Apis Occupatus

Hemming the courtesy favour, and turning it into a handkerchief. I’m using two strands of Güterman 100% silk thread.

At last, I can share this project with you all!

Last August, I heard that my princess, Sina, was very fond of my blackwork needle books, but that she didn’t want to keep a largesse item for herself. I resolved in that moment to create a needle book that would be specifically for her, and, more importantly, one that was worthy of her.

The inspiration for this piece came from Sina herself. Many know of her love of Wonder Woman, and she had embroidered a beautiful double headed eagle onto her garb. This *had* to be the front cover. I usually like to use a smaller fill pattern for the back cover, so I sat down with my graph paper and charted the Wonder Woman logo as a blackwork design. I figured that I would be able to find a double headed eagle cross stitch pattern at a later date that I could convert to blackwork or Assisi work, but the designs I found were very blocky and crude. So it was back to the graph paper! Working from the photo of Sina’s garb, I faithfully rendered the eagle she had already done.

I found that it was fairly simple to make it reversible, and I really enjoyed the challenge to do so.

This is the needle book I am most proud of. I created the patterns for both covers, it is completely reversible, and it perfectly suits the recipient. It was a joy to create, and I hope it conveys to Sina how truly beloved and treasured she is, and how deeply I love and admire her.

Today, I’d like to shine a light on another artisan in Tir Righ.

Inga Mara is a lovely lady, and I have had the pleasure of commissioning several lengths of inkle woven trim from her. She consults with her customers to ensure that the end product is exactly what the recipient wants.

Most recently, I commissioned a length of weaving for a satchel strap for my heart-child, Tova. Inga Mara inquired about colour preferences, and then put a level of care and attention into pattern selection and work that resulted in something that is perfect for Tova, and that both Tova and I love.

Thank you, Inga Mara, for your time, your talent, and your heart for others; it is greatly appreciated.