Whitework Sampling

Having almost got to the end of my piece of whitework in June (with Tracy A Franklin in Durham), I decided I didn't like some parts of the design or the different shades of white I had used so abandoned it and started again... 

I decided to only go for bright white threads, dumped the 'blanc' threads and changed the linen from 'antique white' to 'white' but still using the 32 count.  I liked most of the stitches I had already used and would incorporate these in the new design, but I wanted to include more drawn thread work and some net darning as well as the pulled work and surface stitching.  

Outline sketch of new design

Back to the drawing board for a new design with more thoughts on placements of different stitches before needle touched the fabric.  No more making it up on the hoof!  By 2nd July I had come up with this idea:  

I like the idea of the main stems curling around each other, with some of the smaller stems in front of others, and I wanted to have more balance by having similar shapes on both sides of the design, but without being too symmetrical.  

Drawn threads from original sample with 'lace weaving'
working at half scale,
withdrawing two horizontal and vertical threads

My final lesson with Tracy was supposed to be on 5th July.  But having decided to start again I have signed up for another set of lesson to start in September.  However, by this final session and with much relief I had come up with a new stitch plan!  I wanted to keep the lace weaving on one of the drawn thread wok sections, so needed something different for its partner.

Sampling the new motif for drawn thread work

Russian drawn filling on new sample

I really like this filling stitch - it took a bit of working out... This was a whole day's work!  On the finished piece the threads will be secured on the underside.

The plan for the summer break was to do LOTS of sampling for the new stitches, and make progress with the drawn thread work and pulled thread work on my actual piece.

So how far did I get?

Today is 18 August - progress:

The linen is on the slate frame (two hours), the design has been applied with the tack and tear method (five hours), the threads have been drawn and secured from the top two motifs (eight hours).

Net darning with one strand of stranded cotton

I have sampled some net darning for the middle leaf motif:

I do like this stitch although this section when finish is only 8cm by 4cm and it took ten hours to complete!  I am practising a similar sized section with stars, no photo yet as my attempts are rubbish so far.

My next lesson with Tracy is on 8 September, I have sooooo much to do!