In September of 1999, our local EGA chapter had a seminar with special guest instructor Janice Love. At the class I learned the basics of Hardanger. But I didn't experiment with the technique very much after the class.

I finally got brave and tried out my newly-learned knowledge by stitching this pretty Victorian Heart. I had purchased the kit a number of years ago, and hadn't had the nerve to give it a go until now. What really caught my eye about this chart is the combination of Hardanger, silk ribbon embroidery and beading.

As I stitched it, I did have some troubles along the way. For example, when stitching woven bars with dove's eyes, the idea is to complete 3-1/2 sides, make the dove's eye, then finish the last side. Well, I'd forgotten that! So I had to wiggle and weave my needle in and out of the completed woven bars to get to the right spot to make the dove's eyes. By wiggling and weaving, the back of my piece is still tidy, and there are no loose threads showing behind the cutwork. Live and learn!

I completed the Hardanger portion of the stitching first. Then I added the silk ribbon flowers. So pretty! Finally, the beads were stiched in place (small and pearl-like — a bit hard to see in the image above). The final embellishments included the ribbon bow and heart charm.

I was glad that I had taken a basic class in Hardanger before tackling this piece. Lorri's instructions are ok for stitchers with some experience, but would be rather hard to understand for a brand new beginner. The chart is not on a gridded paper, so I found the counting to be awkward for the Hardanger. But the silk ribbon embroidery instructions were fairly clear.

The kit had very nice materials to work with. I really enjoy stitching on Monaco! And there was plenty of silk ribbon and beads.

I have not yet decided how to finish this piece. Perhaps as a pillow, or maybe framed with a mauve, pink or forest green fabric showing through the cutwork.

For more information about Hardanger, please read my Needlework 101 page entitled Hardanger.

For more information about beading, please read my Needlework 101 page entitled Beading Tips.

For more information about Silk Ribbon Embroidery, please read my Needlework 101 page entitled Silk Ribbon Embroidery.

Pattern name:	Victorian Heart Kit #213KVH
Designer:	Lorri Birmingham
Stitch Count:	unclear
Fabric:	28ct Antique White Monaco from Charls Craft
Floss:	DMC Perle Coton (Ecru) YLI silk ribbons Mill Hill beads
Original Cost:	I don't remember ... brought the kit from Nordic Needle
Copyright year:	1995

Mine's for Sale!
Used. Good condition.
$9.50 for pattern + $2.50 shipping = $12.00
E-mail me for details.
International orders, add $1.00 extra for shipping.

Lorri Birmingham Designs Inc.
P.O. Box 512
Granby, CT  06035

Nordic Needle, Inc.
1314 Gateway Dr. SW
Fargo, ND  58103
(800) 433-4321
(701) 235-5231
Fax: (701) 235-0952

Charles Craft
P.O. Box 1049
Laurinburg, NC  28352
(910) 844-3521
Fax: (910) 844-9846
email@charlescraft.com

Back to Cameo's Corner: 2000
On to next project: Cherished Teddies — Bob