This is from a large piece called "SPIRIT OF THE SOUTHWEST" by Susan Portra. (I didn't scan the whole piece; just a section of it). I stitched it many years ago, using my favorite Southwestern adobe and turquoise colors.
What I want to show you is the way I finished the border on this piece. The instructions show the angled ECRU borders as the finished edge of the piece. If you've ever seen this piece stitched up and framed (and absolutely GORGEOUS, of course), it usually has a custom-cut mat that has all the triangular sections cut, so that the mat fits snug against the angled outside edges.
Well, I didn't want to mat the piece that way...so I came up with another way to finish the piece so it would fit within a plain square-cut mat. I decided to TENT STITCH inside each triangle shape with a medium-dark color (so the background would recede a bit) and then add a simple string motif (or jessica, if you prefer) that echoes the various jessica elements in the overall design. Here's a closeup of those sections:
I think the extra tent stitching was worth it. I created a background against which the Southwest design could stand out. And I still finished off the piece in an unusual way, without having to have expensive double or triple mats cut.
I share this idea with you, just in case you might have an unusual geometric design that you want to finish in a different manner. When in doubt, consider STITCHING your borders or backgrounds, to show off the rest of your work!
8 comments:
What a great idea! I've had my eye on this gorgeous Susan Portra design but hesitated because of the anticipated expense of a custom-cut matte. Now that you've given me this great idea I will definitely have to stitch this. I also love your border on Gay Ann Roger's Mystery in a Corner.
Excellent suggestion! Definitely think the extra tent stitching was worth it. Have the Susan Portra piece in my stash, but haven't seen it finished, it's gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your talent.
I've said it before and doubtless I'll say it again--Laura, you are CLEVER.
Here's a link to the original model where folks can see the cut mat edge.
http://www.a-z-needlepoint.com/products/portra-spirit.shtml
Jane, waving from CH
I love your idea! I just finished this piece for the second time (1 for my son back in the 90's; the second for my husband this year), but I did the borders in the original design. Joanne in Maine
Believe it or not I have this design, and the fibers to stitch it two ways. Mine - water colors and the Dessert Sand colors I inherited from the Mother in Law. It had been our plan to stitch it together. I really LOVE your border affect. Thank you for sharing it.
Laura, you have been really inspiring me with your beautiful stitched borders. I plan on doing similar things on several of my canvas now instead of paying a (not so small) fortune for mats. After all, it is all about the stitching so that is what should be showcased isn't it? Thanks for the ideas!
Outstanding! Great colors!
Another wonderful idea! I do a lot of geometrics so I appreciate your sharing these!
Post a Comment