Creative Avoidance is a term I learned from designer Judy Harper. As it relates to needlepoint, it involves working on absolutely anything and everything except for the project you're supposed to be stitching. While I've continued to put in a few stitches a day on Ivory Angel, I've also finished two other canvases--smaller and much more colorful than the stocking.
It's partially my own fault--leaving nothing else to be done but filling in the gold of the vine and working on the ivory cuff. I'd also been dragging my feet about stitching the angel's hair, one of my least favorite things to do. But she's now completely coiffed, worked with two strands of Burmilana in long/short and satin stitches. Some "highlights" were added with one strand of vintage DMC Medici wool on top of the previously stitched areas.
The edge of the cuff has been started with the same Vineyard Silk Classic Natural that had been used for the angel's dress. A row of slanted Gobelin stitches over three threads abuts the tan Petite Very Velvet, followed by a row of encroaching oblong cross stitches and another row of slanted Gobelin stitches.
I'll finish filling in the vine with Kreinik #12 tapestry braid 002V, then move the canvas on stretcher bars for the final task of working the cuff.
2 comments:
Creative Avoidance abounds at my house...My desk is piled high with it; so much so I am beginning to look like a hoarder of unfinished projects and ideas.
But on a positive note ...your angel is beautiful and I admire you for stitching a stocking. I never did them for my boys, their wives or grandkids. Just wasn't in me. But yours is wonderful.
I had to smile when I read your remarks. I think all stitchers have something they dread stitching--like you with the hair. Your resulting stitches look marvelous and "hairy".
Post a Comment