Plodding on, and on…
The end isn’t in sight – yet – but I think I must be over half way by now….
I ripped it out of the frame this morning to take a quick picture while the sun made a rare appearance.
The giant clips I bought a few weeks ago are a tremendous hit. If you are working to a pattern, or have worked out in detail exactly which colour you want where, then it might be possible to roll up the canvas on a traditional frame and just work the parts that are visible as you get to them, but that’s not the way I like to do it. I’ve realised that I stitch in much the same way that I paint – so I need to be able to see the whole design all the time (or near as damn it). This is much easier to do with the new clips, because they’re so easy to put on and off – they also cope well with the extra thickness of the stitched areas – my old clips (the ones that came with the frame), simply ping off as soon as the canvas gets too thick.
Working with a lot of 4ply knitting wools in this piece has made me start to plot what I’m going to do next. I’ve completely fallen in love with the texture and the stitch definition of these wools, they are a dream to sew with and ideal for the tiny hole size in the linen scrim that I’m using. So I’ll be on the look-out over the coming weeks for the colours I’ll be using on the next piece. I haven’t quite got as far as a proper plan, but the little grey cells are certainly having fun.
Happy stitching!
-)O(-
Dreaming In Stitches 
Its so beautiful! I’ve never been a fan of using a frame, but love hearing about how yours is working. Makes me think I might try a frame again!
The linen scrim is so floppy it really needs supporting, but there doesn’t seem to be much choice in frames – I keep experimenting. The giant clips have made a big improvement for me.
Stunning .. Wondrous work, love it 🙂
Thank you so much – I’m glad you like it.
Are you aiming to finish this by Christmas? It is so beautiful.
Thank you. Well I’d quite like to finish it before Christmas, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to – you know how busy it gets around this time of year – I’ll keep trying.
That’s really beautiful!
Thank you.
This is lovely as it grows and seeing it stage by stage is fascinating. I do so know what you mean about needing to see the whole as you work. I am just the same. I need to see the overall balance as I work. Then the piece tells me what to do next.
Absolutely – that’s exactly how it is, the work tells you what it needs and that’s why you need to see the whole thing – and that’s part of the excitement of watching it develop.
Looks wonderful! The soft texture of the linen scrim gives a lovely fluidity, I’d imagine it’s lovely to handle 🙂
Thank you . Yes, I think the drape of the scrim is what appeals – I would find it difficult to use some of the stiff mono I have in the cupboard after all this.
WOW! You must have the patience of a saint. I love the bright colours.
Thanks for linking up to the Slow Bloggers Linky Party.
You wouldn’t say that if you knew me! I just find repetitive stitching compulsively therapeutic – I know it’s really total madness.
The colour combinations are stunning and I love the movement in the sections.
Thank you – so much depends on the yarns I can find – I’ve been lucky to source some really gorgeous ones for this.
I found your blog through the “slow blogger” linkup – and found myself exploring all around – will look forward to visiting back. I love your tagline “slow art for the soul” -ahhhh I aspire to that.
Hello Cynthia, lovely to meet you. I’ve been peeping at your blog too – I’d say we’re thinking in very similar ways. 🙂
wow, that looks freaking amazing ! I just popped over from the slow blogger linky 🙂
Thank you – it’s lovely to meet you. I just adore the Slow Blogger idea – seems so right to me.
Colors are incredible!
Thank you – I’m lucky to have found some wonderful yarn suppliers.