Tuesday, February 19, 2013
A Challenge
Awhile back, I purchased a wonderful old sampler from Kathy Barrick. She had had it for some time, with the intention of charting it for reproduction, but decided to part with it. Now that I have it in my possession, I can certainly understand why she never got around to working up the chart. My goodness, I have my work cut out for me!
But it is such an amazing old sampler that there is no way I could keep it to myself. Which leads me to a question that I want you to answer for me...
When stitching reproductions, do you prefer them to resemble the antique, complete with missing stitches, or do you prefer to have the missing/decayed stitches filled in so that you can see what it may have looked like in its original form?
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30 comments:
I would like the missing stitches filled in.
I definitely would like the missing stitches filled in and if I love the sampler enough I would stitch it and fill them in myself...this looks interesting. When I stitch a repro I usually change the name and date to mine.
missing stitches filled in I would do it anyways. and I'am with Carol I change the name, the date is a ? I will always put the current date somewhere on the piece.
Have a great day and have fun!
Darlene N
I like missing stitches filled in too, which probably makes your challenge more challenging.:(
Merrie
I like them filled in, just my opinion, and also as close to the original color than the faded threads showing on the front side. Thanks for asking!
Another vote for filling the voids, I prefer that too. What little is visible looks stunning!
I also like the missing stitches filled in. I also change it to my name and date. haven't stitched for a while now but used to do it for hours and hours and hours! I adore samplers!
Cyndi
Count me in the group who prefers the missing stitches charted.
Robin in Virginia
rlbrowninva @ gmail.com
P.S. I wanted to say Ginger from yesterday's post is a cutie.
I too agree to filling in the missing stitches. However, I would leave everything else as it was originally. I would put my initials and date somewhere in the linen that will be hidden when framed.
Lonna
I hate to be the one outlier but I like the missing stitches and mistakes. I chart and stitch some of my designs that way intentionally. I think it adds character but I might just be odd :)
I also like the missing stitches and any mistakes. To me that gives the sampler more character and charm.
missing stitches for me !!
I will vote for filled in. You can always leave them out but I think some like to see actually what the sampler looked like before decay. I know one designer stitches it all filled in and then if you want it to look older or worn, dye the fabric or take sandpaper and lightly age it.
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I love the mistakes to be left in. That is different than stitches not there because of a hole or age. Those should be stitched BUT not the mistakes. I never change the name or date......I like giving the orig. stitcher all the credit. MJ
I would want the missing stitches filled in.
I cast my vote for filling in the missing stitches. I'm with the group that tinkers with reproductions (yes, a sacriledge to some)to make them my own.
BTW, thanks for asking--and love everything you do for us!
Hi Beth. I have had the experience of stitching a repro where the missing stitches were left "as is" ,meaning Missing. Well, stitching it became a grind your teeth exercise and more than one stitcher said the same thing to me (about the sampler I was stitching). So, my vote is to have the missing stitches filled in.
Looking forward to seeing the new chart!
I can hardly wait to see your repro of this gorgeous sampler!!! I'm SO happy you're doing it. And I'm with most of the stitchers who commented....if stitches are missing because of age or decay, I would fill them in. If they are missing because of the original stitcher's error, I would leave them out. Just my humble opinion!
I'm so glad you're better. You had us all very worried.
And you are so very wonderful!
xoxox
Kathy
I would prefer to have the missing stitches put in.
I would want the missing stitches filled in and I like the faded colors versus what the colors might have been when it was new.
Hi Beth,
I agree with Kathy Barrick. I feel that the errors give the piece so much character. The more tattered (loved) the better - just my opinion. Great thought provoking question!
I like to fill in the missing stitches and I correct "mistakes" always as I like.
And because it is MY work at the end, I stitch my own name and the date I finished it.
On the back of the frame, I write about the Original and I put a paper about it in the frame.
I often thought about all the reproductions, which are stitched by stitchers in our days.
When they will be found, let´s say in 250 years, no one will remember the real stitcher. They will think that the sampler is much older.
I don´t want that.
Liebe Grüße von Anja aus Deutschland
I'd prefer the missing stitches put in. But I do like these reproduction samplers to have a bit of an antique look to them, so I prefer using a linen that might have antique shading, etc. (hand dyed fabrics, for example).
I definitely like the stitches filled in and the sampler represented with the name/date of the stitcher (I always add a row below with my name and the date/place it was stitched). I also prefer the faded colors from the front of the sampler vs. the sometimes garrish true colors found on the back..Barbara vasampler@hotmail.com
quel travail de fourmis,
Moi je préfère comme l'originale,
j'ai bien reçu ma grille elle est superbe
amicalement
rose
I don't mind either way as I usually make my own mistakes when stitching it anyway!!
I like the stitches filled. I'll fill any holes and "correct" any symmetry. Just because I HAVE to. Though I do love the character of old samplers and reproductions, I just cant do it myself.
I like the missing stitches filled.
I have a third option, how about putting in the missing stitches but have them printed in a different color ink, that way the stitcher would have both choices available.
I am in the minority about charting the sampler as an exact copy of the antique. I think Kathy Barrick said it best. If I'm stitching a reproduction, I want it to be an exact copy of the antique now to the mistakes.
Helen's comment (right above mine) seems like an excellent idea. Another option would be to include two charts. It wouldn't be that much more work to do a second version with the missing stitches for the needleworkers who prefer that.
And still another option is to do what I have done several times...make an historical adaptation of the antique. This will free you up to make changes and fill in missing stitches and even change thread colors. When I do such myself, I don't use the original stitcher's name and date, and I do mention in my directions that the chart was inspired by "---". I also write "an historical adaptation" on the cover.
Just my two cents worth. Will be interested to see what you decide to do.
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