My large cross-stitch pattern is now finished, and I’m looking forward to starting to stitch it. You may remember that it’s inspired by Byzantine Church domes, and so the layout of the design corresponds with a traditional dome, but with imagery relating to the Three Fates from Ancient Greek Myth. Around the outer edge, in the corners of the square fabric, are objects relating to each of the fates: a spindle, a measuring stick, scissors, and en egg times, representing the passing of time. There is also a stylised strand of DNA running around the outside. The text running around the inner circle is the names of the Fates, written in Greek, and in the centre is a heart, which I often use within my work as a symbol of both life and death.

For me, this piece of work is all about time, and the struggle and race against time to finish stitching it for the exhibition in November is an important aspect of this. I would say that it will be a near impossible task, and I have already been giving some thought to how an unfinished piece may look. I have been experimenting with covering Aida with clay, and then stitching on to it. This is no more difficult than stitching onto stiff, new Aida, and it will mimic the look of domes which have lost some of their mosaic and are now incomplete.

I’m very happy to say that the project is supported by DMC who will be providing all materials for the workshops and for my own piece of work.

I’m currently arranging workshop dates with various venues around the UK, and I’ll be posting links to the EVENTS page on my website so you can come along and get involved for free.