Thursday 23 January 2020

A Lane in May


Every year I try to get out for as many walks and outings as possible in May.  It is the time of year when the English countryside is at its most most beautiful, with vibrant shades of green, hedge parsley in every verge, and sunlit views against steely grey skies.  When it came to choosing a landscape to stitch last year, I settled on this scene, less than ten minutes' walk from our house, and set to work.

It wasn't easy.  Many a time I felt like giving up, but the prospect of entering it into the annual 12 x 12 exhibition at Midsomer Quilting made me carry on.



For speed and the sheer pleasure of it, the holly tree was the greatest joy to stitch.  I am looking forward to concentrating on more trees in the future.



By contrast, the most difficult part was where the hedges on both sides of the lane appear to merge together and the track disappears into shadow.  The track actually takes a right angled bend to the right, so the hedge on the left cuts across the picture.  To make it even more difficult, the top of the hedge blurs into another hedge and line of trees into the middle distance.  I had to make sure that the great mass of greenery didn't end up as a great mess of thready scribble.  It took a while, partly because it took me a while to distinguish what was what on the photo, and then because I was worried that if I rushed I would ruin it.  In the end, taking the time paid off.



Here is the picture I worked from, a square section from a photo I took in 2016.  However hard I tried, the shades of the threads couldn't capture the glorious colours of that day.

When I visited the 12 x 12 Exhibition in December I was told that a lady had walked into the room, seen my picture, and recognised the lane instantly.  On hearing that, suddenly all the effort felt worthwhile.  I was delighted. 

Free Motion Mavericks is at Andrée's blog this week so I'm linking up.



Also linking up to Sarah's blog Confessions of a Fabric Addict for Whoop Whoop Friday
and Nina Marie's blog Creations... Quilts, Art....Whatever for  Off The Wall Friday

14 comments:

  1. Wow! I'm not surprised that she recognized the lane! I'm sure it's even more beautiful in person (your needlework, lol). What a pretty photo. Jan in MA

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    1. Thank you Janice! If it weren't for my camera, I don't think I would ever have started these stitched pictures.

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  2. Your thread painting is absolutely beautiful! I really enjoy your posts.
    Judy in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

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    1. Thank you Judy! It's lovely to have you looking in from so far away!

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  3. That's a fabulous comment - to have someone recognise the location is the ultimate praise! Well done you. :D

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    1. Thanks Kerry! Yeah, someone recognising the lane made me come over slightly mushy.

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  4. Your work depicting this lane is quite an accomplishment. I have been watching it grow, through your blog pictures, and have been amazed at what you can do with thread and your sewing machine. It is a true work of art.

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    1. Thank you! It has been quite a journey.

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  5. This is a lovely quilt! It amazes me how people can "draw" so well with stitch.

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    1. Thank you Lizzie! The variegated threads certainly help. They add a certain depth.

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  6. Hi Muv, I know that this piece gave you a lot of aggravation last year. I'm really glad that you stuck with it. Having the spot recognized pretty much sums it up - Well done! Thanks for linking up with me this week :-)

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    1. Thanks Andrée! Yes, it was worth it!

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    2. ...and is worthy of linking up to Free Motion Mavericks' 300th post party. Congratulations! Take care.

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