Pat originally desined this piece for a Golden Wedding but it is just as appropriate to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.

Requirements

• Silk thread (200/3) or similar in gold. 100/3 thickness Gutterman silk is possible but will allow for less stitch definition
• Madeira gold thread No. 33 size 12 or No.43 size 6 or any similar thickness of gold thread (could use Anchor stranded)
• Madeira FS2/2 No. 20, colour no. 425 in gold on black
• Gold coloured twisted spacer bugle beads
• Cut lengths of gold purl
• Choice of background mounting fabric

Couching instructions and directions are left to the worker, but couch  two threads of that which you intend to use for the filling of the leaves.

Use gold thread throughout.

Stitches used

• Leaves in a Pea stitch variation
• Veins using twisted gold coloured twisted spacer bugle beads or
• Cut lengths of gold purl, threaded and stitched as for beads or
• Spiral cordonnette using a gold thread (pull through beeswax to strengthen) or same thread as filling stitches
• Numerals worked in Single Corded Brussels using FS2/2 No. 20 in gold on black, laying the gold thread as the cord. NB. When using these thicker gold threads care must be taken not to shed them when fastening  into the cordonnet. With care this can be achieved, otherwise fold them back at the edge and anchor with the fist buttonhole stitch. They will not come undone
• Cordonnette buttonholing worked plain but could use spiralling if wish. This effect could define either the leaves or numerals to make them stand out.

Note that the original pattern above is 10cm by 7cm.

Bibliography
Needlelace Stitches by Pat Gibson (published by author and available direct for £10.00 inc. p&p -- send cheque to Swn-y-Gwynt, Caersws, Powys SY17 5BEH)
Starting Needlepoint Lace by V. Grimwood. Pub. Batsford. 0-7134-5806-2
Needlelace Designs and Techniques, Classic and Contemporary by Catherine Barley. Pub. Batsford 0-7134-6810-6
Needlelace. Techniques and Inspiration by Jill Nordfors clark pub. Search Press 0-85532-897-5 Encyclopedia of Needlework by Th. De Dillmont (out of print but many copies available)

Created by Pat Gibson     Copyright 2002