Happy New Year!

It's a new year, and time to re-dedicate myself to the proposition that all sorts of new and interesting designs are waiting to be created in the coming year.

I'll begin by looking backward: to an old favorite blackwork piece I stitched for myself (not published) 'way back in 1994. I took an Art Nouveau illustration that had the Three Fates (the three women) stitching on a long cloth (someone's life). It worked beautifully for a blackwork sampler, because it has lots of large areas (the clothing) where different patterns could be inserted.


Here's an up-close look at the lower lady stitching at the bottom of the design.
You can see several of the lovely blackwork patterns used in this design.

I especially enjoyed putting small round ivory pearls in several pattern areas (see the dress cuff and the upper flowered skirt). That added a bit of discreet texture to the piece.

All the skin areas were stitched in a plain diagonal row of backstitching, except I used DMC Fil D'Or (a very fine gold metallic). Not the funnest thread to stitch with, I admit, but it gives just the right warm golden glow to the skin areas.

I particulary love the symbolism of this piece.... it reminds me that no matter what kind of project you're working on right now, it's still a part of the overall design of your life. Each piece of the puzzle belongs in its own place, and is just one building block for what comes next -- whether it be another stitching project, or perhaps a major stepping stone in the path of your life.

In any event -- HAPPY STITCHIN' NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!
May the coming Year be happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful for all of us....