Christmas Ornaments

Release date: December, 1994

Stitch count: cloisonne: 34H x 34 W, Byzantine: 48H x 48W
Model stitched on: cloisonne: 25 count antique white Lugana® from Zweigart®, Byzantine: 32 count antique white Belfast linen from Zweigart®
Model size: cloisonne: 2.75" x 2.75", Byzantine: 3" x 3"

Chart: computer generated
Leaflet: not available
Kit: not available

Cloisonné Fruit Ornaments available via PatternsOnLine.com ONLY

Byzantine Ornaments: (Discontinued)

Description: The leaflet features 12 ornaments: six are cloisonne-style renderings of fruit, and six are geometric patterns inspired by Byzantine art. The fruits include: apples, peaches, pears, cherries, plums and grapes; these are stitched over-one. The Byzantine ornaments are stitched in shades of gold and jewel tones accented with specialty stitches and gold beads.

Background Information: These pieces were designed to be conciously different from "traditional" ornaments. The size constraints proved to be quite a challenge, and there was also the necessity of creating a series of at least six designs for each "style" of ornament. I have long admired cloisonne with it's beautifully vivid enamels and graceful gold outlines; the only way I could begin to capture the intricacy of this art form was to design this series to be stitched over-one. The almost abstract, highly stylized gold forms and inlaid gems common to ecclesiastical Byzantine art also fascinate and inspire; choosing the colors that most accurately represent gemstones is a challenge indeed!

Stitching Comments: Since they are designed totally in whole stitches, the cloisonne fruits, although time-consuming, are relatively easy to stitch. (no blended floss colors and no backstitching either!) The Byzantine ornaments are like small studies in specialty stitches (mostly eyelets and satin stitch variations). I sometimes reccommend one of these designs for those just learning specialty stitches, or if a smaller project is desired. Each series of six could also be stitched together in bellpull format.

Specialty Stitches: Algerian eyelet, square eyelet, eight-sided eyelet, diamond eyelet, plaited cross, diagonal satin

Important Tips: Specialty Stitches, Miscellaneous Tips

Cloisonne Ornaments Floss List
Byzantine Ornaments Floss List

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