The Design

This is an original design that incorporates a quote from Beowulf and a spindle, long used as a symbol for fate's thread.  The old English reads "Fate goes ever as She shall".

Outline Stitch

The letters and outline were free-handed in chalk, then the outline was split-stitched on hooped linen.

Letters and Completion

The letters were stitched using stem stitch, while the "3D" efects were added by a combination of layering and step-down shades on the spindle.