Believing in Beautiful Things

How I've Spent Today

Art • June 2014 • Views: 3,347

Close to four years ago, I started this project. I’ve documented some of it in the comments over the past year, showing bits and pieces of progress. Today, the last set of beads arrived and I was finally able to finish it, a nice counterpoint to the depressing news of the day. I’d rather take my energy and do something positive.

The pattern is Mirabilia’s Shakespeare’s Fairies, stitched on 32 count linen from Picture This Plus (I think it’s charcoal). The total stitched area is a little over 19” wide and 8.5” tall. Eventually I will get it ironed and sort out framing, but for now I am luxuriating in the feeling of having finished my biggest needlework project ever.

Crafts Photography

Recent Pages by klys (klys (maker of Silmarils)):
Rainbow Science Make Music on Her Strings Beautiful Things, Revisited Another Lizard Cookbook A Decade Without

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23 comments

Self Respecting Woman Voter Against the GOP Jun 30, 2014 3:50:22pm

It’s beautiful! I know how long it takes to do something that big!

klys Jun 30, 2014 3:51:18pm

re: #1 Second Class Citizen

It’s beautiful! I know how long it takes to do something that big!

Thank you! My next one is positively flying in comparison - I’m hoping this means I will finish more! :)

wrenchwench Jun 30, 2014 3:55:37pm

But what does it do?

The photos look great in the slideshow, so much more sophisticated than scrolling!

klys Jun 30, 2014 3:58:19pm

re: #3 wrenchwench

But what does it do?

/

The photos look great in the slideshow, so much more sophisticated than scrolling!

It hangs on my wall and looks pretty, which is more than I can say for any attempt at handdrawing I can do. :)

b.d. Jun 30, 2014 4:01:36pm

Congratulations klys, that sure is pretty.

So is it like a puzzle? Do you now snip all the threads in the back and do it all over again?

Great job.

Decatur Deb Jun 30, 2014 4:04:40pm

I see the little error you incorporated in order to avoid offending the deities with perfection.

klys Jun 30, 2014 4:07:37pm

re: #5 b.d.

Congratulations klys, that sure is pretty.

So is it like a puzzle? Do you now snip all the threads in the back and do it all over again?

//

Great job.

I didn’t take any pictures of the back. I should. :)

klys Jun 30, 2014 4:07:54pm

re: #6 Decatur Deb

I see the little error you incorporated in order to avoid offending the deities with perfection.

WE DO NOT SPEAK OF THOSE.

There’s 3.

/grump

Islamo-Masonic Conspirator Jun 30, 2014 4:08:19pm

The color palette is great!

Decatur Deb Jun 30, 2014 4:08:24pm

re: #8 klys

WE DO NOT SPEAK OF THOSE.

There’s 3.

/grump

I was just yanking your floss.

klys Jun 30, 2014 4:09:38pm

re: #9 Islamo-Masonic Conspirator

The color palette is great!

The last beads I was waiting for were the leaves in the hair, which the chart calls for being a snot-green. I opted for the orange.

My next piece is a complete opposite, very vivid jewel tones.

The most recent progress pic.

wrenchwench Jun 30, 2014 4:10:19pm

re: #7 klys

I didn’t take any pictures of the back. I should. :)

I MUST SEE THE BACK

now that you mention it

klys Jun 30, 2014 4:10:42pm

re: #10 Decatur Deb

I was just yanking your floss.

I actually did pull out a number of mistakes but there were a few cases where even I drew the line at how much work that would be.

calochortus Jun 30, 2014 4:13:40pm

It’s beautiful. Congrats on getting it done.
And thanks for bringing some beauty on an otherwise depressing (and annoyingly hot) day.

klys Jun 30, 2014 4:14:47pm

re: #12 wrenchwench

I MUST SEE THE BACK

now that you mention it

You can see where I got lazy while doing some of the beading, but for the most part it’s pretty neat. :)

CuriousLurker Jun 30, 2014 4:36:26pm

That’s gorgeous! It’s amazing how much difference a little bit of bling can make.

wrenchwench Jun 30, 2014 4:46:35pm

re: #15 klys

[Embedded image]

You can see where I got lazy while doing some of the beading, but for the most part it’s pretty neat. :)

Wow, that is neat. Not what I expected at all.

bmiller11757 Jun 30, 2014 4:55:58pm

Do you prefer using a frame or hoop to hold the piece? I have always used a hoop because I never know what kind of stretcher bars to use.

It is beautiful.

The next piece is from Mirabillia also? I am currently working on a Lavender and Lace pattern.

klys Jun 30, 2014 4:58:55pm

re: #18 bmiller11757

Do you prefer using a frame or hoop to hold the piece? I have always used a hoop because I never know what kind of stretcher bars to use.

It is beautiful.

The next piece is from Mirabillia also? I am currently working on a Lavender and Lace pattern.

I have fallen in love with Q-snaps (you can see them in the top photo), which I feel are easier on the fabric than a hoop but still just as easy to move around as needed. You can mix and match the various elbows too, and it breaks down nicely for travel (this piece has gone with me to Japan, for example).

I actually just got a floor stand that works with the Q-snaps too, because ugh, my shoulders and neck were starting to complain with all the stitching I’ve been doing.

The next piece is Venetian Opulence by Mirabilia (I have a habit) but I do have a few Lavender and Lace pieces in the pipeline (the Celtic seasons series). I would love to see photos of yours!