POMEGRANATE CHALLENGE: Deuteronomy 8:8

...a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey...

Bonnie Vorspan

My interpretation of the verse is in the form of a pomegranate containing the seven species described. I used a crazy quilt technique using cotton fabric containing a basic background fabric design for each species. DMC cotton was used to stitch the barley, grapes, wheat, figs and rows of “land” at the top of the pomegranate. Needle Necessities velour was used to create the olives. A Brazilian embroidery floss, boucle, was used to create French knot pomegranate seeds in the center and silk ribbon was used to stitch the bees on the honeycomb fabric. I incorporated the following stitches in my piece: chain, satin, blanket, feather, herringbone, lazy daisy, French knot and zigzag chain. Polyester batting is sandwiched between the crazy quilt fabric and red felt backing. The verse is stitched on 14-count Aida cloth. To help identify the various areas, starting with the golden slice in the top right portion and moving clockwise, barley is represented, then olives, grapes, honeycomb with bees, wheat, figs and pomegranate seeds in the center.

Ruth Ann Feinberg

I based my piece on Deuteronomy 8:8. I look at the pomegranates which are sitting on a plate. As you look beyond them, you see the land with a tree. I used a 13 gauge canvas. I used several different kinds of thread including wool, ultra suede, silk, and cotton threads.

I enjoyed doing this challenge piece immensely. I did the piece in the original designated size of 18 x 18 which is a large piece in needlepoint.

   
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Posted on April 29, 2004.