There's something fishy going on here

[jemimah]

This is the needle book I made for the lovely goldfishpollywog for the OTET swap.




This is a scan, as my camera doesn't seem to cope with fine detail.

goldfishpollywog's photo is much better, and the colour is more accurate (the fabric is a rich teal).


I couldn't find a pattern I liked. I looked at lots of pictures of goldfish, but this isn't from any one picture.

It is stitched on what I'm fairly sure is vintage silk, using single strand DMC floss. I used split, satin, stem, and blanket stitches, plus a made up kind of back stitch for the scale overlay. The fins and tail pieces were stitched on gold organza, then lightly stitched on so they sit very slightly out from the fabric. The needle book is just under 4 inches square.

I have to admit, I'm pretty pleased with it. Would love to hear your comments. 

[pestkaj]

Gorgeous- I love it!

[katara]

Absolutely stunning!   You did a great job with the embroidery!

[Onyxnox]

Beautifully done, it stands out so nicely on the teal silk!

[muddy21]

You should be pleased - it's absolutely lovely.  Lucky goldfishpollywog!

[jazzhands]

It's so cute!  So much detail, too. Your swap partner is very lucky!

[LadyMearle]

It's adorable! I love the fins - the gold organza works so much better than solid stitching, or even just outlining, would have. I actually adore the scanned picture - it makes the needle book look like its underwater - which makes me happy!
So pretty!

[coloringmyworld]

That's some fancy handi-work!  Great job! 
I love goldfish art

[ilovesnails]

Totally wisted this! I love goldfish, in fact i'm looking at my babies swimming around right now! great work.

[ally-oops]

It is very beautiful! i love the translucency and lightness of the organza underneath, I agree with LadyMearle - it works so much better than simply outlining!
Cute!