Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Update on some stitching - Natures Circle Stumpwork

I have started a stump work design I had on my list to do for some time. The design is called ‘Natures Circle’ and is designed by Petra Pullen form South Africa. The design consist of various fruits, leaves and insects with al the components get stitched on the main fabric and several of the leaves, berries and insects is stitched separately and later attached to the fabric to give a 3d effect.

I started at the top of the design and will work my way down as the thread often get caught on the raised areas - how frustrating! The grapes were fun to do and I still need to attach some tendrils. I have stitched the leaves using long and short stitch in shades of green (DMC) and the berries of the grapes is done in various shades of petite Mill Hill beads. I just love the tiny little bees aren’t they gorgeous?


I have also completed the cherries, using and interesting technique of covering wooden beads with thread and then attach them to the main fabric. I have finished them off with a single Mill Hill bead. The leaves and stems were stitched in satin stitch and stem stitch.


After the cherries I stitched the Raspberries. The berries is embroidered in clusters of french knots on a separate piece of fabric using 2 to 3 strands in various variations of red, pinks and greens, again using mill hill beads to add color and dimension. To secure the berries the shapes are cut out with a 4mm allowance and gathered just inside the raw edge (like you will do a covered button) and secured it to the main fabric with tiny tack stitches.

Here is the total progress to date..
And here is Miss Paisley insisting that her photo is also taken :-)


What fun! I have started on the oranges and strawberries so will do some more posting on my progress. Happy stitching till next time! Bye.

15 comments:

Starry-eyed stitcher said...

Goodness me - this is amazing work. You are so talented. The fruit looks so realistic. I look forward to seing the piece finished.

Cathy B said...

Your stumpwork is gorgeous! Can't wait to see more of this design!

tintocktap said...

Wow - that is gorgeous! I love those raspberries! I think you're very brave and clever to do stumpwork - the thought of doing any kind of embroidery that isn't counted is terrifying to me! LOL! I should get someone to teach me sometime as I'd love to give it a go!

Berit said...

The raspberries!! They may even be more gorgeous than Miss Paisley!

Your pool, btw, looks so refreshing! It is one of my life's small (and perhaps most materialistic :P) ambitions to have a private pool of my very own. :)

CindyMae said...

First of all I have to say that Miss Paisley is absolutely gorgeous!!!!!! Your work is fantastic! That is looking just amazing!!!

Anonymous said...

WOW - Your stumpwork is gorgeous - very nicely done, I will look forward to seeing this grow :)

Lynn B said...

Absolutely gorgeous Ronel!

LadyV said...

Oh how wonderful! Beautifully stitched. I love it! The grapes are fantastic.

The needlebook that I'm working on has raspberries and strawberries. I had to put it aside to finish my biscornu but I'm anxious to get back to it.

Vee
http://brokenneedle.typepad.com

La Brodeuse brode said...

I only have one thing to say....WOW!!!!!!!! It's gorgeous.

Michelle said...

Congratulations on starting this design. I stitched it ten years ago shortly after it was released and then gave classes on behalf of Petra Pullen for a few years in this design and many of her other designs. It was so nostalgic to see that this piece is still being enjoyed today! I'm sure you are going to love every minute of it!

Misti

Lynn S. said...

BEAUTIFUL work! Something I haven't seen before..THANKS for sharing!

Von said...

Ronel, your stumpwork is amazing! This is going to be a project to be proud of. :)

Candace said...

Oh, Ronel, this design is SOOOO gorgeous and your stitching is beautiful! I'll check back often to view its progression.

Anonymous said...

Hi Ronel, your stumpwork pieces continue to delight me - your work is stunning! :D

Australian Designer said...

This is very awesome and very creative mind involved it it..:)