An Embroidered Nordic Forest

Hi there, it’s been a while since I’ve had something finished to post about, but this one has actually taken a while. Now that it has been gifted, I can write about it and how I have enjoyed the quiet stitching and the artistic freedom to let my needle wander.

This design comes as a kit from Studio Flax (link below) and this is a website that I have long loved and already made two of their other designs. You can read about the autumn acorn cushionr wheel cushion here.

I have had this design since before we left Yorkshire and although I can’t be sure, feel like I bought it at the Knitting and Stitching show a couple of years ago. As I am focussing on using up all kits since we moved house, this came to the top of the pile, but I wasn’t sure what it was destined for. Then the invitation came to my cousin’s 60th birthday weekend celebrations and there it was - the perfect reason to get stitching.

As the outline image is printed on to the linen, it is relaxing to just pop it into a hoop and get started. There is a printed guide to how you might colour and stitch it, but really I feel it is a freestyle piece. As little or as much as you choose to do.

I used mostly the threads that came in the kit which are vintage linen threads and have a rustic look, but I did also add in some of my own. It felt wonderfully immersive and autumnal and I really enjoy the creative side of a project like this. You can add texture with various different embroidery stitches and mix in colours that are whimsical and fun.

The more you embellish the more depth the piece has and it seems to work quite well to have some more filled in solid areas and some more outlined forms. I enjoyed the combination of it all and in some ways it is hard to know where to stop.

It takes time but with herbal tea, an Outlander rewatch and autumn leaves swirling outside, it is calming and was starting to look a little magical.

A label or signature of some kind is always important when you put so much work in and I added a little hand stitched date and title with initials in the top corner.

Finally, I mounted it on an A3 artists canvas using a staple gun. I think it looks more modern to hang on the wall than framing it, but to be sure it needs to be out of direct sunlight. I think it looks pretty cool and very appropriate for a November birthday gift.

My husband always asks me ‘How can you give that away'?’ but you know what - it is always out there in the world and I would only give it to someone who I know will appreciate it and in the end, the joy was in the making.

You can find details of the kit and lots more lovely embroidery stuff here

Meanwhile I hope to see you soon with some more winter projects.

Love Ruby x