This is a really fun gift I made for my sister who LOVES autumn, and October in particular. So many blossoms! And a few thorns to learn from.
Where to Start?
I knew I wanted to do a needlepoint piece with this quote from Anne of Green Gables, but I was really only familiar with cross-stitch (unless you count the time I embroidered initials on our Christmas Stockings. Four stars: would recommend, with caution.) Therefore, Plan A: I searched the internet for a cross-stitch design that looked like what I envisioned…. without success.
Plan B: I searched the internet for an embroidery design that looked like what I envisioned…. without success.
Plan C: I searched the internet for an artwork in any medium that included this quote and the type of autumn foliage I envisioned…. success!
However charming the image, it was not exactly an embroidery pattern, thus Step 2 of Plan C was born: convert the image into an embroidery pattern. This is easier said than done, especially since I had so little experience with embroidery. So I set out to learn!
This stitch guide I found by Lunasmallworld on Etsy was super helpful in helping me see what kind of stitches I would need to replicate the shapes and lines in the original image. The stitches I used were mostly the satin stitch, long & short, split stitch, and a little bit of the chain stitch.
Then I used a graphite transfer technique I learned back in high school:
- Print the image
- On the back, scribble graphite all over the lines you intend to trace.
- Line up and secure the prepared print on top of your new surface (embroidery fabric in this case).
- Use a ball point pen to trace over each line you need on your new surface. Use sufficient pressure to transfer the graphite without tearing through the paper.
I didn’t take a photo before stitching the text, but you can see in this photo that the transfer method works quite well. Not every detail transfers though, so having the original image on hand for reference is a must!
The rest was a matter of choosing the right colors of embroidery floss at my local craft store, and choosing where to start and stop each color (watercolors can have lovely gradients that are basically impossible with embroidery.)
It took quite a long time, but I love needlepoint, so I enjoyed it, especially while listening to a good audiobook.
I also learned some things (aka made some mistakes -thorns-) about cleaning the piece when it’s finished, stretching it, and displaying it.
All in all, it was an excellent project!
Blossoms include: bright fall colors that never fade, hours of relaxing needlepoint, Anne of Green Gables, and a sister delighted with her gift!
