When last we visited the Medallion Project, we discussed stretching pearl purl for the outline around the inside of the medallion. Since then (it seems ages ago!), I’ve finally finished the goldwork around the cinquefoil (five-petal shape) on the inside of the medallion and have started adding the gold to the Tudor-style roses.

These days, it seems as if the goldwork is never-ending! But the tediousness of the goldwork is extremely worthwhile, because it really enriches the whole project.

Here you can see the size of the medallion in context again, so you can keep in mind the size of the project. It doesn’t look too big, does it? So why is it taking Soooooooo Loooooooooong?!?!

The gold outline of the cinquefoil is worked in pearl purl, then Japanese gold thread, couched, and finally (on the outermost edge), stretched pearl purl twisted with red silk. You can find all these techniques and how to do them in previous articles here on Needle ‘n Thread:

Working with Pearl Purl
Couching Smooth Passing Thread (with differences noted below)
Stretching Pearl Purl

There are a few differences between working with Japanese gold thread and gold smooth passing thread.

First, the Japanese gold thread is wound onto two koma, or spools, so that it’s easier to couch in pairs. The koma is rounded in the middle where the gold is wound, but square on the ends, so that it rests easily on the surface of your work, without rolling away. They’re a good tool to invest in, whether you’re working with Japanese gold or smooth passing thread in any quantity. If I’m working a large, continuous area of couching with smooth passing thread, I wind the stuff on the koma first, to make it easier.

Second, this Japanese gold thread does not pinch and hold its pinch as well as smooth passing thread does. Smooth passing thread feels and operates a little more like wire, while Japanese gold is a bit softer and more pliable. So it’s actually harder to take really sharp corners with Japanese gold.

Ye medallion from the side….

And a little closer up on the gold, with some of the gold going in on one of the roses.

If you’d like to follow this project from its beginning to now, you can check out the Medallion Project Index. I’ve updated it recently, and I’ve even added a different picture. (‘Bout time, eh?!)

Don’t forget that I’m giving away a copy of Hazel Blomkamp’s book, Crewel Twists, so if you’d like to get in on that, visit the original post and follow the instructions! The give-away ends Monday morning.

Hope you have a stupendously wonderful weekend!