The detail
When ever people look at section 25 of the For Love of Stitching band sampler the area people notice first is the praying mantis. I saw a pattern in Inspirations 36 (page 63). I did not have a single thread that was recommended so I decided to adjust the design accordingly. In the end it ended up that I pretty well re-designed it!
I thought you might like to see the stdio journal page I kept as I worked this section. I went online and looked at photos of praying mantis. One photo that made the beastie look too fat and another that made the poor thing look to thin and evil. One had a long wing the other had a shorter wing. I decided that obviously different types of praying mantis have different proportions so that a little artistic license was not going to ruin my fellow.
I made my thread choices and noted them next to samples. As I stitched I noted what stitches I used and a photo of the final beastie was included on the page. I also made notes for improving him. I think he is too large and next time I would angle the body higher so he looks like he is sitting up looking at you more.
Date:
This section of the sampler was worked during 2007.
Size:
The For Love of Stitching Band Sampler currently measures 96 feet 5 inches (2,938.78 centimeters), or 32.138 yards which is 29.3878 meters. It is still growing…
Sampler FAQ
For the full back story on this piece visit the Sampler FAQ page.
All posts in the series are in the category the Love of Stitching Band Sampler.
I love the praying mantis. It’s the most interesting thing I have seen from your band sampler. I also enjoyed the shot of the journal page.
I love it! What creativity!
That is so wonderful! I never even thought of something like that coming from embroidery. Thanks for showing us your thoughts page too, always love to see where and how people get and form their ideas.
WONDERFUL, I love him. If you have more like him, please show us. Zandra
He’s gorgeous!
Your praying mantis is wonderful and I loved seeing your journal page. More journal pages please!!
Wow ! This is awesome !
Love all the process (all the research and documentation) and the finale ! Excellent !!!