Everything Old is (Or)Nue Again!

I am excited to complete a portion of my Tudors Project (Amy Bunger Home Study).  It is a technique similar to that of "Or Nue".  One strip of the Tudors project uses this technique.  I have never done it before and found it rather daunting before I started.  But, I ended up really enjoying the process and the end effect!  The basic principle is that you lay a thread and then cover that thread strategically to reveal a pattern when you are finished.  Here is an explanation from Historical Needlework Resources and an example of a famous piece of Or Nue.

Or Nue (or shaded gold) is a form of goldworkembroidery using couching where different colored silk threads are stitched over the metallic base of gold threads to form patterns or designs, often figures or narrative scenes. The finished product is a definite pattern, deliberately stitched so that the metal shows through. The density and placement of the silk over stitching makes the design. The entire design, background and foreground, is stitched, using small upright stitches.

The technique was worked particularly in Belgium, France and the Netherlands in the Middle Ages. Embroiderers in Italy and Flanders developed this technique to an impressive level of sophistication.

Below, by contrast is my tiny area of Or Nue - esque stitching.  I am already thinking of other places that I could use this!  I love it!  

Summertime, Summertime

Summer in Houston: is there a better excuse to stay indoors and Needlepoint?  I think not!  I have made a valiant effort on the stocking for Henry, but I have found myself distracted by a couple of other things!  Kit Two of Tudors arrived and it has been great fun so far.  I have completed the blackwork on the burgundy background and this weekend will attack the black and gold band on the side.  I read the instructions tonight and was thoroughly confused by them, so, I decided it was time to quit for the evening.

Ruth Schmuff's Mystery Class Aquamarine is coming along well.  I finished the seahorse (which I love) and started on the basketweave for the hair.  Next will come couching the wonder ribbon....yikes!

And, I am rolling right along on my Keep Calm and Needlepoint canvas.  I ran out of thread tonight, but should be able to finish it next week since I will wait to finish the next section of the Tudors before I come back to it.

All this to say that I have NEVER had so many projects actively working at the same time.  I actually like it much more than I ever thought I would.  Very odd, indeed, but the distraction of each one is nice.

Will take some pictures before I post next time!  This is pretty boring, I know!