Do you ever come across that special canvas that you just don’t want to put down? One that the threads just melt into it like butter? One that the needlepoint gods are looking favorably over your shoulder as you select threads and stitches? One that the colors speak to you and make your heart sing? that is how I feel about Deco Kitty. Now I am not saying that just to tempt you into taking the class with the girls and me of course at BeStiched but because I actually am really thrilled with this canvas! I am the first one to admit that at times I am too honest, you know almost to a fault and have been known to speak my peace on an occasion or two!
Spending as much time in class with Susan as I do, she has taught me that I need contrast when selecting stitches, whether in shape or movement or thread selection. Sharon has also given me lots of inspiration and approvals or I think maybe you should look for something different for this area. I have done lots of thread shopping, whether it be through all the overdyes and silks that I have at home or at different shops while on a stash enhancement trip. Beads are always a must, but it seems that there won’t be that as many beads as I had originally envisioned in this piece after all.
Where would I be without my books? Brenda Hart’s are always my go to first books. AlleyCat is hard at work supervising my stitch selections from Brenda’s Book #1 & #2. Last time she joined me on the couch while I was stitching with Brenda’s books, she thought it would be better if she slept ON the book. She was being a good girl here!
I have the stitch selected and the thread picked out to finish the steps. It looks “purrfect” in my mind and I am hoping that it will look that wonderful when the thread meets the canvas. I need to hunt for just the right stitch for the column that Deco Kitty sits on. The stitch on the far right needs to be completed and a few other areas need some of those compensating stitches, you know those stitches that are the bane of our existence!
I have been kind of stitching round the clock since I got home from San Antonio inorder to make a few deadlines. Today I need a break from the needle and thread as I spend time at the Mac. We have been having record breaking temperatures this week and it is as if the heat from San Antonio came home with me. This weekend I again will stitch my fingers to the bone as I make progress for 2 new projects for 2 different shops…I know you know who you are!
Sylvester was so busy supervising my stitching, that he needed a little nap! and until next time…keep on stitching
Good words of wisdom from Susan Portra about contrast. I like how the stitches echo other parts of the design and are often similar to the stitches next door but have contrasts as well. Good job!
Brenda Hart’s books are my first choice when it comes to research, too. No one is on the same light stitch wavelength as Brenda is!
Have fun stitching your brains out.
Jane, waving to the cats from cat-less CH (sigh)
Thanks Jane! but you have Winston to supervise your stitching!
This piece is really beautiful – I love the colors – such a San Diego scene! What is the secret of having that olive-y wall on the left hand side fold back right where it needs to as the wall walks you out to the water? That is really pretty perfect Vicky! I can see why this is such an adventure!
These two are such sack rats – look at them!
Sorry you are roasting – we woke up to a wonderful 58 this morning – another perfect day in Rocky Mountain Paradise – headed for a dry mid seventies day, crystal clear star studded evening….
thanks Deeva!
Awesome. Wow. Gorgeous.
Counting the days to receiving mine
thanks Palma! flattery will get you everywhere!
I love Deco Kitty! I also am in love with the kids, they always make me smile. I was envious of your trip to the seminar, so I’m now saving my pennies for my trip down the road. Thanks for a daily great smile!
Dee, you have made my day! thank you…
Hello Deeva! The artist (moi) understands how to paint and draw in proper perspective using proper direction of light. Vicky knows how to select the correct stitch and threads and amoutn of threads to allow the paint to show through which caused the painted shading to show through, making it look like it turned a corner. When you do a vertical stitch, more of the paint shows through and if it painted properly, it works. A diagonal stitch covers more of the canvas and since this would cover more paint, she might not get the same effect. Also, notice the bottom of the wall where Vicky Vickiezed it and did heavier stitches in the front and when it turned the corner, she allowed the stitches to be father spaced creating a diminishing perspective.
Vicky handled this canvas to perfection and used stitches that give it the Deco tile look. I am so proud of what she did with my design. Damn, Vicky is good. I know years of study under many fine teachers may have influenced her, however, it takes someone with an artistic mind to allow what she learned to stick and apply it in her work.
Notice the back pink wall. The stitches are lighter. This makes it receede. If she used a heavy stitch, that wall would be more in the foreground which would have made it look more flat.
Sharon, I am humbled… and I thank you.
Sharon – you are absolutely right – it is the vertical stitch that makes that happen. I love that word – Vicky-ized – we need to keep that in our lexicon. It is something that superbly defines her touch of perfection – I hope that the water has slowed down in your area, and that all of you are safe, sound and happy!
J
Can the humble Vicky. You know what you are doing with a painted canvas and did a great job. Be proud. I do not hand out compliments willy nilly.
This piece is looking spectacular, Vicky. It is even tempting this non-cat person with the way that it is unfolding.
Thanks Missy! maybe we will turn you into a cat person after all!