This is the first time I am giving clues to my very special project which has been my ‘retirement’ adventure! This something I am working for me rather than for Treasures or the CSG but – as I am sure you realise – I cannot resist making things to share…
This replica 17th century casket was supplied by Thistle Threads, a company based in the USA who created a series of courses and product sales called the Cabinet of Curiosities. A fellow Cross Stitch Guild member and sampler maker, Jane Napier had purchased the box but sadly died from ovarian cancer before she had chance to start work on the embroideries. David Napier, Jane’s son, kindly offered me the box (supplied in kit form) as he knew that we had worked together on other projects. I was both thrilled and terrified by the gift!
I have had very mixed emotions whilst becoming immersed in the decoration of this ornate wooden box not least because Jane Napier was a superb stitcher, and I knew just how perfect her version would have been.
Traditionally such caskets were decorated in needlepoint combined with stumpwork, so my box sat on a shelf in my workroom for nearly two years and I think it was frowning at me for the whole time. It was my esteemed Editor, Jenny who pointed out that it was now my box, and I should celebrate my love of counted embroidery – after all I had been designing counted embroidery for over 40 years and this, my second career had completely changed my life.
The next stage of the story is still to come but I thought you might like to see some of my part works ready to add to my casket and I needed to explain some of my new printed fabrics.
