Bargello, also known as Florentine work, is a technique in which patterns are created by means of shifting satin stitches of equal length – imagine a long horizontal row of vertical satin stitches of equal height, and then imagine some stitches being a little higher and others a little lower, forming a pattern of peaks and troughs, or hills and valleys if you prefer. It’s a very pretty effect, and can be beautifully curvaceous. As such it makes an interesting partner to the angular outlines of Hardanger, something I’ve been exploring in Spice Islands. I haven’t finished stitching the piece yet, but I’m so pleased with the way the Florentine part is shaping up that I thought I’d give you a small preview (click on the picture for a larger version).

Don’t you just want to run your fingers along it? One of the joys of working with perle cottons and other textured threads, especially when you combine it with textured stitches like Rhodes or Pekinese, is that it makes your stitching so tactile! (And if people give you funny looks when they find you stroking your threads just tell them it’s good against stress and lowers your blood pressure – a bit like having a pet.)