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

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Putting Life Into Embroidery

This time of year in the area that I live in, the flowers seem to be the most vibrant. The cool weather drop and the rain showers have brought  relief from the harsh Texas heat and now every thing has life in it.

The Zinnia in my garden are so cheery, that I had to sketch one off and embroider it...............and this plain version is pretty.................

however..................when I see this in nature..............

I see this in my embroidery.  It takes longer...........but it brings that flower to life on my linen. A cluster of french knots in the center, the yellow lazy daisy ring around that and then shading in with hues of pink for the petals, using the long and short stitch.....................that is embroidery to me!
 What do you think?

If you would like to try this............just start out with a small flower..........and then use the long and short stitch to fill in each petal. Make short stitches...............then add long stitches with the darkest shade of thread first............



Then on top of that, add short and long stitches in the lighter shade of floss.  In no time..........you will have petals that are flowing with life from your needle! You can find more information on the long and short stitch on the Internet or in any good embroidery reference book.
****MORE INSTRUCTIONS

But just give it a try................I know you will love it!
Don't you think??

10 comments:

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Absolutely beautiful -- both versions. I love how you are able to take what is right in front of you and translate it to material. That is definitely an art and a gift. Best wishes, Tammy

lil red hen said...

I love it!! Had to show it to Popa this morning! Thanks for giving us a lesson on what are new stitches for me.

Unknown said...

Oh, so beauiful -- I was just remarking that although I love putting out fall mums, some of my summer flowers are still going strong and looking so much better than they did in those hot, hot months.

Blessings!
Gail

GardenOfDaisies said...

So beautiful!! I will have to learn how to do that stitch.

Cindy said...

I just love your long-and-short zinnia! It just brings the flower to life!

I always enjoy seeing your work, Kathleen. It just makes me happy to see those flowers. Thanks, Cindy

Cindy said...

Thanks for checking up on me! I'm doing well and plan on posting tomorrow. Your zinnia is just beautiful!

letslearnembroidery said...

Your long and short stitch is so beautiful, so perfect-Ina (www.letslearnembroidery.blogspot.com)

Pat / Silver Thimble Quilt Co. said...

Amazing, perfect...wonderful.
Pat

Tink's Tinkerings said...

Oh you are Good :) I love th Zinna's you did a beautiful job on the patterns,,maybe you should sell them :)Tink

Anonymous said...

Kathleen, your embroidery is so very inspiring. Love your Zinnia. I'm just having fun viewing some of your delicacies.

Have a delightful day,
Marianne