Thursday 22 August 2013

Ireland

Some years ago I remember reading Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth" and thinking that of course it would take a book of nearly 1000 pages to tell the story of building a stone cathedral.   Well, I feel like that with this Irish castle -  a massively long undertaking!   The right hand turret was complete, or so I thought, until I found two vertical rows next to the tree were missing and each little 'stone' had to be unpicked.   No mean feat with poor eyesight and at the end of a tiring day in front of a computer screen.
Dogged determination ensured I reached this stage before downing tools and calling it a night.   Now looking at the photo I have to admit to a certain degree of satisfaction :-)  The green hills and the lake live up to my romantic notions of Irish countryside but the St Patrick's cross could do with a little backstitching methinks.

7 comments:

Pamela said...

This is looking wonderful! I remember reading "Pillars of the Earth". Big things and tiny things (over one cross stitch) can both take a long time. I'm glad the Irish castle didn't take quite as long as the English castle in the book!

Karen said...

Margaret, this is so pretty! Who is the designer?

Anna van Schurman said...

Lovely! When I was in high school, I went on a school trip to Ireland. I was so disappointed because with all the sheep and green it looked just like the next town over from me at home! Then we got to the castles and such and things improved! :)

Ann at Beadlework. said...

It looks amazing with all the tiny stitches.

cucki said...

it is looking so lovely x

Chris said...

Lovely. Beautiful stitching!

JennyPennyPoppy said...

This is a beautiful piece of stitching!