Hark! Hear the Bells

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While creating Hark! Hear the Bells stitchers have the opportunity to try numerous methods and techniques without committing to a large amount of time to any of them. There are areas of: realistic shading the easy way with stranded silk (the simple to use silk!), directional shading, textural shading, or nué, an or nué variation, bullion work over padding, bullion seeding, burden technique, applying twisted cords. Students may choose from three given blackwork patterns for the background, or will be encouraged to develop their own pattern. Basic color theory as it applies to depth perception and shading will be discussed.

The combination of several techniques drawn from various needlework disciplines creates a spectacular design, a vehicle for students to advance their embroidery expertise, and a chance to try several different embroidery techniques. Brilliant red silk ribbons weave around lustrous holly leaves and glistening metallic ornaments, enhancing the three delicate, porcelain like bells. The diminishing background contrasts with the solid visual aspect of the motif. Based on the spirit of the season, the learning potential for students who stitch this design is as endless as the design is timeless. Metals and metallics are gold