© Thistle Threads/Carol-Anne Conway
Purl is a metallic thread that has been around for many centuries. It is a tightly coiled spring made from flattened wire. Traditionally it was available in natural metallic colours; gold, silver, copper ... Today it is available in a myriad of colours; the purl used on the calyxes of the carnations is olive coloured.
© Thistle Threads/Carol-Anne Conway
The purl comes in one continuous length that has to be cut into pieces. Each piece is then stitched into place as if it were a bead. The lengths of purl lie next to each other like satin stitches; they should be close enough to cover the back ground but not so close that they buckle.
© Thistle Threads/Carol-Anne Conway
Did I mention that Purl is a spring? It is springy, delicate and very easily damaged. When you try to measure a length for cutting, it springs around. When you try to cut a length, it springs around. When you try to pick a piece up on your needle, it springs around. And every slight slip handling it, cutting it, stitching it can damage it. This is slow, delicate and painstaking work.
© Thistle Threads/Carol-Anne Conway
But very satisfying.
© Thistle Threads/Carol-Anne Conway
Happy Stitching
4 comments:
I think this was the element I found the hardest of all, but as you say it is very satisfying when it is done!
this was a very interesting idea ...
following your pictures at first I was amazed...lovely
You DID it! And it's beautiful!!!
I really liked your beautifully even satin stitch but the addition of the olive green purl over the top give such wonderful dimensionality to the piece.
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