JOINING A TAPESTRY GROUP TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS WAS THE CATALYST THAT SET GEMLIFE MAROOCHY QUAYS RESIDENT PATRICIA NUSS ON A PATH OF DISCOVERY IN THE ART OF CREATIVE TAPESTRY.
Trisha, as she likes to be called, and husband Darryl, who have been married for 58 years, were both originally from Toowoomba but met in Brisbane where they lived until they moved to Sippy Downs about 22 years ago.
In July 2021, they sold their large home for a more maintenance-free and relaxed lifestyle at GemLife Maroochy Quays.
“When we originally moved to Sippy Downs, the kids had left home, and we didn’t know anyone, so I joined a tapestry group at Spotlight in Kawana. After a fire destroyed our building, the group ended up at Cottontree and it was here that my love for creative tapestry was born,” said Trisha, who has since completed about 16 creative tapestries.
She explained that creative tapestries were different to traditional tapestry work, and it was the difference that appealed to her.
“Normal tapestries involve the use of wool and are created using one stitch while the creative tapestries use all different types of stitches and threads.”
The variety of stitches provides an opportunity to create a more dynamic effect on the artwork, according to the mother of three and grandmother of four who is also an accomplished knitter, crocheter and embroiderer.
“I’ve just completed one of a little girl with a dog looking at her on one side and a cat sitting beside her. I used turkey stitch for the cat to create texture and make it look fluffy and the fox terrier dog also looks so lifelike,” said Trisha.
While Trisha has created many splendid pieces, the one she describes as the ‘best I’ve ever done’ was gifted to her best friend many years ago.
“It was a big tapestry based on a Renoir painting that features a girl sitting on a lounge and another near a dog. I love it so much that my friend has willed it to my daughter.”
Trisha also recalls working on a creative tapestry that she wanted to enter into the Nambour and Brisbane shows.
“I was so careful with every stitch because I wanted it to be just right and was so pleased with the outcome, only to learn that it was too big to enter. I was so disappointed,” said Trisha.
Patience is a virtue when working on creative tapestries as many of Trisha’s creations have taken about three years to complete.
“I work on the tapestries every morning, but they are not something you can produce in a day. It takes patience and dedication. I know one lady who took eight years to complete her tapestry – I think I would have thrown it out by then if it had been me. Three years is long enough,” she laughed.
Trisha said the best thing about her creative tapestries, many of which make eye-catching features throughout her home, is when they are finished, framed and hanging on the wall.
“That’s when you can say, ‘did I do that?’. It’s a great moment.”
Trisha believes anyone who enjoys embroidery is likely to take to creative tapestry with enthusiasm and recommends people give it a go.
She said everyone is welcome to come along to her group’s sessions at Cottontree. Trisha is also a regular at GemLife Maroochy Quays’ Tuesday craft days although her current tapestry work is too big to take along.