I am so pleased with myself for having finished this beautiful Teresa Gil Queen design in only 7 months. It is a complex design but very forgiving of small mistakes and changes. Once I started I just wanted to keep going and watch the stunning Coronation dress grow under my fingers. Once started it is not difficult to stitch.
For the neck line and sleeves I couldn't get the 5 strands of white twisted to my satisfaction so I used the 'whisper' thread instead.
The wattle representing Australia should have been French knots but I used wattle coloured beads as French knots for some reason are beyond my skill level. I loved all the beading involved though it doesn't show up well in the photos. I think I have proved this design works well on 14 ct Aida cloth.
Before framing I nervously washed my masterpiece, just a swish around in tepid water and a bit of NapiSan then a quick spin rolled in a towel in the washing machine.
Hanging in the sun room to dry before framing. Still not really happy with my framing as I think this sampler needs expert framing. I am saving up. I meant to show the back of my work, maybe next time as it is nothing to be ashamed of.
I never take my cross stitch to my craft group, too hard to concentrate with all the laughter and cups of tea slopping around. J, one of our members grew up in a country that concentrated on hard work and education and didn't learn to knit and sew when young. J is now very proud of her knitted bed socks which we all helped with. I did some casting off and sewing up. Hope your feet are now warm in bed J.
A family get together for a family birthday. ( not mine) and the men of the family admire the view while daughter S and I slave in the kitchen. They won't turn around as they don't want to be on my blog.
From LtoR grandson T, son D, MrL, R the father of the 2 grandsons and grandson A.
Caught you grandson A, you couldn't resist turning around. A will be 17 in August.
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Congratulations on yet another FF (fabulous finish)! I am seeing the advantage of living alone and being able to stitch for hours on end without interruption. I seem to run around like a headless chook all day, then when I finally have some time to stitch, I go online instead, and then it's too late to start stitching..
ReplyDeleteAren't men funny about not wanting to appear on our blogs? Ken was like that in the beginning but has got used to being photographed for blog purposes now, lol!
Congratulations! Such beautiful work. You should be very pleased with yourself but you are probably a little sad that it is finished. What is the next challenge?
ReplyDeleteLovely family photo even if only the back view. Not sure I believe the 'slaving in the kitchen' bit. Possibly gossiping in the kitchen. Still looking for a cinema showing your film.
Wow - that cross stitch was a lot of work - good job! Yup. Men out playing while the women are slaving in the kitchen. It's a sad, age old story. LOL!
ReplyDeletexo Catherine
My goodness, what a wonderful stitching work ! I really admire your patience ! Could never do that !
ReplyDeleteInstead of showing their backs, they also should slave in the kitchen ! Where are the equal rights ? :) !
Her Majesty is stunning! Definitely worth saving up to get that beauty framed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous view!
Absolutely stunning:) You should be so proud of yourself. I don't think I could have stuck to it for 7 months and finished.
ReplyDeleteFantastic stitching, well done. It looks beautiful and such lovely detail.
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