Banner for Lord Andrui mac Domhnaill
by Baroness Sadira bint Wassouf
The banner was constructed using hand applique techniques that I learned from Mistress Alison of the Many isles. Embroidery stitches included: buttonhole stitch with picots, blanket stitch, and chain stitch. Final finishing work of backing and adding hanging loops was done by Baroness Nuzhah. During the construction, one major mistake that necessitated completely starting over was pairing two kinds of cloth that were too soft for a banner resulting in the purple chief being askew. The second try worked much better and was worth the waste of materials.
Step 1 – I had originally decided to join two pieces of fabric with the flat braid, but the purple was too soft, so this is the second try with white beneath the purple for stability. The braid was appliqued, then edged with buttonhole stitch.
Step 2 – Three identical cauldrons were drawn onto the fabric in pencil, covered by initial embroidery to give shape and provide an edge for applique.
Step 3 – First cauldron: applique complete, second: edging finished, third: cuts that begin the applique process.
Step 4 – Handles have been appliqued and border between fields finished. I considered but did not add couching to the handles because they were stable.
Step 5 – Pieces for fire appliqued.
Step 6 – Flames edged with simple blanket stitch.
Step 7 – Final construction of banner, lining and hanging loops, done by Baroness Nuzha.