I've got two more birth announcements to tackle when this one is complete, but then I can consider other projects, and consider them I do!
During Advent Ken and I were at Hobby Lobby and checked out a framed print of a nativity scene. It was one of the nicer ones I'd seen, and it was half price. We talked about getting it for the church, but concluded that since we are the Church of the Epiphany, not Church of the Nativity, art for the church ought to be chosen that represented our feast. At least initially.
One of the things I love about getting Christmas cards is the great variety of art that decorates the front of many of the cards. I'm always intrigued by the depictions of the Magi, which generally show them en route to the manger. Yay for accuracy! I'm a stickler about that.
Anyway, I thought it would be fun to see what sorts of cross stitch patterns were available to honor the Feast of the Epiphany, and perhaps love one so much that I just had to work it. My Google search didn't turn up much in the way of patterns. I started with "Magi," stubbornly moved to "Wise Men," and finally relented to "Three Kings." The majority of what popped up were not impressive--the scale was too big, or the detail too sparse. And then I found the pattern for the tapestry you see above. Yes, that's the completed cross stitch work. Gulp! It's called, obviously enough, The Adoration of the Magi, and the hand of William Morris is evident in its design (I love William Morris)! For the record, it's 623 stitches across, and 416 stitches wide. Or, approximately 35" by 23"! If I were to do this it would probably take me the rest of my life. At the least I'd have to work on it in stages so as not to tire of it or allow it to prevent me from working on other things. The pattern alone is $34. Fabric and floss would be mine to procure. And then there would be the framing, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
It's daunting to consider, but I really like this print (I love the angel hovering just above the ground). I've bookmarked the pattern as I contemplate taking it on, and will look, in the meantime, for other, less involved renderings of the Magi.
What projects or creative efforts are tempting you as we while away these winter days?
4 comments:
Oh, that's MY BILL! It is gorgeous. And I think you should think seriously about doing it. What a masterpiece it would be!
That looks really ambitious, but if you want to tackle it I say go for it! It's gorgeous. I once did a Father Christmas pattern on 22 count navy blue fabric. Yes, my eyes were twitching when I was done :)
As for crafting for myself I've got nothing going. Right now battling this cold. Maybe when I feel better I'll consider something.
Wow, that's gorgeous! But like you, I'd see it as daunting! Me? Crafty? Uh, does pushing a camera shutter count? :c)
That is a cross stitch pattern???? It's gorgeous! Daunting, yes. Gorgeous, yes. Doable? Yes, but affordable? Hmmmm ...
Post a Comment