Very Berry II by Gail Sirna

Susan Kerndt’s lovely design is appealing indeed. Not only is it visually compelling--clear values on a black background --- but it is challenging even for an advanced stitcher. I encouraged my local ANG chapter to invite Sue to teach, and vigorously promoted her Very Berry piece; however they chose another of her wreath designs and I was left still unfulfilled in my desire to do this piece. Sue had a leftover kit, and I was the happy recipient.

I liked the design very much, but I was especially interested in reviewing some of the stumpwork techniques included in this tiny piece. It is amazing how much learning has been worked into this design. There are wrapped beads and applique of embroidered fabric onto canvas, and leaves embroidered onto wire and then attached, in addition to some of the other standard embroidery stitches.

This was an enjoyable design to work, and it was a pleasure to work someone else’s design and to learn so much.