I've long been inspired by the mille-fleurs style, which was developed somewhere between the medieval years and the Renaissance. You find it especially in works from the European countries, and features little birds and animals amid forests of trees and flowers. It always seemed to me to be particularly well-suited to embroidery, and I've done a lot of designs which were inspired by it. But I've just finished a really big project: a mille-fleurs tapestry made up of 9 squares which are supposed to be stitched together to make one big panel. It was such a big project that when it came to the stitching-out I lost my nerve and stitched the individual squares at 4x4 inches (100mm x 100 mm) squares, instead of the much larger size that I had originally planned. And I'm glad I did, because there are several things which I need to change.
OK for a first attempt, but changes are needed!
One of the most important thing is to stitch the leaves in a much lighter shade of green, so as to show off the birds more clearly. At the moment they're rather buried in amongst all the foliage, so I'll correct that the next time I stitch it out, along with several other things. But that's just one of the things about this kind of embroidery that you just have to accept - usually you need to do a design several times before it all comes right. At least I do!
Mia, I love it the way it is. The birds are bright and stand out even with the bright leaves. I love how you have some rabbits and the dog down at the bottom of the panel with the flowers. Great design.
Posted by: RAMONA | 11/21/2020 at 02:36 PM
These are beautiful, Mia. They remind me a little of the William Morris set I have when you and MiaKay were selling designs, except those had no birds or animals. Good work! Love them.
Posted by: Sunny | 11/21/2020 at 03:44 PM
Love it Mia Love the mix of birds leaves and rabbits and dog . The flowers at the bottom with the animals make it look like a country garden to me.
Posted by: shirley | 11/21/2020 at 06:27 PM
Mia, just changing the shade of threads makes a big difference, which is something I do all the time. No two stitch outs are the same. I personally think it is great. Love all the birds, they look like jack rabbits to me and a whippet on the bottom. GREAT work as usual.
Posted by: Sandra Lane | 11/21/2020 at 09:28 PM
it's stunning! love it the way it is, but you are right - it will probably look even better with the leaves in a lighter shade. keep up the good work!
Posted by: Gitta | 11/23/2020 at 05:01 PM
So much going on in this piece! I enjoy looking at it over and over to see new details.
Posted by: Sr. Kateri | 11/28/2020 at 09:06 PM
I admire your courage in putting this large piece together. I have yet to try one . Reminds me of the Medieval Tapestries. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: jacqueline tindall | 01/16/2021 at 05:12 PM