modern sampler

I finished up my modern sampler embroidery.  The idea behind this was to do a doodle-y sampler of playful stitches along a series of criss crossed lines, adding further lines as necessary.

This was a fun excercise which allowed me to use more unusual stitches and play with combinations of stitches too.  Some of these include various couching stitches, chain stitches and woven stitches.   Once you start to delve into the library of possiblitlites, the combinations really are just endless.  I start with an idea and kind of make it up as I go along.  The emphasis in on contrast both between colour and the assorted textures created.

All colours are again by Cosmo - I just adore the shades in this brand.  I've included the shade numbers I used below for reference ( please note - the colour names are just my description of the shade not actual colour names).

556 - dark blue purple / 564 - teal blue / 336 - mid green / 633 - deep green / 327 - deep bright green /

263 - pale mid green / 323 pale green / 686 - olive green /  2251 pale aqua /  820 - sorbet yellow /  

771 pale gold / 775a - bronze / 895 - dark grey / 440 - apricot

Creating a sampler of your own is a great way to try out something different from the usual, you could use a grid or geometric shapes.  Stick to shades of just one colour or use a bit of every kind of colour you have.  If you've never tried - give it a go!

Edited to add - Here is a piccie of the back for Sally who asked below :)

Comments

[Sally a.k.a. nbnqnbnq]

Wow! Amazing and inspiring (again) Aneela! This might be a dreadful thing to ask but... any chance of seeing the back?

[Lisa M]

I love this idea. The ladies at the Embroidery Guild I belong to think that I should know how to do more than straight, back, cross and blanket stitch. I am going to make my own 'modern sampler' to present to them; I am motivated now to learn. Thank you.

[Sara]

Why are people obsessed with what the back looks like!! It really does not matter very much and I am a neat freak. Sometimes I take the decision to finish off in a sturdy if not pretty manner as I want my finished object to withstand lots of washing etc. Perhaps it's a matter of confidence with some people,(are they doing it OK?) but really, don't worry about it. The more you practice your stitches the more you can concentrate on neatness.

Better to have a go or try out some more complex stitches than be so put off by the idea that it won't be neat enough that you are too frightened to do it at all. Honestly, it does seem a little perverse to have passing interest in the beauty of the front but rather more interest in the hidden from sight back view (as some people, with no interest in embroidery do). That doesn't mean to say that it counts for nothing but really, look at the front - that's the pretty bit!

[aneela]

Hi Sara,
I certainly don't mind someone asking to see the back. I think it's just a question of different perspectives and allows someone to see the object in the 'round' so to speak :)

[Fiona]

That looks great Aneela, what stitch is the thick yellow line done in?

[Charlotte]

lovely! you are so clever :-D

[Jeni]

So cool! I love that one that looks like little bows!! :)

[aneela]

Hi Fiona,
The thick yellow line is done in Vandyke stitch :)

[Flying Blind]

I love the ones that look like the string bean and the millipede, (the official stitch names, obviously!) x

[Nettie]

Oooh, I love samplers, there's just something about them, that I adore.

[nicke]

this is so fun! you are super talented!

[ina]

beautiful! very modern and fun. ;p

[Archie the wonder dog]

I love it!!

[Tiara]

I love this, which I could do this!

[Julie]

Very nice! I too am going to ask about the back. Do you use weaveline or whisper weft on the back of your embroideries? It is all the rage here in Australia.

[Lucy @ Charm About You]

I love it! The stitches are so interesting and I love the texture. Must google some of those unusual ones - I know I can couch now thanks to you :)

[Sally (a.k.a. nbnq)]

OOoh well, the back looks lovely... I didn't expect it to look so neat and clear! That caterpillary one is amazing! I love it.

Honestly I wasn't judging W.I. competition-wise but rather wondering how it all worked. Beginner as I am Aneela I am now learning, and practicing embroidery, thanks to you.

You have inspired me, I love my efforts so far and now I want to learn more. I hope it will all come clear when 'Little Stitches' is finally released. Will it?