Using the basic Florentine stitch as described in this Bargello pattern, makes for an interesting and eye-catching design.
The minimalist Florentine peaked pattern, found on p. 52-53 in Traditional Bargello by Dorothy Phelan, has a 6-3 step with a narrow span.
Yellow is used as an accent color; but the rest of the design is worked with four monochromatic colors plus black and white.
I used Silk n’ Ivory Threads that were matched very closely to the pattern colors.
Interesting Tidbit about Dorothy Phelan
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During the time that Dorothy was co-owner, The Sherborne Tapestry Center was famous for copying old, often rare needlepoint pieces, and undertook the conservation, repair and reframing of other antique needlework as well. |
Many thanks … so when I am reading a pattern in future the first number is the number of canvas holes to cover and the second number is holes to step down. I have only worked in 4 – 2 so far … time to vary my options!
I am starting to collect rather a lot of randomly coloured yarns in small lenghts! Will you be writing about suggestions for using these up … it would help me alot?!
Best wishes, Sara
Hello Sara,
A 6-3 step with narrow span means that each stitch is 6 canvas threads long and skips 3 canvas threads above and below the beginning of the next stitch. A narrow span is the “minimalist” part of the design. It is usually more compact (closer together) than typical Florentine patterns that have repeated blocks of stitches such as the “domes and spires” pattern or other scalloped and wave designs. Althea
Hello Althea! Please could you explain what is meant by ’6 – 3 step with a narrow span’. Many thanks, Sara