A softer side of silver

For my next set of ribbons--the horizontal ones with multi-colored squares--I decided to use a silver with a softer look than the Kreinik holographic silver thread I'd previously used.

Kreinik #12 tapestry braid #101, which the company calls "Platinum," was used for the ribbon edges in a slanted gobelin stitch over two threads. I then filled in the squares with Scotch stitches, using the platinum thread, DMC white floss and repeating the lightest shade of blue with DMC floss #800.

For the portion of this ribbon where the date appears, I tent-stitched behind the numbers so they would show up better. The verdict is still out on which silver metallic I'll use here, but it will be the same as what I decide to use for the name on the cuff.

Only one more ribbon to go!

Another ribbon, a different look

Working on the two vertical "diamond" ribbons, I finished the edges and stitched the background in basketweave with white DMC floss. On to the silver!

I chose Kreinik #12 tapestry braid #001L--the new holographic thread. The first thing I noticed in threading up the needle was that this was much coarser and thicker than any other #12 braid I've used--it almost felt like a #16 medium braid.

As I worked with this thread, I also noticed that the color was darker than the Kreinik #12 tapestry braid #001 I've used so often in the past--a cross between the #001 and #019, which Kreinik calls "Pewter." It's always difficult to photograph metallic thread, but I do think you'll see a bit of shine in the intersections of the diamonds, which I worked in a Leviathan stitch variation.

I'll be moving on to a different Kreinik braid for the next set of ribbons to compare and contrast the two threads.

Establishing the grid

I always like to start stitching a woven ribbons design by establishing a grid. I began with the background rectangles, using my lightest shade of blue--DMC #5 perle cotton #800--in a Scotch stitch variation.

Next came the three horizontal "filigree" ribbons. I outlined the edges with Kreinik #12 tapestry braid #032 in a slanted gobelin stitch over two threads. I filled in the background with basketweave using my darkest shade of blue--DMC cotton floss #799--and added the filigree in tent stitches with the same Kreinik metallic braid.

I've started work on the vertical "diamond" ribbon, using white DMC #5 perle cotton to outline the edges in a slanted gobelin stitch over two threads. I'll work on the background of these ribbons and then begin adding some glitzy silver thread!

The Bling Factor

My next project is a mini-sock for a young friend of mine. She was the recipient of the Gail Hendrix gingerbread cuckoo clock that I blog-stitched last year. She's also very feminine--a "Silver Girl"--so I decided to stitch a variation of my "Winter Wonder" mini-sock as her 2010 ornament.

One of the fun parts of this project will be trying out a new thread which I've had in my stash for some time but was waiting for the perfect opportunity--a silver Kreinik holographic metallic. I'm looking forward to exploring the properties of this thread as I combine it with other Kreinik metallic threads. I'm hoping that, by the time I finish, the "Bling Factor" will be very high!

Mission accomplished

Mission Santa Clara de Asis is finished!

I wrapped up construction on the buildings by adding hinges to the doors and a handrail with two plies of black DMC cotton floss in spring stitches. There are three statues placed within the niches between the columns and above the front door. Considering how tiny these spaces are, I took some artistic license and represented them with satin stitches of DMC floss #318.

On to the landscaping! The trees in the background on the left were worked with one strand of Impressions #5061 in a vertical diagonal cashmere stitch. The palm trees on the right were formed with long stitches with one strand of Sheep's Silk "Moss Green" and Sheep's Silk "Dark Chocolate" in tent stitches for the trunks.

The two taller bushes flanking either side of the columns were worked with one strand of Sheep's Silk "Camouflage" in a vertical diagonal oblong cross stitch over two threads. The bushes immediately in front of them and on the far ends were stitched in French knots with Sheep's Silk "Dark Moss," with more French knots of Sheep's Silk "Green Leaves" for the bushes closest to the sidewalk. One strand of Impressions "Emerald" in satin stitches created the grassy areas.

Using a variety of silk/wool blends for the greenery creates a nice contrast against the cotton floss and perle cotton used to stitch the buildings. Mixing different shades of green, with the darkest in the background graduating to lighter shades in the foreground, adds depth to the canvas and a more natural appearance.

Construction progress-Part II

I haven't had much stitching time, catching up instead with my oldest son visiting from Texas, but the buildings of the Santa Clara mission are complete with only a few tiny details remaining.

The imposing columns on the front of the chapel were worked in a gobelin stitch over two threads with DMC floss #436. The same thread was used for the doors, in a combination of tent and mosaic for the doors on the left and right and a Scotch stitch variation for the center door. Shading around the architectural elements was stitched with DMC floss #739.

The window at the peak of the chapel roof is a cross stitch using two plies of DMC #535. The window underneath it, as well as the small window on the bell tower, were worked with the same thread in a spring stitch--a vertical oblong cross stitch secured with single horizontal stitches. The window on the attached building at the far left was worked with a satin stitch using four plies of DMC floss #535.

I'll finish the few details remaining and move on to landscaping, where I'll be able to add some texture with different threads in various shades of green and decorative stitches.

Construction progress

Busy days, busy people--but I had two hours of good stitching time in the car yesterday, driving to Boston for the graduation of our youngest son from Boston University!

The facade of the wing is almost completed with the exception of the door--I'll do all three later. With the addition of satin stitches in DMC floss #712 for the architectural details, the center chapel area is starting to come to life. It's interesting to see how the light plays off these areas, before the shading is even added, making them look lighter than the wall stitched in the same color of floss.

The base of the stairs in two areas has also been added with DMC floss #433 in a slanted gobelin stitch over two threads. The sidewalk below was worked in tent stitches with DMC floss #648 and the road below in DMC floss #535 in slanted gobelin stitches over three threads.

Once I finish construction of the buildings, I can start adding greenery in a variety of colors and textures!