Maura's Stocking by Caela Conn Tyler

Having had this painted canvas for 22 years, I submitted it for a guild-sponsored canvas embellishment class with Tony Minieri. I pinned a note to the canvas that listed a few ideas I wished to pursue regarding the embellishment and stitch guide.

The finished product is truly a combination of Tony’s and my ideas. I used Tony’s stitch guide for hair, face, hat, the alternating mosaic stitch in the dress, and the ruched silk ribbon roses. I digressed from the stitch guide for all other parts of the design – leaves, buds. Dress ruffles, snowflakes, trumpet, and background.

Creating a complete stitch guide quickly, at the onset of stitching, is a daunting task! Just like the process of stitching one’s original design from scratch, adjustments to the original plan are often required as you work. Knowing Tony as well as I do, I’m sure he would concur with my choices and changes.

Working on this project was total pleasure. Combining ideas with a longtime professional friend, the awareness that Tony also knows my daughter, Maura, and the fact that this painted canvas design truly embodies my daughter’s spirit all contributed to my delight in stitching it. (And Maura loves the stocking!)