Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Thematic Photographic #164 --- It's In the Details

Carmi over at Written, Inc. has given us another fun theme this week.  It's "In the Details".  That can take us on all sorts of photographic adventures.  As always, Carmi has a challenge inside the challenge.  Besides the sharing of photographs, he challenges us to look within the big picture, at the details.  That could mean putting the macros lens on the camera, or fine tuning our perceptions of life around us.  He's quite philosophical that way!

So, let me start with the details.........


This is a macro shot of a section of a much larger project that I am working on.  It is counted cross stitch which is making thousands of "X" stitches on a piece of fabric.  Nothing is printed on the fabric.  I follow a very detailed chart and count threads for stitch placement.  In this case the fabric is linen with 32 threads per inch and I place the Xs over 2 threads, so 16 stitches per inch, 256 Xs per square inch.


Panning back a bit, another hint of the big picture is revealed.  


And this crinkly piece of fabric shows my progress so far.  I had hoped to have it finished by July 29, the day my son Scott married Paula.  I've done several of these projects over the years and one this complex usually takes nearly a year of pretty regular work to get finished.  I started this one in February.  Even spending entire weekends stitching till my eyes crossed I didn't quite make it.


No, this is not my piece finished, but is the photo that came with the pattern.  It's what I will have when I do finish it.  As you can see, I have quite a way to go.  There are approximately 100,000 stitches in this project.

Now for the philosophical piece.  If with every stitch I wish Scott and Paula a day of happiness they will be married for 274 years!  I think they are off to a pretty good start since I have about 130 years worth already stitched. 

Looking at the rarely seen details of something is always fascinating.  Looking through the microscope during my high school science classes opened up worlds I never imagined.  But looking at the details doesn't require a microscope.  Visit Carmi's Thematic Photographic to see what he zeroed in on, then visit other participants' blogs.  This group never disappoints with their variety of interpretations.  Then, join in the fun and add your own!

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope your week is a pleasant one.

10 comments:

Made by Mandy said...

This is gorgeous Barb, it is one of my most favourite ever Cross Stitch pieces. I just think it is a beautiful piece and whenever you get it finished Scott & Paula will appreciate it.

Hope you are keeping well.

Love Mandy xxx

Glennis said...

I admire you - i could never do that fine and intricate work! You're almost there!

The photos are great, too, I love the detail of the stitches.

Bob Scotney said...

It gives me stitch just to look at it. Too detailed for my eyes but the photos portray its beauty.

Sara said...

Great detail story and photos! Wow, that is a lot of work but a beautiful wish for every stitch.

Limarea said...

What a fantastic work! :)

Max Sartin said...

Nice detail photos. Thanks for zooming out so we could see the what we were looking at.

21 Wits said...

simply beautiful...and what a treasure...lovely in every sense!

Little Nell said...

I do cross stitch too so I appreciate the work that goes into the details. These days I limit myself to smaller pieces, but I’ve done my share of wedding samplers. It’ll be lovely when it’s finshed.

Joan Ervin said...

Oh my word, Barb...this is absolutely gorgeous!!!!! You have put your heart and soul into this fabulous project and it shows in every stitch....your son and his wife will treasure this always!!!!

carmilevy said...

Oh man. The picture and the story...you've blown me away with both (and you're much too kind, too!)

I love the imagery inherent in stitching. There's so much history wrapped up in it, so much meaning. You never fail to amaze me with your interpretation skills.

Mine, on the other hand....need a bit of work!