Many of you remember that last year I took an online class from Trish Burr, the Chinese Flower Project. After teaching the class, Trish designed two companion projects, which I ordered immediately and am attempting now. She calls them Chinese Bird and Flower Series, and I can't for the life of me find them on her website. I have no idea what kinds of birds or even flowers these are.
But they sure are gorgeous, aren't they? This is the one I'm working on right now. Maybe that's a camelia?
I haven't progressed very far as you can see. I deliberately made this picture dark in a misguided attempt to show the drawing. I'm using that dang Sewline pink pen again, and have already decided to take the whole project out of the hoop and redraw it in pencil.
The branches are now complete, and I've made a start on the leaves. The ragged material around the edges is the interfacing used to keep the fabric edges clean. Since it's been hot I've been bringing the project outside to work in the late afternoons. But if Mr. California Stitching starts the charcoal barbecue I have to put it away so as not to get ash all over it and have it smell smoky.
I must admit that I enjoy needle painting much more than I ever thought I would. It's a wonder to see the subtle shading take place as each component is stitched. I'm calling this project Chinese Birds and Flowers, and will post each one with this label for easy reference. With any luck I'll get some time to stitch this weekend. It's just too hot for gardening.
The Little Bee Eater Kit arrived, but the online class doesn't start until September. I don't know if I can wait that long.
Happy Stitching!
With regard the photo, you might find that lightening it and increasing the contrast would bring up the drawing, rather than making it darker. Isn't it good to have the weather to sit and embroider outside!
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous projects, Cynthia! My next embroidery project will probably be needlepainting too - an early Trish Burr design from Inspirations 47, the botanical studies. I think they will probably be more forgiving than birds!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to watching your progress. :)
I love watching your progress with these projects. Trish Burr does some amazing designs.
ReplyDeleteBoth kits are beautiful and the Little Bee Eater is adorable - I had a hard job resisting that class!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what either bird is but I think the top flowers are magnolias and the bottom one may be frangipani.
I'm looking forward to watching these progress.