Sødskærm – wall piece – Gerda Bengtsson (GB)
- Size: 16 × 24 cm
- Fabric: Haandarbejdets Fremme (HF) linen 10B (natural white)
- Embroidery technique: Cross stitch
- Contents: Linen fabric, Danish Flower Thread, pattern, and needle
Sødskærm – wall piece – Gerda Bengtsson (GB)
Sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a botanical wall piece designed by Gerda Bengtsson. The motif depicts the slender sweet cicely plant with delicate stems, serrated leaves, and light, airy flower umbels. The plant stands upright and free, giving the design a calm and balanced expression.
The small cross stitches form a clear and recognisable plant shape. Leaves and flowers are rendered with great botanical precision. The colour palette consists mainly of green tones, complemented by pale flower heads, giving the motif a light and airy feel.
The composition is simple and well balanced. The eye is naturally guided up along the stem and out into the flowers. It is a classic example of Gerda Bengtsson’s ability to unite botanical study with embroidery. The expression is understated yet highly distinctive.
The wall piece is embroidered on Haandarbejdets Fremme Linen 10B. This is Natural White linen with 10 threads per cm. The fabric provides a light and calm ground for the motif, while its even structure ensures precise stitch definition.
The embroidery is worked with Danish Flower Thread from Haandarbejdets Fremme. The thread has a matte surface and deep, vibrant colours that support the botanical character and highlight the details in both leaves and flowers.
With its size of 16 × 24 cm, Sweet Cicely is well suited as a small wall piece. It can be displayed on its own or as part of a botanical gallery wall. The project appeals to embroiderers who value classic Danish embroidery and enjoy immersion and precision work.
