Setting up Majestie

I was lucky to find a small piece of linen twill to use for the Majestie design. 

Having come from a counted thread background I really knew little of the various ways you can transfer a design. So out came my trusty HB lead pencil and I made sure that design was visible on the fabric while using Nature's light box, bright sunlight through the window.

And while the piece of linen twill was large enough for the design it wasn't for use in a hoop or any frame I had so I machine stitched on some extra calico fabric all around.

I consulted with some friends online and learned that:

• I was going to have to cover all of those HB lead pencil lines as they would not be removable. I know that sounds so obvious but it really did impact the way I had to stitch.
• It was not necessary to be so heavy handed. I have since started using a variety of transfer pens but if I am going to use a pencil I now use a Papermate Non-Stop Pencil when I need to draw a line I know will be covered. Much easier to control and with a nice fine tip.

• my KlipFast frame set up, so useful for cross stitch would not be suitable for Crewel. The fabric needs to be drum tight, not sitting politely waiting for threads to be counted and the tension reliant on the experience of the stitcher.

The Majestie was transferred onto a tapestry frame with the sides laced for all around tension.  

The instructions required the raised stem stitch stem be completed first. I used a 3-ply Caron Watercolour prima cotton thread and separated it into a single strand. It worked a treat.

At least I had now started, even if I was not using wool.

One thing I learnt was that Crewel refers to the use of 2 ply worsted wool  as was used historically on linen fabric reaching as far back as the Bayeux Tapestry, thought to have been stitched nearly a 1,000 years ago. 

In modern days though, Crewel is a term used much more flexibly and is often used in association with Jacobean design rather than the strict use of woollen thread.

I thoroughly enjoy looking at:

• Renaissance Dyeing
• Appleton Threads Colour Charts (via The Embroidery Den)
• Needle'n'Thread Crewel Wool Comparison
• Bayeux Tapestry