BEETLES

I found a little beetle; so that Beetle was his name,
And I called him Alexander and he answered just the same.
I put him in a match-box, and I kept him all the day ...

 

from 'Forgiven' by A.A. Milne.

 

 

Thinking of beetles I remembered A.A. Milne had written a poem about a beetle it was fun looking for it and reading it again brought back many memories.   It is in the book  Now we are six Do you know it? It goes on to say that nanny let the beetle out! Well I am sure my beetles are not going to run away. And in answer to emails about stitching the beetles, they can be found in a book too, Jane Nicholas' book of Beetles. Jane is an Australian tutor who frequently teaches in New Zealand and I have been fortunate some years ago to do some workshops with her, here is a link to Jane's web site she sells kits  for the beetles but you need the book for the instructions. The book is still in print.






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As you can see I love stitching beetles, they really do not take very long and I can come up with a variety depending on the metal threads I have on hand, The coloured metal thread I frequently use is Cadi thread check by Colour Streams, I hope  to add to my collection of threads when I go to Napier next week as J J's stock it in small  packs a short length for $3.00 which allows me to buy several colours at a time.

 

 

The beetle heads are leather, and the lovely raised look is because the bodies are padded with felt first. For silver beetle below, the elytra (covering for the wings)  I have used passing thread to outline, Annette has sent me some of the new DMC memory thread and I am looking forward to using it for this part of the beetle. here I have filled with bright check chips.
 

 

  This beetle has detached wings  the wings and head have been made with layer fabric. Wings like these are another place where I think in future I will be able to use the memory thread and yes it comes in silver and gold as well as a wide range of colours, and these each match a DMC floss which is great for couching.

 

 

,......... and here is my favourite beetle.