I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Friday, February 22, 2013

Un-embroidered linens, lying underneath and in piles of vintage embroidered linens,

always get the chance to come home with me when I am at a sale. In fact, I look for the vintage stamped linens, that someone started to embroider on years ago............
and for whatever reason, never got to finish. These pieces speak to me and I often wonder about the stitcher............what was she wanting this design to look like when she was finished?.............what colors would she have chosen?
Last week, I came upon one such piece. This piece in the photo above, has the most wonderful design.......with only a little bit of existing embroidery.

And as most of you know.............I usually always remove the previous stitching..................
but not on this one......................

I just felt this stitching needed to remain..............the remnants of someone else's dream and imagination.................with the stitches of my imagination to go along with hers.
Whoever did embroider this, did a very nice job.

As you can see, only the black trellis was stitched on this design.

So with the black as my background to build upon, I chose the larger flower to work with first.
As you can see, there are only 7 spaces for french knots in the center.............

I always like to start embroidery in the center of a flower................how about you?
As many of you know..............I never stick to the original design,..........I added a few more french knots..............in a light shade of yellow,
 

and the "painter" side of me added a darker shade of yellow french knots for a more "real " effect.

I used a few shades of pink................and the flower.................
bloomed!

I love lazy daisy designs, but once again..................I have to breathe some life into the design,

(click onto photo for a better view)
by adding a lot of lazy daisy stitches...........and a lot more french knots in different colors.

Once again, the same lovely design .............

once again, more stitches than what the pattern calls for and more shades of color.

(click onto photo for a better view)
Here is one bottom end finished! I love the subtle shades of the flowers and the blues of the french knots...........don't you? I have the other end to finish and then I will embroider the clusters of flowers that run along the sides.
The black trellis looks perfect for the flowers..............I'm glad I let it remain.
What would the one who previously stitched this think, I wonder??
Now it's your turn!
Go out and find some un-embroidered piece and let your imagination lead your needle to breathe life into the embroidery!
If you do, I want to see and hear all about it!
 


23 comments:

Celestina Marie said...

You gave this wonderful treasure new life with your finish of the stitching. I would have left the trellis too. They did do a very neat job on it and mixed with your work it truly is precious.
I also love to work stamped cross stitch and have many I need to complete at the moment. And I also love to add my own additions and extras. This is truly lovely.
Thank you for sharing.

Also thank you for stopping by and your kind comment. It is always a joy to see you. Love your springy blog header.
Have a nice weekend. We are hoping for some warm temps this weekend. It is trying today.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Paula said...

This brought a tear to my eye, Kathleen... for whatever reason, it was never finished~ but you gave this old piece of fabric a beautiful new face lift that it will wear forever!

Lady Linda said...

Love your blog ! I love to embroider but am pretty basic! You have inspired me! I really like the filled in look.
I'm going to look at more of your blog!

Nicola said...

Your never cease to amaze me with your needle. Beautiful story and beautiful stitching.

Preeti said...

Your flowers look lovely and you have done a great job and total justice to finish this piece of art! :) I usually embroider from centre for cross stitch and if the design is symmetrical on either sides in case of free hand embroidery.

Nancy said...

I also look for stamped linens at sales. Thank you for sharing your ideas. They have inspired me! Your embroidery is lovely.

Betty Lou said...

Your piece is lovely and so much more than it's originator could imagine. I like that you left her work in the piece.

Bel said...

Como é bom bordar. Eu gosto muito. E encontrar um tecido com o risco, é bom demais. Parabéns amiga! Adorei o seu bordado.
Bjs,
Bel

Amy said...

I have 2 that were in my Mothers things when she passed away that were just started.I remember them from when I was little.I plan to do them in honor of her.She never did do to much needlework.I am obsessed with it,lol! Your blog is wonderful, I will add it to my blog list.

lil red hen said...

Oh how I wish I was just half as talented as you, Kathleen! I tried to do like I thought you would on the scarf I'm working on -- three shades of pink on the flowers--but I would never have thought to add the extra lazy daisy stitches! SO pretty!

I'd love to find some unfinished works!

Anita said...

You sure made that piece of material come to life. I often wonder why people had given up on a piece of work that is almost finished.
Cheers, Anita.

janice15 said...

Very nice, I love the more that you added it surely made it come alive...the flowers are lovely..Happy weekend with love Janice

Cindy said...

Such a beautiful piece! I love the colors you chose and also that you left the little bit of original stitching.

Willnnabel said...

Hello, came across your blog on the Etsy Cottage Style tour. Love hand embroidery. I also enjoyed the tour of your creative space. I see you have a lovely older home. Love your pieces, so pretty.

Hill Top Post said...

I am sure whoever started this piece would be pleased that you finished it so beautifully; so nice that you left the original stitches in the trellis.

Marianne C. said...

Kathleen, I am so glad that you left the original stitching, because like you, there was something there that made me think of the original embroiderer...what her ideas were for the piece, and why she stopped. Such a sweet design, and I love how you embellish - a few more french knots here, more shading there - just lovely.

Thank you for visiting my site. I hope you continue to enjoy the antics of those sassy but good heart-ed gals.

Blessings for more great finds to bring to life,

Marianne xox

Jocelyn said...

Completely gorgeous! I think it's wonderful that you will finish the piece for the first owner.

Just a quick question: What will you do with it? It looks like there's not much hem there.

Zova couture said...

so pretty...u have given a rebirth to that original pattern..enjoyed the tour of ur studio..

Mini said...

I love the colours you've chosen for the flowers, however this time I can say that the leaves are really what appeal to me the most. Totally loved the different shades of green & the extra stitches added.

Cheers,
Mini

A Colorful World said...

That's so gorgeous, Kathleen. I just love the way you finished this piece!

A Colorful World said...

Thank you SO much for your comment on my piece-fulness blog!

GardenOfDaisies said...

So glad that you were the one to have found these, to breathe new life into them. :-)

Gina E. said...

Oh Kathleen, if you could see the piles of unfinished stamped linens we have at our Guild rooms. We get hundreds of donations from deceased estates or elderly ladies who have had to go into care and are unable to continue with their embroidery. There are cupboards full of it. I used to buy a lot but ended up giving most of it away as you know! Did you ever finish the linens I sent you?