Simpson and Donkey Cross Stitch Pattern

Description

Simpson and Donkey cross stitch pattern was inspired by the life of Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick and a 1918 Gallipoli painting by New Zealand artist Horace Millichamp Moore-Jones. I have wanted to design an ANZAC Day commemoration for a long time and spent time researching Private Simpson from the Australian War Memorial and National Archives.

Here is the text I wrote up for the pattern:

Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick was a stretcher-bearer in the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance.

He came ashore during the ANZAC landing of 25 April 1915 and quickly commandeered a donkey. He named him Duffy.

Putting a medic armband around the donkey’s head, Simpson spent the next 4 weeks carrying wounded men from the fighting to the field hospital.

Private Simpson was shot and killed by a sniper on the 24th day of Gallipoli.

He remains an enduring symbol of mate-ship, courage, and steadfast purpose.

The Project

This is not a full coverage project, so you won’t be stitching any background and there are cutaway sections around Duffy and Private Simpson. The grid area is 340 x 400 and you’ll be completing 70,788 cross stitches and 3,552 back stitches. You’ll need 101 different DMC colours.

Stitching Recommendations

I recommend starting with at least 65cm x 75cm 14-count Aida cloth (plus margins) and begin  stitching Private Simpson and Duffy carrying the wounded solider through Shrapnel Gully, Gallipoli. Use the Pattern Keeper chart I’ve included in your download pack to complete this section.

Once you finish the main artwork, print out the enlarged chart and complete the backstitch in DMC 310. In the pattern I’ve suggested 2 x strands for backstitch, but experiment on a scrap of Aida to ensure the text has enough definition. 3 strands might be better.

Finally, stitch the Red Cross symbol in the bottom left, under LEST WE FORGET. Frame and hang somewhere special.

Pattern Keeper

I have included a Pattern Keeper chart for this project but please remember that it will recognise the full cross stitches — but not the backstitched text.

Australian and New Zealand Cross Stitch

If you’d like to see more cross stitch inspired by the celebrated artists of Australia and New Zealand, I have a whole category in the store dedicated to art Down Under.

Copyright

The images in Simpson and Donkey cross stitch, as well as the commemorative text, are copyright and may not be used in any capacity without express permission from Melinda J. Irvine.