SPIDER CONCH DESIGN START

Thurs. Feb 21 2008

Here's my main Spider Conch shell motif---it's one from my living room that I have often admired the unusual shape. I think this angle lends itself to a postcard size design which may end up on a pillow to plop down in just the right spot to catch some light on just the right places. I fretted and finally went ahead with this subject even if it reminds me of Sharon's Crab design---and in almost the same colors, too. That almost stopped me from going for the shell, but it's so right for where it will live and feel comfortable. Since the walls and ceiling are both painted a flowerpot clay color and the rug is in that family----I am planning on using more blues in various shades and weights---then accent with the coppery colors. Drats, still seems like the crab design---I did allot of photos and drawings and then backstitched the outline in a variegated darkish blue (love that Stef Francis stuff from Joggles)--never had done this stitch right and got pretty good at it by the time I was finished. You can see how I added strips of an extra material to the edges of the linen, so I would get more linen backgrounds for other projects I have in mind with a turtle and frog. The added strips help me tighten the block good for ease of stitching and doesn't fray much. Also here's a photo of the back of the Spider Conch which is just beautiful, too. Can't wait to add some spider stitch roundy things! I'll no doubt put up the finished "card" one of these days.