Skøjteløb - doily / napkin - Gerda Bengtsson (GB)

Skøjteløb - doily / napkin - Gerda Bengtsson (GB)

A winter motif full of life on the ice

Skøjteløb (Ice Skating) - doily / napkin - Gerda Bengtsson (GB) is a small cross stitch embroidery with an atmospheric winter motif. The design features several people skating in front of a row of grey buildings. At the bottom of the scene, skaters move across the ice, and a black dog is also included in the picture. This gives the embroidery a lively and narrative expression.

The scene has a fine balance between city life and winter play. The grey buildings in the background create a calm setting. In front of them, the small figures move across the ice. Some stand upright and confident, while others appear to be skating quickly. A figure in a blue jumper is captured in a more dramatic movement, adding humour and energy to the motif.

The colours of the figures bring warmth to the cool winter scene. Pink, blue, green and darker shades appear throughout the design. They stand out beautifully against the pale background and muted grey buildings. The black dog adds an extra detail and makes the scene feel more familiar and everyday.

Figures, buildings and winter atmosphere

The motif is small, yet filled with activity. On the left is a skater wearing pink clothing. Beside them, the dog moves forward. In the centre is a person in blue who creates a clear focal point. On the right stands a figure in green shades, while at the far edge appears another person dressed in pink and darker colours.

The buildings above are stitched in grey and dark shades. They feature roofs, façades, windows and a clear horizontal structure that gives the motif stability. At the same time, they contrast beautifully with the figures, who are more colourful and free in their movement.

The doily / napkin measures 14 x 14 cm, making the project manageable. It can be used on the table beneath a small vase, candlestick or bowl. It can also be displayed as a small winter detail in a seasonal arrangement.

Haandarbejdets Fremme and materials

The embroidery is stitched with Danish Flower Thread on Haandarbejdets Fremme (HF) linen fabric 12B. The fine linen suits the small format and the many tiny details beautifully. Danish Flower Thread gives the colours a lively appearance, allowing the figures, dog and buildings to stand out clearly.

Haandarbejdets Fremme is known for embroidery designs of high quality and clear motifs. In this design, that tradition appears in a small and practical format. Gerda Bengtsson has created a scene where only a few stitches form people, animals, buildings and movement. This gives the embroidery a special charm.

Ice Skating is especially suitable for the lightly experienced embroiderer. The motif is not large, yet it contains several small figures and colour changes. It requires attention, especially in the people and the grey buildings. In return, the finished result is a doily / napkin filled with winter atmosphere, movement and a small glimpse of everyday life on the ice.