Friday, March 4, 2011

The Water Garden

The Water Garden
The Water Garden: detail imitation tablet weaving (blue and brown stitching)

The Water Garden: detail Bayeux Stitch top right.
The Water Garden (9 x 9 inches) is a symmetrical design made on a backing of woven linen/silk fabric.  I am fascinated by pattern and symmetry; and the idea of a water garden is a very satisfying outlet for this passion. I had not done bead work, or most of these stitches before so it has been a wonderful time of exploration for me. Different levels of fabric or felt (central fountain) create some interest. I have incorporated into my overall design stitch work from Jan Masset's book Celtic, Viking and Anglo-Saxon Embroidery. This book was a surprise gift for me and, as is often the way with such gifts, is rich and inspiring.

My mind is full of ideas that have sprung from making this storycloth. I can imagine myself there sitting by the central fountain and being aware of the sight and sounds of the four smaller surrounding water features (Bayeux Stitch). The glimmer of the beads and gold thread, in a regular pattern yet of random shape and colour, gives me a sense of balance between nature and imposed design. A harmony that often does not work, but in the case of small organised 'knot' type gardens does, I think, work beautifully.

At close of needle I had prepared the final backing cloth for The Water Garden ready for stitching and then hanging.  My next project will be another 'garden' and more exploration of stitches and textures.

Happy stitching everyone, Gilly
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12 comments:

  1. deanna7treesMarch 4, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    oh this is absolutely gorgeous. love the trellis effect with the beads and the central motif. looking forward to seeing more...

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  2. StoryclothMarch 4, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    Thanks Deanna - the linen and the beads give it such a pleasing weight. The bottom photo gives the best impression of what it is like in 'real life'. The bit of silk in the background linen/silk fabric gives a lovely sheen. Gilly

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  3. PennyMarch 4, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    You are amazing!!!! This is so lovely and your stitching is beautiful. I'll be looking forward to your next 'garden'.

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  4. StoryclothMarch 4, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    You are a dear, Penny! I must say that I enjoyed making this very much and can't wait to begin another. Gilly

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  5. JenstersMarch 5, 2011 at 1:29 AM

    Im just loving finding bloggers that are doing these cloths as i love them and all so very different im just a beginner as i brought Jude Hills cloth to cloth series....i think this is beautiful and the thought of being by a fountain sounds peaceful.

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  6. Penny BerensMarch 5, 2011 at 3:03 AM

    Gilly, it's that time of year when us in the North yearn to see a bit of garden under the snow! Your formal water garden is beautiful. So surprised to see you use beads, but where better than in a garden. I've been wondering about getting Jan Masset's book and am glad to hear it is good - inspiring that is.

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  7. ElizabethMarch 5, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    I love the calm and order of this work; beautiful design and so beautifully stitched. Congratulations!

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  8. Cait ThroopMarch 6, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Hi Gilly, I love your stitching and the symmetry and the earthiness of your work--the thoughts of garden and water are wonderful! xo

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  9. KarenMarch 6, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    oh Gilly...I REALLY like this....we had a great weekend too!! Hope you did...

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  10. StoryclothMarch 8, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    Thank you Jensters, Penny, Elizabeth, Cait and karen for your encouraging,warm comments. I'll catch up with you again soon on your blogs. Gilly

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  11. Auntie sezzzzzz...March 16, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    OT but... I have a request for you, please... Your blog is listed, on Mrs. Staggs Blog List, at "A Happy Miscellany" blog. And she allows no Comments, as you well know.

    But since you are on her blog list, perhaps you have a way to contact her. If so, would you please tell her thank you! for her lovely post about the Japanese people, which she posted today, Wed. I linked to it, as a lovely way to say, what many of us are feeling, at this time of horror....... In regard to continuing our happy blogging.

    Please tell her, thank you, for me.

    Thank you for doing so.

    Gentle hugs...

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  12. EvaMarch 19, 2011 at 3:05 AM

    What an enchanting piece!

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