Silk ribbon embroidery is an integral part of this design. By using both 7mm and 4mm silk ribbon in hand dyed colors for the roses, buds, dove tail feathers and various other flowers, detail is added that applique just can’t imitate. I really do have fun incorporating a technique used in the Victorian age, (although for other needle arts), for such an appropriate style design. Yardage amounts can be found here if you are interested in ordering silk ribbons for your project. Stitching instructions are all included in the book and if you have not tried silk ribbon before- this may be the perfect way to get started.

     As with many of my projects, I try to design the project with a little twist or an unexpected order of placement, (this way I don’t get bored). This time, the tree motif required all of the leaves to be appliqued into place first and then the tree branches, quite the opposite of most designs. It ended up looking slightly different than most traditional designs and I kind of liked it.