An old friend of my husband's, who has lived in Aberdeenshire for many years, is very interested in Scottish castles, and over the years has taught us a lot about their fascinating history. My husband thought that I might be able to make him an embroidery of a castle as a Christmas present, so I've been working hard on that. It wasn't easy. In many ways, a castle is better suited to be the subject of a painting rather than an embroidery. Our castles are very old and rather crumbly, after all, and perhaps not suited to the crisp, clean finish of most machine embroidery.
Craigievar Castle, from the 17th century
But I tried my best with Craigievar Castle, which is not all that far away from where we live. It's not too bad, but I think the embroidery only really works because both the background fabric and the applique fabric are hand-painted in a pretty rough, sketchy manner, suited to a centuries-old castle. Never mind – you can still tell that it's Craigievar, and I hope that John will like it.
I am positive that you husband will love the Craigievar Castle. Of course the painted fabric gives it texture but the embroidery really gives it form and specific detail. Wonderful gift!!
Oh, Mia, of course he’ll love it! Even more, it will bring back happy memories of time spent enlightening you and your husband. He’ll think of you and smile whenever he looks at it. And, you know it’s not something he’s likely to get from anyone else! Bravo!
Hi Mia, your castle is phenomenal! I am sure your husband will love the castle that you designed for him. As usual, your and painted fabric really adds so much to your embroidery. Have a great weekend!
Bonjour Mia
Je trouve que l’assemblage tissus peints et broderie est très réussi. Cela donne un rendu fin mettant bien en valeur ce que la broderie peut apporter à la peinture
Belle réalisation
If John doesn’t like it, I do! Great work, as usual!
Wonderful!