These are exciting times for Faith and her family. This embroidery, by Adeline, was inherited by her cousin, Bill. Suddenly, the embroideries are in the spotlight and other people, besides the family, are seeing them. Such is the pleasure of inheriting. I do not know the title of this one – The Bridge maybe – or the Caravan. It certainly is not an R.V!
Now for some close-ups.
Adeline used Straight stitch to great effect. The sky is all horizontal stitching changing from pale blue, cream to the lightest of pinks for a soft sunset. Note the texture in the sky. The distant trees are vertical straight stitching and the tree in the foreground is stitched on top of the sky. Straight stitch is also my favourite stitch and I use it extensively as it is so adaptable.
The bridge and the water have a peaceful aura about them. But the whole piece is restful to the eye even though it is full of detail. Again, Adeline has used stitch direction very effectively.
The caravan is a home possibly for the lady standing on the steps. I remember caravans such as this roaming the countryside of the Lake District in England during the war years when I was a child. They would stay in the corner of a farmers field for a few days and then disappear as suddenly as they had appeared. They were definitely gipsies. They caused no problems that I can remember, except for disappearing chickens. They lived off the land! They were not welcome to stay indefinitely.
Notice the barred wooden gate and the footpath beside it. Interesting! I am unable to see what the background fabric is but it is possibly tapestry canvas like her other scenic embroideries. The detail and the subtle colours make me wonder if the threads are cotton floss. I think that they were available in prewar years.
It is a glimpse into our past history as well as being a clever piece of embroidery and art.
Thank you Adeline, for your art, your stitching and your glimpse into history. Thank you also to Faith and her cousins for sharing.
So charming
Thank you Barb. Adelines’s work is both charming and remarkable. She was not young, was isolated in the country up near to Owen Sound. She had an excellent eye for colour and effect. Hope you are enjoying the long weekend. Ann
These are beautiful and wonderfully stitched too. Thank you for sharing.
Catherine, Glad you enjoyed seeing Adeline’s stitching. She was an unusual and talented lady, especially for her time.
I was really impressed with her work. Ann