Yesterday I decided it was time to stitch another entry for a travelling sketchbook from my Embroiderers Guild. This is the last one in the current round. The book this time was on the theme of leaves. I had a perusal on Pinterest for a bit of inspiration, but nothing really caught my eye. I did see one which was like a little crazy patchwork sort of thing with a leaf in one quarter, so that was my starting point…
I started having a rummage in my textile box and found some Harris tweed squares in autumnal colours. I happened to spot a scrap from a chiffon shirt I’ve just made which had a dark red leaf in just the right size. A further rummage in my box and I found a scrap of chiffon/silky stuff in gorgeous autumn colours and some stuff which was part of an experimental dying session at an Embroiderers Guild workshop. I can’t remember what it started out as, but it was the right colour, gave a bit of texture and reminded me of skeleton leaves or rough bark. I cut a narrow strip for the centre and later some leaf shapes from a different colour batch. It was starting to take shape…
I used variegated DMC threads mainly. I used a simple running stitch to hold the main pieces in place with calico on the back for support. The centre strip is stitched on with a simple leaf design using fly stitch. In the bottom space I did a simple back-stitch outline of a leaf and then used what I think is called chevron stitch to fill it in, the back-stitch somehow gives a neater edge.
I wasn’t sure at first how to fill the long space to the left, I decided to do a chain stitch stem with spaces for thee leaves, initially planning to embroider the leaves. I then spotted the other piece of stuff I’d dyed which was a perfect colour for autumn leaves, they could be stitched on again with fly stitch.
My final bit of stitching was to add a silver running stitch round the red leaf to look like a frosted edge, it just helped to lift it.
I’m pretty happy with how this one came out, I think the different textures and colours give a good representation of autumn leaves.
I’ll be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts on Sunday for Slow Stitching Sunday, please follow the link for more stitching inspiration.
thecraftycreek 
I love your skeleton leaves they look amazing and your stitching is beautiful – I’m sure the recipient will be delighted at your interpretation
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Absolutely gorgeous… !
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Beautiful.
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Very creative, personal and beautiful! Love the three leaves on the left! 🙂
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Agreeing with all the above, especially Laura re the 3 leaves on the left — very interesting texture!
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Gorgeous!!!!!
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Very creative, I love your use of scraps.
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I love how this turned out Margaret, your use of scraps was brilliant!
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Love this. And I see I am not alone in admiring the three leaves on the left – inspiring!
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The skeleton leaves are terrific, love the whole piece.
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I love this piece! It looks great!
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Lovely piece and stitches!
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Very nice. 😊
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Very artistic! 😍
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These are really beautiful. A great and creative use of your materials and a lovely addition to the book.
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Amazing piece – love the colors and the stitches.
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This is beautiful Margaret.
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Hi. What a lovely block! I love the different textures and colours.
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