Saturday, December 27, 2014

Berlinwork

I thought I would show you some of my stitched pieces of Berlinwork designs.  I love these beautiful designs from the Victorian age so much and hope you will enjoy looking at a few of them.
This is one of my very favorites, it comes from one of Raffaella Serena's wonderful books called Animal Embroideries and Patterns.  She has three books on this subject and I'm lucky enough to have all three of them.
A detail.  Can you imagine using such a fancy bowl outside to feed the pigeons?
Some of the roses.  I stitched this on 32 count Lugana with one strand of DMC over two threads of the fabric.  This is my preference for stitching detailed designs like this one, I think it has a nicer, neater look to it than it would have if stitching it over only one thread.   Here are some more designs from Raffaella's books.
A rosy cheeked girl holding a cat and a dog.
A beautiful swan with her little cygnet swimming beside her.  I love this one so much that I stitched it twice, I hardly ever do that!
A contented sheep among the flowers.
I love Victorian cat pictures.  I put this one on a large stitching bag and on the other side of the bag I put this kitty.
I'm currently stitching this kitty again, probably to put on another purse.
I'm pretty sure this one, called Floral Symphony can be found on Ellen Maurer-Stroh's website.  
This came from Victorian Cross Stitch a great source of Berlinwork patterns.  And speaking of Victorian cats, I want to show you my newest tattoo.
 Just a bad bathroom mirror arm selfie, sorry!  This was done by Erik who is always kind enough to tattoo whatever pictures I bring in to him.  He made this look precisely like the Victorian image that I had found online.  Now, I will end with a few pictures of some real kitties.
Cricket, posing on the stairs.
Sarah, helping me fold the sheets.
And Harley, as usual, up to no good!  Click on the picture if you want to see the toilet paper hanging from his guilty little kitty lips.  Isn't that expression the epitome of naughtiness caught in the act?  It's a good thing we love him so much!  
Thank you for visiting, I appreciate it so much!

7 comments:

twinpeakprimitives said...

Karen, I am seriously amazed by your wonderful Berlin works!Where did you hide such beauties? I love all, no more words!
Very very very well done!

Happy Holiday and a happy New Year to you, to your family and to your wonderful cats ♥

P.S - New tattoo is so cool♥♥♥

Nancy said...

Such a fun blog post Karen! Your needlework is always amazing to see. You choose unique designs which makes it fun to look at! That tatoo artist is quite the talented person, and always love seeing photos of your kitties!

Annie said...

I had no idea you had done so many of those Berlin-style pieces. They are really gorgeous and require so much attention to detail. I'm actually amazed at the good coverage you got with only one strand of DMC on 32 count over 2. Really worked out well.

That is one amazing tattoo of a cat! You have a real artist there to work on you.

Have a great New Year!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Harley's photo made me smile.....his eyes look like......ooh, you caught me in the act! LOL I love the Berlinwork and I also like to use linen in cross stitch! Such beautiful stitching you have done! Wishing you a happy New Year

Tina Marie the Willow Witch said...

lovely work and adorable kitties!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Hello, just dropped by to say hello. Hope all is well with you!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Hi Karen, how are you? Hope all is well!