I did manage to finish the smocking and block it before proceeding on to the embroidery. I like to add beads to smocking, it adds a bit of sparkly without overdoing it.
I then worked the bullion roses in the large hearts. These are a bit different from any that I have worked before in that it calls for a French knot in in the darkest color for the center, then three bullions in the medium color, then two bullions on the sides in the lightest color. The leaves are detached chains but look how bright they are! I realized then that this green was just too bright for this dress. I wanted a look that was more delicate, and bright just isn't the way to say delicate.
So I switched from DMC 989 to 184, which is the much lighter green that you see in this photo. Just right, in my opinion. The pattern calls for cable flowerettes in the small hearts, but I may do something else, such as a small bullion bud, or just leave them blank. I still have to figure out how I want to finish the sleeves and hem, and will work on these during the week.
It's now Sunday evening, and I'm sick of gardening. We did a bit of bird watching from the back yard patio and caught these goldfinches feeding on the lavender buds.
Have a great week!
what a beautiful bishop design!! Your smocking is just perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the design and your smocking is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteThe bishop is beautiful so far. Cannot wait to see what you decide for the finishing details! Hope you did not overdo on the weekend gardening. Mondays often bring sunburned necks, sore muscles and broken fingernails for me!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week!
This is finishing up beautifully. You definitely made the right call on the green, IMO. I find many plates are not perfect and need to be personalized by the stitcher. Your change is lovely.
ReplyDeleteLove your smocking and those little rose buds are gorgeous
ReplyDeleteCynthia,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on adding beads to my smocking. Every girls got to have some bling!
Will you share what smocking plate you used?
ReplyDeleteIt's from the "Little Wonder" dress from AS&E 87, and modified slightly. I just saw one on ebay for $9.36, another for $28, so you'll have to act fast if you want it.
DeleteCan you share how many wraps for the bullion roses?
ReplyDeleteIt's been almost two years since I've done this, so I just don't remember. If you've been reading this blog, you'll know that almost all of my sewing supplies are in storage awaiting completion of our new house in Colorado. Once I get the dress out I may be able to figure it out.
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