Monday, February 1, 2010

Closing the "Eye"


Over the weekend, I was able to finish the Ojo de Dios canvas, culminating with the "Eye" itself.

I first worked the circles, using DMC #5 perle cotton #738 and 938, in a Leviathan variation stitch. This stitch provided the higher-profile look I was aiming for.

The center background was worked in a Nobuko stitch with five plies of DMC cotton floss #310--I added one more ply than I'd previously used elsewhere for better coverage. I'd been toying with the color I'd be using in this area, so I hadn't painted the canvas. I can still see a couple of spots where the unpainted canvas shows through, and I'll need to fix those areas before the piece goes to the finisher.

On to the four points of earth, air, fire and water created by the crossed sticks that form the base of the Ojo de Dios: these were worked in a slanted gobelin stitch over three threads with DMC floss #433, the same thread as the background in the brown bands.

The last step was to weave DMC #5 perle cotton for the "Eye" itself, starting at the bottom with a long stitch and hooking the thread over itself at each point of the diamond. After working with neutrals and earth tones for the last week and a half, I think my next project will have a little more color!

5 comments:

Possibilities, Etc. said...

This is dramatic and beautiful!! I do like the dark center background - better a bit of dandruff than blinding yourself stitching on a dark painted background. It's amazing how the pearl cotton has a different sheen from the floss, and really "stands out."

Anonymous said...

Just lovely! The Leviathan stitch is wonderful - in the small photo it looks like the centers are a different color, but it's just the light reflecting off the stitch. I like that look.

Edy said...

Very nice!

Pierrette =^..^= said...

Hi Anne,

It is really lovely and will go very well with some of your other ethnic pieces

Pierrette =^..^=

Cyn said...

Hi Anne,

This is lovely! I really like how you wove the spokes for the center. Really looks like the God's Eyes that we make. :-)

Cynthia
Windy Meadow