Beginning Blackwork: In Progress
Scarletwork In Progress
Originally uploaded by Ragnvaeig. I've most of the first band finished. Having marked out an arbitrary centre (the scrap linen I'm using isn't entirely square) in purple silk, I've got the borders and the traveling "squiggle" down, and now just need to put in all the little side travels. Possibly should have taken those into account sooner, but I may try to integrate them more with the "squiggle" on the second cuff. Design, so far, seems entirely reversible, as I keep ripping out when I miss any threads. As per ladymockingbird's advice, I'm angling the needle rather sharply as I stitch, so I'm missing fewer threads on the 'wrong' side, now.
Shall have to figure out how to anchor thread in the space of a couple stitches for some of the side travels. Have been feeling a little reluctant to anchor with only one or two stitches, as the tail seems to pull out a little easily and I don't want it to unravel with moderate wear.
Must remember to let the linen rest after I stitch and before I critique my work; once the fabric relaxes from the heat of my hands, the stitches look rather more even and I feel better about my work.