A little here, a little there, and eventually I finish another small tapestry. This little woven portrait of my granddaughter Lucia was a huge challenge. I knew that from the beginning. In fact, I had about three beginnings with this intimidating project. My aim is not to make a masterpiece, but to keep making. And making, and making. Every time I go beyond what I think I can do, I learn more.
This Lucia Portrait Tapestry is best viewed from a distance. Up close, the details seem abrupt and harsh. But when I look at her from across the room, I see the picture of a child’s face.
I trimmed the weft tails on the back, steamed the piece, and made a half Damascus edging. The edging and the weft tails near the sides are stitched down. The hems are turned under and stitched. I plan to mount this on a linen-covered square, and hang the finished piece where it can be easily viewed from a few steps back.
Enjoy this slideshow video. The ending is sure to make you smile!
May you keep making.
Love,
Karen
This tapestry is AWESOME, Karen! A forever keepsake, but also a reminder of a special little one who holds a special place in your heart. With all you do and share, you still found time to do this artwork. God bless you, your granddaughter and your family! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Good morning, Joyce, The time comes in snippets, but those snippets add up. Children grow up fast, so it will be nice to have a tapestry snapshot of this young age.
Thank you!
Karen
Well said, Joyce!
Karen, This is just lovely! Such a special piece. Yes, the ending made me smile.
Good morning, Beth, Thank you for your sweet encouragement. I’m glad you enjoyed the little clip at the end!
Have a great day!
Karen
So sweet! Such a small piece, but the amount of work amazing..I hope you might do maybe a trilogy? As she is growing…beautiful memento for her to keep.
Thank you.
Hi Karen, I like the idea of a trilogy. That gives me another thought – maybe I should start on a small portrait of one of my other six grandchildren…
Thank you for recognizing the amount of work that went into this small piece.
All the best,
Karen
This slide show was just what I needed on a dreary rainy morning! Such a lovely small piece. I am so impressed with your color gradation/detail. May I ask what yarns you use for these small weavings? Many thanks! And yes the ending is so sweet!
Hi Pamela, I’m happy the slide show had an uplifting effect for you!
I’m able to get some of the color gradation because I use three strands of Fårö wool. Using three strands enables me to make subtle changes in the color. The sett is 10 epi.
Happy weaving,
Karen
Little Lucia in tapestry is a wonderful moment in time, Karen. You did a fantastic job!
Hi D’Anne, It will be a captured moment to treasure.
Thank you so much!
Karen
Oh Karen, she is so beautiful! You were so brave to take on such a difficult piece!! Love it and her
Libby
Hi Libby, I didn’t have much to lose, and so much to gain! Thanks for your kind encouragement.
All the best,
Karen
Great interpretation of the photo. It looks like she is watching you from every angle!
And yes, I believe you should do a tapestry of each of the other grandchildren. Otherwise, what will they think?
Hi Annie, Yes, surprisingly, her eyes do follow you across the room. I will give that some serious thought – each of the grandchildren…
Happy weaving,
Karen
The precision of decision needed with each color choice when weaving tapestry explains how Penolope was able to ward off suitors while Odysseus was away. What non weaving person would voice an opinion deciding if one or two strands of a pink was needed for the ear lobe’s center, more than once?
It is a beautiful jewel with Mona Lisa eyes.
Nannette
Hi Nannette, Yes, “precision of decision” is aptly put!
Your Mona Lisa description brings a smile to my face.
Thank you!
Karen