Stitch Key for Canvas Stitches

Letter are a bit hard to read but I have named the stitched from left to right, going down first, then across to the line stitches.

A. Cross - small, B. Cross - large, C. Satin, D. Blanket, E. Herringbone, F. Wave, G. Cretin, H. Cretin - wide, I. Chain, J. Open Chain, K. Running, L. Long Arm Cross, M. Rice - small, N-P. Smyrna - large and small, Q. Chinese, R. Portugese Knot, S. Stem, T. Cushion, U. Eye - large and small, V. Canvas Fern, W. Rice - large.

Canvas Stitches in One Colour

This sample uses one colour thread on 10 count mono canvas. I used Perle No 5 cotton in light green. This type of thread has a nice sheen and produces interesting textural effects on stitches in a repeat pattern.

I would not generally use this colour but it was a close colour to the light green moss on the rocks. I tea dyed the canvas to take away the stark white and give an 'old' look.

A stitch key attached indicates the stitches used.

Black and White Shape Studies

I have created two shape studies in black and white. One with cutting the paper and the other tearing the paper. I focussed on different areas of the wall for these studies.

The one with cut shapes gives an interesting effect and the negative space could be used to for a base for an embroidery design. It could be viewed as a two dimensional work with the dark areas representign garden beds or ponds and the white could be a winding path between.

Some of the rocks in the wall were quite large with smaller rocks filling the gaps. These larger areas could be broken up with different designs and colours within one area.

Colour Studies 2 and 3

I have created two more colour studies using water colour base and soft and oil pastel over the top. These give a good textural effect and colours can be combined, drawn over each other to create other colours eg. voilet and light grey creates a pleasing lavender effect.

One study focusses on the colours in the moss from light blue/green to dark purple/green. It also experiments with the lighter pink/peach/yellow hues of the top of the rocks.

The other study looks at the ochres and browns of the darker rock areas.