I've been working the last several nights on the orange background for "The Gamblers."
Since the first ghost had already been stitched with metallic thread in basketweave, I wanted a decorative stitch for the background to provide a little texture. But I didn't want the profile of the stitch to overpower the ghosts. My solution: to work this area in a Nobuko stitch, but with three plies of DMC floss #970 rather than my usual four plies. Because the thread is an exact match to the painted background, it covers well and doesn't compete with the ghosts.
Of several "progress" photos taken at this point, I liked this one best because it shows more clearly the high profile of the black Petite Very Velvet in the border. This shot shows the border looking more like a frame for the center scene, and the symbols of the card suits stand out against the white diagonal mosaic background.
The ghostly card-shark on the right has been stitched and his competitor across the table has been started. When I'm finished stitching with white metallic and working the background, I'll go back and add the shading and "facial features" to these little guys. But for now, I need to make some final preparations for the onslaught of Hurricane Earl, which is predicted to barrel down on Cape Cod and the Islands sometime tonight!
5 comments:
You know we are all thinking of you as Hurricane Earl heads your way. Here's hoping you never lose power and that there's no damage anywhere.
Hugs from Virginia, watching Earl head off leaving a few cloudy skies behind
Jane
Stay safe. The guys look great!
It's looking great - incredible effects with threads and stitches! This is a season when I'm content not to be living on my beloved coast of north Florida.
P.S. I'm eagerly waiting to see how you handle those little stacks of poker chips.
'Hoping that Earl decides to not come ashore.. he's not really welcome anywhere.
This canvas is looking so good! Once again, you make it special with your choice of colors, threads and stitches.
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