Where Meadows & Gardens Grow - Fibres

When you first see one of Jo Butcher’s designs, the eye naturally takes in the whole picture, marvelling at how realistic it seems and delighting at the depth and perspective that has been achieved in such a small space.

It is only after one has appreciated the whole that you start to look at the tiny details that make up the project. It is then that you appreciate not just the stitches, but the fibres that Jo has chosen to give the effect.

Initially, it may seem as if each picture is stitched with stranded cotton, however it soon becomes clear that included in many of the frames are stranded cottons, perlé cottons and various widths of silk ribbon.

It is the silk ribbon that really produces the effect in several of the projects.

The width and texture of the ribbon contrast so beautifully with the embroidery thread, the resulting design emulates the variation of nature almost perfectly.

Topiary in the Border is a great example of this. This design combines a plethora of French knots and straight stitches worked in stranded cotton with the irises in the foreground all standing proud worked in gloriously shaded silk ribbon.

The petals of the irises are smooth and plump, contrasting beautifully with the sinuous grasses that grow amongst them. Jo has also used silk ribbon for the iris leaves, which really set them apart from the rest of the flowers. The result is a fecund meadow scene just bursting with growth.

The use of silk ribbon to represent irises is carried further into the project entitled Irises. Here, Jo has isolated that one flower, stitching a scene full of blooms in glorious shades of purple and lilac. Once again, she has made use of the width of the ribbon to create the iris leaves. They contrast exquisitely with the narrow grasses growing behind them.

This entire project uses just three different stitches. It is incredible to see what detail and complexity can be achieved with careful selection of just a few stitches and different types and colours of fibres.

Finally, Foxgloves also makes liberal use of silk ribbon in a range of widths. However, in this project, the ribbon is stitched in different ways to produce several very different kinds of flowers.

The titular foxgloves are formed by varying the size of the ribbon loop for each bloom. This allows for the formation of the mature blooms at the base of the flower and the new buds closer to the top.

A small clump of roses appears in the centre of the frame. These flowers are stitched using a spider web stitch in ribbon, creating a perfect open bloom. The rose buds are then created using the same ribbon and French knots.

The wonderful details that are created in these projects with a limited number of stitches and several different kinds of thread and ribbon just boggles the mind.

It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that the more complicated a design, the more stitches and threads you use, the more effective it is going to turn out.

Jo Butcher’s designs all turn that belief on its head. They demonstrate beautifully that less is often more, and the simplest ways to do things can frequently be the most beautiful. Each of these projects is testament to that.

Make Your Own Jo Butcher Originals

Topiary in the Border

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Topiary in the Border by Jo Butcher depicts perfect topiary spheres rising above a colourful sea of iris, geum, verbena and echinacea flowers.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Topiary in the Border includes everything* you need to re-create this vibrant scene: Fabric panels (including pre-printed panel), fabric stabiliser, embroidery threads, ribbons and needles.

Irises

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Irises by Jo Butcher features rich, velvety petals of the purple iris above a sea of sword-like leaves.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Irises includes everything* you need to re-create this pretty scene: Fabric panels (including pre-printed panel), embroidery threads, ribbons and needles.

Foxgloves

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Foxgloves by Jo Butcher depicts proud foxgloves in every shade of pink, standing over their garden companions.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Foxgloves includes everything* you need to re-create this stunning scene: Fabric panels (including pre-printed panel), ribbons, embroidery threads and needles.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create these projects, please refer to the book. Kits do not include watercolour paints.