- Pattern: by Joan Elliott
- Materials: 32 count belfast "Highland" by Picture this Plus, DMC, Kreinik, Mill Hill as charted
- Size: 15" x 10.5"
- Time to stitch: 27 days
My second of the elemental goddesses is finished!
The chart, which I purchased from Ms. Elliott, is well done, clear and easy to read (I opted for the black and white version though some of the backstitch and beads show up in color). This is a complex project. There is a lot going on, with tons of backstitching for details and many tiny fractionals for her skin and the ivy vine which is draped all over her arms and hair, french knots for detail on the butterflies and mushrooms, and many beads. The only really difficult part of the pattern was backstitching the leaf pattern in gold Kreinik on her gown; I had a hard time seeing my stitches. My favorite part of the pattern are all the cool details, of course.
The symbols for Virgo, Taurus, and Capricorn (Earth signs) are stitched on her gray apron / underskirt. Mercury, Saturn, and Venus are backstitched around the circle, which could represent the circle of life, I suppose. The ivy vine around her arms and hair is simply lovely. I love how she's barefoot on the grass.
The snails and butterflies are darling. Of course, her face and blissful expression are so beautiful. No one designs faces like Ms. Elliott.
The fabric is 32 count belfast, a light green with some earthy greyish mottling and streaks. Belfast is my favorite fabric to stitch on, and this one was no exception. The pattern calls for 3 colors of Kreinik. I used an entire spool of the green Kreinik, all for backstitch (the vine around the circle, plus other sections). You would need an additional spool if you stitched this on 28 count or if you're not quite as stingy with thread as I am. There are two colors of beads, antique royal pearl, and rainbow (dark purple).
So, now I have finished two of the elemental goddesses (Air was first) and I feel I have some momentum. Fire Goddess is in progress and the chart looks simpler, compared to Earth Goddess, so I think Fire will be a quicker finish. Hopefully by August!
That's a beautiful and stunning finish. Joan Elliott's designs are always amazing.
Posted by: Andrea | February 27, 2017 at 11:08 PM
I don't know if I'm up for stitching all of the elementals but this one I adore. It is on my one-day list.
Posted by: MJ @ Creative Madness Mama | February 28, 2017 at 02:57 AM
Wow waht a beautiful design! The close up pictures really show the details and the lovely colours.
Posted by: Bekah | February 28, 2017 at 12:15 PM
Excellent work!
Posted by: Rita | February 28, 2017 at 03:33 PM
Thank you for sharing all the details of this wonderful project and finish. She is really beautiful!
Posted by: Melinda Forbes | February 28, 2017 at 05:06 PM
She looks stunning! You can see her so much more clearly than on your video, especially all the Kreinik details. Love those little hummingbirds in her hair and the zodiac signs in her skirt.
I pulled up all four charts on the PC this afternoon and they all face the right ways to make a nice collage...
Posted by: Joanne P | March 03, 2017 at 02:29 PM
She is beautiful! I absolutely love your work.
Posted by: Kimberly | March 06, 2017 at 08:54 PM
Oh Stephanie, this is absolutely beautiful. Love the colours and the beadwork. Well done!
Posted by: Yanna | June 07, 2017 at 06:53 PM