Crewel Work Retrospective: Part 3
After I completed my RSN Crewel work course, both my skills and my confidence improved. I felt ready to tackle larger, more complex projects.The first one I did was the Royal Persian Blossom from Talliaferroi Classic Needle Arts. For this piece I chose to use Heathway wool rather than Appleton's and so enjoyed the process of embroidering with the Heathway wool!
What happened next was really wonderful! Phillipa Turnbull asked me if I would embroider her fantastic piece called "The Marriage Pillow". I was thrilled to be able to do this piece as I just love all of her designs.There's something about the colours and the stitch choices that I find so beautiful!
The Marriage Pillow is one of my all time favourite pieces. I love the subject, the colours, the stitches and the design!
By this time I was feeling confident enough to do a piece on my own. I wrote to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Bayeux, France and asked permission to replicate one part of the tapestry. They generously said yes! I used a book and copied the outline of the scene I wanted to replicate. The threads I used I found in France and the stitches were obvious - mainly Bayeux stitch!
Next, my dear friend and tutor, Nicola Jarvis, asked me to work one of her stunning designs for an exhibition. The Acorn was both challenging and rewarding. Since it would be on display, I felt some pressure to do my very best work!
The design and the colours are so warm. I especially like the Turkey work at the top! These four pieces are a real step ahead from the work I'd done previously and show that training does help you improve more quickly. I love the fresh take on crewel work that Nicola's designs offer the needlework world!
What pieces were a "turning point" for you in your crewelwork journey? Are there any designers you particularly love?