Wednesday, January 5, 2011

From Background to Turkey Border

The Mary Lake Thompson Turkey with Potential Threads
Nancy writes:

I've done some additional test stitching on the Diagonal Wave stitch [link below], using the horizontal orientation and Michele Herron's diagram which shortens the repeat a bit.  It looks great and will work nicely for the background.
http://bristlythistle.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-march-part-5.html

I had some Frosty Rays on hand in color #Y201 which seemed a nice blend with the Sand Silk & Ivory.  I tried a row of Frosty Rays in the Diagonal Wave and think it will be a welcome occasional touch for the background.

Thanks for the tip on establishing the Diagonal Wave's first row by following the pattern across the turkey's body with a contrasting thread - I'll be sure to do that.
I'll work on deciding on the border plan now.





Jane responds:

Not to worry, Nancy.  You are doing a lot of work to figure this out which takes time.  I'm just shouting encouragement and ideas from the sidelines. 

If it were me, I'd be doing a very simple border.  Look at what Rittenhouse Needlepoint's border class in their shop discovered (link below).  Their mitered corner is pretty and practical.  Several other border examples are shown on their blog.  Any will work.  You can also just do straight stitches (vertical on the top and bottom and horizontal on the sides) with a big fancy stitch in each corner.  Consider putting a giant Rhodes stitch in each corner (second link) or a Chilly Hollow stitch there (third link).  I particularly like filling the centers of my CH Stitches with bullions made from metallic threads, especially the overdyed Kreinik.  You will have to make the center foundation of the CH Stitch in a diamond shape so that the final CH Stitch will be square, not a diamond, however.



In other words, your big border doesn't have to be fancy to be spectacular.  You might even use your overdyed Overture thread (pictured above) to make it.

Here's another gorgeous border (from Laura Perin) that is plain and simple and totally right for this piece.
http://two-handedstitcher.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-quilt-design.html

I know this is a lot of work, but you'll be glad you worked this all out before we tackle Mr. Turkey himself.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow

2 comments:

Robin said...

Hi Jane,
This morning I looked at the Turkey and saw another possible background for the turkey: Mini Round Bargello. I would do it in neutrals with a thin sparkle (Accentuate or size 4 Kreinik) for the eyelets. Probably 2 strands of silk floss for the Mini Round Bargello pattern. I will email you the PDF for you to see it. Love everything you and Nancy are doing.

The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure said...

Thanks, Robin. Nancy and I look forward to seeing the background stitch you came up with. I have the highest respect for your skills, so I can't wait to see the stitch!

Remember, this is on 13 count canvas. I think Nancy will need more plies of silk floss and probably a number 8 Kreinik for the eyelets inside the circles. But this will have to wait until we see the stitch.

Thanks, Robin. We appreciate the input greatly!