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1. Design based on a theme from Methodist history: Wesley’s encouragement of women to exercise their talents as class leaders, teachers and at prayer meetings. This is a local story of Jane Salkeld, teaching the children in her care, the image drawn from imagination and background knowledge of clothing of the era.
2. After David, the artist, transferred the design to linen using a lightbox, our Technical Adviser Tracy chose appropriate colours in crewel wool for a starter pack. This was issued to the stitcher with some guidance notes. Norma, one of the members of Stitch 2 Durham, took on this design and used a variety of techniques including appliqué.
3. Norma used a wire cordonnet (frame) to give a three-dimensional effect for the boy’s waistcoat.
4. The waistcoat in context.
5. Other 3D techniques include stump work and needlelace. The heads were assembled prior to being stitched to the panel.
6. Once all the elements were completed they could be united on the panel.
7. A small amount of fabric paint was used for the facial features.
8. When the stitching was finished, Tracy mounted the panel prior to its framing by John Scrowston of North Pennine Studios. A short text giving further explanation of the theme was framed to match.