Thursday 25 September 2014

Patterns a' Brewing

I've been working on a couple of new patterns for release next month, one is in the sewing stage aka 'on the frame', of which I'll share a few pics, another is still in the design phase on the mac.  You will all know it's never a quick process!

I've been inspired of late by the intricate beauty of Blackwork.  It gained great popularity in 16th Centry England after the then Queen of England, Catherine of Aragon brought blackwork embroidered garments with her from Spain, the country of her birth. 

Traditionally sewn with black silk on linen or cotton, the stitch used is called 'reverse running stitch' or Holbein stitch after the court painter of the day, Hans Holbein (c.1497-1543).  He painted this 'Spanish Work' as it was often called, in immense detail, it is easy to imagine this cuff in real life:


And so, on to the sneek peek of my next design, 'Old Oktober'...


Partly inspired by illustrated old manuscripts, partly by old samplers, and partly by what I spy on my daily walks in nature.  I've used lush autumnal colours here, burnt orange, (or, as we say here in Scotland, 'Irn-bru' orange, hehe), espresso browns, charcoal greys and tarnished golds.  I'm working on my usual 32 count linen in Antique White by Zweigart and enjoying how it's all coming together.

Here's another pause in the work:

You can see above a tiny piece of blackwork has sneaked in, I'm just using it for variety here and there, it's fun to change it up a bit.

And finally, little sheep has become a pillow! Now hanging up and able to keep watch over the stitching area with ease.

Okay! Just left to say a big THANKYOU to all the lovely ladies who have faved and purchased from the shop, I'm inspired to go on creating and appreciate your custom and interest very much.

5 comments :

  1. Old Oktober looks so pretty, love the floss colours!!
    Nice to meet you!! :)

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    1. Hi Lili, thanks for your comment :-) I've been stitching hard to get this one finished for 'Oktober' ;-) I think the autumn palette is my favourite!

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  2. wanted to take a moment to tell you that I am in love with your fresh designs! Recent;y 'found' you through friend Debra Burger and am so happy that she shared you with us ~
    I have added your blog to mine and hope to get to know you a bit better….
    Blessed be!
    Lori from Notforgotten Farm

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    1. Thankyou Lori! I've had such a lovely warm welcome from the stitching community, I've been taken by surprise :-) I've become aware of your awesome work and the prim style which I love in the past year, I'm really enjoying designing with that aesthetic in mind - it just inspires! Thanks for adding my humble little blog to yours, I am o'erwhelm'd :-)

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  3. Hello Flora,

    thanks so lot for this lovely design! I would like to stitch it immediately...;-)

    Greetings from Germany
    Gabriele

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