And so I finally started Susan Dunn, from The Scarlet Letter.
This is what I did so far:
Not much to look at yet. It’s not a huge sampler (according to my calculations (which are not always to be trusted) it’s 268 x 174 stitches) (hmm. Actually, that is quite huge), but there’s quite a lot of work involved anyway. In this little piece that I’ve stitched there’s satin stitches, eyelet stitches and quite a bit of over-one stitching, which, on 36 count linen, is not fun. At all. Maybe I should’ve checked the chart before I bought the fabric for it. That’ll teach me…
I have a question, and I would really like to know your opinion. If you would be so kind as to take a good look at the picture here?
You see the red eyelet stitches? I don’t like them. There’s so much skin showing, if you see what I mean. In order to create the eyelets, you need to pull your thread quite tightly. It makes a pretty hole, but when a hole is the best part of your stitching, then perhaps there’s something wrong with the stitch. What do you think? Should I continue thusly, or should I use another method? Maybe use three strands instead of two? Do 16 stitches, instead of eight, to create the eyelet? Leave them as they are because, like it or not, this is what eyelet stitches are supposed to look like? Needleworkers of the world, help me please!
Yours ponderingly,
Annemarie.
24 comments:
I think they look fine, but if you're unhappy with the coverage, maybe try one with 16 legs (before you rip the others out, of course ;) ) and see if you prefer the look. I wouldn't use 3 strands, it would be too bulky, I think. You might even go down to one strand with the 16 legs - try both ways (maybe on a scrap piece of fabric though). Good luck!
I think the fabric showing under the stitches is a nice look. I'm not an expect in needlework however. I do think the bird is beautiful. I am halfway through my first baktus. I enjoy it, but I'm not very quick with any of my projects, so it takes me a long time.
I think that's what they are supposed to look like. I guess that's why I stick to the basic "x". The speciality stitches never really work out for me. My eye is trained to see the x and the x alone. I do like how your's looks though. I especially like that little bird.
The eyelets look just right to me - I think they need to be a bit lacy or you wouldn't notice that they're different stitches. It's a gorgeous sampler.
I think those eyelets are perfect the way they are. They probably bother you because you're sitting right on top of them while working on the sampler. But when you have more completed and you step away, I think that it's going to be lovely look!!
The hole is the best part. I'm with Gio, they're supposed to look lacy. Keep up the good work!
I love the Scarlett Letter stuff!! This chart is great. I like the eyelets like that. Sometimes they are too fat and you can't tell they are any different from cross stitches. I would say carry on. They are pretty! And yours are very neat if I may say so. x
I like the eyelet stitches the way they are. They add interest and dimension. Very pretty.
What a beautiful sampler! Great start - I like the look of the eyelets, nice and lacy - but if you aren't sure, I like Karen V's suggestion of trying some variations on the edge of your fabric or a scrap piece!
You eyelets (and the rest of your stitches) look great! But if you are unhappy with the look, try doing 16 stitches instead of eight. That's how I usually do eyelets and it covers the fabric completely and shows off the pretty little hole.
I think KarenV has given you the definitive answer, An. If you are unhappy with the leggy appearance of the eyelets, add more legs. :D Using a doodle cloth to experiment on has helped me make such decisions in the past - I hate needless frogging!
Eyelets are a favorite of mine - seems I unleash the stress in my life on those poor little legs and create large center holes, which I happen to like. :)
I love them that way! Gives it a very delicate look.
But I'm not an expert at all on specialty stitches and quite fearful of some of them! LOL
This sampler is very beautiful and I love, love The Scarlet Letter samplers but I too have some WIPS that have been started and sitting a long time in my basket.
Love their gallery online.
Jennifer
Feathers in the Nest
I would point to KarenV and say "yeah, what she said". The eyelets look fine to me. Sometimes there will be variations too depending on your linen. I've been stitching a bit with HDF linens lately and while nice, I find more unevenness with areas being more "airy". Lakeside, on the other hand, is quite "dense".
Your start is great and the colours look great too!
I also think that these eyelets are perfect the way they are. I go with Gio and Anna and must admit that I love the somewhat lacy look of them. But in the end you have to stitch them the way you like them best.
BTW, this is a wonderful sampler and that little birdie could become my friend, lol.
I agree with the others - I think the eyelets are right. What first threw me off was the partial eyelets (right over the green) - it made it look unbalanced. But when I looked to the right, I think your tension is perfect, and I agree when there are more stitches in, it will look just right.
My vote is keep them as they are! Skin is supposed to show just a bit--it's what makes them sexy and different from the humdrum x-stitch.
Miss Sarah is a gorgeous sampler, and you're doing great with her. I like your eyelet stitches the way they are.
It does seem a bit off; perhaps it's the red right next to the green--I'm very picky about which reds I'll allow to fraternize with which greens. ;)
Overall, I think it's fine and I agree you're just up on it too close; as the design progresses and you step back everything will come together. But, on the other hand, testing out alternatives on a scrap is a really good idea.
Love the title post on this one.
I think they look fine, but you could definitely try the 16 leg look, or alternatively, change them from eyelets to smyrnas or Rhodes stitches. Just a thought! In the end, you have to be happy with them. And you might also be happier with them, when there's more around them...they'll add a different texture. But, when you're focusing on them, they're all you see.
Hey Annemarie, don't you dare go scaring off everyone on eyelets! I have my reasons for strongly defending this lovely little stitch. As Giovanni, and then a number of others, said, they're supposed to look lacey and to stand out from the other stitches. Yours look lovely. In fact, I absolutely love this sampler. You pick the best projects!
I agree with almost everyone else and would say, Karen has said it best. No need to repeat. But, I will say, I think the whole thing looks beautiful - love the colors and the rich feel of the piece. It's gonna be killer!
I think your eyelets look lovely, but if you really hate them, you could do smyrna crosses instead, they would cover the 'skin' better.
Yes, I agree with the 16 stitch suggestion - although I like them as they are, but it's your sampler and you should be happy with it. Beautiful choice, by the way, I love this one, and I am seriously tempted to add it to my never-ending list of samplers I must stitch!
I think they look fine - I definitley wouldn't use 3 strands they would be much too bulky, you can always add more legs you know, that would give a fuller coverage.
Hugs Su
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