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Historical Embroidery News...

SAL: Royal Garden (finish)

28/9/2020

10 Comments

 
Between chasing supplies for the next online embroidery course, trying them out and processing fruit and vegetables for winter storage, I managed to finish Royal Garden by Debbie Rowley. This was originally a SAL organised by FiberTalk to promote counted canvas/needlepoint. As this is a technique not taught by the Royal School of Needlework, I was curious to try it out (NOTE: the RSN does teach canvaswork/needlepoint, but either as a shaded version using tent stitch or as a free-er version using traditional canvas stitches mainly based on satin stitch). The technique is quite popular in the US, but virtually unknown in Europe. Designs make extensive use of speciality threads. The technique is well-suited for beginners as long as the instructions are clear.
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As noted in my previous blog post on the project, the instructions contain a number of mistakes. Some more serious than others. I spotted one additional mistake when finishing the project. Page 41: "Begin with the silk/metallic braid, and stitch as shown in Diagram 56" (and not 55 as stated). Furthermore, the numbering in some of the diagrams is rather difficult to read as they are placed on top of each other or other elements in the drawing.
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As with previous parts of the design, I decided to make some changes. For the life of me, I could not execute a Chilly Hollow stitch with the threads specified. The rayon cord (Rainbow Gallery Panache) was so slippery that in order to maintain tension, I distorted the canvas and broke the centre foundation stitches. I decided to opt for simple satin stitches mimicking the shape of a Chilly Hollow stitch. Unfortunately, I had run out of the correct colour Rainbow Gallery silk lame braid. That was a major annoyance. In my opinion, kits should contain enough material so that occasional ´backwards stitching` is covered. Luckily, I had some leftover silk lame braid in a slightly different colour. In the middle, I stitched a bead on a silver-plated spangle for some added interest.
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Whilst I enjoyed the first part of Royal Garden (centre part, before adding the lilac crescents with a tail with the yellow teardrops), I did not particularly like stitching the rest of the design. I think some colours do not work so well with the middle part of the design. Especially the Sword Amadeus in DMC #320 are an odd choice. The colour does not really harmonise with the rest. One wonders if DMC changed the colour between when the design was created and me stitching it.

Is counted needlepoint for me? Not really. Although I liked learning new stitches, I did not like working with threads that are, if you are honest, not suitable for the job. Most of the speciality threads are made of artificial fibres. Some need ironing to get the wrinkles out or glue to stay put. That's not my cup of tea. My other problem is that most of these threads, whilst some are even made in Europe, must be ordered from the US. This makes counted needlepoint for me more expensive than goldwork embroidery. Personally, I also missed further instructional videos by Debbie Rowley or FiberTalk. It would have been nice to keep the SAL going and finish the project together.

Has anybody else stitched Royal Garden? What were your experiences? Please leave a comment below!
10 Comments
Alessandra de la Vega
28/9/2020 16:57:44

I have not stitched this pattern, but I have stitched some counted canvas patterns. I have yet to find one that has clear instructions or patterns. My first pattern took months, not because it was huge or difficult, but because the instructions were terrible for some of the blocks and the stitch diagrams were not all correct. I unpicked some blocks multiple times and wound up finding directions online and staring at the photos to figure them out. That part was not enjoyable, but once I figured out what to do, they were fun to stitch. I chose my own threads and that is what I would recommend you do if you do anymore. Some specialty threads from Rainbow Gallery are actually a pleasure to work with and picking your own, you can decide how much “bling” you want to add. I have found that using Soie Perlée in place of a lot of the fiddly threads gives beautiful results and no headaches. You have many stitching friends in the US now. I’m sure I am not the only one who would be willing to pick up threads for you and mail them to you if you ever wanted/needed them- it’s much cheaper to ship as an individual than a business. And with things like Venmo and PayPal, it is so much easier to reimburse someone electronically today.

Reply
Dr. Jessica Grimm link
28/9/2020 17:19:38

Thank you for your sweet offer, Alessandra! Yes, if I ever stitch a counted canvas pattern again, I probably substitute for silk and cotton. House of Embroidery and DeVere yarns would be good brands to try too :).

Reply
Mary Ann Witalec Keyes
28/9/2020 17:56:59

I have done some simpler counted canvaswork projects (Christmas stockings for members of my family) and enjoyed working them and was very pleased with the results. However, I only used 100% wool thread. I suggest that you not give up on counted canvaswork; but instead switch to a simpler pattern and use only wool threads. BTW, I have a question. Does the background need to be filled in? On all of my projects, I filled the background in with simple stitches in a neutral color to give the piece a finished look.
Cheers,
Maryann

Reply
Dr. Jessica Grimm link
28/9/2020 18:57:06

Thanks for your comment, Maryann. No, this pattern is stitched on a mint-green canvas and the background is left bare. Whilst I enjoy canvaswork as taught at the Royal School of Needlework (I sell kits that are based on this technique), I do not have a fancy for this particular type :).

Reply
Rachel link
28/9/2020 21:51:16

I've never done a counted canvaswork piece like this, although I've done my own, slightly freestyle open canvaswork pieces. Which has meant that I've only used threads I enjoy using!

Reply
Dr. Jessica Grimm link
28/9/2020 21:56:22

Very wise Rachel! The ones that were so slippery that you need glue on the knots were rather unpleasant ...

Reply
Melissa Butterworth
29/9/2020 04:53:12

Dear Jessica, before you give up on this technique have a look at Beautiful Stitches by Ann-Marie Anderson-Mayes http://beautifulstitches.com.au/
Her charts and instructions are just brilliant, as well as being a great teacher. She has a academic background. Mostly using her own hand dyed silks, her patterns are easily changed to readily available threads for someone with a little knowledge. I have never done this technique before, but found the twisty stitches mostly worked first go and thanks to all the information provided easy to rectify. I have not used any charts from other designers to compare with, but i know good instructions when I see them.

Reply
Dr Jessica Grimm link
29/9/2020 08:24:41

Thank you for your comment Melissa! I love the look of Ann-Marie's hand-dyed silks :).

Reply
Claire
29/9/2020 07:25:20

Dear Jessica, you have opened a new door to me (not that I have the time to explore it now, but it's nice to have such desire !). I love those stitches! I had done a Canvas class at the RSN. Wasn't very happy with the result but loved making it.
Now, I'm not a fan of the colours chosen for this kit. And they are too shiny for my taste. If I can find a pattern, I would get the threads from our europeans (local for me!) natural dyers... Wool, silk, linen, cotton... And I will definitely have a look at Anne-Marie Anderson-Mayers (thank you Melissa Butterworth!). Have a lovely day!

Reply
Dr Jessica Grimm link
29/9/2020 08:26:06

Thank you Claire! Always happy to help spend other people's money :).

Reply



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