Bridging the Counted and Surface Gap

Like many other chapter members, Donna G. explores several kinds of needlework, stretching herself in different ways. Given that she's been stitching since the age of eight, she's stretched a lot! This is shown in the works she's given me photos of. From stumpwork to drawn thread, she bridges the surface and counted work divide with ease. Her Brazilian embroidery pincushion (named Threads in Bloom) shows excellent use of bullion stitches (with rayon thread, even) and cast off buttonhole stitches. I especially like the latter because they give so much texture to the flower.

Great finishing makes the Betsy Morgan Spanish Sampler etui set stand out. The smalls all match so well with their case, and the use of matching beads adds that special glitz to bring out the excellent stitching.

Done completely over one, Donna's rendition of Brightneedle's Lady's Collection is exquisite. Her use of silk ribbons in the finishing brings more charm to a challenging stitch.

Fantasy Remembered is an EGA group correspondence course, and one I've been reluctant to tackle because of the extensive stumpwork. Donna, on the other hand, did it beautifully and the raised berries and dragonfly in flight make the piece sing.

Going from one extreme to the other, this Drawn Thread Sampler, another EGA group correspondence course, gives you the courage to cut your fabric as you stitch. Donna did it exceptionally well. Her five petaled flower in the bottom corner looks almost alive.

To see more of Donna's work, you can visit her photo album at http://www.flickr.com/photos/donnamaytoo/.