Poppies Pattern Half Way

I've completed a little more than half of stitching for the Poppies model. It is a large piece, though of course the number of 'squares' used is up to the stitcher, I think the original four are a good representation of the effect of Asian screens i was after.

This is a photo of 'Dong-Yi', the story that inspired this design.

A story of a remarkable woman in a fascinating time and place in history. I hope others will be inspired by it as well.

Tulip's Praise Framed & Poppies in Progress

Here is the stitched Tulip's Praise in its new frame. It is always rewarding to get a piece to this final stage, isn't it? :)

Poppies is proving a pretty fast and pleasurable stitch. I've now developed the ability to stitch and watch tv with subtitles!

I'm stitching Poppies on 18 count ivory Aida fabric and using 7 colors and below is the conversions I used from DMC to the HDF silk floss.

DMC 580, Moss Green-dk - HDF Wrasse Green 3319

DMC 720, Orange Spice-dk - HDF Gold Rush 4233

DMC 946, Burnt Orange-md - HDF Gold Rush 4235

DMC 975, Golden Brown-dk - HDF Terra Potta 4325

DMC 993, Acquamarine-lt - HDF Jadeite 2461

DMC 3813, Blue Green-lt - HDF Yerbamate 3135

DMC 991, Acquamarine-dk - HDF Jadeite 2467

New Design - Poppies

If you've followed this blog for any length of time you know that my designs have very personal inspirations. I can't follow any type of formula for developing a pattern, it absolutely must move me or I couldn't create a thing :) I heard someone say something recently that I certainly agree with, that 'the most essential key to any successful endeavour is simplicity and passion'. I'm just happy I have so many passions! LOL And I hope to always keep them as clean and simple as I 'see' them.

Poppies is another design inspired by a woman of strong character.

Stitch Count is 216 x 249

2012 is the year I discovered the world of Korean Historical Dramas. I especially enjoyed the three epics, Dae Jang-Geum, Yi-San and Dong-Yi. Stories about real people living during the Joseon dynasty which ruled from 1392-1897.

Their appeal includes excellent scripts, directing, acting, music, sets, costumes as well as their moral ethic. I love their depiction of women who battle not with martial arts, but who overcome obstacles with their strength of character, grace and virtue.

Each of these stories gives a unique glimpse into various aspects of life in the palace - Dae Jang-Geum was the first woman named Physician to the King and this epic features the world of the palace kitchens and medicine within the royal court. The insights into the food and medicine of the time is fascinating.

Dong-Yi explores the world of the court musicians and the women 'Inspectors' who were responsible for policing the inner world of the court. Yi-San takes us into the world of the artists who documented everything and the role of the royal guards.

This design is dedicated to my favorite of the three, Dong-Yi. The motifs were inspired by the image of a poppy in it's opening credits and the intricate screens that compliment the spare furnishings found from peasant homes to the palace.

Tulip's Praise Model Completed

Just as our bulbs are beginning to peek out at the world, I'm happy to say I've completed the model for Tulip's Praise!

We've had so much blessed rain this spring and even though the creeks, rivers and lakes are nearing flooding stage, it has been great for the forest and everything growing. The grey day isn't giving me a terrific photo, but I wanted to post its completion and announce it is now for sale on my website.

The next design is completed and I hope to introduce it in a few days.