How to Recreate Cleopatra's Hair Do
Hair
To make the braids, I worked along the hair line where the part took place. The drawing on the right will show the placement of the braids. Three strands of wool was placed in the needle. You will work in the exact part line. Your needle will go down the canvas and back up the very next available hole which is on the part. Then the strands were divided in to 3 groups and and braided. The braid should be long enough to cover the curve and down the length of hair. (see picture)
The hair may need partial braids to cover the entire area. To do so, start where you see void canvas and make the braid. The end should meet with the rest.
You can see the left side of the face. Here, a long braid was created. A second braid starts at her cheek bone. Smaller braids were created as you travel "around to the back of the head."
Braid Ribbons
Head Band
Cleopatra's head band was created by stitching 2 rows of Kreinik 3/8" Trim which was stitched down with waxed silk thread. The ends were plunged down.
To create the ornament on the head band, Pearl Purl was stretched out of shape and wrapped around a large needle. The bottom portion was secured to resembel a snake. (The upper portion is free which creates a 3D snake.) A second spiral was formed. This was attached on both sides of the snake.
Please note: The head dress should be worked after you have finised the background if it is to be stitched. If not, you may wish to protect the snake area with a white cloth which has been tacked down.