Wednesday 5 June 2013

Cruel and unusual ??

At long last I feel as if the end is in sight on my piece of cruel crewel work.
There will be more satisfaction in crossing this item off my "60 things to do before I 'm 60" list than there has been in the stitching of this piece.   At age 13 I fell in love with a piece of Jacobean Crewel work in an ancient copy of Stitch magazine my Grandmother had.   Then in 1997 I bought my copy of The Anchor Book of Crewelwork Embroidery Stitches in order to fulfil that ambition but alas fulfilment has not brought about a passionate love affair.   Still, a little more turquoise satin stitch and two rows of 'knots' in that pineapple looking fruit and this will be considered complete.   Blemishes and all!
Last weekend my nephew came to visit.   His long arm and rock steady trigger finger produced this shot of the three of us.   I'm ashamed to say I don't know how the self-timer works on my camera so Drew performed the honours. (Can you catch a glimpse of his right arm -  that's the one holding the camera!)   He kindly explained, "they call them  a 'selfie' Aunty Margaret".  Thank you Drew. As a reward let me introduce you to Drew - the HD3QBEM and moi, you already know.

11 comments:

cucki said...

Aww such sweet picture ...
And beautiful crewel embroidery .
Hugs x

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Your crewel work looks just perfect - why are we stitchers so "picky" about our own work. Lovely family photo, your mum looks great.

Chris said...

Gorgeous crewel work. Such pretty colors.
Great picture of your guys!

Pamela said...

Nice family picture! Your crewel work looks lovely. It's not something I do because crewel is always cruel in my hands, but your piece is quite nice.

Teresa S. said...

I love the idea of a "60 Things to do before I'm 60" list!

kimstitch3 said...

Looking great and Cruel.I have never tried Crewel embroidery before, but yours looks awesome. Keep up the good work. Take care and God bless you and keep you,Kimberly

Karen said...

I love Jacobean embroidery, but have yet to try it. Your cruel work looks gorgeous. I love the blues. And even if you didn't enjoy it, at least you tried it. :)

Karoline said...

The crewel piece is lovely. Great picture of the three of you

KimM said...

Your work is lovely. Love the picture!!

Anna van Schurman said...

Crewel was my entree into the world of embroidery. I always love seeing people's crewel work, even though I mostly cross-stitch now. So sorry it's not your friend.

Fiona said...

Your crewel work looks beautiful. The colours are stunning. What a nice photograph your nephew took of all three of you.