Dancing Ladies by Carole Fiore

Color, texture, shine are not just for what you wear. These elements are also necessary in all forms of needleart. While attending an art show in Tallahassee, I was taken by a fused glass triptych by Lesley Nolan, a local artist. The center panel depicted several people joyously dancing. I immediately wanted to translate this energetic piece using my talents with needle and thread. After obtaining permission from Lesley, I started by copying the outlines of the glass piece to 18 count needlepoint canvas. I searched for stitches that would enhance the design and duplicate the excitement of the original. Pattern darning was used to provide a floor that was not part of the original. A multilayered combination of stitches provided a light translucent wallpaper background. Pattern, color, and texture were important in Lesley’s glass. I used silk and cotton floss, Perlé cotton, various Kreinik metallic threads, Rainbow Petite Very Velvet, Memory Thread, and Wonder Ribbon to provide color, texture, and shine.