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Black Spout Waterfall, Highland Perthshire (Credit: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam)
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Heartlands - The Cross and the Circles

BY THE HEARTLANDS STITCHERS

Laying down the foundations of the cross design
Image provided by The Heartlands Stitchers The incredible detail of one circle design
Image provided by The Heartlands Stitchers The finished central circle design, with colours bursting with brightness
Image provided by The Heartlands Stitchers

TELLING THE STORY OF THE HEARTLANDS PANEL

It took some time to get the layers of the central section in the right strategic order using the three different tweeds to emphasise the design of the cross. Stitching around the edge of the tweed sections was done by Vicki, Elizabeth, Yvonne, Helen, Angela and Margaret. The nine smaller white shapes in the blue tweed we described as “jewels and Kells” and these were to be embroidered in bright and vivid colours.

The small circles were designed by Helen, embroidered by Elizabeth and stitched on by Angela. Angela also designed and stitched the central circle, and says that she:

...intended to pull all the colours together to create a strong central piece for the cross. For me, nature is represented in how all the colours blend into each other, as though some entity had a plan in creating them.

Many thanks to the Heartland Stitchers for sharing with us this incredible story behind their panel, created as part of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands.

READ MORE STORIES FROM THE TAPESTRY OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

Prior to the beginning of the stitching of each tapestry panel, each stitcher of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands was tasked with telling their interpretation of the 'Spirit of the Highlands and Islands' within a blank outline of a stone. The possibilities were truly endless - is it represented in the land? The people? A historical site? A favourite memory?

In any case, each journey stone represents the connection between each individual stitcher, their story, and their own sense, or 'spirit', of place. Discover more of the stories behind the journey stones of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands here.