But what the heck! They're (marginally) cheaper than therapy. . . and less hazardous to the health than drinking or smoking. And there are so many fabulous projects out there.
Temptation is all around me, and yes, I have succumbed again. . . most recently to two fabulous 17th century inspired creations by Tricia Nguyen. . .both taught at Williamsburg earlier this month.
Day 1 of two days of classes was spent drooling over a raft of newly made threads including silk gimps, crimped gold, and silk covered perle perles. . .all materials for a jaunty lion surrounded by a cartouch-like outline. Here's the picture of the finished lion. Isn't he cute?
Day 2 was a 17th century goldwork class. Here's Tricia's version of the design, but in class we concentrated on trying out some new stitches. . . with Tricia suggesting we choose our favorites for our own actual piece. . . .so it will probably be a good while before I'm ready to tackle more than a doodle cloth for this piece.
This class does dovetail nicely with the on-line Gold Master Class. So my plan here is to jump back into the Master Class. . . perhaps even organizing my doodle stitching so I have stitched samples of the various stitches right at hand for when I eventually start in on THIS goldwork piece.
It will be quite a challenge. . .but provide nice insight into the extraordinary amount of work that went into some of the historical pieces.
I would have loved to do these classes. I've seen them on a couple of blogs that I follow so, not only would I have got to play with wonderful threads, I could have actually met a few people I've met online :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying the online classes, but it would be great to have a class with Tricia really there!
ReplyDeleteYou know http://lifeneedleworkandeverything.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeletehas done the same two classes? She's blogging about her lion - she's chosen to do a detached buttonhole face.
You are both SO lucky!
I really look forward to seeing more of your work on these :-)
Ladies, You are all SOOOO right about how much fun Tricia's classes are. But for you it REALLY would be a long commute! :-) I met Margaret (lifenedleworkandeverything) stitching on the Plimoth jacket, and she was also in the Mermaid class last year. Clearly, she is a more organized and quicker stitcher than I. . . her lion is on its way to done, and her mermaid is long finished (scroll back on her blog to see photos!). She does fabulous work!
ReplyDelete