On an out of town excursion, I noticed a set of machine embroidered towels. They had vegetable motifs on them embroidered in black thread. Only a portion of the vegetable was done in color. So eye catching, that it stuck in my mind throughout the day.
As soon as I returned home, I dug out my patterns and started to work embroidering on this pea design. Letting only the peas be embroidered in pea green, while the rest of the design is embroidered in black. This got me to thinking about what else would be wonderful with this kind of embroidery?
I have always been fond of this butterfly design with a different butterfly for each day of the week.
I decided on Burgundy's and mauve's for this butterfly.
Finishing the butterfly in full color with the surrounding design in black.
I just love the elegant way it looks? Don't you?
Now I have plans on finishing the sets this way. The corn in the vegetable patterns will have only the kernels in yellow,the carrots, only one done in orange, etc, and the rest of the butterflies in other colors like blues, purples, oranges, and yellows.What other designs do you think would look great embroidered this way? I would love to hear.
I LOVE to visit here. First, I see grandma's china cup and then BUTTERFLIES!!! I love the design with color and the surrounding area in black. My grandma had a dresser scarf with the border done in black and the center flowers done in color.
ReplyDeleteyou do such beautiful work!! I really need to drag out my embroidery floss and designs and do something.
ReplyDeleteHello Kathleen,
ReplyDeletebutterfly looks gorgeous and balck color cross stitch adds beauty ..fantastic piece..
if u dont mind can i copy the design.someday i wud like to do this work
It's beautiful! And what a wonderful idea...must share this with my mother who loves to embroider.
ReplyDeleteI do believe you've hit on something! The basic black of the embroider really is stunning and actually makes it more contemporary, yet does not scream MODERN!!! It reminds me of what I love about Toile.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work, as always.
Oh, Kathleen, these are stunning! I do love that effect, of black combined with one other colour, or shades of one colour. I should make a note of that to remind myself to look among my transfers etc. for a suitable design to follow your example.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea - - just a hint of color really catches the eye - you do beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteThey are both so beautiful. I love that butterfly. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSandy
Ahhhhhh! This brings back memories of my mother...Bluebirds/Campfire Girls and the ladies who tried to teach us to embroider.
ReplyDeleteEverything is so lovely!
Oh yes! These are absolutely exquisite! You have the best ideas!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have hit on something so beautiful! Your work is exquisite! I think the patterns with kittens would be pretty in black with color only on their bow. Have a nice day! Twyla
ReplyDeleteYou've gone and done it again!!!! I love that idea of black with a touch of color. I'm gonna try that. Only I am so far behind with everything it may take me a little while to catch up.
ReplyDeleteMy first visit here...lovely work. I'm struggling, after years of no embroidering ~ I'm making 3 soft dolls for my great nieces. The faces of the dolls are embroidered. I'm having a difficult time. I need to do more, that's for sure. Linda in rainy and windy Washington state
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! They both just POP with th little splash of color.
ReplyDeleteKathleen how striking.....your work is beautiful as always...hugs, Linda
ReplyDelete