When I started this project I set myself some self-imposed deadlines. I wanted to finish it in three years. So, I marked off what I thought were three reasonable looking sections of the tapestry.
I started stitching in April 2011 so those of you good at maths have probably jumped ahead and worked out a year has nearly passed.
The marker line is on the right hand side of the tapestry. It is a bit of red Kreinik metallic thread sewn into the tapestry. I work by stitching back and forth from top to bottom. I don't do what many creative tapestry stitchers do, which is put in all of one type of stitch (say all the background) and then move on to another type of stitch.
Instead I started with the cuff and then had to put that aside while I waited for some replacement thread to arrive. I moved on and have now stitched the garland, the bricks, the red bows, the window glass, the window supports, the tree, the clown, the bear and santa's hat.
I'm just learning how to use a free online photo editing package and so apologies for the blurry words but here's my attempt at showing you that I am really...quite....close...to...achieving my goal.
In the few centimetres of this stocking that is in view, I have used a huge range of threads completely new to me: Nordic gold, Daisies, Neon Rays, Flair, Ribbon Floss, Burmilana, Splendor, Petite Peluche, Grandeur, Tulips and Felicity's Garden. I can understand now why Mary Corbet asked us "are you an accessories advocate, fabric fanatic of thread junkie?" She self-identifies as a thread junkie and now, having worked slightly less than one third of this canvas and come across so many new and interesting threads, I can fully understand how someone in the needlepoint world could become fascinated by all the variety of threads on offer.
As I work through this project, I've also been so impressed with the skill in putting stitches and threads together to create a pleasing and beautiful composition. This is only my second creative tapestry so I am very new to this pursuit. I could see how after having done a few of these kits and stitch guides, one could begin to branch out and plan or design your own guide for a set canvas. All for another day though. For now, I am happy working through this lovely canvas and all the new-to-me stitches and threads.
Previous posts
Tim's Christmas stocking - delays and pressing on (February 2012)
Christmas stocking (December 2011)
On the frame - Tim's stocking (April 2011)
Tim's Christmas stocking (April 2011)