Introducing "Summer Dream"

I have signed up for and am taking Summer Dream, A Stumpwork Course by Luan B. Callery. Ms. Callery wrote the group correspondence course for the Embroiderers' Guild of America, and has graciously given her permission for me to blog stitch this piece! I have invited her to make comments along the way, along with all of you, of course.

So, let's begin by showing you the completed piece:

This beautiful project instruction package comes in a two pocket folder. It is organized so that the color picture of the piece and closeups, a line drawing, and stitch diagrams are in the left pocket. The right pocket contains the supply list, source list, contact information for questions, an introduction and the steps to begin, and lastly the step by step instructions. Can you tell I am seriously impressed ? This is very well laid out, and I look forward to working this design!

I chose off white linen twill and the piece is cut 14" x 20", to accomodate my Evertites, versus 14" x 18" per the instructions. This is where I did deviate from the instructions. Ms. Callery does recommend lacing the piece to stretcher bars. As you have read before, I prefer working on Evertites due to the ability to tighten the piece evenly using the T-tool. We will be working with Appleton crewel wool, DMC or Anchor floss, Rainbow Gallery Neon Rays, Caron Watercolours and Mill Hill beads.

After cutting the linen to size, I traced the line drawing using my light box, and attached the piece to the frame.

Here is where you are going to have to be a little patient with me! I have a new camera and am trying to get all the adjustments right, so this is a little darker than I wanted. It is, however, the traced design on the linen twill, ready to start lesson one. And, I promise the picture will be better tomorrow!!