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Oliver
and Maudie - Needle Painting
Oliver
and Maudie, Siamese cats have been commissioned by Sharon Gray to be
worked as a cover picture for the book she is putting together, the
following explains the reason for writing the book, the book will
benefit cancer research.
Sadly
Jennifer has left us now. Jennifer and all those who have suffered
from Cancer are in our hearts.
The
book is now available at McNally Robinson bookstores this would make
a great gift and 20% of the book sales profits will be donated to
Cancer Research and/or other cancer related organizations, be sure to
pick up a copy at you local McNally Robinson bookstore.
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Book Title:
Letters To Jennifer
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Author:
Oliver and Maudie Gray, Sharon Gray
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ISBN: 0-9686942-2-5
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Publisher: Avililo
Press, Po Box 897, Teulon, Manitoba, R0C 3B0, Canada
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Book details: Paper
back, 90 pages, 8 inch by 6 inch.
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Price: $16.95
LETTERS
TO JENNIFER by Sharon Gray
In
the early eighties, I met Jennifer and we became friends.
The
first time she came to my home she met Basil and Sage, my two
Siamese cats. She looked at them and said, "I am a dog person."
Over
time she accepted them, particularly Basil. They frequently
shared taco flavoured chips on the kitchen floor.
She
move away, met Ted and married him. Ted was living with two
gentlemen cats, Norman and Charlie. Of course, she became a
"cat person."
We
remained friends. Over time we became employees of the same company
and Jennifer was my supervisor, living in another city. I was
now living with Oliver and Maudie, two Siamese cats. At this
time I was experiencing health difficulties and I ask her if she
would care for Oliver and Maudie if anything happened to me.
She said that she would be delighted.
Whenever
we met, she would ask: "How are my niece and
nephew?" Those who heard this would not realize that we
were discussing two very spoiled cats.
In
October 1999, Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer and had one
breast removed and started on a journey of chemotherapy and radiation
treatment. Christmas that year, a parcel arrived with Christmas
presents for Oliver and Maudie from "Auntie Jennifer".
I was overwhelmed by this kind, thoughtful act. Of course,
they had to write a letter of thank you.
She
told me that she really enjoyed the Christmas thank you letter.
Ergo, the first of more than thirty Letters to Jennifer from Oliver
and Maudie.
The
letters were a non-threatening, non- invasive way of keeping in
touch with her during this difficult time. A letter was written
for each treatment that she received. In humour, Oliver and
Maudie describe their lives - living with Lip (live in person), their
neighbours, events and generally their philosophy on life.
Often, Jennifer said that she enjoyed the letters and although she
did not look forward to treatments, she anticipated that a letter
from Oliver and Maudie would be coming shortly after.
Jennifer
- and others who have read them - urged that the letters be
published and for her they will be. Twenty percent of any
profits will be given to Cancer Research.
EMBROIDERY PROCESS
A
bone white silk fabric is painted in pink closely resembling DMC
floss No. 894 which is the one of the colours associated with the
cancer foundation.
Oliver
(left cat) is worked first as he comes behind the Maudie that is
laying down napping.
A
split stitch line is worked around the tail. The tail in then worked
in long and short stitch beginning at the tip of the tail working
towards the body in three shades of DMC browns.
A
split stitch line is worked across the bottom of the Maudie and up
the side of the body to the shoulders.
The
body is worked from the bottom up to the shoulder in long and short
stitch using five shades of brown and black.
A
split stitch line is worked down the left side of the leg.
The
leg is started at the bottom working up the leg in long and short
stitch to the shoulder.
A
split stitch line is worked around the remainder of the body and the
shoulder and neck is worked in long and short stitch.
The
head is worked in a mixture of long and short stitches. I will go
back and add some finishing touches to the face and whiskers.
Work
now begins on Maudie. The end of right foot is worked that comes
underneath the left arm. Then the whole of the left arm up to beneath
the chin of the cat is worked in long and short stitch in four shades
of brown.
The
top Maudie's back is worked and the bottom of the right leg.
A
split stitch line is worked around the tail of the cat and then the
tail is embroidered in long and short stitch working from the tip of
the tail to the base.
The
back of Maudie is embroidered, then a split stitch line is worked
around the face of the cat.
The
ears are worked in tiny satin stitches then the face of the cat is
worked in long and short stitch.
The
eyes and the nose are worked last.
Finishing
touches are added to the background. A couched line is worked along
the lines of the window frame to emphasize it and split stitch is
worked in two shades of pink beneath the cats to create shadows.
Whiskers are added to the faces of the cats and an extra spark of
light to Oliver's eye.
The
embroidery is mounted onto acid free board ready to be photographed
and framed.
EMBROIDERY SIZE
Height: 4 inches (10 cm) Width: 4 inches (10 cm)
PAINTING AND
PREPARATION TIME
4
hours 30 minutes
EMBROIDERY TIME
50
1/2 hours
MOUNTING TIME
2
hours
THREADS USED
14
shades of DMC floss.
BACKGROUND FABRIC USED
Bone
white Thai silk, painted with silk fabric paints. |
