As the Glasgow Bedspread Comes to the end of its run at the end of this year we wanted to share with you photos from some of the dedicated bedspreaders out there who are currently stitching the design (or who have remarkably already finished stitching it!) and a few quotes to hear what the project has meant to them.
As packages hit doormats there were several jaw drop moments among our bedspread stitchers as they observed the sheer quantity of wool and linen before them. "I found myself with enough wool to reclothe a flock of sheep!" one stitcher exclaimed. Once the fight or flight urge died down brains kicked in and discussion was afoot about how to to sort and manage the hanks.
Wanda used brass craft rings to organiser her hanks
Sandra Hoaksey used a garden trestles to loop her wools through and hang in her stitching space
Discussion soon moved to how to set up your work space effectively. Most people have opted for a slate frame although some are beginning the outer sections with the 10" seat hoop on a seat frame.
Carrie Roberts from Ecclesiastical Sewing helped several people with sourcing the right sized frame. Based on their requests, Carrie's carpenter was able to create a lovely beech slate frame that is 64" long (the measurement of the twill tape) with arms that are 32" in length. Wanda lives just 30 minutes from Carrie's home, and so together Carrie and Wanda were able to dress the Glasgow bedspread on the new frame together to get it just perfect. You can read Carrie's blog about the process here.
Wanrda Roth's frame all set up and ready to go!
And Ellen had her space looking pretty neat too!
Once the stitching shrine was ready it was time to put in those first few stitches.
Marta Zamfir's first few motifs
Kristen Ikola too was making steady progress
Whole areas began to take shape and steady but surely progress started to show
Wanda Roth's first section.
Then a few really keen stitchers started to zoom ahead and we were receiving the most wonderful photos with large sections of the design completed. This one from Sandra Hoaksey
Out of nowhere Michael Barnard became the first person (as far as we know!) to complete the kit.
Closely followed by Anne Elam...
A few words of wisdom from these stitching sisters..
Ellen Schellekens
I love working on the beadspread, the best buy ever.... my huge slate frame is in a room in the attic and I try to be there nearly every day. With a cup of tea and a audiobook I’m completely happy. After this beadspread I would love to stitch the Muncaster piece!Sandra Hoaksey
The bedspread was a retirement project for myself. Have loved every minute of doing it and will finish it in another 3-6 months, bang on my target of three years. I don't spend all my free time doing it, but it's a fantastic "go to" pastime which is always waiting for me on my dining room table. Will have to fight my daughter for who gets to keep it once it's finished!!
Kristin Ikola
I spent a lot of time early on thinking about how to stitch it -- since the motifs are quite large, there are lots of different things you can do. I like to visualize the three dimensional form, then figure out how the stitching lines should flow within each shape. The colors take care of themselves!
Well done to all of those mentioned here and all of those stitching this piece we haven't mentioned. You are an inspiration and an example of what can be achieved, with the gift of time, patience, space and good eyesight!
If you are stitching the Glasgow Bedspread or you are hoping to stitch a project of this size, do join our Facebook group for our project designs for advice and support. The Glasgow Bedspread will be archived as a design at the end of this year with last orders taken on 31st December. The Muncaster Bed Hanging replaces this design as our new project design.
