Couching & Laid Work - Couched Cord

For my Couching & Laid Work back up pieces, I needed one showing simple couched cord as a decoration.  I decided to make a cover for my Kindle Paperwhite for less obtrusive use at events.

First, I obtained a cover to fit my Paperwhite, with space for the cover to be folded over.


I chose a design from La fleur de la science de pour traiture et patrons de broderie façons aralïque et ytalique par Fr. Pelegrin, de Florence, which can be found here. Published in 1530. I chose the "bones" of the design found at 22r. Four of the motifs fit the middle of my cover well.

Next up to was to obtain materials.  I found a lovely piece of brown linen, then a trip to my local needlework store yielded tapestry weight wool for the cord and silk for couching down. I selected "my colors" of blue and gold.

Construction started with cutting a piece of the linen larger than the open cover.   I hemmed the piece of linen and assembled folded in for the book cover.  I did this to ensure that the embroidery will be  centered properly on the cover.

Here the Kindle is in the cover.  I would have preferred a larger turn over, but the way the Kindle fits in the cover precluded that.  Once the cover is done I will lace it in place to keep it better anchored.





Next, I pinned the design, which I had traced, onto the cover.

Unfortunately, the brown  linen is too opaque to use the light box.  Therefore, I had to choose another transfer method.  Since I have no "pounce" on hand, I chose the stitching method.  I carefully stitched through the paper, following the lines of the design, using a simple back stitch.  I used yellow for the places I intended to couch down yellow wool, and blue for the blue -- figuring that in this way I would limit the amount of the stitched guide lines that would need to be removed later.  Then, I carefully tore away the paper.  A thinner tracing paper would have made this easier, but with careful, steady work, it all came off without distorting the stitching. 

There we are, all outlined and ready to go.  Kind of pretty that way, too, really like this design.  Yes, those are my glasses.  I often do fine work without my glasses on -- my nearsightedness means that very close work is easy for me without correction. 

Next, it was time to start laying cord.  I started with the larger section of the blue.  For that section only I pinned the "cord" in place (though as I worked I adjusted the laid cord to more carefully follow the guide lines. 

First round down.  Since the subsequent cords would need to be "woven" through for the over/under, I carefully couched on either side of the guide lines.  Now, I was sure I had taken pictures of the next phase, but apparently I did not.  I took a large tapestry needle and loosely wove the inner blue cord, then couched it down.  Next I did each of the yellow ones. 

Blue done, starting on yellow.

All done the basic couching

Having finished the basic couching, I removed the guide lines that were showing, to have a cleaner look.  At this point, the only couching is to anchor the loops and one either side of each cross. After removing the guide lines, I went through and placed additional couching. 

And, there it is, all done -- on the cover.  My plan is now to do an applique on the back -- with couched cord around the edges. Once the linen cover is done and laced into place, I may couch cord around all the edges, but that will be addressed once the back is done. 

Close up of one quadrant

Marshall Hanging Update

Saturday I was at an event and took my Bayeux Tapestry inspired piece -- the one I call the "Marshall Hanging"

I got some more done on the figure representing my husband.  That figure, especially the top of it, is proving to be the hardest to do.  Not for any problem with the design, but for the location. It is *just* in the middle of the frame -- and *just* far enough from all edges to make it difficult to reach. I can work on only a little of it at a time.

Photo by Lissa Underhill

Having done a little of that work, I moved to the second cat figure.  Since I am often asked, I tracked the time it took to do the outline.  This outline took one hour and twenty seven minutes.  Now, I was chatting often while working on it, working at home with less distractions will go faster.

I very much enjoyed the day, sharing my work, learning about that of others, and spending time in the "modern middle ages."  Now it is time to get my planned downstairs work space set up so I can really motor through the rest of this piece.


This week I'll be working on embroidery, working on research, and preparing materials for teaching embroidery at a demo this coming Sunday.  On to 'all the thread, all the time.'

Progress!

While I'm working on my designs and schedule for the projects for my expert panel in September, I returned to a project that I really wanted to complete well before this -- and certainly before the "all couching all the time"  -- the sample for my German Brick Stitch class.

Here is a picture of the completed embroidery.

Because I made the mistake of working it all the way to the frame, the edges aren't quite neat enough, but I'll fix that once it's off the frame and I can get at the holes.  Then I'll trim the edges and do a lining.  The line where the design changes will be the bottom, and the top and bottom will be the opening at the top of the bag.  I'll attach lining pieces to the two ends then sew the lining seams (side and bottom).  The bag I'll fold wrong sides facing and fold in the side seams and over stitch - first with some linen, and then with one of the silks for a decorative edge.  That will prevent the need to turn it after stitching which can put extra stress on those seams.  The lining bag will tuck in, and then a drawstring will go in at the top.  Photos of the finishing will be a future blog.

Overall I'm happy with the piece as a teaching piece.  I would normally do all one design, but I wanted the teaching piece to have an easier and a more difficult counting design offered.

Now, on to preparing for next weekend's event, where I will be working on the Marshall hanging and enjoying time with other fiber arts folks.

Expert Panel announcment

It is official.  I will be making my Expert panel in Couching and Laid work presentation to Athena's Thimble (SCA East Kingdom embroidery guild) on September 24, 2016.  From now until then, all embroidery will be focused on that project.

The planned items will be:

• A Simple couched cord design
• A banner with cord couched around the applique.
• A piece based on the Italian pieces I talked about here.
• The Pelican medallions I did for a friends cloak, discussed here.
• A piece based on an Icelandic altar frontal (not yet blogged)
• A piece of underside couching.
• And, for the "master work" the Marshall hanging, based on the Bayeux tapestry, which has been discussed on several posts.

There are a couple of other items I'm considering as small example pieces -- samplers and "learning example" items.  There will also be a presentation of information on existing pieces used as the inspirations and the form in general.  

So, it's just about exactly 4 months.  There will be plenty of progress posts during that time!

To close, I'll leave you with a shot of one of the animals from the Marshall.

And sometimes you punt.

Once in a while, a project sits in my head, gets as far as planning, and then dies.  That is the fate of the banner I talked a little bit about in this post.  In this case, it's not so much that I don't love the source material, and I still want to do a piece based on those Egyptian appliques, but I came to the conclusion that by adding the couched cord around the edges I was "shoehorning" the piece into what it isn't.  

There may yet be an applique banner, but if there is, it will be a bit different.  

And, yes, that's the whole post today.  I've had my focus so tightly on the run up to teaching, that I've temporarily drained my thought processes.  Time for some research, thinking, and planning.  

The Academy of St. Clare - Event "report"

This weekend just past I attended and taught at The Academy of St. Clare, Stitches in Time in the Shire of Abhiann Ciach Ghalis, part of the Kingdom of Aethelmearc (or, in the modern world, Milmont, Pennsylvania).

The event was held at a lovely boy scout camp, with quite comfy cots in a cabin and a large dining hall/general building for most of the meetings and classes.  Sadly, as too often happens, my camera did not come out of my basket, so my words will have to do.

I arrived Friday night (a little later than originally expected, due to some modern world issues) to a warm welcome.  The evening's activity was slated to be a round table on tools and suppliers for needlework.  The time I spent in the general room conversation was more general, which was not a bad thing.  Then I retired to the sleeping area I was to be in to catch up with friends.

Saturday morning we all got up bright and early and readied ourselves for a day of learning and sharing.  The main building for meals, meetings and classes was not far, and before long we were all assembled for breakfast and a keynote talk on the topic "Common Ground."  Duchess Meriwen uerch Owein entertained and us and gave us a lot to think about on the whys and wherefores of embroidery through history.

Having had our bodies and minds fed, it was time for the morning classes.  I attended the first part of the class "From Picture to Pattern" then wandered over to listen to the end of the class on the Oxburgh Hangings.  Both very interesting classes.  Though neither class was completely new material to me, I find that attending classes on "known" subjects often brings a nugget of new to add to my own thoughts and knowledge. Two other classes were in the morning session, "Tools and Supplies for the Beginning Embroiderer" and "Handsewn Applique: A Hands on Practical Approach."

After the morning classes there was time to look at the items that had been brought for the embroidery display -- and to fondle silk for sale.  I successfully admired others' work, and avoided the siren call of the silk.

Lunch was a lovely array of food and time to chat and share what we had learned so far.  Then it was time to clear up and prepare ourselves for the afternoon classes.  This was the unique part of the event.  Instead of the usual 1 hour "try it" type of class usual for SCA events, these were three hour full project classes.  My only regret is that since I was *teaching* one, I couldn't *take* one. There were four classes: 16th Century White Work, Embroidered Hoods, Pleatwork Embroidered Apron, and the one I was offering, German Brick Stitch. I probably would have been hard pressed to pick just one of the other three if I had not been teaching!

I had three students. At first I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to fill three hours.  When I "practiced" the class in my head a bit, I had thought about setting a schedule along the lines of "for the first X minutes we'll work on this, then I'll move them to that...." but it did not work that way.  As I have for the two times I taught the smaller class, I started by showing how I had set up the canvas (done for them in the interest of saving stitching time), then had them start with the very middle bit of the design.  While they worked I talked about the design, about how I worked it, and about the second design in the kit.  Then, I mostly sat back and let them stitch, answering questions and helping as needed.  The best part of the three hour format for this particular project is that it gives time for a goodly chunk of the work to be done. Even the slowest stitcher had one diamond complete, and the fastest of the three had most of her first framework done by the end of the day.  I did fill in some of the silence by talking also about the uses of brick stitch.

One of the kits all lined up to be constructed

Finally, after the afternoon classes were done everyone gathered back in the main building (at least one of the classes was in another building) for more display viewing, shopping and socializing over tea.

Supper was a lovely meal of foods not unfamiliar to the modern palate, but also period -- a great balance.

After supper we gathered our things and returned to the sleeping cabin which has a meeting room attached to it where more round table discussions took place. Many ideas were shared, and one thing was said which has added another project to the array I'm working on for my supporting pieces for my expert panel.  Finally, eyes no longer able to stay open I headed for my comfy cot and got a good night's sleep.

Sunday morning they weren't done with us -- providing breakfast and two talks on documentation and research, leaving lots of information and thoughts to swirl in my head as I drove home.

Teaching .. and an update

First, about the teaching

For the past two weekends I have had the opportunity to teach about German Brick Stitch.  This was the "shorter, one hour, small motif" version of the class I am working on for March (at this event).

The models for the one hour one motif class.

First, was in Delaware.  I had a total of 10 students (it's a good thing I always bring a few extras of materials!).  Walking in skill level ranged from complete novice to very experienced in other counted forms.  I believe the students enjoyed the class and walked away interested in the form.  I did give myself a few "notes" -- things to work on or change, and I made a couple of changes to the handout as a result.

Then, just this past weekend I taught again in Massachusetts. This time I had 12 students (I think, that number is based on the the fact that I walked in with 13 hand outs and out with 1).  Again, I think the students enjoyed it. In fact, I know one did, as she has posted that she now wants to German Brick Stitch all the things. Here is a picture of her completed piece:

Completed class project by Susan Young

I have again walked away with some thoughts and changes to make.  I plan to make those changes to the handout for the one hour class and then adjust it so that it can be put on the web as a self directed project. 

For those who want more information on German Brick Stitch, I recommend the website of Master Richard Wymarc. I provided copies of one of his pages with the class, and the chart for this motif comes from his materials.  Such a lucky man to have been able to spend so much time studying the pieces at the V&A.  I hope that my students visit his site and continue to grow in the form.

Now, for the update. Do you remember this post about the Pel/Laurel medallion I did for a coronation cloak?  That would be this one:

Well, the event in Delaware was a royal progress, and I was amazed to hear my own name called out to approach Her Majesty of the East.  Her Majesty of Meridies had arranged for my Queen to be her hands to present me with the Meridian Majesty, name me an Embroiderer to her Court and present me with her token.  I was very lucky no one approached me with a feather, because I would have been on the ground.  I remain touched and honored.  During the week that followed a video was posted of my Laurel and my apprentice sister receiving the same award and honors for that cloak, at, we believe, about the same time. 

Now, on to finish writing the longer Brick Stitch class, and more work on Couching and Laid work pieces!  If you took either class, I'd love to receive photos of your completed project -- I'll be setting up a "classes" page and will include them there.  

Joy also in the simple

While I work on the early stages of a couple of projects (research, design, material selection), I am also working on some clothing to be worn to SCA events -- known as garb.

My husband, for instance, is in desperate need of a new shirt and a tunic that is not "kitchen grub wear."

Wednesday and this weekend I started on the shirt.  Since I use pretty much the same pattern for both the shirt and the tunic (with the tunic just a little larger to allow for being over the shirt), this allows me to confirm my latest measurements and iteration of the pattern.

My basic tunic pattern, based on one found on the 'net a number of years ago.

And the cutting layout for 60" fabric.
A = shoulder to shoulder (use the larger, front or back)
B = 1/2 arm hole opening circumference
C = 1/2 underarm measurement
D = length of sleeve
E = circumference of fist
Gore length is A-B, not A-D as in the picture
Remember to add ease and seam allowances

I was lucky enough to find that some of that white linen (you remember the pile of white linen, right), was actually *washed* white linen, so I was able to press that and get right to work.  I cut out the nine pieces a shirt/tunic takes -- four sleeve pieces, four gore pieces and the main body piece.  That took longer than maybe it should, because I cut the big pieces by pulling a thread and cutting in the channel caused.  It's time consuming, but it does mean that the straight edges are straight.

I then cut out the four sleeve pieces using a pattern piece I drafted from the measurements I had.  The gores were last.  I cut a piece the right length for two gore lengths, then measured the top measurement required on each end, drew a diagonal and cut. I also rounded off the extra corner on that gore triangle.

Having ironed the pieces again (it's linen, it gets ironed often during construction), I sewed the sleeves to the gores and the top seam on the sleeves.  Those seams I did on my machine.  After pressing open the seams, and folding them in, however, I did the finishing by hand with linen thread.

I also prepared the neck opening.  This is MUCH easier when the main body piece is all one long piece.  I folded it in half at the eventual shoulder line, then in half long way.  I ironed those folds very well (though only a few inches down on the long fold), thus marking the center.  I took a circle of paper the correct size, folded it quarters to find the center, then also in thirds.  I placed the circle, lining the folds up with the folds on the linen, using one of the thirds fold lines so that the circle sat 1/3 to the back and 2/3 to the front.  Drew around my pattern and carefully cut out the circle.  That opening I finished by roll hemming. The tunic neckline will be treated a little differently.

Shirt or shift neckline cutting.
The green would be the fashion fabric and the white circle is the cutting guide piece.
A slit could be added down the front, but I usually keep the shirts and shifts round. 

The final step I've taken so far is to pin the sleeve/gore pieces to the main body piece, lining up the sleeve seams with the center shoulder seam on each side.

That's where it stands now.  I'll report again when the shirt is done.

Warm hands...

Fingerless mitts will save my life.  My office is cold -- I sit on the lower level of the building, on a slab, with a poorly insulated door to the outside behind me.  I have a space heater which keeps my feet nice and warm, but my wrists and hands still get cold, particularly when I have a big dictation or other work to type.

So, I make fingerless mitts.  My newest pair are the Salto Mitts,  I purchased a kit from Craftsy which included the pattern and a hank of the Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend, I did run out of yarn just as I was binding off on the second glove, with that bind off and the thumb to go.  I sent an email to Craftsy, hoping for ideas of how to finish my project -- and they sent me a second hank.  Being a different dye lot, the color was *a little* different, but not so much as to bother me.  I plan to use the rest of the hank (most of it) to do a charity item -- a premie hat or something of the sort.

Meanwhile, here are some pictures.  No more cold hands.

 The lacy band runs up the back, but stops so the palms are solid

 They cover a goodly part of my fingers, but do not have dividers between fingers (which makes them fingerless "mitts" rather than fingerless "gloves"), so I have full range of motion

And they well cover my bothersome thumb joints.

Another look back - It's not just embroidery...

Since I am right now in the boring "research" phase on two projects (for one the design has gone to the person who requested the project, for the other I have another week or so to finalize my design), I don't have much to talk about... so it's time for another look back.

Starting in December 2008, I knit a silk bag based on several existing ones from the 14th Century. (A project diary and link to the documentation are here.)

The inspiration for the project were several bags housed in Sion and Chur.  They are described in two books: Richard Rutt's A History of Hand Knitting, and Brigitta Schmedding's Mittelalterliche Textilien in Kirchen und Klöstern der Schweiz : Katalog, (no, I don't read German, I managed a general idea of what was said in that book about the bags by use of Google Translate, and numerous posts by other knitters).  I developed a design to incorporate acorns (an element of my household's badge).  The thread is Rainbow's Elegance (perle 8 silk) and it was knit with 5-0 needles. 

This was a fun project, though I'm not sure I'll do something quite this fine gauge again.  On the other hand, there's a knitted tube of unknown purpose pictured in Tissus D'Egypte that has called to me on more than one occasion.  I have a chart, and even yarns ... just need some time to work on my color work.... 

Meanwhile, some more photos of the relic bag:

A couple of "done" knitting pieces

Quite a while ago (about 2 years ago), My husband and I were walking through one of the big box stores and saw that they had some Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool on a very good sale -- the big 4 oz skeins for $5.00.  The dark brown and the natural drew him over to the display, and I agreed to buy some and make him something.

After several enjoyable sessions browsing patterns on Ravelry, we agreed on this vest.  I finished up the project I was working on at the time (I try to have only one knitting project going at a time), and cast on in May 2014.

Now, knitting keeps getting put down.  It is my "between" project, my "clear my mind when embroidery has filled it up too much" work.  So, it took quite a while to finish.  I bought buttons for it at Rhinebeck 2014 and continued to work on it sporadically.

I finally finished the knitting while we were on vacation in May, and quickly made up a pair of these fingerless gloves to go with the vest.  Then both projects sat in my project bag most of the summer (while I worked on something else, but that's another post).  The week before Rhinebeck, I finally pulled out the vest, did all the weaving in, blocked it and added the buttons.  He proudly wore both the vest and the fingerless gloves to Rhinebeck this year.

 This was my first truly sized piece.  I've done socks, but didn't really follow different directions for size on those.  I'm pretty happy with the final result.  Don't know that I'll be doing a lot of constructed garments -- I like doing shawls and scarves and fingerless gloves -- but I'm glad to know I was able to suss out the instructions for shaping and making it up.

C&L - Couched Cord on Applique

One of the simplest uses of Laid and Couched work is to place a cord or decorative braid around the edges of appliqued work.  Sometimes the cord contrasts with the motifs, as in this late 15th to early 16th century fragment from Egypt and this earlier one, and sometimes the cord blends in with the ground fabric, making the applied motif stand out, as in this Spanish banner from the very end of SCA period.  Sometimes the couched cord is metal thread and in a few examples it is leather strips with gilt, such as in The Tristan hanging (Hanging) | V&A Search the Collections

This Cushion cover includes both metal couched metal thread and couched non-metal cord, as well as some couched cord used within the applied motifs, as can be seen in this close up.

One of the pieces I will be making for my Expert panel in Couching & Laid* work will be such a piece.  It doesn't need to be a large piece, it's one of the "backup" pieces which will, together, show my ability in all aspects of C&L.

I plan to do a cushion cover, though not a long one.  I will make a cushion to fit one of the chairs my husband and I typically take to SCA events which will make it more comfortable (yes, I will be sitting on it, presumably my stitches will be good enough that it will handle it).  I am considering either straight up my arms, or a design of an oak tree with one or more squirrels under it, possibly holding needles as in my arms. I'm kind of leaning towards a nice stylized oak tree with a squirrel.

Since this project is for me and not a surprise, it is one I can discuss the process of on this blog, so there will be updates as I work.

And that's it for this week's Monday post.  Have a great week everyone. Tomorrow I get to show off some of my modern knitting that has been recently completed.


*Couching & Laid work is the category title in Athena's Thimble.

Oh, look Thursday

Actually, since I'm off tomorrow, it's like Friday!  Anyway, here's my weekly status update:

Last night was A&S night, though I indulged myself in a modern arts week.  Finally did the weaving in of ends on a vest I made for my husband, and worked some on my Bay of Fundy scarf (the one I swatched earlier this week).  I'm definitely happy with the needle size on that.

So, here's this week's status of projects in progress and "on deck":

Current project list/status (SCA/Historic):

• Medallion for a coronation mantle -- By all reports, and the photos I've seen it was a lovely coronation.  The medallion is blogged here.  I think it's time to make this blog's first "Page" which will host the DONE items. 
• Motifs for coronation cloaks (different coronation) -- The two that are done were blogged about here.  I've started the outlining for the next one.  I do want to get these done sooner rather than later....
• Marshall Hanging -- the very large Bayeux inspired piece that I've been working on (on and

  

  
  

  off) for just about forever.  Deadline, June some time summer 2016. I took this with me on my beach weekend, and got some good work in on the hardest spot, the top of the figure representing my husband.  This has sparked some wondering about just how the Bayeux was done -- on a slate frame that middle is just a couple inches out of easy reach. 

• Hem stitched square -- Now 3 sides are done and the third one started.  Currently my travel piece.  With no deadline, and just for me just for fun, I'm ok with slow progress on this one.

• Additional couching & laid work pieces. The June 2016 deadline is for a very special presentation to the East Kingdom embroidery guild, Keepers of Athena's Thimble.  In addition to the master work of the Marshall Hanging, I need supporting pieces in other forms of laid and couched work.  There will be posts as these are done. Some research and Pinteresting have been done.  One of the pieces has been determined in plan, but won't be presented until February so no posts.  I promise, that's the last "it's secret, no posts until given" item for a while.

Current project list/status (Modern): (oh, look, no progress here.... working on a deadline will do that).

• Knitted vest for Joe.  Knitting is done.  Ends have been woven in.  Tomorrow night I'll block and add the buttons.  He will have it for Rhinebeck! Yay. 

• Skirts for work.  One skirt that had been languishing in my studio has had some work done, and now just needs a hem.  I also have some lovely blue and white fabric waiting to be the next skirt. 

• Bay of Fundy Scarf.  Cast on.  Hated result, swatched (see Tuesday's post), cast on again.  I've done the first repeat of the pattern and I'm much happier.  This will proceed. 
• Knitted Salto fingerless gloves from Craftsy kit using Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend.  I'm so close to done on this one.  It was a lovely kit, which unfortunately didn't have enough of the yarn.  I got another skein and have to wind it off and finish. 
• Studio project. Yes, the studio is in good shape, but I do still have that wall of desk and closets to finish organizing.  I want to sort/organize and inventory embroidery threads, clean out the other crafts materials, get the knitting tools organized and my new computer set up on the desk.  

Pel/Laurel Medallion for a coronation cloak

Diary of a piece

It all started with an email. My Laurel* who now lives in Tennessee emailed to the East Kingdom embroidery guild looking for people to help with a project for a former Easterner who had just become Princess -- motifs for coronation garb.  Naturally, I said I'd help.  As often happens, the response was 'well, actually....'  and the next thing I knew I was on deck to make one of the medallions to go on her cloak -- a pelican in her piety surrounded by a laurel leaf (Her Majesty is a member of both high orders).  The cloak was worn this past weekend at her Coronation, so this post may now go out.  It's long, being a day to day log of my work on the stitching.

But first, here is the finished piece

 and here it is having been mounted

The one on the other side was done by my apprentice sister, Valerie Renfro.  Her Majesty has reported liking them, and I am pleased as anything to have been able to participate in this project.

More-or-less daily log
(these posts were written on or near their dates).

As I was beginning this project, there was a discussion of "how long" embroidery projects take.   Thus, this post was born.  It's a long one, settle in.  I worked on it daily, recording that day's progress, and thoughts on the project.

7/25/15 Trip to Fireside to select colors (1st trip).  The green is very close to one of the natural dye greens I used on Asa's cloak.  The three beige/grays for the Pelican.  That peachy pink for the beak, but I'm thinking something else will be better, have to look.  The silver braid for the front of the nest, with the brown for the inside.  Thinking there will be some color changes before we're through.

7/12/15  Silk and backing fabric pressed, design transferred (two medallions, I'm stitching one), mount on stretcher bars, first stitches.  Discover the lack of contrast in the white/grays. 1 hour. This photo is of the fabric with the design transferred -- this is the one going to another person to do.  Running total 1 hour

7/13/15  First few leaves, begin pelican. 2 hours.  Failed to take pictures of today's work. Running total 3 hours.

7/14/15

7/14/15  Search stash for another grey (10 minutes), test that grey, first stitches of the darker gray. Put in brain to check if the darker gray feathers will need to have some outlining/definition (25 minutes)  Will the now middle grey work for that?  (Evening) More of the darker gray (30 minutes). Running total 4 hours 5 minutes

7/15/15

7/15/15  A few minutes stitching between arriving at work and going in to the office (12 minutes); a few more while waiting in the doctor's office (40 minutes) Running total 4 hours 45 minutes

7/16/15

7/16/15 A nice evening stitch time. A little more of those top feathers and started the long tail feather. As I work on the darker gray feathers, I find myself leaning more towards wanting to put some definition in, but I will wait until it is done and I see how it all looks together. (1 hour 20 minutes) Running total 6 hours 5 minutes.

7/17/15

7/17/15 A little bit of stitching over lunch (15 minutes), then a nice stitching session in the evening (2.5 hours).  Tail coming along nicely and should be done with one more good session. As I work, I find I'm getting better at changing the individual feathers enough that they look different. Running total 8 hours 50 minutes. 

7/18/15

7/18/15 Back to Fireside for more of that dark gray, and some black (how can I be out of black!?)  Got a better color for the beaks too. About an hour total stitching this day. Finished the grey feathers. While at Fireside, I got a darker grey yet to add some definition to the feathers with a little top stitching. (2 hours) Running total 10 hours 50 minutes.

7/19/15

7/19/15 Two times of stitching today, total stitching today 2 hours 15 minutes. Body of the Pelican well along. There's that little middle section of feather that I'm still mulling. Running total 13 hours 5 minutes.

7/20/15 Just one hour, and no photo.  Not much more to say each day other than stitching along.  And, of course the embarrassing fact that I changed the direction I originally meant to go on the one section.  Running total 14 hours 5 minutes.

7/21/15

7/21/15  2 hours stitching. Body and contrast middle done, testing of the highlighting for the feathers. Photo shows yesterday's progress as well as today.  Running total 16 hours 5 minutes

7/22/15

7/22/15  2 hours stitching. Babies done, including their beaks. Before the beaks were added, they looked like blobs, but now they're little baby birds. Running total 18 hours 5 minutes.


7/23/15 No stitching.

7/24/15

7/24/15 2 hours stitching (this seems to be developing into my pattern). Main beak done, detail on all the dark gray tail feathers done.  I think I see a whole blog post in the way that worked.  The darkest gray I used does not contrast that much with the gray of the feathers, but it gives the visual cues needed to see it as individual feathers rather than just a big blob of grey.  Running total 20 hours 5 minutes

7/25/15

7/25/15 Two one hour sessions.  On to the leaves while we work out the final decisions about the nest.
Running total 22 hours 5 minutes

7/26/15

7/26/15 One hour 20 minutes. More leaves.  Discussion is on going about the browns for the nest.  So close. Running total 23 hours 25 minutes.

7/27/15  No stitching this day.

7/28/15 Two hours stitching -- more leaves.  No photo. Running total 25 hours 25 minutes

7/29/15 One hour -- yet more leaves, very close to half done the wreath.  Running total 26 hours, 25 minutes.

7/30/15 One hour, more leaves, no picture.  Yup, reached the repetitive part. Running total 27 hours 25 minutes

7/31/15 One hour 30 minutes.  The wreath is half done.  Here's a picture!  Also, today purchased what I hope is the last color of thread.  Running total 28 hours 55 minutes

7/31/15

8/1/15 Only about 30 minutes today, tied up with a bunch of other stuff and when I had stitching time I kind of crashed.  No photo.  Running total 29 hours 25 minutes. A couple good sessions and the wreath will be done. 

8/2/15 2 hour 20 minutes. Getting very close.  No photo again. Running total 31 hours 45 minutes.

8/3/15

8/3/15 30 minutes.  Just a tiny bit of the wreath to finish.  Running total 32 hours 15 minutes

8/4/15 No stitching

8/5/15

8/5/15 1 hour 30 minutes.  Wreath done, darker portion of the nest begun. Got out beads today.   Running total 33 hours 45 minutes.

8/6/15

8/6/15 1 hour 40 minutes.  Inside of nest done, bead blood drops done.  At first I stitched the beads on with the light grey and kind of randomly -- that was totally wrong, so I carefully removed them and put them on in more ordered rows with the dark brown. Blood drops indeed. Now I just need the thread I ordered for the outside of the nest. Running total 35 hours  25 minutes.

8/7-29 Waiting for the missing thread.  Got some on 8/15, but was working on another project with an earlier deadline.

8/30.  FINISHED.  4 hours 4 minutes.  Makes the total 39 hours 29 minutes.

*For those not in the SCA, "My Laurel" is the woman to whom I am apprenticed.  Email me and we can talk more about the SCA.