French Rose

Original French Rose by Trish Burr

I've stitched many Trish Burr designs over the last several years. (If you like Trish Burr you're in the right place.) This is my favourite: French Rose. In fact, this is probably one of my favourite embroidery projects ever.

I loved the rose from the moment Trish posted a photo of it on her web site. There was something about the glow in the centre that caught my eye. I remember waiting very impatiently for the design to become available!

The rose is based on a botanical illustration by Redoute with some excellent editing by Trish.

It was finally published in Colour Confidence in Embroidery and I started working on it as soon as I could get my hands on the book.

A Happy Little Tree

Jo Butcher's embroidery work caught my eye a few years back when she was featured in Inspirations magazine. I liked her designs and colour sense. I also found her use of painted/printed backgrounds interesting.

I'm usually not a fan of pre-printed backgrounds, but most of the examples that come to mind are from old commercial kits where the background is more important than the bit of embroidery stitched on top.

Jo Butcher's designs made me reconsider my bias against pre-printed backgrounds and I recently acquired one of her kits: Under the Silver Birch.

Besides being a lovely design it's a nice kit. The design is printed on a sturdy piece of linen, there appears to be ample (separated) cotton floss, 3 different needles are provided, and there's even a pre-cut mat.

Golden Oldie

Way back in 2007 I had the opportunity to take six days of goldwork classes with Royal School of Needlework (RSN) tutors in Iowa. RSN used to teach in Iowa every year and, although I didn't know it at the time, 2007 would be their last year there.

The first session was a one-day introduction to goldwork class. The next two days were for intermediate goldwork and the last three days were devoted to creative goldwork.

The first two classes were taught by the fabulous Shelley Cox and it was like goldwork boot camp. I learned so much. I especially liked the project for the intermediate class. (I don't know if Shelley was the designer.) It's a wonderful goldwork rose.

Burr Iceberg Rosebud Complete

After some fussing with the final shading and shadows the Burgundy Iceberg Rosebud (designed by Trish Burr) is complete (and no whiteout in sight).

When we last saw the rosebud only the main flower petal had yet to be stitched. That was completed and this time I did the bottom 'glow' to my satisfaction on the first try.