I am sharing the first stages of a new project, this count thread mat is a companion piece to one I designed for the last Workshop I taught. ( that was way back in 2010)
“ Threads of Monet” named for the lovely hand dyed linen with matching threads that were used had a reticilla design in the centre and was suitable for a needlewoman with some stitching experience. Using the same basic design and changes to the centre design I want to create something a beginner could enjoy stitching.
Here is the original design “ Threads of Monet”
Here is the new start, I am calling this Monet's Flowers. and as we are at present in lockdown again, Fiona and I are stitching this as a SAL and we are both ready to move to the next step. The linen is Belfast 32 count Platinum and the threads Perle 12 & 8. no. 712.
32 count linen is not my preferred linen but I need to see how the thread coverage goes on meanwhile I have started a second one on 40 count Permin Linen linen and just using some threads )Perle12) left over from other projects. The colours are very soft. and not showing up in the photo will try and get a close up next time.
NZ went into lock down as soon as the first community case of the covid Delta variant surfaced in the country, and in the days following the numbers increased but fortunately the outbreak has not been too drastic, I feel for those in Auckland who are still in the strictest lockdown while the rest of the country moved today to level 3. I don't mind Lockdown as it does not make life hard for me, my bubble is Jan and the cats, Jan pops in with my messages and a chat ... I rather like having someone else do my grocery shopping, and the cats like the fact that I am sitting stitching and so my lap is free to be a sleeping spot for them. Yes I do need to make sure I have everything I need at hand before I sit down.
Stitching has included some more small Sylvanian dresses, this set will be put away for Christmas, for a little girl who has three different size animals, and I am working on some more for a different
Sylvanian family, Miss Kitty had to come back for a visit and be a model for the middle size.
I was fortunate to have a trip out last week I had to travel to Hawera, about 20 min drive from here to get my second Covid vaccination jab, Jan drove me down so I was able to enjoy the countryside and the signs of spring, and a slightly longer trip home while she did some contactless deliveries of iPad to some of her school families so the children could do remote learning. Here at home I have spring at my backdoor with this lovely pot of mini daffodils in full bloom.
I hope the sun is shining in your part of the world and you are safe and in good health
