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Stitching by Ann Bernard

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February 5, 2018 by Ann Bernard

The Bayeux Story continues

The wind direction changed allowing the Norman armada to sail.  On September 29, 1066, Duke William with his army, equipment and a multitude of horses landed in Pevensey Bay on the south coast of England and then moved east to the area of Hastings where they set up camp. They built defenses plus a castle and burned the buildings of local residents. Here is shown a woman leaving her burning house with her son. She is one of only three women depicted in the tapestry

The Norman army settles in. Food is prepared and Duke William has a feast. Bishop Odo, William’s half brother, is seated third from the right and is saying grace. He was also present at the Battle of Hastings. His religious vows prevented him from shedding blood so he was armed with a mace which is a good bludgeoning weapon. It was he who, about 20 years later, commissioned the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry.  As general literacy was not then established, the story in pictures is thought? to have been commissioned to educate and justify Dukes William’s actions to the Saxon population of England.  They were not happy with his succession to the throne and there was civil unrest for 10 years or longer subsequent to 1066.

Note the features of the two men setting fire to the house in the first picture.  Take a look at the faces of the Normans at their feast. Bishop Odo is recognizable each time he appears in the narrative.  I am not sure which one is Duke William.  Possibly, he is the one on the right hand side of the picture with his arm raised.

Enjoy a post from the past

  • The conversation has led back to the Bayeux Tapestry! Now why does that keep happening?!
    The conversation regarding washing fabrics, marking the design on fabrics both now and historically has led to some ‘THINKING”.  Thinking is …

A little out of context but look closely at this rendition of King Edward in the picture below.  Note the details such as his beard and hands. Look at his crown and his clothing. He is recognizable as the same person each time he appears in the narrative. Faces are difficult to stitch as anyone who has tried will know. Not only is King Edward recognizable but he also has a personality.

Amazing design and amazing stitching.  The Bayeux Tapestry has been repaired over the years as the threads have disintegrated over time. Even though it is now housed in a climate controlled gallery, the fabric is very fragile.  I have read that its length was designed fit all round the entire inside of Bayeux Cathedral.  There is an empty space at the end which gives an idea of the length of the uncompleted portion.

I have read extensively about the Bayeux Tapestry and related history.  Every source says something different.  I have aimed for accuracy but it is hard to know what ‘accurate’ is.

Tomorrow:  October 14,  Battle Day.

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February 4, 2018 by Ann Bernard

The Battle of Stamford Bridge

Having won the Battle of Fulford Gate, the Vikings took time off. They did not burn the City of York as they had Scarborough but, as victors, they collected tribute in the form of goods and hostages. For late September, the weather was unseasonably hot. The Vikings made camp on the western and the eastern sides of the River Derwent.

In this portion of one of fifteen panels, the Viking army is relaxing.

They are fishing, talking and sleeping.  King Hadrada gave them permission to leave off their chain mail protection because of the heat.

Meanwhile, in southern England Earl Harold Godwinson (King Harold) had his army trained and ready to meet the expected invasion from Normandy. In Normandy, Duke William had his invasion army ready but the wind and tides had been unfavourable all summer. They waited, as did King Harold and his army in England.

King Harold heard about the Viking invasion in Scarborough. The Vikings had a poor reputation which made them unacceptable immigrants. King Harold gathered some/all of his army and marched them north to York. The distance between London and York is 215 miles (350 kms) which is about the distance between here, Guelph, and Ottawa. The roads were not as they are today. It is said that they did this march in four days but, this is so remarkable as to be unbelievable, that I can only think that they started out before the Battle of Fulford on September 20.  This is surmise on my part.

Their arrival at Stamford Bridge and their attack on September 25 was unexpected. In the first panel, their arrival is indicated by the dust storm you can see in the upper right section of the first picture.   The Vikings on the western (left, wrong end) of the narrow, wooden bridge were trapped.

The bridge (same bridge as above), was a bottle neck being defended by one elite Viking warrior known as a berserker. A berserker wore a bear fur collar (baer sarkr or bear shirt). They were fed psychedelic mushrooms before a battle, and killed anyone in front of them until they were killed, or ran out of enemies – hence our modern word berserk! (Thank you, Heather Cawte for this information). The beserker was finally felled by a Saxon who floated down the river and speared him from below. These figures are not yet completely stitched.

After that, the armies formed up on the east side of the river in the manner that was traditional for the time. A bloody battle was fought with huge losses on both sides. Both King Hadrada and Earl Tostig died. The section of the army left guarding the boats, led by King Hadrada’s son-in-law (who was also killed later in the battle), arrived in haste but the victory went to the Saxon army.

I was unable to locate a stitching that I was sure was of the battle. Instead, the photo below, taken in July 2017, shows visitors viewing the work-in-progress.

The lower photo also shows stitching in progress. Note the positions of the panel and the stitchers.  They are working upside down which is necessary on an embroidery of this width.

The tapestry is stitched on linen twill fabric, a cotton backing and uses Appletons wool threads. The design is placed on the cotton backing, marked through the front linen with running stitch. It is then outlined with stem stitching and filled with Bayeux stitch. Chris Rock designed the tapestry, the volunteer stitchers are under the leadership of Shirley Smith. They are raising money for the cost of the fabric and threads by preparing and selling kits.

If you would like to stitch a small piece of the Stamford Bridge Battle for yourself or be a stitching volunteer go to publicity@stamfordbridgetapestry.org.uk

These final stacked pictures are of the longboats returning to Norway and of meal preparation. Out of the 300/240 longboats that landed, only 24 were needed to take the survivors home. Two generations of men were in that invasion army.  While researching I read that the Viking women fought alongside the men so their loss was enormous too.  One of their leaders was allowed to return home with the survivors.  This was a young boy who was possibly the grandson (supposition on my part) of King Hadrada.  The Vikings promised to never, ever invade England again.

The days of Viking supremacy were over. They stayed home, recovered, and became Norwegians.

The latest news is that a book will be written about the design and stitching of this tapestry –

Enjoy a post from the past

  • The medieval tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings is to leave France and head for England for first time in 950 years
    Jan 25, 2018 Nikola Budanovic Reprinted from The Vintage News – Jan 26, 2018 First, an answer to a question. …

Tapestry Project Brought to Book (search this phrase for more information). Published by Laura Mary on Facebook.

Battle of Stamford Bridge Tapestry Project 1066 – 2016 Interesting videos.

Hippytstitch: Battle of Stamford Bridge Tapestry for more pictures and information.

Apologies for the long spaces –  am still trying to figure out how to do this.

Tomorrow: The Bayeux story continues.

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July 6, 2017 by Ann Bernard

From west to east – from north to south – it is all, ‘Our Canada’!

The seventh in the series from The Canadian Embroiderer’s Guild of Guelph for Canada’s 150th birthday and today is from west to east – from north to south – it is all, ‘Our Canada’!

My Canada

I am proud to say that I have traveled all across Canada – all 10 provinces and 2 territories. Nunavut is the only place I have missed which is why it is white. The silver french knots represent cities I have lived in from Vancouver to Kingston. Raw edge Applique in red and white.

My Canada Map

The Province of Ontario

Ontario borders the northern shores of Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron (eastern) and Superior. Our provincial flower is the Trillium which grows wild in the woods and blooms during May.

Province of Ontario

The Red Barn

My Grandpa had a farm with a large red barn and my Grandma had a beautiful flower garden in LaSalle, Quebec by the St Lawrence River. This is dedicated to all Canadian farmers that have kept us nourished over the years.

The Red Barn

The Bluenose

Fifty nine years ago I arrived in Canada and six years later I chose to become a Canadian Citizen. Canada is home for me. I am proud to celebrate 150th anniversary of this beautiful, rich and diverse country. Each time I go shopping, the dime with the “Bluenose” on it in my wallet reminds me how fortunate I am to live in Canada.

Bluenose

Arctic Spring

Northern Canada is vast and almost barren. Inuit have built Inukshuks from unworked stone for centuries. These markers were used for communication and survival. One of their traditional meanings is “You are on the right path”. I believe that Canada is on the right path.

Arctic Spring

My Canada

“West Montrose Covered Bridge”. Living in the Guelph / Fergus / Elora area provides not only wonderful scenery, but also, wonderful examples of our history. These are living reminders of what it took to create communities out of a wilderness.

West Montrose Covered Bridge

Enjoy a post from the past

  • Creative Use of Stitches: Part 1
    I have just finished teaching a class on the Creative Use of Stitches and I promised to share the results …

Canada’s Guardians

I was raised along the St Lawrence River. To me, Canada is beautiful rivers, lakes and mountains. I also love lighthouses which are mysterious. It makes one wonder what these lighthouses have witnessed. My piece is based on the lakes, rivers so prevalent in Canada.

Canada's Guardians

First Nations

We should all take time to remember that the Europeans were not the first people to call Canada home. Many people called this land home for thousands of years before the first Europeans landed on our shores.

First Nations

THE END

Thank you for viewing this project from the Canadian Embroiderer’s Guild of Guelph for Canada’s 150th birthday and sharing the collaboration. There will be one last posting in this series tomorrow.

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July 6, 2017 by Ann Bernard

Our views of Canada

The sixth in the series from The Canadian Embroiderer’s Guild of Guelph for Canada’s 150th birthday and today is about our views of Canada.

My Canada

As Canadians we don’t make a fuss about being Canadian. We tend to be rather reserved. I hope that these samples of our needlework will shout out that we are proud to be Canadian more loudly than our spoken words.

My Canada

Tom Thomson – artist

Born 1877 Died July 8, 1917 on Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park. His most famous works are – West Wind, Jack Pine, The Birches, The Drive.

Canoe Lake

Canadian Family

Canada is a mosaic of people and my family is no exception. We are blessed to have a diversity of background and we all learn from each other.

Canadian Family

The Cloth of our Canada

“If it wisna’ fir the weavers, what would ye do?”

Folk respected for their skills, their creativity, their resourcefulness, brought with them the tools and materials of their trade. Manufacturing, visual arts, and social justice. And their strong sense of equality.

They wove the cloth of our Canada.

Cloth Of Our Canada

The Red Canoe

Eric and Liz were married at our family cottage in 2014. Eric restored the canoe and made their paddles. Nothing says Canada more than a red canoe on a beautiful Muskoka lake.

The Canoe

“What Canada means to me”

friendship from coast to coast
a cup of coffee…
that starts a conveersation,
heals a friendship
begins the day, warm, comforting, ubiquitous, a smile, your home, our home.

MY CANADA IS INVITING TO ALL

Bonjour

Bonne Fete

My Canada

“We had to walk over a mile to school”…. “Sure, sure, uphill both ways”. Scots settlers made sure there was a school for every child…and universities, and libraries, and stories and songs. Step by step, those cold, weary walks built our Canada.

My Canada School

Enjoy a post from the past

  • Stamford Bridge Tapestry is making progress.
    There are three embroideries/tapestries that record the events in England  in 1066.  The first was the Battle of Fulford Gate …

My Canadian Ribbons

My ribbons are a result of great exposure to many options in this country. My parents came to Bath, Ontario in 1953. With my two brothers we lived in a house built in 1784 for soldiers. I did 4H and Church groups learning. We had a terrific education,

The dates are significant in my life and the ribbons are some of my personal accolades.

My Canadian Ribbons

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July 4, 2017 by Ann Bernard

The Connections and Threads that keep us together.

The fifth in the series from The Canadian Embroiderer’s Guild of Guelph for Canada’s 150th birthday and today is about the connections and threads that keep us together.

To all our American friends, I wish you a happy and safe American Independence Day tomorrow.

Threads Of Our Country

Every Canadian citizen is a thread in the fabric that we call Canada. Our strength comes from weaving all those individuals into a sturdy, durable fabric.

Threads Of Our Country

Stitcher’s Mosaic

I wanted to put together some of the many types of stitching that come together in Canada – especially at the Embroidery Guild. Shown are Norwegian Hardanger, Brazilian Embroidery, Porcupine Quillwork with beads, Stumpwork, Machine Stitching. Jugoslavian border (Bosnian woman’s cap) and English smocking. I estimate that this piece took 60 + hours to complete.

Stitchers Mosaic

Emigration and Immigration

I arrived in Canada in late October 1969 from Scotland. I did not plan to stay long in Canada but only to use it as a jumping off spot for my “round the world trip” to New Zealand and then return to Scotland. My girl friend, who was to accompany me, backed out for personal reasons and since I had given up my job and social organizations, I decided to come on my own!

On my arrival at Toronto airport I was greeted by several inches of snow and a howling wind and I was wearing my skinny wool coat. But I did not experience real cold until I moved to London a few weeks later. It was so cold and the wind chill so biting, I thought that Canada was the most God forsaken country in the world! I was so homesick and I thought that I was never going to be warm again.

However, I found a Canadian coat called LaParka by Linda Lundstrom and it was bright red! The colour cheered me up and kept me warm for many winters, since by that time I had met a fella.

The rest is history.

Emigration And Immigration

My Canada

We arrived in Canada as immigrants from England in November 1986.

Looking out of the window of my new home in Ottawa, all I could see was white and grey. The roads were white with salt and frost, the grass was blanketed in snow as were the roofs of all the buildings which were all shades of white, cream and beige. Even the evergreen trees were tightly bundled in burlap. There was no one to be seen in the street. I thought I had landed on the moon and I was very homesick.

It took a long time for me to see the beauty in the winter, the silver glints amongst the grey, and admire the cold, crisp sunny days.

My Canada Connections And Threads

Embroidery, Stitching and Fabric

As a child, my mother showed me how to embroider and cross stitch on cloth. As an adult, I learned to make large bed quilts, art quilts and art bras full of free motion quilting as well as embroidery and beading. As a child of immigrants (from Poland), I am grateful for my life, my family and all my creative adventures in Canada.

Embroidery, Stitching And Fabric

Underground Railroad

According to popular history, escaping slaves were guided on their way by quilts displayed on clotheslines or porch railings. Log cabins meant a safe house.

The Flying Geese pattern meant: “Follow the migrating geese northward to find sanctuary in Canada”.

Underground Railroad

Enjoy a post from the past

  • The Battle of Stamford Bridge, the second battle of 1066
    Stamford Bridge Having won the Battle of Fulford, the Vikings took some time off. They did not burn the City …

Canada’s Fall Colours

The riot of colours of maple leaves each Fall evokes fond memories of my first Fall in Canada, thirty years ago in Montreal. I never cease to be amazed at these delightful colours.

Canada’s Fall Colours

My Canada

My Canada is filled with caring people who support one another.

I’ve met the most incredibly giving people through my involvement with the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. I can’t think of a better volunteer job than to foster future dog guide puppies who grow up to be life changing partners for the client with whom they are paired. These wonderful Dog Guides provide disabled Canadians with greater security and independence to live their lives to the fullest.

My Canada Dog Guide

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July 3, 2017 by Ann Bernard

Canadian animals, birds and nature.

The forth in the series from The Canadian Embroiderer’s Guild of Guelph for Canada’s 150th birthday and today is about Canadian animals, birds and nature. I hope everyone had a wonderful Canada Day.

Beaver

Canada was first explored to find a passage to India and China. The explorers discovered a wide and rich land. European hunger for beaver hats meant the beaver played a pivotal role in opening this land to European settlement. My ancestors (French, German / Pennsylvania Dutch, Irish and Manx came here as farmers and craftsmen to settle this land.

For me, the beaver was also part of cottage life. Our property had a stream. Hiking along it you came to a beaver dam and pond. Even in the driest summers, the stream still had a trickle of water. The pond was a watering hole for deer and other animals. The beaver showed me his important niche in the ecology at the cottage. It is an area I love (and miss).

Beaver

Moose

After World War II my Dad worked as a scaler for the department of Lands and Forests. He used to tell a wonderful story about spending a day sitting on a rocky outcrop because a bull moose didn’t want him in his territory. My Dad had enough sense to not try to out run the moose.

Moose

Loon

My Canada includes waking up to the call of the loon on the lake.

Grey Jay

The Canadian Geographic society chose the Grey Jay as the Canadian National Bird. It is the only bird found in all of Canada’s provinces and territories. The Grey Jay or Whiskey Jack, is known as a curious, smart and people friendly bird. It is a tough bird that lives in Canada all year round.

Grey Jay

Monoprint Of A Leaf From Grandmother Tree

This is a magnificent tree (populus deltoides) growing in the Milk River valley in the city of Lethbridge, Alberta. It has survived floods, beaver degradation, drought, freezing temperatures, blistering sun, and insect attacks. In the process, it has given life to generations of poplars lining the river valley. To me, it represents the spirit of the west.

Monoprint Of A Leaf

Fireweed

Fireweed is Yukon’s official flower and is one of the first plants to grow after a forest fire. As we drove through the Yukon, there were patches of fireweed everywhere. However, it was truly impressive to see a carpet of fireweed in the burn area north of Whitehorse after a major forest fire had occurred there two years earlier.

Fireweed

The Sap Bucket

When I was growing up we had two big maple trees growing in our front yard. When I was 7 or 8 years old my father borrowed 2 sap buckets and spiles and tapped the trees. He wanted to learn and teach us about maple syruping. My mother boiled the sap on the stove. Suddenly there was a big crash upstairs. Then another one. There was so much steam in the house that all the adhesive picture hangers let go and all the pictures in the house fell off the walls. We had to open some of the windows to let out the steam. Eventually, the sap was boiled down and thick enough to be called syrup. The syrup was even more delicious because we had made it.

Enjoy a post from the past

  • Books, Books and More Books
    You have not heard from me recently because I have been sick. An infection got into my blood stream and …

Sap Bucket

Water, Water Everywhere

My adopted hometown, Hamilton, has more waterfalls than any city in the world! The beauty of the falls delights me daily, and reminds me of the richness of Canada’s plentiful water, in all its many forms.

Water Water

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