I can’t quite believe it’s been two whole weeks since I last posted, I’ve been doing a lot of stitching but issues at home have meant I’ve had little time for posting, so I’ve a few posts to write over the next few days! First off is of course my Peppermint Purple blackwork sampler which I’ve turned into an image of Catbells, a fell by Derwentwater in the Lake District which I’ve climbed many times and has a special corner of my heart.
Three weeks ago I had started the border…
What I hadn’t realised as I merrily stitched the first border is that in the centre of the border there was meant to be a block which has one stitch less…so when I reached the first corner I was one stitch out! I can imagine quite a few people made the same mistake! There was no way I was going to undo half a side so I fudged it with an extra short block at the corner, I don’t think it’s noticeable.
I wanted to incorporate the name of Catbells in the border and I decided to do it within the width of the main border, I then stitched my initials and the year at the bottom.
After fifteen months of stitching it was finally complete… definitely time for a happy dance!
I’m pretty pleased with it, it was my first try at blackwork and the free annual sampler SAL from Peppermint Purple was a great way to try it. I learnt a lot how pattern influences the effect of the colour, there are blocks I would change another time. I did a little more outlining round the reflection and I think it shows up just enough now. If you fancy trying blackwork I would certainly recommend Peppermint Purple, the 2022 SAL is now in progress but with just one block released each week there’s not too much to catch up on.
If anyone is wondering, the fabric I used is overdyed so it’s soft blues and green’s in a sort of linear wash which worked well for the landscape scene, I have no idea where I got it from which is a shame as it’s worked really well for this. The threads I used for the filler patterns in the corners were Weeks overdyed threads which have a subtle variegation, the rest were all standard DMC threads.
Last Saturday I took it to my regular framers, Artworks in Otley, They always do a great job, they helped me choose a couple of mounts and a surround and I collected it yesterday. The mounts are a very light soft green and a narrow outline from the mount underneath of dark grey/green.
I love the finished piece, the frame and mounts compliment it beautifully. I just need to find somewhere to hang it.
Catbells has been the muse for several of my embroideries over the years, here’s just a few…
This SAL is organised by Avis from Sewing Beside the Sea, we post our progress on a chosen piece every three weeks, it certainly helps to keep me focussed on longer term pieces! Please follow the links to see everyone else’s progress…
Avis, Claire, Gun, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Megan, Deborah, Sharon, Daisy, AJ, Cathie, Linda, Helen
thecraftycreek 
Your blackwork piece is absolutely gorgeous!
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absolutely stunning!
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Amazing, I have really enjoyed seeing this work grow and making it into Catbells was inspired. The finished work is absolutely beautiful
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If you hadn’t pointed out the short block, I would never have noticed it. This is gorgeous and I love how you encorporated the title and your initials in the border. Obviously Catbells is dear to your heart with all the other pretty pieces you have made about it.
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I love Catbells too. You’ve made the PP SAL piece your own and the framing shows it off to its best. Enjoy the well earned Happy Dance!
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Celebrating with a happy dance for you. The Catbells is such a beautiful piece. The framing is perfect – an award winner for sure.
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Your love affair with the mountain has resulted in a beautiful body of work, and this is the latest and perhaps the greatest.
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Congratulations Margaret, this really was a spectacular project!
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This is stunning, Margaret! The reflections work so well, and make it an interesting, almost abstract piece. I hope your happy dance continues every time you look at it!
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Well done on this fascinating adaptation of the blackwork weekly sample blocks. Very clever, and beautiful work.
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Terrific black work.
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Fabulous finish, and I love the way you framed it. Congratulations on a beautiful stitchery well done.
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Congratulations on your happy dance Margaret. It is beautiful and nice that you made it your own. I wonder what will be next x
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Your work is beautiful! I had never heard of Catbells and went looking for it. Now I understand your attraction to the hills and lake. What an amazing place… wishing I were at least 30 years younger and I would definitely plan a visit!
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Wow, wow Margaret. Fantastic work and enjoy your happy dance, you definitely deserve it!
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Looks amazing. Finding a friendly and knowledgeable framer that isn’t afraid of textiles is a bonus isn’t it! They did you well.
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