Somerset Meander Cross Stitch Kit by Avlea Folk Embroidery.
The Somerset Meander cross stitch folk embroidery kit is inspired by the mosaic floor patterns of British architect and designer Owen Jones, whose work I was introduced to in my early twenties. A vibrant central meander is flanked by a secondary meander border on the perimeter and a small pearled border on the interior, worked in a sophisticated palette of brown-grey, terra cotta, gold, and warm blue. The connection between mosaic and cross stitch is a natural one that is rarely explored: both work on a grid system, and Jones's geometric precision translates into cross stitch with a remarkable fluency.
Owen Jones is an artist whose work I have long admired: he made a pilgrimage to the Alhambra in Granada, Spain at the age of 26 and the Moorish palace's stunning geometric ornament became a defining influence on his artistic vision for the rest of his career, including his landmark work, "The Grammar of Ornament."
What you'll make: A 20 x 20" cushion cover or decorative table square (cushion backing not included)
What's in your kit:
- One 22 x 22" piece of 30ct European linen in Vanilla
- DMC 6-strand embroidery floss
- John James size 24 cross stitch needle
- Full colour chart and instructions
Stitches used: Cross stitch
Skill level: Confident Beginner to Intermediate
Stitch count: 26,308 cross stitches (261 x 261 stitch area)