Getting on with it, and the reveal!

Originally my aim of homework for next lesson on 27 October was to get the sampling out of the way…  and complete a new piece of Net darning for the work.

22 October focused on the practise of leaf pairs hanging down from the main stems.  One part of the pair will be the Chequer Grounding using 1 strand of S5200; stitched on the diagonal with a gap between sequences 12321 – 12321 – 12321;  the gap between the rows is filled with a 121 pattern with Diamant thread.  The other side will be Raised Fishbone stitch, these need some practise to find a suitable thread not only to suit the stitch and thread count of fabric, but also to complement its leaf partner.  Start by neatly outlining the shape with a single strand of cotton floss, then use 2 strands for the filling.  The cotton is OK but need to use a mellor to keep the strands flat rather than twisted.  Need to use a sharp needle to pierce the fabric to get stitches close to each other for the best effect.  Second sample used Perle no.8.

I had intended to finish the laddering around the edge of the large motif with fine trailing around the part of the motif.  BUT

23 October – I decided to just go for it. stop phaffing around and do some stitching on my actual piece of work.  Having completed the replacement piece of net darning, I tacked both patterns onto my work.  Today I started the trailing! A triple core of no.16  Coton à Broder with one stand wrap.  To finish the basic layer I also did the padding ready for the satin stitch which will be covered Coton à Broder no. 20 as the surface stitch.

Trailing and padding preparation for cutting away the surface linen

I have to say I am quite pleased with the trailing. 

24 October – a steady hand needed, with great trepidation I cut the linen surface. Snipping very carefully into the spaces between the curves.  Then a line of split stitch beside the trailing ready for the second line; I used the triple core of No.16 as before.  Then completed the padded satin stitch.  

This was a very intensive day of stitching!  Here it is - the great reveal stage 1  and in close up below:

Ta Dah! The net insert complete

Close up of net insert

Right hand side motif with net darning insert

Having made such good progress, I got on with the leaf motif for the right hand side.  The net darning pattern is a star shape.  Unfortunately this has not been as effective as the flower pattern.  The coverage within the cut away section does not show much of the net darning.  I also had some problems when cutting away the organdie from the back of the work and a small repair had to be made with 160 lace thread.  Still it is done - this side took six hours to complete.  

The motif on the left hand side worked much better as the pattern was more solid filling the open area more effectively.

Left hand side motif with net darning insert