Goldwork wheatear stitch

For the past few weeks, I’d been experimenting with smooth purl which is normally used in goldwork embroidery.Since embroidery materials are really hard to find in my small town, it came as a surprise when I found this purl.Unfortunately, only a small amount was available.When Sharon revealed this week’s TAST challenge, the wheatear stitch, I thought I had nothing interesting to show.But then, I decided to experiment this beautiful stitch with my precious smooth gold purl.

This is one example.Care should be taken when working with purls.Once a purl’s pulled or stretched, it will never go back to its original length.It should be cut with a pair of very sharp scissors.I made a knot at the back of the fabric after each wheatear stitch.

This is a combination of gold purl and silk thread.You can even try another method – work the loops with thread and the straight stitches with gold purls.

 

And a goldwork wheatear stitch flower.

Barbara's peacock - Part 3

After embroidering the wing, I couldn’t decide whether to embroider the tail of the peacock or the flowers.Since the tail will take longer to stitch, I thought it would be better to start work on the flowers and leaves.

I made the flowers and leaves using this technique.Since they’re so tiny, only 1 strand of pearl cotton no:8 was needed.

Although I followed the pattern and embroidered 6 petals for most of the flowers, I feel 5 petals should be enough (6 petals look so crowded for this technique).
 

To view completed project, please click here.