Wednesday 20 April 2011

St Cuthbert's Banner: all work so far

A few weeks ago, Cynthia of California Stitching suggested that I show all the work completed on the panel so far.  This was a good idea, and with two panels now completed, this seems like a very good place to do just that.

So here it is (click on the image to see a larger version):


There a couple of points to note here: this isn't quite all the work I've done as there's a second central cross panel also completed (to go on the back of the Banner), but it's exactly the same as the one shown here.  Also, I just laid the panels out for the photo, without centring them properly or anything; they aren't even pinned, let alone stitched in place, so the finished article should be rather neater.

With all that in mind, though, I'm still really pleased with how it's looking.  This is the first time I've had everything out like this, so it's quite a relief that it's all working!

One thing I noticed in the photo that I missed when I was taking it is the shading of the flowers and leaves.  Part of this is the deliberate shading with coloured threads that I've been doing throughout, but some of it is accidental - the applied flowers have a bit of depth to them, and in the light from the window coming from the top, they cast a small shadow.  This was quite unexpected, but I really like it!  I think it helps gives the flowers, and the whole piece, some life.

So, how do you think it's coming along?

10 comments:

  1. It was lovely to see the complete 'picture' so far. well done this will be a true work of art.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your stitching is wonderful. You are creating great beauties. Every time I find in your blog many inspirations.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I can't get over how beautiful this is. I hope, when it's all finished, we can see a photo of it in procession. It's nice to have such history all around you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think it's gorgeously beautiful. And I'm glad you haven't gone nuts doing it all!

    ReplyDelete
  5. @Cynthia: I hope so too, but Durham Cathedral don't allow photography, so I'd either have to get special permission to take my camera, or (and again with permission) use something from an official photographer, which I assume they'll have for the dedication service at least.

    @Elmsley Rose: who says I haven't!

    Everyone else: thank you so much for saying such nice things - your kind words and support mean a lot to me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. First time in a while that I've stopped by here-- the progress is wonderful to see! When is it to be dedicated and used?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Donna - good to have you back!

    The plan is for it to be dedicated at the Cathedral on St Cuthbert's Day, 20 March, 2012. That sounds like a very long way off, but there's still a *lot* of work to be done before then.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think its absolutely gorgeous. I can't believe that you're doing all these flowers again and again and again (though of course you have to for this design). I don't like stitching anything more than once! Though I am always happy to undo something and restitch it if its not right. But I am super impressed with your ability to keep doing the same thing over and over!

    ReplyDelete