidery.  Not that I am really well read on the art, but I did read that Catherine of Aragon brought this needlework from Spain when she married that dog Henry VIII.  It was used on clothing... what you typically think of Renaissance wear.  

I love the repeated motifs in this sampler... so intricate!  I haven't ever done any counted cross stitch, but this seems similar.

I love how they filled in the leaves with a pattern.  I am going to have to attempt a true blackwork sampler soon.  I wonder if it will be too precise for my liking.

In the meantime, I took a cue from my very favorite flower, the Mona Lisa Anemone, and embroidered a little hoop.

I made lots and lots and lots of french knots!  I am sure satin stitching would have been faster, but I think I really just don't like the satin stitch!    I created another pattern to go with this one, but I got distracted by a couple balls of yarn and I am on my way to knitting my 2nd scarf!  I finished the first last week.  I have a sneaky suspicion that everyone will be getting  a scarf this year for Christmas! ha!

more soon~ Michelle

images of Blackwork embroidery and anemones can be found on my Pinterest boards.