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. We’ve 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 we 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. You’ll need at least 65cm x 75cm 14 count Aida cloth (plus margins) and begin by stitching Private Simpson and Duffy carrying the wounded solider through Shrapnel Gully, Gallipoli. We recommend using the Pattern Keeper chart we’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 we’ve suggested 2 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.

 Copyright

The images in this cross stitch project are copyright and may not be used in any capacity without express permission from Melinda J. Irvine and MjAY Originals Cross Stitch.

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, we have a whole category in our store dedicated to art down under.

Additional information