Windflower Embroidery

I went to see the movie ‘Julia and Julie’ and it gave me a push that I have neglected my Blog this year!  I am very sorry but life seems to have overtaken me.  But enough of that!  Sewing Blogs are not for complaints but for fun.  I loved the ‘Julia and Julie’ movie and it strikes me that writing a cooking blog must be so much easier as the results are much faster cooking that sewing!  However, I did like the idea of a bit of a challenge.

I have to have some samples for Mandeni Needlework for classes at the end of February - I must have some lavender samples and a pear tree.  Let’s see  if I can do it!!

I have started the pear tree.  My inspiration was a 350-year old piece I photographed at Williamsburg two years ago. 

I have started my research on making the pears.  The historical piece used little turned wooden pears (I know I can buy wooden apple beads but not pear shapes!) and Jane Nicholas made “Fimo” pears for her design in “Stumpwork Embroidery Designs and Projects” but I thought that I would try felt pears.

I decided to research and develop with a slightly larger sized pear and then to work my way down in size.  I also tried some new hand-dyed thread by Pam at ‘Cottage Garden Threads’ which I loved.  I am also using her thread for the trunk of the tree.  I think the results look great!

Then I go smaller and I am still happy!

The I got to thinking that not everyone wants to needle lace. It makes some students cry!  So maybe a thread painted version is also a good idea?