Originally this Celtic knotwork dog was going to serve as a simple sheetwall since it was really only a test of the 'stained glass quilting' technique that Sabha was learning and wasn't meant to be the final version. Since it was supposed to be an intermediate, she used a fitted sheet which made it less useful even as a sheet wall. As time went on, there seemed to be less possibility of a Dog Banner 2.0 ever materializing, and Comyn thought this original would serve well as a wall hanging for the new tent. We chose a white backing so that when hung inside the tent the sun would pass through it and the outline of the dog would be more pronounced. The banner is 36" wide! A celtic trim border was added to better define the banner edge. Sabha is currently sewing a running greek keyhole type pattern around the outer edge (in red) which really finishes it off nicely (not shown). Loops were added to allow hanging from a wooden cross piece. Chain and iron attachments are not yet procured. On nice days I will proudly hang this banner outside the tent to add to the general atmosphere!

The device (the dog) is not technically our period. Dogs in knotwork are considered evidence of Saxon influence (where that totem was very popular). Irish monks who were decorating the bible in the Book of Kells and the Book of Durrow in the mid to late 6th century incorporated these stylistic elements in their work because they were busy working with and converting these peoples from their far-flung monasteries. The Celtic spirit in the piece is strongly evident though and what's a couple hundred years between friends?