Over the past few weeks I’ve pretty much given up doing designs for “wall art” and am concentrating on craft designs – that is, things to use on useful items such as bags and cushions. I miss the wall art, but it’s probably good for me to change the focus a little bit.
The Iona Galley
This week we have another cushion, with a design based on a stone carving in Iona Abbey, an ancient Christian settlement on a tiny island off the coast of Mull, which is itself an island off the west coast of Scotland. I’ve simplified it a little bit and it looks quite modern for something that originated in the first century AD.
An Iona design in a modern setting
To stitch it, I used for the first time the 9 ½ inch (240 mm) hoop that came with my new machine, and it was a real eye-opener. You can do such HUGE embroideries with these big hoops! Of course, I’m learning the hard way that there are also huge technical problems associated with them, such as excessive pull caused by trying to stitch on such wide, unsupported areas of fabric, but I’m learning fast, and I hope it won’t be long before I can stitch a lot more of my designs with these super-sized hoops
Gorgeous! (as usual) Yes, it’s a good idea to get out of your niche or rut from time to time. Have fun with your new giant hoop!
I LOVE this. If you ever decide to sell your designs this would definitely be one I would purchase. I even have the big hoop!
PS the more I look at the design, it could even be a quilt block.
Another beautiful design look forward to the next one.
Very nice!
Love the design! You have so many talents! Thank you for sharing.