Winter Expectation

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Winter is a time of restful waiting, the expectation of renewal and regrowth to come. To contrast with, or perhaps to enhance, the pristine beauty of the season, we turn to the intense color of flaming poinsettias. Two of these brilliant flowers and their foliage are placed against Japanese silver gilding. Drying time does not permit doing the gilding process in class, however it will be discussed in detail. Framing the floral arrangement is a border composed of serpentine hemstitching, corner areas of woven Norwich stitch, and an ancient line stitch.

Techniques learned in this class include: the easy way to create realistic shading (no laying of threads), counted stitch shading, couching bullion, importance of value placement in forming perspective, simultaneous contrast and its importance in embroidery, how a border forms a cohesive design, repetition of color and value to establish a focal point, drawn thread, serpentine hemstitching.

Although Winter Expectation was designed as a companion piece to Spring Promise, Summer Glory, and Autumn Fulfillment, each design has the strength to stand alone.