This beautiful old design was quite easy to stitch once the curves and peaks of its 4-2 step were formed. As with all Bargello needlepoint, it was important to accurately stitch a foundation row in order to form a perfect guideline for succeeding rows.
Usually the first stitch is centered on the needlepoint canvas; but to show the flow of the scallops and peaks on the 3″ square, I started stitching at the left side.
I am still stitching my way through Bargello: An Explosion In Color by Margaret Boyles. The chart for this design is on page 43. Color choices were infinite; but I selected a deep purple scheme that included #498-Grape Jelly (Silk and Ivory), Amethyst (Caron Watercolors), #986-Dark Olive Green (Splendor), and #338S-Shadowdyed Spring II (Needle Necessities). These dark jewel tones made the canvas look murky and mysterious.
Is it my imagine or does the Needle Necessities thread twist in a different direction than the other fibers? It seems to be a “Z” twist (right slant) instead of an “S” twist (left slant) that the other fibers have. This may not be important when you are using diagonal stitches like the tent stitch; but in Bargello needlepoint, it’s better if all the stitches lay smoothly in the same direction.
Oh well, I did not know this when I started the design…and I’m not taking it out!
Jane, you’re absolutely right! Thanks for the encouragement. Althea
You just learned something new, that’s all. These swatches are little jewels of knowledge and you’ll always know that NN cottons need to be mixed with others like them in your bargello.
See? Mistakes are how you discover important stuff!