OhSewCrafty Blog

• Pattern: by Joan Elliott
• Materials: 32 count belfast “Highland” by Picture this Plus, DMC, Kreinik, Mill Hill as charted
• Size: 15″ x 10.5″
• Time to stitch: 27 days

My second of the elemental goddesses is finished!  

The chart, which I purchased from Ms. Elliott, is well done, clear and easy to read (I opted for the black and white version though some of the backstitch and beads show up in color).  This is a complex project.  There is a lot going on, with tons of backstitching for details and many tiny fractionals for her skin and the ivy vine which is draped all over her arms and hair, french knots for detail on the butterflies and mushrooms, and many beads.  The only really difficult part of the pattern was backstitching the leaf pattern in gold Kreinik on her gown; I had a hard time seeing my stitches.  My favorite part of the pattern are all the cool details, of course.  

The symbols for Virgo, Taurus, and Capricorn (Earth signs) are stitched on her gray apron / underskirt.  Mercury, Saturn, and Venus are backstitched around the circle, which could represent the circle of life, I suppose.  The ivy vine around her arms and hair is simply lovely. I love how she’s barefoot on the grass.

 The snails and butterflies are darling.  Of course, her face and blissful expression are so beautiful.  No one designs faces like Ms. Elliott.

The fabric is 32 count belfast, a light green with some earthy greyish mottling and streaks.  Belfast is my favorite fabric to stitch on, and this one was no exception.  The pattern calls for 3 colors of Kreinik.   I used an entire spool of the green Kreinik, all for backstitch (the vine around the circle, plus other sections).  You would need an additional spool if you stitched this on 28 count or if you’re not quite as stingy with thread as I am.  There are two colors of beads, antique royal pearl, and rainbow (dark purple). 

So, now I have finished two of the elemental goddesses (Air was first) and I feel I have some momentum.  Fire Goddess is in progress and the chart looks simpler, compared to Earth Goddess, so I think Fire will be a quicker finish.  Hopefully by August!