DBJG monogram (hand embroidered by Mary Addison)
I first blogged this monogram here but, dissatisfied with the rather simple boring design, I tucked it away in a drawer, hoping a visually interesting improvement would come to mind. The child, now well past his first birthday, could be speeding his way to long trousers and a beard, if I carry on waiting for an idea to come unbidden, so – casting all projects for the week to one side – I forced myself into the sort of thought that leads to action.
Detail of DBJG monogram (hand embroidered by Mary Addison)
As it happened, propped up beside the bookshelves – because it’s too tall to fit on them – stands the glorious Abstract Art Patterns and Designs by Adam and Maurice Verneuil (reissued by Bracken Books, 1987 with an introduction by Steven Calloway). The designs waft the siren call of patchwork every time I pass it by but as my needle was loaded up with embroidery thread and action was needed, I set to with satin stitch. It all took a bit longer than I’d planned and I’m not sure I like the result sufficiently for the effort involved… I think I had a need to use colour much as one needs to have daffodils and tulips in jugs all over the house at this time of year.
Abstract Art Patterns and Designs by Adam & Maurice Verneuil (Bracken Books, 1987, with introduction by Steven Calloway)
Detail of pattern from Abstract Art Patterns and Designs by Adam & Maurice Verneuil (Bracken Books, 1987, with introduction by Steven Calloway)
14 Comments
I do like the result, although I also liked the original. Thank you for sharing.
Oh that’s nice to know Juliette, thank you. It’s often difficult to assess your own work.
I can imagine that the labour involved would have been considerable, but I do think the bright colours and interlocking shapes create a lovely whole!
Yes, Rachel, as you advance, so does the realisation that this will not be finished quickly.
Kind of you to comment so positively.
Too liked the original but this one with its interlocking shapes is lovely. It gave me a (passing) desire to embroider a quilt in similar fashion. Unfortunately my probable life expectancy is too short.
I know what you mean Anne. One gets so many ideas but they’re often too labour intensive to do any more than contemplate. How wise of you to understand this. But rather than give up all together why not do something like a small cushion for someone special?
Thank you for the suggestion. A (very) small neck pillow is being designed.
Good for you, Anne. Enjoy working on the pillow and enjoy using it afterwards.
But I do love the design. It looks like small people at work to me. Great colors.
Oh, i hadn’t noticed them before – I rather like the idea and I can see them everywhere now!
I think it’s super, Mary. Such an array of bright, jewel colours. I liked the first one but think that this second design is far superior. Lucky recipient to have this beautiful masterpiece!
So glad you like it Nella – I did wonder half way through whether I’d bitten off more than I wanted to actually chew!
Oh i agree i liked the original but i love this. Will add a similar pattern to my commissions! i remember the book and especially like the blue bottom left pattern and colours… hint hint
Sorry not to have replied – lots of flu here and so much washing of ill people’s bed linen.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. Much love.