This is just a quick post as I really should be packing for Tea & Tents, an amazing crafty and fun camping weekend with 500 WI ladies from all over the country. We’re all descending on Walesby, a Scout camp near Nottingham on Friday. It’s the second time we’ve been there so at least they will know what to expect this time!
I was too excited not to share my happy dance with you…Bertie the Blackbird is fully feathered and ready to fly off to the framers…
Last week when I showed him to you I was near, but not that near, I still had a lot of silk shading to do.
On Monday it was my Embroiderers Guild meeting, I decided to concentrate on Bertie. It still didn’t seem to be moving on particularly quickly, in fact I commented to someone during the afternoon that I’d been stitching for hours with only a bit to show for it. That evening I settled down to do a bit more, and all of a sudden it was more or less done.
I then stitched the veins in stem stitch which did seem to neaten the leaves and finish them off nicely. As a final touch a few silver thread stitches were made around the leaf to add a little sparkle, it makes a lovely subtle effect.
Next to be stitched was the silver couched outline. I buried the ends with a very large needle and couched with standard Gutermann thread. I quickly learnt that to get neat corners I needed to make lots of extra stitches, they’re not perfect but I’m pretty pleased with them.
This evening I just had some seed beads to stitch around his eye and Bertie was finished.
I have really enjoyed this kit, I started it at a three day workshop with Nicola Jarvis, the designer, which was held in May. It’s really pushed me but also made me realise I can do embroidery like this. I’ve another two of her designs on my to do list now, but in the meantime I shall just enjoy Bertie.
thecraftycreek 
Very handsome mask and fine feet! You did a lovely job on it all.
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What a pretty bird (and skilled needlewoman)!
Have fun at Tea and Tents – hope your weather is good.
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Love the bird…job well done! Have a great time at camp!
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Bertie is just outstanding! Have a great time at WI camp!
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He’s absolutely beautiful, lovely work. Enjoy your trip – I hope you had enough time to pack!
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Beautiful Bertie!
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He’s amazing! I hope you’ll show him again, when he’s framed.
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Thanks Kerry, I will 🙂
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Bertie has turned out beautifully! Any idea what you’re going to do with him now he’s finished?
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Thanks Claire, he’s going to be framed and hang on the wall 🙂
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He is so charming and regal – love him!
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That is some amazing stitching – wow!!!
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Bertie is gorgeous! You are very talented!
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such a beautiful design and you made a beautiful stitching work
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Well done! He looks fabulous, you’ve done such s wonderful job stitching up Bertie. I hope once he returns from the frames he will have pride of place somewhere.
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He’s awesome x
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Wonderful details on Bertie!
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This is such a stunning piece, I applaud your skills with a needle.
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Bertie is beautiful. That silk shading is very pretty.
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You must be pleased with him – he is gorgeous
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