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1. Design based on a theme from Methodist history: education in general was seen as crucially important, and the opportunity for self-education was promoted wherever possible. Ordinary people, who otherwise might have little opportunity to extend their knowledge, were encouraged to read a range of books for self-improvement.
2. With the design applied to the fabric, the panel is mounted on an embroidery frame.
3. Our stitcher, Victoria, chose this panel as she likes books! She started off on the ‘left’ man’s jacket, using parallel chain stitch.
4. The ‘right’ man’s jacket is worked in Bayeux stitch. This was used for filling in the men and horses on the Bayeux Tapestry. It involves laying threads across the surface in one direction and then placing a thread across these to hold them in place. Then small stitches are added at intervals across these to hold the long stitches in place.
5. The spines of the books on the shelves are couched wool with thin cotton or rayon ribbon laid across. The books on the table and in the corners are couched along the line of print.
6. One thing Victoria learned from stitching this panel is that the direction of the stitches is as important as the type of stitch, because you are creating almost sculptured shapes with them.
7. Great excitement is felt all round when the stitching is completed!
8. The finished panel is mounted on board, preparatory to framing and display in the new Visitor Centre, which incorporates High House Chapel.