Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Some Beads for Celtic Spring

I decided that I didn't want to be stuck with all the beads at the end, so I have started to add some as I go along. It has been very rewarding:


Unfortunately, I have also found that I have a tendency sometimes to sit there mesmerized by all the sparkle instead of stitching!

The instructions do not include any information about which threads to use with the beads. Here is what I've been using:

  • Mill Hill beads 62037 (lilac) - DMC 209
  • Mill Hill beads 3025 (purple) - DMC 327
  • Mill Hill beads 3012 (dark green) - DMC 936. These "green" beads are actually half olive green, half dark purple or blue, which gives some unexpected results sometimes. You can see that in the wreath around the figure's head, where many of the "leaves" have turned purple. I think it adds interest, so I have left it:

  • Mill Hill beads 3054 (pearl gold) - DMC 676
  • Mill Hill beads 557 (shiny gold) - DMC 676 or DMC 3822, depending on the location. If the beads are surrounded by the metallic gold Treasure Braid, then I found that 3822 is a better match. If there is a mix of shiny gold and pearl gold beads, then I do them at once with 676. That's what I did in the side border:

It has been very challenging to get decent photos! The colour in the first one is probably the truest - the fabric is the Willow Green Cashel linen. You really have to see it in real life to get the full impact. It is surpassing my expectations!

10 comments:

  1. What lovely shades in your lady's face. I think the beads certainly add sparkle, so does your gold stitching. What thread are you using?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Diane - the gold metallic is Rainbow Gallery's Petite Treasure Braid. It's a challenging fibre, but it gives a great result!

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  2. I love your cross stitch piece. The combination of colours and beads is almost "fairy-tale" like. It looks like you are nearing completion. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished piece.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! It is more than half done now, but I wouldn't go as far as to say it is nearing completion. I think the one year anniversary of the project will be in February, and my tentative goal now is to finish it by then.

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  3. Pretty, pretty, pretty. Beautiful stitching. Well done!

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  4. I love the color combination! I've seen the patterns for the various seasons in stores, and have been tempted to buy some solely based on your posts. I've resisted so far, but don't know for how long. I'm not much of a cross stitcher.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Cynthia! It's a great piece, but it takes commitment!

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I'm told Blogger has been bouncing some comments, so if it happens to you I'm sorry! But the settings look right so I can't explain it. In any case, thanks for reading!

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