Revised kneeler plan
I didn't have the time or patience or remaining sanity to cross stitch the whole area required to re-upholster the kneeling stool.
So instead sourced some wool weave re-upholstery fabric with the closest colour match possible and sewed the cross stitch piece into a frame that covers the sides of the stool.
I found out in the quest for this fabric that the general shift to online selling has meant that haberdashers/ re-upholstering specialists have very few front facing shops. But luckily I found a great family run business in Netherfield who were very helpful.
Website:
I bought braid to finish where the fabric meets the wood.
The scale of the cross stitch doesn't really work for me which is a shame. But I wouldn't have had the time to stitch a larger area.
And it does serve it's function as a robust, messaged, interactive piece that allows folk to kneel and connect with the portrait of the Nun.
Making this piece was an important step in defining my own visual language and gave me a lot of opportunity to reflect on my creative process.
Mainly because I was sat just stitching for fucking hours.
Lots of lessons.
Lots of frustration and anger.
Lots of healing.
Lots of gratitude.
I am proud that I was diligent in my commitment to the project but also proactive and flexible, adapting my plans to fit the timeline without totally compromising what I was trying to do.
I am curious and excited to see how the audience reacts to both pieces.
