Originally posted 2007-11-15 15:15:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
This is my current project, another great Raymond Crawford design. One thing I like about this design is the clean and very modern graphics.
We wanted so real contrast in extures between the two witches. This was achieved, as you can see, by picking radically different textures for the threads.
The white witch is stitched in Fyre Werks, a very sparkly thread. The wicked witch is stitched using Petite Very Velvet, about as matte a thread a you can get.
I think the combination is very effective.
Velour threads of any kind are so fun to use for needlepoint. They are matte, but not lifeless. The other thing I love about them is the way many stitches “disappear” when stitched with this thread.
The first time I used one, it was for a background. I was on an extended business trip and needed something to stitch. I picked a set of fruit coasters and wanted them to look as if they were on cloth. The shopowner sold me a velour.
I couldn’t believe the result, the background, done in Basketweave, looks just like fabric.
The black Very Velvet here has the same effect. You may not be able to tell from the picture, but it’s stitched in Woven Plait, a stitch with a strong texture, although small.
With this thread you get only a slight and unrecognizable texture. I’m so excited I can’t wait to stitch!
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“clean and modern graphics” is exactly why I have also featured one of Raymond’s pieces in my January article for NN!! There is just too much going on in most of the painted canvases produced these days. Raymond’s are a joy to look at and to stitch. I also used, in addition to Tish Watkins’ little flowers, Gail Hendrix’s “Rainbow Ladybugs”