Podcasts at the ready, I got stuck into some of the more tedious stitching this week. All the motifs on the medieval tiles piece are outlined and I’m very happy with the alternating light and dark outlines.
The intersections are interesting too.
As is the back, where you can really see the subtle variegation in the threads.
I’ve still not completely settled on what to do for the background of the tiles but I’m inclining towards adding something to the inside of the motifs. Not sure if that is prevarication or not!
I had a couple of offcuts from when I printed the main piece.
I made one into a bookmark for a Christmas present and am turning the second one into another bookmark. This time I whipped the back stitch outline of the motifs and am pleased with the raised effect. It looks almost like I’ve edged them with a very fine cord.
I decided to add the more straightforward highlights to Baby Leaf-Tailed Dragon’s wings while I was still dithering about the circles on his neck.
Emboldened by that success, I started the circles. Not sure the first one is fit to be seen, but the second and third are reasonably presentable.
I’m definitely ready to finish these projects and get on with something different, especially as I unearthed some rusted embroidered fragments the other day that I’d done ages ago with the plan of making an art quilt and posted some on Instagram. They got such a good response I’m tempted to get the quilt underway again…
Under A Topaz Sky 
Podcasts are so good to listen to when doing tedious bits of stitching, it almost gets done without you noticing as you become engrossed in the podcast. Seeding in the motifs?
Smaller and smaller circles going up the neck?
You are so nearly there on both of these projects, just a final push to the finish line.
The rusty pieces are fabulous, I can just feel the soft cotton in my fingers.
I think it will be something simple inside the motifs. The paint is really too thick to stitch through, so I’m thinking some sort of couched central rib.
Whipped back stitch does create a wonderfully corded effect, doesn’t it. I always forget, and have to remind myself I don’t always need to use something complicated!
Yes, sometimes simple is best!
The two coloured outlines really are effective.
Thanks! I’m pleased with them now they’re stitched.