Constable Country by Helen M. Stevens

A wonderful landscape piece that we can get stuck into. How fabulous!

There is always so much going on in a good, embroidered landscape design. Lots of little details, different perspectives, a good mix of small and large elements to work on, a diverse collection of techniques at play and, on the whole, a truly satisfying type of project to stitch.

Stitched by needlework royalty herself, Helen M. Stevens, this piece is featured in Inspirations magazine issue #121.

Before we answer some of your burning questions like, why is this piece called Constable Country, is it a real place and can you visit there? Let’s first give you some specifics about the needlework itself.

The finished piece measure 26cm x 35cm wide (10 ¼” x 14″), has been created using a combination of encroaching stem stitch, outline stitch, satin stitch, seed stitch, split stitch, stem stitch and straight stitch and, as it predominantly features Pipers Silks worked with three strands of silk floss, should anyone ask what you’re working on whilst stitching it, you would answer I’m doing a silk embroidery project!

With the wealth of experience that Helen brings to any design, it’s always beneficial when she offers some insight and a tip or two. Here are a couple of thoughts on her design that Helen has shared:

‘Whilst the foreground of this project is worked similarly to my previous designs, I feel, there is an element of individuality in respect of the embroiderer that is to be encouraged rather than otherwise, and so I have left them some leeway with regard to middle and background elements.

Far more so than my ‘close up’ studies, much of this landscape work is ‘impressionist’ and therefore outlines are less definite.’ 

To help explain this concept further, throughout this project shadow lines are worked first to add depth and definition and are generally placed on the underside of one side of an element using stem, outline or straight stitch.

So as long as it broadly suggests the underside of each element, it does not have to conform exactly to the shown placement.

And her final expert tip is:

‘Use a 45cm (18”) or larger round tambour embroidery hoop. A freestanding quilter’s tambour is perfect, as it allows both hands to be free. ‘Dress’ the inner ring to avoid leaving a mark on the fabric.’

Now, let’s find out more about the name Constable Country:

The area around the valley of the River Stour, on the borders of Suffolk and Essex in eastern England, has long been called ‘Constable Country’ in recognition of the famous landscape artist John Constable (1776 – 1837), many of whose most enduring images were of this region.

Thankfully, much of it has remained the same as it was when it inspired him. Stately poplars dominate the landscape, while the river winds between hedgerow and trees as it always has.

Constable’s style as a painter was influential in the development of landscape artworks, particularly during the Impressionist movement. His emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere paved the way for artists like Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro.

Ladies and Gentlemen, not only have we published a magnificent embroidery project on behalf of Helen M. Stevens for you to enjoy, but we’ve also done some tourism research for you!

To our delight we discovered a Flatford and Constable country walk where you can ‘explore the picturesque Stour Valley and Dedham Vale on a relaxing walk, visiting the area made famous by the 18th-century paintings of John Constable’

Imagine visiting Constable Country while you’re stitching this magnificent landscape? For more information about the walk and the area itself, click HERE.

Truth is though, this design is so captivating that wherever you stitch it, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Constable Country anyway.

We have all the materials you need to re-create this project yourself, from easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to a Ready-to-Stitch kit with everything sourced for you.

*Instructions – As this kit does not include instructions, for step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to Inspirations magazine issue 121 or the Constable Country digital pattern, both purchased separately.