Pastinak - wall piece - Gerda Bengtsson (GB)

Pastinak - wall piece - Gerda Bengtsson (GB)

A large botanical wall piece

"Pastinak" (Parsnip) - wall piece - Gerda Bengtsson (GB) is a large cross stitch embroidery featuring a complete parsnip plant. The design shows the plant from the long root at the bottom to the light yellow flower heads at the top. The tall stem stands at the centre of the motif and brings the many side branches, leaves and flowers together in a calm composition.

The motif has a classic botanical expression. At the bottom, the parsnip root is shown in yellow and warm shades. From here, green leaves grow out to both sides. The leaves are stitched in several tones, giving them depth and life. Further up, the plant becomes more open and airy. The delicate branches carry small yellow flowers arranged in clusters around the vertical stem.

The finished wall piece measures 67 × 126 cm. It is therefore a striking embroidery that can take a clear place on the wall. The format is narrow and tall, making it especially well suited to the upright shape of the plant.

Yellow flower heads and green leaves

The yellow flowers are an important part of the motif’s character. They appear as small, light points at the top and along the side branches. The flower heads give the embroidery an open, almost floating effect. At the same time, they create a fine contrast to the larger green leaves below.

The leaves give the motif weight. They spread around the root and the lower part of the stem. Some leaves are dark and distinct, while others are lighter and more delicate in expression. The colour transitions make the stitching engaging while also supporting the plant’s natural form.

The root at the bottom completes the motif in a calm way. It presents the parsnip as a whole plant and not only as a flowering stem. This gives the embroidery botanical precision, perfectly suited to Gerda Bengtsson’s design language.

Haandarbejdets Fremme and materials

The embroidery is stitched with Danish Flower Thread on Haandarbejdets Fremme (HF) linen fabric 10B. The linen provides a light and classic background. Danish Flower Thread adds lively depth to the green and yellow shades, complementing the botanical motif beautifully.

Haandarbejdets Fremme is known for embroidery designs of high quality, clear motifs and a strong needlework tradition. This wall piece shows that tradition on a large scale. Gerda Bengtsson has created a motif where the plant’s structure, colours and rhythm stand out clearly.

Parsnip is especially suitable for the experienced embroiderer. The size makes the project extensive, and the many stems, leaves and flower heads require attention. In return, the finished wall piece offers great calmness and rich botanical detail. The completed embroidery suits homes with an appreciation for nature motifs, classic needlework and green shades. It is a motif that rewards slow and precise stitching.