Stitch along at Wallington

Not sure how to go about stitching that cross stitch or blackwork kit that you have stashed away in a drawer? Well, this is your chance to get it underway.

Simply bring along that kit, a hoop and your other sewing aids to Wallington National Trust on 29 - 30 July, 2011,  for some free guidance. The venue makes its usual entry charge but there is no extra fee for stitching along with me on your own project. I will also have some small blackwork projects for sale, stock permitting, as an alternative for those who haven't brought along their own.

Allow 1-2 hours to gain confidence with the basics. Suitable for over 16s. Hope to see you there!

Getting closer

I am only 2 days away from being 'centrestage' at Seaton Delaval Hall. The last bits and pieces are coming together nicely so it should be a fairly relaxed day on site. I'll bring along the Hoopoe so you can decide whether or not to include a background. And you'll be able to watch my newest design grow throughout your visit. Any ideas as to what it might be?

Work in progress

At last, I have advanced enough with my new design to be able to post some progress pictures here for you. I started this while participating in a stitch-a-long hosted by the Cross Stitch SAL group on Facebook. I am interpreting Thomas Bewick's "Hoopoe" print in cross stitch and blackwork.

I began with the cross stitch although the normal practise in blackwork is to start with an outline. Since I am doing this on 14 count Aida, it was easier to stitch it this way around.

I finished the cross stitching on the crest a little later in the day...

I then applied the backstitched outline of the bird and long stitched the beak.

The next stitch-a-long happened towards the end of June. I was concentrating on other aspects of my business during the intervening time so not a lot of progress was made. It also coincided with a rather busy craft market but I did manage to finish the feet and legs. I also started outlining the wing in the foreground.

Meanwhile, I managed to make a lot of progress during yesterday's craft fair. I haven't quite finished the blackwork on the bird but that should take only 10 minutes or so.

I want to use a French knot for the eye. Also, I'm debating on some modern style blackwork for the background. Thomas Bewick featured each animal with an environmental background so I would like to include a representation of this as long as it doesn't overpower the bird. So, there is at least one more progress picture to follow...