ANOTHER PAGE

Sometimes, simply by sitting, the soul collects wisdom 

- Zen Proverb

Lyn's theme for her book  is "Owls", my research on google images found several photos of a little owl  here a just two of them don't you love the owl with his eyes shut.............................

...................... however I did stitch it with eyes open, 

In answer to questions, yes I stitch the piece first on calico, I use a double layer of fabric to take the weight of all the stitches, trying to lay my stitches just as the feathers would be, so working bottom to the top.A single thread in a very fine crewel needle, lots of small stitches and several shades of  thread. 

Then I cut it out a leaving a small seam allowance, next from the back I cut away the underneath layer of calico as close as I can to the stitching, this takes away some of the bulk.  The seam allowance is turned in and tacked to hold it into place ready to mount it onto the backing fabric, in this case it is count thread linen this is a very tiny piece 5 x 7 cm and I wanted the owl to feature so I did not stitch the branch he was standing on instead I have coloured a small section with a water colour pencil,

    

When stitching him in place, it is easy to hide those stitches among what is already stitched,  finishing touches his claws and the small leaves were added last.

Little owl is much enlarged in this photo however it does give you an idea of the stitching

and as I have just had a phone call from Lyn to say the embroidery has arrived I can now share it on my blog. I have really enjoyed stitching this piece and now its on to the next one