Under Shoulder and Under Tail Feathers

Normally foreground elements are stitched before those behind them. The under shoulder feathers are in front of the fan shaped feathers and should have been stitched first. As I had covered the techniques used on the under shoulder feathers it was decided to skip these so that I had sufficient time to cover the techniques I had not done before. I stitched a row of Japanese running stitch along the outer edge to help me leave a one point open space between the elements.

The under shoulder feathers are worked in a weft layer with short stitch holding in the same colour.

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

The under tail feathers are worked in two parts. First the upper section is stitched in a vertical layer, leaving a one point open space between the individual feathers. Then the lower section is stitched in a weft layer, again with a one point open space to separate the feathers.

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

One point open space is one of the techniques I have found most challenging but I think that I am beginning to get to grips with it. It is immensely satisfying to feel that you are making progress.

Happy Stitching

Fan Shaped Feathers

The fan shaped feathers are stitched in vertical layer. On every vertical layer I have stitched before the stitches are parrallel to each other; in this case they radiate around the shape. The angle of the stitches changes gradually and filler stitches are inserted to give a smooth, continuous foundation. The curved edge of the fan is outlined with #4 gold to slightly raise the edge and give a sharp outline.

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

As on the breast, the temporary holding stitches are curved to serve as a guide for the short stitch holding.

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

The rows of holding stitches alternate between 1 into 2 soft twist in the same colour as the foundation, and #1 gold. The stitches match the angle of the foundation stitches and the curve of the temporary holding stitches.

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

The background fan is one shade deeper that the foreground fan. The short stitch holding is worked in the same colour.

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

When a foundation radiates in this way, the light is reflected in different directions and gives the impression that the element has been stitched in several different shades of the same colour when, in fact, it is stitched in a single shade.

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

Happy Stitching

Preening

The shoulder feathers are everything that I find most challenging in Japanese Embroidery.

To begin with they are stitched in a technique called separated layer. You stitch up one side of the motif, around the top and down the other side, gradually fanning the stitches to accommodate the curve. Then there is the one-point open space! A one-point open space should be exactly that – a space the width of the point of a needle between each element. In my case they range between non-existent and gapping chasms; this particular technique is the one that I am finding it most difficult to grasp. Not only is there a OPOS between feathers but also one down the centre of each one. And finally there is the size of the feathers. They are tiny and the smaller the motif the greater difficulty I have placing my stitches accurately.

And yet, I was really looking forward to this part of the design. Every time I have seen it stitched, I have been enthralled with these little delights. The outer edges of the feathers are slightly padded to lift them of the background fabric and the flat silk is blended to give an irridescence to the feathers.

The padding is tightly twisted cotton thread couched just inside the outline. The ends are tapered so that there is no sudden change in levels.

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

I took a lot of care stitching the separated layer, concentrating on the angle of each stitch, maintaining an even OPOS down the middle, and ensuring a smooth outline to the shape. When I finished the first feather, I was so delighted with it, I wanted to crow like a cockerel!

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

I only stitched the one feather during the course as there was much more I needed to learn before the end of the week. The remaining feathers were stitched after I returned home but with the same care and attention.

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

I am really pleased with them. Not just because of how they look but, and more importantly, because I didn’t think that I would be able to do these at all well.

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

Seeing how they turned out, I feel that I am making some progress and that is very satisfying.

Happy Stitching