Shortly after arriving to New-Zealand, my MIL asked if I could cross-stitch – Yes -, and if I’d be willing to finish a cross-stitch something that she had picked up from the Op shop (that’s how charity shops are called, down under). Of course I said yes! I love me a bit of cross-stitching!
We were a bit puzzled by this piece of embroidery, which design was cut right in the middle. Why would someone start a project so strictly in the middle? We wondered if it was supposed to be a collaborative project. Now, I’m thinking it might be just a project that belonged to someone very new to cross-stitching.
Isn’t it lovely?
I’ve worked on and off on it (well- mostly off in the last couple of weeks, I’d say!), but I’ve added the last couple of flowers on the right. As you can see, I am still stitching them!
It’s quite slow, as it is worked on even weave. The whole thing came as a kit, with of course, the pattern, but also the thread and the fabric.
The design was create by Gerda Bengtsson, for Haandarbejdets Fremme, a Danish company. The copyright is date 1977. It feels like I’m stitching a bit of history!
If you’d like to stitch some danish wildflowers, there are some similar designs on the British website here.
I have to say that the thread used, called “flower thread” is really pleasant. I especially enjoy the fact that it’s just one strand and that I don’t need to split strands!
Here is what it says on the website:
The original Danish Flower Thread was first developed in 1930 especially for the Danish Handcraft Guild, based on the use of natural plant dyes of the highest quality. It was so named in honour of the great artist and designer Gerda Bengtsson, already famous for her wonderful flower embroideries.
The result is a thread now known all over the world for its attractive naturalistic appearance. It is a 100% pure cotton unmatched for its soft natural fast colours, its pleasing matt finish, and its ease of use, whether with single or double strands.
It’s going to be a stunning piece when it is finished. I think the plan is to have it professionnaly framed. It certainly deserves it!
