I’ve decided my hare is a Harry, not a Harold, he looks too gentle to be Harold, anyway my Granddad was a Harry!
Three weeks ago I had just finished embroidering the actual hare, I just had the background the finish…
The background is pre-printed, it’s just up to me how I interpret it. The original Harold was on layers of different textiles and papers, hence the layered look at the top. I decided to stitch over the lines in either blanket-stitch or a simple running stitch. I didn’t do any extra, it was just enough to add a bit of interest and texture.
The fore ground was more complicated to work out. I wanted to stitch enough to ground him, without taking over. I started off by using a single thread of DMC variegated floss to stitch the long grasses. I ignored the think grasses in the picture, but you can just about see the finer lines which I stitched over with stem-stitch.
I then used two stands of floss to stitch some shorter grasses with a row of french knots for their seedheads.
I changed to a different variegated thread which has some rich purples and greens, I stitched some french knots around his feet and body, it just added a bit of colour.
It still didn’t look quite enough, I remembered Helen Bellingham of the Stitchbook Collective saying how fly stitch is a great filler, so that’s what I used. It was just enough to fill in the gaps without taking over.
I always find it difficult to know when to stop with this sort of thing, but I decided I was happy with it. It was simple enough not to look unbalanced with the top half of the embroidery, whilst doing it’s job in grounding Harry.
The final bit to stitch was his whiskers, I used a single strand of an off-white.
I’m really pleased with Harry, he was definitely out of my comfort zone when I started the random stitching for his fur, but I got there. I’ve enjoyed stitching him and learnt a lot about texture. It was about a year ago that I attended the workshop by Anne Brooke of Hanne-made over at Fabbadashery in Halifax, (She has a kit if anyone fancies stitching their own Harold). She started us off on the different sections over the day, then we just had to go home and finish it!! I haven’t quite decided how to frame him yet, whether to send him off to be framed under glass (bearing in mind I’m running out of wall space!) or whether to use an embroidery hoop to frame him.
This SAL is organised by Avis, we all share our progress every three weeks, please follow the links to see lots of stitching inspiration;
Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, Connie, AJ, Jenny, Laura, Cathie, Linda, Sherrie, Helen
I’ll also be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday
thecraftycreek 
I love him, he is definitely a Harry. So clever.
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He’s a mighty fine hare.
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He’s gorgeous Margaret and, yes, Harry suits him better.
I bought some frames for my needle felted portraits from Ikea which do a good job. They are deep so the glass doesn’t touch the work and only cost about 7euros. I was amazed that they are actually delivering small items at the moment too, in France anyway. I also like using embroidery hoops but they are quite expensive although easier to post if doing something as a gift.
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Thanks, I’ll have a look at the Ikea ones
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I think Harry is perfect for this gorgeous boy, I love the whiskers and your french knots in the foreground look great. xx
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Harry’s a lovely hare, Margaret! I think you might frame him. As you exchange your smalls each month, you might have certain wall hangings for different times of the year… or is that a bit much? Whatever you decide, am certain it will be smashing!
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Looks great!
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Harry is simply delightful đŸ™‚ I like the idea of an embroidery hoop – natural wood one – all the extra detail was perfect! Hurray on the finish!
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This stitchery is just awesome, great job!
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Wow! It’s a magic as many small point give life to the image…so perfect!
Hugs, Carmela
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A very handsome Harry indeed! You are an adventurous stitcher trying things you are uncomfortable with, and they turn out so beautifully!
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I think you’ve got Harry spot on. The ground finishes him off perfectly!
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Harry is adorable, I love him!
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amazing detail with the all the grass & flowers!
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Harry is wonderful, you have done an amazing job, congratulations!
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I am sure he is lovely – but I cannot see the pictures, sorry!
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I’ve just checked my side, so I’m not sure why you can’t see the photos
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Our internet is very slow – so it is probably at my end!
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Harry looks adorable and very lifelike.
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Congrats on the finish! Harry is so handsome, I love how he turned out!
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It’s as if he is looking straight at you, just gorgeous. Love the grass and seeds too
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Harry the hare is gorgeous! What a lovely project
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Very lifelike – adorable Harry – you can almost stroke him. A grand project and a Happy Dance for you. What will you try next?
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Thanks, I’ve another workshop embroidery to finish đŸ™‚
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I must say he is a cute fellow!!!!
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Harry is adorable, and I love how you “grounded” him. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
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Thanks, it’s another UFO next đŸ™‚
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What a great finish! He looks fantastic- I love your finishing touches.
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Thanks, I’m pleased how he has turned out.
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Oh wow! That takes a lot of skill. You are amazing!
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Thank you, I’m really pleased with him
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He is lovely.
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Thanks Amanda, I’m pleased with him
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Harry the Hare is adorable! Such a wonderful finish. Congratulations!
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