Friday 15 March 2019

Smoyg - and the Peacock Party

Last week I started something new.  It's the Smoyg table runner that I've had tucked away since June last year.




I bought this book and the kit from Yvette Stanton of Vetty Creations at the Sydney Quilt Show last year.  Yvette writes beautiful embroidery books.  She researches the origins of different styles of embroidery, and then writes it all up in a book, illustrates it with beautiful photos, and writes patterns for everyone to try.


This book is all about pattern darning from Norway.  The stitches themselves are very simple running stitches, but the Norwegian people developed very interesting patterns which are featured in the book.


I've chosen to make the band sampler because it includes a wide range of patterns and colours.  I didn't want to spend months stitching a piece in just one colour! The thread is Laine fine d'Aubusson by Au Ver a Soie - fine tapestry wool for those who don't speak French.


The special thing about pattern darning is that the stitches are made vertically.  Normally we work horizontally across the fabric, but in this case it's all done vertically.  Counting is super important, because a small mistake will stand out from the clean diagonal lines.  Sorry this photo isn't great - it's a very cloudy day today. I'll post more photos as this piece grows.

So, that's what I've been up to.  What's everyone else been up? Feel free to link up and share a recent blog post below.  I didn't get to visit any of your posts last week sorry - I promise to visit the ALL the posts this week though.

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10 comments:

Gretchen Weaver said...

I've never heard of Smoyg before. This is a pretty stitch. You are going to have a wonderful table runner when finished. Happy stitching!

Elaine said...

That's very pretty! We lived inNorway for a few years and I always admired the embroidery on the national costumes but I didn't realise it was called Smoyg :)

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Very pretty hand work!

Unknown said...

I love all the different needle arts you feature! Very interesting!
That said, I would like to extend my sympathy to you and your countrymen regarding the terrorist attack. I am saddened that hate and evil have struck again.

audrey said...

Beautiful stitching! I can see why this is so tempting!

Angie in SoCal said...

Never seen that type of needlework. Lovely.

Chantal said...

I've never heard of Smoyg embroidery before but I like it a lot. Very interesting. The picture from the book showing the difference patterns, what are they? To the people used that as belts? They look like very long sashes. Looking forward to see more of your project. Enjoy! ;^)

Anonymous said...

Wow! So dainty and pretty! I admire your skill and patience!

Created by Kathi said...

I love your SMOYG stitching!!! Thanks for the Peacock Party too <3
Kathi

Sarah said...

This one is new to me but I think it is going to be lovely! Super even stitches too, you must have great patience (and eye sight!)