The Caron Collection is pleased to feature the work of a budding
new designer, Virginie Menzildjian, who lives in Normandy, France
for our ONLINE CLASS. Virginie has a genuine passion for
needlework that has been passed down to her through several generations
of her family.
Mothers
by Virginie Menzildjian
Virginie Menzildjian's design, Mothers, was designed
for and dedicated to her wonderful mother-in-law who passed away
in the most tragic circumstances last January, and also to her
own, "Dear Mom who taught me needlework, among many other
precious things, when I was a little girl." Virginie is
herself now the proud mother of three adorable kids. She adds,
"I know how hard, but most of all how rewarding, being a
Mom can be. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!"
The design was stitched on 36 count ivory linen using one ply
of Caron Soie Cristale and Caron Waterlilies. The foliage heart
was cross-stitched over 2, the small flowers were worked with
tiny ribbed spider web wheels (which achieves a great raised
embroidery effect.) These cute flowers look like small meringues
that Virginie used to eat when she was a child! The verse was
crossed-stitched over 1.
Instructions for "Mothers" design
Materials List:
Fabric: 36 count Ivory Linen ( 8" x 8"). Stitch
Count: 67 x 52
Thread: Caron Waterlilies: Coral Blush, Pearl, Olive
Caron Soie Cristale #2046
Color Key
Click here for Chart
Design Notes:
Each square on the chart represents 2 fabric threads. The
design was stitched using 1 strand (1 ply) of silk over one or
two fabric threads.
1. Cross-stitch foliage heart using 1 strand (1 ply) Waterlilies
Olive
2. Cross-stitch verse inside the heart using 1 strand )1 ply)
Waterlilies Coral Blush over 1 fabric thread.
3. The small flowers on the foliage heart are worked in tiny
ribbed spider web wheels using 1 strand (I ply) Waterlilies Pearl
and 1 strand (1 ply) Soie Cristale # 2046. Refer to the stitch
diagram for the method of working this stitch.Wrap the working
thread three times around the two superposed cross stitches.
Stitch Diagram for Ribbed Spider Web Wheels
Finishing Suggestions:
"Mothers" can be framed or finished as a small pillow
or scented sachet.
Personal Note from Designer:
"Discovering the Caron variegated silk threads (Waterlilies)
has changed my approach to needlework forever" and is what
prompted me "step into the designer's side." The first
Waterlilies I tried out was "Spruce" and I have a whole
new project centered around "this gorgeous color,"
simmering in my mind. Silk threads are my favorite fibers and
I enjoy so much working with Caron threads, especially the variegated
ones because they are so inspirational! I am so glad to have
had the opportunity to design this small piece for Caron. This
is all very exciting. THANKS!"
Virginie
A French Band Sampler
By Virginie Menzildjian
Virginie's design "A French Band Sampler"
was published in Sampler & Antique Needlework Quarterly magazine, Issue 24, Fall 2001. In her sampler, Virginie
perpetuates the stitching tradition established by her great-grandmothers
and then carried on by her grandmothers, mother and sisters,
of incorporating the important elements of her own life. She
explains, "There are gardens because I love flowers and
trees. The line with blue waves symbolizes my love for the sea.
The four little cats are the cats I've had since I was a little
girl. The three little people represent my children and the years
they were born. I stitched my husband's initials with little
hearts on each side, and the last rows represent our home. The
little garnet crown at the top of the sampler means I am queen
in my own little 'Secret Garden.'" Virginie's new design,
"Little Paradise Sampler" will be featured in the summer
issue (#27) of Sampler & Antique Needlework Quarterly,
due out in May.
Virginie Menzildjian
Virginie's husband, Boris, (her nickname for him is Bob),
is a dental surgeon and they have three beautiful children. Virginie
is currently a stay-at-home mom, on leave from her career as
a long-range flight attendant, to care for Pierre (5), Anna and
Antoine (3 year old twins), which is allowing her some time to
indulge in designing and stitching.
Virginie's Family
From left to right: son, Pierre, husband, Boris, twins, Anna
and Antoine
Virginie would like to express a special sentiment to a kindred
spirit and fellow designer, whom she met through their mutual
interest in the Caron threads. This individual is someone who
has already contributed many times to the Caron Website. Virginie
says, "Many, many thanks to my dear friend Giulia Manfredini
who started this wonderful adventure! She is the little witch
behind all this! She is really SPECIAL!"
For more information, contact Virginie at the following
until June 30th:
Mrs. Virginie Menzildjian
14 rue Lezurier de la Martel
76000 ROUEN, FRANCE
e-mail address: menzilfamily@net-up.com
After July 1st, contact Virginie at:
42 Rue du Maréchal Leclerc
76 410 SAINT AUBIN LES ELBEUF, FRANCE
e-mail address: menzilfamily@net-up.com
For more information about Sampler and Antique Needlework
Quarterly, go to:
http://www.just-crossstitch.com/sanq.htm
Back Issues of the magazine can be ordered by visiting their
online store at:
http://www3.mailordercentral.com/hoffmanmedia/default.asp
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