Flowering in Red by Christine Burton

Layering is a technique commonly used in fashion, cooking, and art to create depth, complexity, and visual or sensory interest.

It involves strategically arranging multiple layers with each one contributing its own unique characteristics so that together they form a result richer and far more complex than any single layer could achieve on its own.

Needlework is another artistic pursuit that uses layering to great effect, and this week’s featured project does it superbly. Needlework is another artistic pursuit that uses layering to great effect, and this week’s featured project does it superbly.

Flowering in Red is a series of three matching needlework accessories all created from one beautiful design yet all achieve subtle differences in appearance thanks to the use of different weights of linen and threads.

This project appears in Inspirations magazine issue #126 and is created by the highly accomplished and talented designer Christine Burton who, in her own words, shares with us more about these beautiful pieces:

‘Drawn Thread Work is one of the earliest and most ancient forms of openwork embroidery. Inspired by these early beginnings, this charming design features a pretty Daisy Eyelet motif worked in Buttonhole Stitch to complement the use of Coral Knots and Woven Wheels.

A foundation of Four-sided Stitch surrounding the Buttonhole Stitch border is whipped to finish.

This trio of small projects is for those who would like to start or perhaps expand their knowledge of Whitework while enjoying working a contemporary colour combination.

A feature is using the same colour thread in three weights as well as three different counts of linen.’

‘The Scissor Fob is worked on 40 count Newcastle Linen on both sides and is just over 5cm (2”) square on completion.

The Pincushion in 32 count Belfast Linen, has a single side of embroidery that is complemented with a matching silk base. The finished piece measures around 8.5cm (3 3/8”) square.

The soft-fold Needlebook is stitched on 28 count Cashel Linen with both outside covers fully embroidered and is 9.5cm (3 ¾”) square.’

‘Tassels and twisted cords are used as finishing touches.

Traditionally Drawn Thread, as part of the Whitework embroidery technique, uses a thread the same colour as the ground fabric. While these contemporary projects do not adhere to this tradition it does adopt another in that the thread used should approximate the weight (width) of the linen threads being worked on.’

‘In addition, the type of thread used should be strong as it will often be worked in longer lengths and placed under greater tension than in other forms of embroidery. For example, stranded embroidery thread should not be used, and silk is not durable enough for pieces that will be often laundered.”

Thank you, Christine, such a wealth of knowledge! In fact, Christine even provided us with a fabulous hack, that we didn’t have space to publish in the magazine, which we’ll share with you in a moment.

What we love about Flowering in Red is the dimensional effect Christine has achieved through layering. Starting with the gold ground fabric, followed by the natural colour withdrawn thread chequerboard then finished off with the striking red pulled thread woven wheels and flower eyelets.

While each layer is incredibly intricate, these are needlework accessories after all and as Christine referenced, need to be durable enough for use which, despite their delicate appearance, they are indeed.

Now, back to that hack we mentioned. If you have ever wondered what to do if you cut a thread in error while working on a project like this, here is Christine’s advice:

Repairing a Cut Thread Error

• If you cut the wrong thread while working on Flowering in Red, it can be repaired.
• Ensure that the thread that has been cut has been fully withdrawn and trimmed back
• Extract a replacement thread from a surplus piece of fabric around the edges
• Carefully secure the replacement thread into the reinforcement stitching using a #10 crewel needle
• Feed the thread through the purl edge of the buttonhole stitch in the correct position
• Change to the tapestry needle and weave under and over any threads as needed to get to the opposite side
• Bring the replacement thread through the buttonhole stitch and anchor securely as before checking your tension to ensure an invisible repair.

Great advice and what a fabulous project you have created for us Christine, thank you again.

To create your own Flowering in Red, step-by-step instructions can be found in Inspirations issue #126 and Ready-to-Stitch kits are also available with all the materials you need to create all three accessories included.

Links to both the magazine and the kit can be found on the project page by clicking below.