Back to the opening lily flower. I’ve filled the central petal with some feather stitch. I left a small gap inside the cable plait stitch outline, then starting at the tip, worked down the petal. If I started at the bottom, the feather stitch would look upside-down!
Because the width of the petal changes, the size of the feather stitches also change. At the top and bottom, the stitches are narrow and short, widening and lengthening in the middle of the petal.

I’ve decided to leave the two side petals empty. I just think they would look a bit full if I put stitching in them also. You are welcome to fill yours if you prefer!
Next step is to work on the final lily flower – the bud at the top of the design. I’m a bit bereft of ideas… Maybe by tomorrow…?
By the way, I’ve been interested to see that many of you feel that you have been learning lots during this stitch along. I’d love to know what you’ve learnt! To me, this is all just run of the mill stuff, but I figure its interesting for you to see what I think through as I design and work a piece of Mountmellick embroidery.
I am seriously considering doing another stitch along at some time in the future, as this one has gone so well. I’d love to do one on merezhka, which is Ukrainian drawn thread embroidery. Don’t get too excited though – I have no idea when it might be, because I’m going to need a good break from stitch alongs at the conclusion of this one! 🙂 Some days my blog has felt like a ravenously hungry beast that has demanded to be fed!
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.

Your design is so beautiful, Yvette. While I wasn’t able to stitch along this time, I am enjoying your posts. I’m also learning quite a bit.
I was so excited to finally be able to purchase “The Right Handed Embroiderer’s Companion” through Amazon, in the U.S. It should arrive any day now. I can’t wait!!
Shirley
Hi Shirley, that’s great news about the book. I wonder where Amazon are getting it from…? I thought I knew my supply chain!
Hi Yvette,
I am really enjoying the SAL posts – your work is perfect! I got my ‘Right-handed Companion’ from Amazon (!) last week; it is excellent.
Please do the ‘merezhka stitch along’ soon; it looks so beautiful and I would love to learn more about it.
Kind regards,
Angelina
Yvette,
Amazon says the seller for your book is “The Book Depository” and ships from Delaware in the U.S. They only had one new copy when I looked. After I bought it, they still said they had one new copy. Just thought you might like the additional information.
Shirley
It’s been fascinating to see how the design is treated in the Montmellick “language”, as it’s not one I’ve encountered before.