Another week and loads more detail. The detailing doesn't notice particularly, but it makes things look just a little sharper and more finished.
I have changed the small colonnade. Originally this was tiny strips of silk, but silk so fine just disintegrated as I stitched, so I have couched some beautiful silk thread down instead. I'm really pleased with how it turned out - it has a lovely sheen.
The top canopy is just roughly pinned in place at present. I have quilted the design and prepped the piece to go on, but I haven't decided yet if it needs more padding underneath. In the image that I am working from perspective is pretty well non-existent (which has forced me to make some arbitrary decisions about what is on top of what) but I want to make that silk canopy look at least a little like a dome.
Anyway, it is almost time to turn my attention to the two horses and riders.
For the applique component of the Diploma we have to cover a minimum of four different types of edging. So far I have used turned (the tunic of one of the defendants), corded (around the arches and along the edge of the tower), embroidered (stem stitch around the men and the small colonnade) and now I am putting on a couched edge around the doorway. I am not sure if I will use any additional edgings - I will just see what is needed as I go along.
I added detail to the two shields using a coloured smooth purl, but it has got damaged. That was vaguely inevitable I suppose. Anyway, I have taken it out and will put some fresh on right at the last moment.
