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I've done a lot of stopping and starting on this project, but I am happy with the progress... challenges have come in the use of the thread. I thought I would be able to split the thread successfully and have a flat silk effect as a result, but the Pearsall's becomes very fragile when split in two and as a result leaves a fuzzy effect on the linen.
The bud to the left at the top was executed originally with a split thread and I undid it this afternoon. It did not have the light that I was looking for. Also, the stamens have offered up opportunities for experimenting with different threads, techniques and materials. I started with a split Pearsall's, then Pipers 90 floss which I have stayed with, but rather than using a double sand stitch, I think I have opted for a pistil stitch. I even tried with tiny seed pearls in gold, white and pale green, but this idea did not provide the refinement I was looking for.
Today, I began the leaves. Tonight, I plan to finish one at least. I'm anxious to see the effect that my choice of technique will give me. But the flowers, now finished but for the stamens, have great density and lend themselves to almost a three-dimensional look. Such is the lusciousness of the Pearsall's silks and the play of colours. The red bud in the centre provides a pleasing colour contrast.
To be continued.....
The roses are coming along. I had some technical difficulties with the stamens. My first attempt made the centre look heavy which is hardly what the Rose Gallica has in reality. After several tries, I think I have found the answer.
I'll post more detailed photographs later when I am convinced that I have found all the technical answers. Tonight I started working on the buds which are part of the overall design and very soon, I know I shall be asking some serious questions relative to the colour choices for the several leaves in the lower section of the drawing. I hope that my blue-green/green choice of palette works.
I am enjoying immensely the fact that I have a strict time line on this project.
It also seemed appropriate that this first progress photo was taken in the garden amongst the hostas. It was a sparkling morning here and my silk roses seemed to find their place in the lush greenery with the sun shining through the shrubbery.
To be continued......
I continue with the reproductions of William Morris designs, this time using more contemporary colours. I am reminded each time I do a cross stitch design, that this technique is so restful. I question because of its ease whether I am less inclined to tackle the more difficult projects I have begun, but I have given myself a short timeline for the 'Blush Rose', so I am obliged go to work on it each day.
And, talking about the rose project, it is moving ahead and although there have been some challenges, I think I now have the answer which will entail redoing some of the work already accomplished... but such is the learning curve every time I work, and I like this.
Starting out on my walk this morning, the irises surprised me standing tall in the flower bed and in full flower despite the very cool night. They flower suddenly and die off quickly, so I was happy to capture this... a splash of bright colour in an otherwise green bed of hostas, pachysandra and blue grass.
I made refer
ence a few days ago of a project I was beginning and hoped to finish to give as a gift to a close friend who celebrates a significant birthday this month. Here is the drawing, adapted from an engraving by Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840).
What was my process in choosing this subject? I wanted to do something very personal. C. is my closest friend and one who shows deep generosity with 
her time and thoughts. She has always shown great interest and sensitivity to my work and has followed my evolution as I have hers over the 15 years we have known each other.
I have a collection of Redouté's roses in a small book in my library and for many years have thought they would be excellent inspiration for a piece. The Rose is the flower for June. The 'Blush Rose' seemed to capture the density that I wanted to have in the piece. The flowers will be predominantly white with just a hint of pink and I am excited to see the effect of translating the leaves in two colours, of green and blue-green. The latter colour is intended to add a little surprise to the interpretation.
I haven't worked with the Pearsall Silks for a while so I plan to use this lovely twisted silk and play with the possibility of splitting the thread in two and using the finer thread for the smaller forms and details.
Although the original engraving provides me with an idea of perspective, shadow and movement, once I have begun the piece, I tend to work intuitively and follow my heart. Of course, there are no guarantees that what I see in my mind's eye translates on to the fabric, but as with most projects, I make adjustments along the way and I hope at the end of the effort, what appears has some merit.
We've been busy with family visits and then a bout of bronchitis, so there hasn't been much time for sitting quietly. We were away for a few days and upon our return, I found the tulips had bloomed. I had never seen these three-headed blooms before and the colours were so delicate. These ones sway just outside my studio window in the wind. I managed to capture them on camera with the morning dew yesterday, early. 
As always, I look to nature to give me colour combinations. It also just so happens that I have started the project which I plan to give to a good friend for a milestone birthday in July. The colours of this project are inspired by the colours of these tulips.. lots of white, yellow and a suggestion of pink. I call it 'Blush Rose'.
