The End of the Song Cross Stitch Pattern

Description

The End of Song cross stitch pattern was inspired by the gorgeous 1902 painting (of the same name) by British artist Edmund Blair Leighton. This romantic scene features the passionate lovers Tristan and Isolde in a tender moment — with King Mark (Isolde’s intended husband and Tristan’s uncle) happening upon the young couple.

It’s a truly beautiful painting with some stunning features. I particularly love the colours and fine details of Princess Isolde’s embroidered gown and tapestries, Tristan’s hand-carved harp and lace-up booties, and the King’s confused facial expression as he ascends the palace stairs.

This is the largest cross stitch pattern I have ever charted and I’m putting it here in the store for that one person (is it you?) that’s looking to stitch something incredible over a couple of decades (I mean winters).

The Project

This is a massive full-coverage cross stitch that is roughly the same size as the original painting. It measures a whopping 145.1cm x 125.5cm (800 x 692 grid area) when completed on 14-count Aida cloth. The project requires 161 different DMC colours and you’ll be completing 553,600 stitches. Yes, that’s right, more than 550,000 full cross stitches.

Are you up for a super-challenge?

On the plus-side the detail in this pattern is extraordinary and I think you will love recreating the textured floor rug, the soft light illuminating Princess Isolde’s golden tresses and pale pink complexion, the twists of honeysuckle blossoms, the realistic stone pillars and floor tiles, and the magical grove of trees (with lover’s arc) that lead out to the sunshine. It’s simply divine.

I’m not a monster, so I’ve included an extra chart in your download pack that has been specially formatted for the Pattern Keeper App. I wouldn’t dream of attempting this project without Pattern Keeper.

The Artist

Edmund Blair Leighton was a British artist who lived between 1852 and 1922. He is famous for his stunning interpretations of medieval legends and romantic scenes in the style of the Pre-Raphaeliete and Romantic period artists. I’ve charted about 10 of EBLs paintings because I simply love his soft whispy colours and whimsical scenes, look for them in the store.