Thursday, September 27, 2007

"Marie Antoinette Sampler" the beginning

I've just made a floss/silk toss on my fabric so you can see some of the colors I've started chosing. I thought it also helped bring to life the very small portion of the lace top border I'm working on for the beginning of the Sampler.

These pastel silks will represent Maria Antionia Josepha Johanna of Austria, 13 years old, the shy, youngest daughter of Maria Theresa of Hapsburg, Empress of the Holy Roman Empire of the Germanic Nations and the Emperor Francis of Lorraine, the year she became betrothed to the Dauphin of France, Louis Auguste, the future King Louis the XVI of France. This first segment of the Sampler will speak to her early childhood symbols. And will include some of the Hapsburg crest and ribbons. As well as some flowers indigenous to the German/Austrian areas.

I'm looking for an alphabet to use in this section that is Germanic.
I don't want the sampler to be "too sweet" and without substance, so don't think that since it starts out this way, it will be this pastel and prettiness throughout. Any fine tapestry needs darkness and light. Just as any story has to have the mystery and agnst to make love and life all the sweeter.
Here is a fun picture from my art collection of a theatre watercolor of Marie and Louis...
I'll keep stitching on my lace this weekend!
Hugs, Deb

17 comments:

Annemarie said...

I can see how this sampler can get addictive! What a great project to occupy your mind. And the colours (the ones you've shown) are yummy :o)

mainely stitching said...

What a stunning begin!!!

Jenn said...

This is going to be (and already is) a stunning piece. I love the colors you have picked to use and the fabric colors is so pretty too. What are you stitching this on?

Sally said...

This is going to be a wonderful piece Deb. The colours of both the threads and fabric are just gorgeous.

Simone said...

This is going to be sooooo pretty, Deb! I love the colors you've chosen for it!

Stitcher said...

The colours you have chosen are gorgeous

Von said...

Scrumptious colors, Deb! I'll be eagerly waiting to see more, especially how you work in the dark with the light! :)

The Silver Thistle said...

Deb! I'm thrilled to find you well and inspired! How I've missed your news.

You've been busy, busy, busy it looks like and I'm really intriqued by the sampler you're working on. I can't wait to see it progress. I'm so impressed that you're working as you go! It's going to be fab!

How cool that you know Brooke! I've been a fan of her dolls ever since I stumbled across them on ebay a while back. The needlework shops here seem to be stuck in the dark ages when it comes to choice so the internet and blogland are like a breath of fresh air to me for finding out about new stuff. I've been toying with the idea of opening up a LNS here and offering others all the good stuff I find on my travels. I know they'd lap it up, like I do, because it's all soooo different to what we're used to here.

Anyhoo, enough rambling from me......It's lovely to visit with you again! I hope you're feeling great and having fun :D

Cathy B said...

You've really sparked my curiosity - I can't wait to see more!

Ginny Gibson said...

What a fantastic project, I am up to my eyes in a Marie Antoinette round robin project and am currently covered in ribbons, lace a glitter LOL.

I LOVE the project and could keep doing it forever.

I love your picture and the colours are just perfect.

Can't wait to see the finished piece:)

Lelia said...

Excellent fiber choices. This should be quite fabulous : )

Enjoy

Chelle said...

You're chosen really pretty colors! Can't wait to see your progress on this one.

Cheryl said...

Oooh great start! Cant wait to see more

Anonymous said...

Oh, a lovely start!

Michelle said...

I love your start on this - what beautiful colors you've chosen to begin. And I love the watercolor - how fabulous. Your sampler is going to be such a treasure - as are you!

Meari said...

I really like those colors!

Georgie said...

I love this, Deb! Where did you get it from????