I know many of you are wool applique enthusiasts and likely follow Sue Spargo on Instagram. She recently posted a Toned Down Circle Sampler. The study began at the end of March lasting for 90 days. Each day a photo of a stitch, stitch diagram and threads used were posted. I’ve also seen it referred to as the 90/90 circle sampler. The project was described as “a monochromatic study with a modern pop to explore the application of embroidery to achieve textural depth and dimension”.
Well, I happen to be a member of a couple of wool applique groups on Facebook, one of which focuses on Sue’s projects. I began to see a lot of photos popping up, all little embellished 1 inch circles! Such a delight.
About a month ago, I had an email from one of my customers, Mary sharing the photo above. This is a
variation of a bird that Sue had provided for one of the circles. Evidently another one of my customers, Laura designed this version of the bird and Mary stitched the sample above.
So, a little about the bird.
The body is a 1 inch circle and the head is a 9/16” circle. The body and head are trellis stitch, the tail is closed fly stitch and the bottom wing is a 5 spoke woven picot. The top wing and beak are 3 spoke woven picots and there is couching around the neck with beads for the eyes. The wings and tail are stitched with Colour #28 and the head and body with Colour #175.
Don’t you think this turned out beautifully? I do!
If you were following this project, a version of this bird was presented as number 90 with the caption “today marks the day where you have certainly earned your wings”!
Well, I think Mary and Laura earned their wings.
Absolutely delightful. Thank you both so much for sharing. Just a note that my threads work very well in any of Sue Spargo’s wool applique projects. Might want to check out my SHOP for colours!