tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67915293297526785322024-03-16T01:09:43.000+00:00Threads Across the Webcoral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.comBlogger718125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-4624819914568487082023-11-21T22:00:00.001+00:002023-11-21T22:00:00.142+00:00Fanciful Story, Chapter Five, Wot No Knots!Inspired by early embroidered book covers she had studied, Rachael added rosettes of Elizabethan Louped Fill to the spine. The originals may have been impressive but they do not photograph well and I was not overwhelmed by them. And maybe I have been influenced by the notion that they would be fiddly to stitch! <br/><br/>
I considered substituting the rosettes with either a <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2012/10/josephina-knot.html">Josephina Knot</a> or one of the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2012/10/interlacing-stitches.html">Interlacing Stitches</a> that I had learned on the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Goldwork%20Masterclass">Goldwork Sampler</a>. But in the end, I decided to give the rosettes a go. I was right about them being fiddly but I was way more impressed with my little rosette than I imagined I would be even if my photograph does not do it justice. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">© Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I decided to leave the second rosette until after all the other embroidery is complete and wish that I had done the same for this one because I KNOW that my thread is going to keep catching on those loops! <br/><br/>
The spine is embellished by couching gilt rococo along each long edge and adding a few spangles above the letters and numerals. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">© Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
This is now ready for the final embellishment! <br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-53581510351986473512023-11-09T20:00:00.024+00:002023-11-10T13:01:08.021+00:00Fanciful Story, Chapter Four, Sumptuous Scarlet Silk Satin StitchesThe border and lettering on the spine of Fanciful Story are stitched in a padded satin stitch. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">© Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
When I put this image on Facebook a couple of weeks ago, a friend commented “Nothing Beats Silk” I totally agree! The silks in this project are by Au Ver à Soie who offer a good range of silk threads. <br/><br/>
The padding is a row of teeny-tiny chain stitches worked in Soie Perlée, a 3-ply twisted filament silk. Filament silk is unwound from the cocoon in one long continuous strand that, when twisted, results in a soft smooth thread that is more lustrous than spun silk threads. <br/><br/>
The satin stitches are worked in Soie Oval which is a low-twist filament silk that is very smooth and shiny! You can see in the image above that while these two products are made from the same raw material, the lower twist thread is much more lustrous than its twisted counterpart. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">© Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Au Ver à Soie describe Soie Oval as flat silk but it is not the same as the Japanese flat silk I am used to which has absolutely no twist! In the image below you can see how the suga (filaments) of the Japanese flat silk (on the left) are separate and can spread. When stroked and laid correctly this gives the optimum shine. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">© Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>If you zoom in you can see how one strand coils around the Soie Oval (in the centre) preventing the filaments from spreading. This makes for a slightly more manageable thread but it also results in slightly less shine. The Soie Perlée is shown on the right, for comparison. <br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-61310381011964921632023-10-05T19:00:00.001+00:002023-10-05T19:00:00.145+00:00Fanciful Story, Chapter Three, So Long Ceylon Stitch – it’s a Wrap!It seems to have taken me a very long time to do all of the wrapped Ceylon stitch. As with most techniques, I felt that it got easier and/or I got better at it with practice. I would even go so far as to say that I now quite like working wrapped Ceylon stitch but for now, I am happy to move on to something different. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXedB-cnG-fzy9VPHc8BWwdNKRA1D0k2HFWO83sA5D31mZ4QfYC2aRXX8T0jRF4XTN7piJ-JFEZ_GM-u1pueR2XsJZafyd0IuTIFM3BBhxlfDKj9q717gwY5W5B7Y0eaQ2AvEYeGjvYfqaJVLJDmwPCdLA84VUKHmHKeG25dS2NL1YNt4bDGqVb3iGiAsh/s4000/20230921_092738.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXedB-cnG-fzy9VPHc8BWwdNKRA1D0k2HFWO83sA5D31mZ4QfYC2aRXX8T0jRF4XTN7piJ-JFEZ_GM-u1pueR2XsJZafyd0IuTIFM3BBhxlfDKj9q717gwY5W5B7Y0eaQ2AvEYeGjvYfqaJVLJDmwPCdLA84VUKHmHKeG25dS2NL1YNt4bDGqVb3iGiAsh/s320/20230921_092738.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">© Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
There are several factors to mastering a stitch or technique (not that I am claiming to be a master of anything). <br/><br/>
The first is understanding the method. For me, the ideal way to learn a new stitch or technique is to have someone who knows it well demonstrate it. If that is not an option, I am able to manage with well-written instructions. <br/><br/>
The second is practice, there really is no substitute. The more you practice, the better you get! <br/><br/>
As mentioned in my previous post, the right tools can make a big difference and this can be something as simple as using a suitable needle. <br/><br/>
Increasingly, I believe that understanding the thread you are using is fundamental. <br/><br/>
The wrapped Ceylon stitch is worked in gilt passing thread In this design. Passing thread consists of a fine wire wrapped around a thread core. It feels like a wire but does not behave as a drawn wire would. We naturally twist the thread as we stitch adding or reducing overtwist to the thread which causes the thread to twist or buckle. I treat passing thread like any other twisted thread and twizzle the needle to maintain the correct overtwist throughout. <br/><br/>
Passing threads are both expensive and delicate. For this reason, it is often couched to the surface of the fabric. When it is stitched, it is generally used for stitches that are predominantly on the surface. Wrapped Ceylon stitch is worked in two stages. First, the Ceylon stitch or ladder stitch is worked. This shows mostly on the surface with short parallel stitches on the reverse. The second step is to wrap the rungs of the ladder. Except for starting and fastening of the thread, this is worked entirely on the surface. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">© Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-54455790281752537692023-07-17T19:00:00.005+00:002023-07-17T19:00:00.137+00:00Fanciful Story, Chapter Two, The Right Tools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_tSQMcUTZqfJQUjy2FSCmD5HTmuUX5ALIJD0WO2zm2aFmmQ7IDVcnIjPhijvQt-JNO46ftFLjuoZ06w8ewc8wFMWKJlZDz6Itzn90HkYpkTkPwzprTF_n4LwFkHy01pTlKrxc3KzXHPNrCj8xeYZ4FKMaLVGgyYh91NWY0mO0DzzkQnAhzA1TXBLXyic/s1325/20230628_191922.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_tSQMcUTZqfJQUjy2FSCmD5HTmuUX5ALIJD0WO2zm2aFmmQ7IDVcnIjPhijvQt-JNO46ftFLjuoZ06w8ewc8wFMWKJlZDz6Itzn90HkYpkTkPwzprTF_n4LwFkHy01pTlKrxc3KzXHPNrCj8xeYZ4FKMaLVGgyYh91NWY0mO0DzzkQnAhzA1TXBLXyic/s320/20230628_191922.jpg"/></a></div>
They say a bad worker always blames their tools. It is meant as a rebuke for someone who does not take ownership of their shoddy work but when it comes to poor quality tools or the wrong tools for the job, the worker may have a point! Take the humble needle. It is usually the least expensive tool in an embroiderers’ workbox but arguably the most important. I have a vast selection of needles, but I did not always appreciate the importance of using the right needle for the job and I certainly did not know which to use when. <br/><br/>
I say, “usually the least expensive”, my favourite needles, Japanese handmade needles, are not inexpensive but I think they ae a good investment. I bought my first set of needles 18 years ago. I have since acquired more, but I am still using my original set and cannot distinguish between those and newer needles. Stored and maintained correctly, I expect these to last my lifetime.<br/><br/>
Japanese handmade needles are made of steel, have a strong core but are exceptionally smooth and flexible. The needles are polished length ways, resulting in near invisible fine lines running the length of the needle. This minimizes friction allowing the needle to pass through the fabric smoothly. The point of the needle is also designed to pass through the fabric smoothly. The eye of the needle is round, and hand finished to remove any burrs that might snag or abrade the thread. The eye end of the needle is flattened making it narrower than the shaft, so the thread is the same width as the shaft and passes through the fabric more smoothly. This design is particularly beneficial when stitching with flat silk, but it is also very gentle on metallic and fragile threads. These are my go-to needles for certain types of gold work.<br/><br/>
The ribbons on <i>Fanciful Story</i> are worked in wrapped Ceylon Stitch in gold passing thread. The thread consists of a fine gold wire wrapped around a silk core. The gold is delicate and snaps easily. It requires delicate handling, so my immediate thought was to use one of my Japanese handmade needles. Now I would say that two of my strengths are patience and perseverance. These come in handy for some of the more challenging embroidery projects I favour. Ceylon stitch and its wrapper variations seriously tested my patience when I first encountered them on the <i><a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Goldwork%20Masterclass">Tudor and Stuart Goldwork Masterclass</a></i>. I barely remembered the lessons I had learnt from that experience, but I did recall that it was crucial to not apply too much tension to the Ceylon stitch ladder.<br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">© Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I had little time for stitching the past two weeks but even so, my progress on the ribbons was painfully slow. I was really struggling to find any rhythm or flow with the stitch. I was doing reasonably well with the ladder foundation but wrapping the rungs was proving extremely difficult and this was the part that ought to have been easiest. It took some time for me to realise that the problem was my needle, specifically its sharp point! When I switched to a needle with a rounded tip the process went much more smoothly although the gold wire snapped more readily than with the Japanese needle. I do have a Japanese needle that I have ground away the point for working these types of stitches but that is currently employed in another project. There is no reason that I could not use it on both except I have some crazy and restrictive stitching rules that I cannot dismiss. That is a whole different post!<br/><br/>
I would not say that I am flying along now, it is still a tricky and frustrating technique, but I am managing much better now that I am using the right tools.<br/><br/>
Happy Stitching<br/><br/>
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-91369783283219550552023-06-15T21:00:00.021+00:002023-06-15T22:38:58.168+00:00Fanciful Story, Chapter One, In the beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYXjEkDpOvK1ZDnzCPhj8XbMUm5ILke-yugobegLbQSg9olHNXXG_CeN4R0bE-kMQvK2rf4Cpo-4kwcJek0wvL14HNQd0SdJ8d1fgAqftjAg4-DHsLmy6FgZ4glMgh9ezn7QLKFSEuaCSW1Sev4qWkFXCu3d5RdFetsdKN4ST01sQToPi5L085I9b0A/s1094/received_339073684019691.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYXjEkDpOvK1ZDnzCPhj8XbMUm5ILke-yugobegLbQSg9olHNXXG_CeN4R0bE-kMQvK2rf4Cpo-4kwcJek0wvL14HNQd0SdJ8d1fgAqftjAg4-DHsLmy6FgZ4glMgh9ezn7QLKFSEuaCSW1Sev4qWkFXCu3d5RdFetsdKN4ST01sQToPi5L085I9b0A/s320/received_339073684019691.jpeg"/></a></div>
<a href="https://diamondkfolkart.blogspot.com/2020/07/2020-limited-edition-ornament-kit.html"><i>Fanciful Story</i></a> is one of a series of limited-edition <a href="https://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/search/label/Annual%20Ornament%20Kit">Heirloom Embroidered Ornaments</a> designed and sold by Rachael Kinnison of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DiamondkFolkArt">Diamond K Folk Art</a>. <br/><br/>
I first heard of Rachael through the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Cabinet%20of%20Curiosities"><i>Cabinet of Curiosities</i></a>. Rachael is an incredibly talented artist who creates awe-inspiring historically based embroidered items. She generously shares her knowledge and designs through kits and courses. Rachael began producing the Christmas ornaments kits in 2016. I think I first became aware of them in 2018 when Rachael offered an amazing ornament called <a href="https://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2018/08/available-now-for-preorder_6.html"><i>Peaceful Kingdom</i></a>. Which I did not purchase at the time (why?) and is now sold out. <br/><br/>
<i>Fanciful Story</i> was produced in 2020 and is the first that I purchased. I purchased the 2021 and 2022 ornaments when they were released and was able to obtain the 2017 and 2019 ornaments before they sold out. I would dearly like to add the 2016 <a href="https://ladysrepositorymuseum.blogspot.com/2016/11/good-bye-flemish-fantasy.html"><i>Flemish Fantasy</i></a> and 2018 <i>Peaceful Kingdom</i> ornaments to my collection. <br/><br/>
Rachael designed <i>Fanciful Story</i> as a combination of an embroidered book cover and studies of her favourite <a href="http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O86509/jacket-unknown/waistcoat-unknown/">embroidered jacket</a> at the V&A museum. Because Rachael was curious to know how this jacket might have looked when new, how heavy it must have been, and how the fabric moved when covered with gold, I and a few other lucky embroiderers get to go on that journey with her. <br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OKXQ3M6olirj941kn7DCHtH5flk2edfsFJHN-VEe3WbIxjHWpMC-P1csoUgAHP7GtNBJKoNu5vN8QDI4-uSgJbs2fvE2OHTlY7pI0uBOKoKPzmcbPA2N2OaI48am0JIKhx9h5HaE_U8XAtRXjcF38VitNJE0ZELVDp-zKVOnItCxXhh9yqjxZMHcAg/s1296/received_970478613458572.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OKXQ3M6olirj941kn7DCHtH5flk2edfsFJHN-VEe3WbIxjHWpMC-P1csoUgAHP7GtNBJKoNu5vN8QDI4-uSgJbs2fvE2OHTlY7pI0uBOKoKPzmcbPA2N2OaI48am0JIKhx9h5HaE_U8XAtRXjcF38VitNJE0ZELVDp-zKVOnItCxXhh9yqjxZMHcAg/s320/received_970478613458572.jpeg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
When finished, this miniature book will be encrusted with 1260 real gold spangles, each attached with an antique opal glass bead, surrounding bows and swags stitched with gilt smooth passing thread and a stunning central Tudor rose. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESpeMfZc7paCFhagztwXv2h2qm62BtpaSKHUNIybxo5XzcxTfWmq4H_Zrt2ynp26YQcJtIlK2jCy0V1U8_sTOikLnkrR6LuGFTs15kC5ECRxt7SulcTN0sjDF4kSPGCZ1hB2ptl3es-UH9o6kiTcnYK-xaDTSHfhY6tutBQFPQ33v2CP1FFtbvdaR4A/s2523/20230606_092941.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2523" data-original-width="2096" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESpeMfZc7paCFhagztwXv2h2qm62BtpaSKHUNIybxo5XzcxTfWmq4H_Zrt2ynp26YQcJtIlK2jCy0V1U8_sTOikLnkrR6LuGFTs15kC5ECRxt7SulcTN0sjDF4kSPGCZ1hB2ptl3es-UH9o6kiTcnYK-xaDTSHfhY6tutBQFPQ33v2CP1FFtbvdaR4A/s320/20230606_092941.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I prepped and began stitching <i>Fanciful Story</i> in October 2020 soon after I received the kit but it went into hibernation when I began <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Kusudama"><i>Kusudama</i></a>. When I completed <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Kusudama"><i>Kusudama</i></a> in April, I brought <i>Fanciful Story</i> out of hibernation with the intention of resuming work straight away but, as often happens, I went into a post-project slump lasting over a month. Last week I could hear <i>Fanciful Story</i> calling to me from my sewing room and we have now enjoyed several mornings together. The passing thread felt unwieldy after 30 months of stitching with silk, but I am beginning to get my hand in and already feel my Ceylon stitch on the swags and bows is improving. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVX0lFoTqZUZ6YxewqgvGiQqbwbsWFPSJsoZuRjViE4FQbiqqf68KbPONJ3udOukA454cuLmMOtncfE-6ou80GEFX2zid5U2w6BoNVga6g58SYtZd3RoMgUuT4AwCjMYi8L6mplpKJcB55XvB-fH7lDOPeVORO9bLMoiqpcRrP6K-gMJtSkGBVROVVw/s1525/20230614_095433.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVX0lFoTqZUZ6YxewqgvGiQqbwbsWFPSJsoZuRjViE4FQbiqqf68KbPONJ3udOukA454cuLmMOtncfE-6ou80GEFX2zid5U2w6BoNVga6g58SYtZd3RoMgUuT4AwCjMYi8L6mplpKJcB55XvB-fH7lDOPeVORO9bLMoiqpcRrP6K-gMJtSkGBVROVVw/s320/20230614_095433.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Rachael Kinnison/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I think I have a great many more mornings to work on this before it is complete but I think I am going to enjoy them! <br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-28987666259265310972023-01-01T00:00:00.001+00:002023-01-01T00:33:28.591+00:00Happy New Year 20232022 has not been a bad year, certainly nothing (really) bad has happened and if you can get through a year and say that, it can’t be bad!<br/><br/>
Stitching wise, it has been a great year! I have stitched nearly every day; I have stitched some wonderful projects; and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my stitching. <br/><br/>
I was offered a place on Jenny Adin-Christie’s Workshop days. Actually, I was offered a place a few years ago did not then feel able to take up the offer. When the offer was renewed this year, I thought I would make it work, no matter what, and I am so pleased that I did. Jennyland is a little bit magical. <br/><br/>
Workshops are held in at cabinat the end of her garden. The first time I went there I was filled with a sense of déjà vu. On my first trip to Japan, we went in search of the <i>Misuyabari</i> needle shop. <i>Misuyabari</i> is in a busy market, down an inconspicuous allay way that leads to a small Japanese garden. Leaving the suburban street where Jenny lives, walking through her garden, and arriving in Jennyland gave me the same sense of entering Narnia. And that is only the start of the magic! Jennyland is full of wonderous things to inspire any lover of needlework. And Jenny is the Fairy godmother of all stitchers, making our stitching dreams come true!<br/><br/>
In blogging terms, I started well. It is a bit of a Catch 22. If I am not stitching, I have nothing to blog; if I am stitching a lot, I would rather be stitching than blogging! Having said that, I blog mainly to keep a record for myself, a diary of sorts, and would like to keep it more up to date.<br/><br/>
At the very least, I thought that I would have posted more of the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Techniques%20of%20Japanese%20Embroidery"><i>Techniques of Japanese Embroidery</i></a>. Much of my stitching time has gone into <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Kusudama"><i>Kusudama</i></a> and I am really enjoying it. Something has happened in the last two years where I feel my stitching has reached new levels; I understand things that I did not totally get before; I feel the needle, the thread, the stitches, more than ever before. I think that sounds nuts but it that is how I feel when stitching. I think I know why but I don’t feel ready to say it. It is still too raw!<br/><br/>
So, looking forward! What is install for 2023? My priority is to finish <i>Kusudama</i>. What then? That certainly is not the end of my Japanese embroidery journey. Where will it take me next? I have a few WIPs that I would like to complete and several items in my stash that I would also like to tackle but there are also many things outside of JE that I really want to explore. My interest in historic embroidery grows and a project that that I signed up for several years ago whispers very loudly in my ear now that <i>Kusudama</i> is nearing completion. The greatest question is how do I balance these very different areas of embroidery interest?<br/><br/>
One priority is to reconnect literally with my Japanese embroidery family. We have stayed in contact virtually, but lockdowns and distance have kept us apart for too long.<br/><br/>
Bring it on 2023, I am excited to see what you have for me!<br/><br/>
Happy Stitching!
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-79229770549450646362022-08-17T19:00:00.001+00:002022-08-17T19:00:00.182+00:00Bacton Marigold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy1oYXcExkouzuPv_F1V5V_Jhm_4qCEG4W-Y5vqKD7xS2UHuLpB3MnBGEX72zM3lL9v_4Xt5rgahsemNhPbqG8xvtDn0_6Lu9ZaEndfI9KzK46JJ_zU1yUx-_4tDXNo9tYfv1SbWJSDwiddnqFAAqSe1CqmOjV31TIlRuoZDY3H6Ct-xOWWhYIrYEYg/s1775/Bacton_rose.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="1775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy1oYXcExkouzuPv_F1V5V_Jhm_4qCEG4W-Y5vqKD7xS2UHuLpB3MnBGEX72zM3lL9v_4Xt5rgahsemNhPbqG8xvtDn0_6Lu9ZaEndfI9KzK46JJ_zU1yUx-_4tDXNo9tYfv1SbWJSDwiddnqFAAqSe1CqmOjV31TIlRuoZDY3H6Ct-xOWWhYIrYEYg/s320/Bacton_rose.JPG"/></a></div>
Every week of the Tudor Embroidery course we had a lecture, some of which were related to one of the five samples we stitched. One such was a lecture on the Bacton Altar Cloth by members of the BAC Research Group. <br/><br/>
The Bacton Altar Cloth is a heavily embroidered cloth of silk and silver that is believed to have possibly once belonged to Queen Elizabeth I. At some point in its life, it was cut and pieced to form a cover for a small table or alter, most likely after it was donated to the parish church of St. Faith, Bacton. Prior to 2015, when the BAC was removed from display, it was hung in a frame on the north wall of the church for 106 years. After extensive conservation, the embroidery went on display at Hampton Court Palace. The BAC Research Group were able to view and photograph the cloth in detail while the cloth was undergoing conservation and on display. <br/><br/>
By studying their own images and examining contemporary printed sources, the group aim to independently categorize and interpret the motifs. In the lecture, they shared their observations, unanswered questions, and evolving understanding of the cloth. Members of the group have also attempted to recreate some of the botanical motifs. Our fourth sample was based on a marigold on the cloth. <br/><br/>
The fabric for this sample is a gorgeous ribbed silk called faille. While I loved the fabric, it did cause me some problems later on. Once again, the design was transferred using the prick and pounce method. <br/><br/>
For all outlines, I used a combination of two colours, two strands of each. I started with stem stitch, i.e., a ‘/’ diagonal stitch and intended to use this throughout but switched to a ‘\’ diagonal stitch when stitching the lefthand side of the petals. <br/><br/>
The stem, leaf, and flowers are filled with various seeding techniques. <br/><br/>
For the stem, I used seed stitch with four strands of silk. I tried to keep the stitches as small and consistent in size with approximately a stitch size space between each. I tried to make placement and stitch direction random but found it difficult to ignore the obvious weft threads in the fabric. My ‘method’ for random seeding is to make one stitch in a space and then place six stitches around the first stitch in a vaguely hexagonal shape. For each pair of stitches in the hexagon, I place a third stitch to make a more or less equilateral triangle. I continue to make every pair of stitches into a triangle. I vary the angle of each stitch by angling them more or less towards the centre of the triangle. I use an additional filling stitch any time I think the spacing is increasing, or miss a stitch if I think they are becoming too close. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESolmqOOkA_Huefc06xstH8OFVq6hEyXL86WTx35dFQDZ9W9SgcsoAwafG0MESWIF7j1uz6urXrsUxI-MgY82EDIJSFju3fa9RzEWAqdzrd62mCW-mlGb9mjJv51IaD7dGW1GsztupOhIoiy04Mfw1jDgQXA5hrTHWNUFAaGs4jgfojnmGEVpaXkubw/s3648/IMG_6472.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESolmqOOkA_Huefc06xstH8OFVq6hEyXL86WTx35dFQDZ9W9SgcsoAwafG0MESWIF7j1uz6urXrsUxI-MgY82EDIJSFju3fa9RzEWAqdzrd62mCW-mlGb9mjJv51IaD7dGW1GsztupOhIoiy04Mfw1jDgQXA5hrTHWNUFAaGs4jgfojnmGEVpaXkubw/s320/IMG_6472.JPG"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I used double seed stitch in the leaf, again four strands of silk. I stitched one stitch directly over the other. As this made each stitch slightly larger, I spaced the first slightly further apart than for the single seed stitches. I found this much more difficult to keep consistent than single seed stitch. If I do this again, I will try placing the second stitch at a slight angle to the first. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLVdcYBMTx2w8Qku1AUqvosGp62APKvrrjbKmwPUqwRLh7jlji05loGuIu5gzzQZvzBhm_DiYIe2dttpD4zOTLc7WAIv7ta5x_U-cuUPMnGMPmwjuVQ4S488e8sh54ox-BStGxsb-bLNC-23Wr90cv8DN9hNzZci9g7w3wlj5zIbrKUSjAIRFcJJIRA/s3648/IMG_6471.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLVdcYBMTx2w8Qku1AUqvosGp62APKvrrjbKmwPUqwRLh7jlji05loGuIu5gzzQZvzBhm_DiYIe2dttpD4zOTLc7WAIv7ta5x_U-cuUPMnGMPmwjuVQ4S488e8sh54ox-BStGxsb-bLNC-23Wr90cv8DN9hNzZci9g7w3wlj5zIbrKUSjAIRFcJJIRA/s320/IMG_6471.JPG"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
For the bud, I used seeded knots. I made a soft 'S' 4 -> 1 twist. Throughout, I have used a combination of two colours in the needle. For these twisted threads, I used 1 strand of each colour on each ply. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjVASwBK2dBcGYoeTFShc5ESI-xs8FQqjWjhv_Z5RnCQIZA9FxNgmOrPhqdMKt_Cj9fHij4RI1nW1jVB3DWpNNWJ_kz2x8guEGKvt_NlKg15mTgbIMm6jHKw2gVg0gqoYCytHMAKNWrfmOe6ReBS2KQy23l4ybl8_FvtzAX8MrERrbZfduPlFfx6P8Q/s3648/IMG_6470.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjVASwBK2dBcGYoeTFShc5ESI-xs8FQqjWjhv_Z5RnCQIZA9FxNgmOrPhqdMKt_Cj9fHij4RI1nW1jVB3DWpNNWJ_kz2x8guEGKvt_NlKg15mTgbIMm6jHKw2gVg0gqoYCytHMAKNWrfmOe6ReBS2KQy23l4ybl8_FvtzAX8MrERrbZfduPlFfx6P8Q/s320/IMG_6470.JPG"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The calyx is also filled with seeded knots but here I twisted 2 ->1 using one ply of each colour. At first, I double-spaced the knots but I thought they were too far apart so I filled in a little. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div>
<br/>
The petals of the flower are worked in single seed stitch, eight strands of silk, four of each colour. I hoped eight strands, closely seeded would give more saturated colour to the petals, which it has. I think the larger, fuller stitches also have more shine on the silk, which I like. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy1oYXcExkouzuPv_F1V5V_Jhm_4qCEG4W-Y5vqKD7xS2UHuLpB3MnBGEX72zM3lL9v_4Xt5rgahsemNhPbqG8xvtDn0_6Lu9ZaEndfI9KzK46JJ_zU1yUx-_4tDXNo9tYfv1SbWJSDwiddnqFAAqSe1CqmOjV31TIlRuoZDY3H6Ct-xOWWhYIrYEYg/s1775/Bacton_rose.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="1775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy1oYXcExkouzuPv_F1V5V_Jhm_4qCEG4W-Y5vqKD7xS2UHuLpB3MnBGEX72zM3lL9v_4Xt5rgahsemNhPbqG8xvtDn0_6Lu9ZaEndfI9KzK46JJ_zU1yUx-_4tDXNo9tYfv1SbWJSDwiddnqFAAqSe1CqmOjV31TIlRuoZDY3H6Ct-xOWWhYIrYEYg/s320/Bacton_rose.JPG"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
This was great fun to stitch! It was somewhat time-consuming but once I got into the rhythm of stitching randomly, it required less precision than something like satin stitch. I enjoyed doing the seeded knots and like how they look but they were even more time-consuming. I wanted to try different options and see how each looked. It is interesting to see the different textures and effects of each. <br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-53945045878088746362022-06-29T19:00:00.001+00:002022-06-30T16:13:14.583+00:00Or Nué Beetle - part 1During the pandemic, I took part in a few online courses. I kept finding myself on a course with some of the same people. Not surprising, really, as we have similar areas of interest. To share our progress with the course samples, some of which I have yet to do, and to stay in touch, we formed a Facebook group and meet once a month via Zoom. One member of the group had previously designed a stumpwork beetle and, over the course of a few months, had shared with us her design as a stitch-along. I did not intend to join in as I had lots of other things in progress but was enjoying seeing what the others were doing. One day I was looking at images of beetles online and came across an enamelled beetle brooch that caught my eye. I have not been able to find it again but the image stayed in my mind. When I completed one of my ongoing projects sooner than expected I decided to use one of the techniques I had learnt in one of the courses to make a stumpwork beetle somewhat like the enamelled brooch. <br/><br/>
I used the template provided by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArlenesCraftsEmbroideryAPP">Arlene</a> for the basic wing shape but rather than embellishing organza wings with beads and gold threads, I planned to create my wings using or nué. I’ve known about this form of goldwork for some time and learned more about it in two of the online courses I did during lockdown but I have not yet stitched my samples for either workshop. The wings of the enamelled brooch, as I remember it, had brightly coloured flowers on a black background. Rather than draw a design I looked through my stash for a suitable piece of fabric and settled on one with a design of small summery flowers. Although I have a black metallic thread in my stash, I decided to use a silver passing thread for the base. I then selected a few silk threads that were close to the fabric and worked in harmony with each other. The threads I used are <a href="https://www.devereyarns.co.uk/">Devere’s</a> <a href="https://www.devereyarns.co.uk/embroidery-thread---silk-42-c.asp">6 thread silk</a> – some of those that I received in an <a href="https://www.devereyarns.co.uk/advent-calendars-125-c.asp">Advent Calendar</a>. <br/><br/>
Wire is often used in stumpwork as the foundation for three-dimensional shapes such as leaves, petals, or wings. The wire is first tacked to the fabric around the outline of the shape. The entire wire is then covered with buttonhole stitches. If the shape is to be filled with needle lace, the buttonhole stitches are made around the wire without catching any of the base fabric so that the shape can be detached when complete. The fabric forms the base of my wings so the buttonhole stitches are used to attach the wire to it. <br/><br/>
Or nué is a form of goldwork using couching where different coloured silk threads are stitched over the metallic base threads to form the design. Traditionally, the metallic threads are worked to and fro in straight lines although contemporary goldwork artists sometimes work the base threads in circles or more organic lines following the shape of their design (otherwise known as Italian shading). The metallic threads are often worked in pairs but, because the wings are small and the details quite fine, I worked with a single thread, to and fro. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBSvh8BUW25wCepVY1uaOo4byoRc0K8Xb3Rmy2q25kUyr7gtRMYt5blJmSVNSlpYlXNZ6hlqV1YKeeMfCEPupywH4PpSWx5wy742AdYy2u7oGZFT7Dm7Mng_OBldA74KuouJVT1lZmxUlpsmEneXVvDp9-oBplqG6EkBo3qxZTwZ4meU_aVHp-2cOPg/s5390/20220421_131932.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="5390" data-original-width="4065" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBSvh8BUW25wCepVY1uaOo4byoRc0K8Xb3Rmy2q25kUyr7gtRMYt5blJmSVNSlpYlXNZ6hlqV1YKeeMfCEPupywH4PpSWx5wy742AdYy2u7oGZFT7Dm7Mng_OBldA74KuouJVT1lZmxUlpsmEneXVvDp9-oBplqG6EkBo3qxZTwZ4meU_aVHp-2cOPg/s320/20220421_131932.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
At first, I attempted to replicate the printed design precisely but after a few rows, I realized that the base fabric did not show at all and focused instead on creating a pleasing design, adding stitches, for example, to make the leaves more pointed, or omitting them to create space between flowers. <br/><br/>
It took rather less time to fill the wings than I expected and I was more pleased with the look of them than I imagined. <br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-23737956417153465572022-05-15T21:00:00.001+00:002022-05-16T13:40:23.218+00:005 Diagonal layer: irregular shapes (naname-nuikiri: kiku) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqM1leCfvB8yeUECeajnpT554iAn-cSE4jy9tdc4sh0cSXPD8gbzSn8FmMsVl4pw_s2OgnZQDnMMaaWrGHNVFAVxWf7RyEsftr-mkIHWmC7FqNNy5YSxwofe1xCOBMiNa3i_AJ4ZKwe62bOlwlUI8krJx4D50q84bjuUXYz2vZYLY5v4GigwUmsMPqQ/s8518/chrysanthemums.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="5608" data-original-width="8518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqM1leCfvB8yeUECeajnpT554iAn-cSE4jy9tdc4sh0cSXPD8gbzSn8FmMsVl4pw_s2OgnZQDnMMaaWrGHNVFAVxWf7RyEsftr-mkIHWmC7FqNNy5YSxwofe1xCOBMiNa3i_AJ4ZKwe62bOlwlUI8krJx4D50q84bjuUXYz2vZYLY5v4GigwUmsMPqQ/s320/chrysanthemums.jpg"/></a></div>
For each of the three layer/foundation stitches that we have looked at so far, the orientation of the stitches has been unequivocally defined and, in each case, the stitches are all parallel to each other. For Diagonal layer (D) the orientation is determined by the motif being stitched and the stitches radiate slightly to accommodate the shape being filled. Exactly how this happens depends on whether the shape is regular (such as a cord) or irregular, such as chrysanthemum petals. <br/><br/>
Chrysanthemums, both round petal and pointed petal, have cropped up in a few of my Phase pieces, beginning with <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Hanayama"><i>Hanayama</i></a>, and at each phase, I think I have learnt more about stitching diagonal layer on an irregular shape. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB26NNgU8x70mXD0I_7onGO4FPxGamlCYhQH5TkmCFQjNn1aTq8cYyjvlqrKU9m29HxdIkeXlRlwPkPEPDEVABY7n9WfougRY-RpTwAoWhymgn0x2jZ41DIolGysnp0mPEIRfPzfM69J9I307YL2EWMD6uEUxO7TiemzULlvg9X4-Uk9_bb32fyFKm8A/s2199/hanayama_mums.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="2199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB26NNgU8x70mXD0I_7onGO4FPxGamlCYhQH5TkmCFQjNn1aTq8cYyjvlqrKU9m29HxdIkeXlRlwPkPEPDEVABY7n9WfougRY-RpTwAoWhymgn0x2jZ41DIolGysnp0mPEIRfPzfM69J9I307YL2EWMD6uEUxO7TiemzULlvg9X4-Uk9_bb32fyFKm8A/s320/hanayama_mums.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The first thing to consider is the direction in which the central line of the petal curves. The stitches are always laid in a clockwise direction, meaning that for some petals stitching begins at the tip of the petal and works towards the centre, while for others stitching begins at the centre and works outwards. <br/><br/>
The first stitch lies along the outline of the shape in the right diagonal direction (top right to bottom left). The following stitches rotate gradually around the curve of the shape. A filler stitch can be used when needed to avoid leaving a gap at the outer edge but I have rarely found these necessary on gently curved shapes such as petals. A filler stitch is a stitch that does not extend the full width of the shape but should be at least two-thirds of the length of full stitches. The end of the filler stitch slightly tucks under the previous stitch and is further concealed by the following stitch so that it blends with the surrounding stitches. <br/><br/>
Generally, the stitches should be at a consistent angle to the central axis of the shape and a slightly steeper angle is considered more elegant. On <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Hanayama"><i>Hanayama</i></a>, the chrysanthemums were possibly the motif I struggled with most and the stitching with which I was least satisfied. Looking at them now, I would say the main issue (if you completely ignore the utterly inconsistent one-point open space between the petals) is that the angle of the stitches is too shallow. <br/><br/>
While there are no chrysanthemums on <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Suehiro"><i>Suehiro</i></a>, diagonal layer is used on one of the cords. This, however, is a regular shape and I will review that in a separate post. <br/><br/>
The large chrysanthemum on <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Venerable%20Friends"><i>Venerable Friends</i></a> is a focal point of the design and I recall taking considerable care with it. There are still issues with the one-point open space but, because many of the petals are padded, these are not nearly as evident. What is evident is that I have, in most cases, angled the stitches more steeply so the curves are more elegant. The tips of some petals are a little square and all of them would benefit from a more evident “one-point outward” stitch at the tip. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSqiLHqb73pKqp9I3rpf-W-uYef-FclFA0YVHtgMW8iMGMDCzrsBQAVw3Z9eCW6oySUpg-0ms9KW4U1oD1fbyXabvXplQJ8eqYZEwst89-z1mVaOOq8NkcZJm3YHXLJ0l-NNy8f3Lfeu7mFfQh7HUSs_UhYd6E5WY-gcJIJNmOM9ucpyddpRRzOv_Uw/s3025/Ven_friends_mum.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1808" data-original-width="3025" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSqiLHqb73pKqp9I3rpf-W-uYef-FclFA0YVHtgMW8iMGMDCzrsBQAVw3Z9eCW6oySUpg-0ms9KW4U1oD1fbyXabvXplQJ8eqYZEwst89-z1mVaOOq8NkcZJm3YHXLJ0l-NNy8f3Lfeu7mFfQh7HUSs_UhYd6E5WY-gcJIJNmOM9ucpyddpRRzOv_Uw/s320/Ven_friends_mum.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I used diagonal layer on the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2007/09/pink-lady-is-done.html"><i>Pink Lady</i></a>, the butterfly that represents Mum on <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Flutterbies"><i>Flutterbies</i></a>. I think the improvement in my stitching is evident but then a lot of love and care when into this entire piece. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6NHrC8L2_kBWhnOiSzjl-Q5Cn5tvv6b4SffVmMbLtoOi8WZ7Z9XYZFzR3d8kiqP6NXrkXAfIqrLOHjttFiSeonzuiwwU5XhF4aX9XG0jaoCI4NGVOeWGJOscQdjfG3YhOWiB0J92B5YQtWGFTv6VrENyzHj--3W2JPd0Nb1IEbURPEr5TJvH2QS9Kw/s1816/pink_lady.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1629" data-original-width="1816" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6NHrC8L2_kBWhnOiSzjl-Q5Cn5tvv6b4SffVmMbLtoOi8WZ7Z9XYZFzR3d8kiqP6NXrkXAfIqrLOHjttFiSeonzuiwwU5XhF4aX9XG0jaoCI4NGVOeWGJOscQdjfG3YhOWiB0J92B5YQtWGFTv6VrENyzHj--3W2JPd0Nb1IEbURPEr5TJvH2QS9Kw/s320/pink_lady.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Chrysanthemums feature heavily on <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Sake%20Boxes"><i>Sake Boxes</i></a>, affording me plenty of opportunities to practice diagonal layer. I was not terribly satisfied with the first few round petal mums that I stitched but I recall that I stitched these during a heatwave and that I found the silk more difficult to work with than usual. By the time I stitched the last of the mums, I felt that I had made significant progress. I particularly like how pointy most of the petals are. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3MTdjWC2N1c1zKDRqgaQAEjCYXIpgb21F1swGNS249qMiZDOGge0l5z9ly3ZMaLbn2bU_LHQPsieTAXkJkPpBVtF3s7KlFgjbm42PuW3dD-77pH44vBxHg9hydS2TmZVF976ojP7h-_ZNFylv2ZUnLIi5l6RO0f5KKfAKEMk5Htxxve8CGuBVUNGvg/s1600/sb_first_mums.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3MTdjWC2N1c1zKDRqgaQAEjCYXIpgb21F1swGNS249qMiZDOGge0l5z9ly3ZMaLbn2bU_LHQPsieTAXkJkPpBVtF3s7KlFgjbm42PuW3dD-77pH44vBxHg9hydS2TmZVF976ojP7h-_ZNFylv2ZUnLIi5l6RO0f5KKfAKEMk5Htxxve8CGuBVUNGvg/s320/sb_first_mums.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWgmTA5eTc4qMg_M-fMc9sR4d-Lgv-CkHQU-jLDYzsL4fnqvgiFnZtyXLSDfPRdQiscmKjcbwZ4ktbmE2j6S2WFptXxhjl6v6MNmfvTHhJaH02GKvQoZfzUdJvNfVh64PgadwAxmH9zgtU1VIKK2RTEg03teyywbJqK5d0uw-SGcHp4ds9bp8NhpPSQ/s1600/sb_last_mums.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWgmTA5eTc4qMg_M-fMc9sR4d-Lgv-CkHQU-jLDYzsL4fnqvgiFnZtyXLSDfPRdQiscmKjcbwZ4ktbmE2j6S2WFptXxhjl6v6MNmfvTHhJaH02GKvQoZfzUdJvNfVh64PgadwAxmH9zgtU1VIKK2RTEg03teyywbJqK5d0uw-SGcHp4ds9bp8NhpPSQ/s320/sb_last_mums.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
On <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Kusudama"><i>Kusudama</i></a>, I have been focused on achieving and maintaining the correct twist but I have tried not to lose sight of all the other details that I have been working on, the one-point open space between the petals, the shape of the petals, and the angle of the stitches. While I still see room for improvement, it is good to see improvement over those on <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2007/02/hanayama-chrysanthemums.html"><i>Hanayama</i></a>.<br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqM1leCfvB8yeUECeajnpT554iAn-cSE4jy9tdc4sh0cSXPD8gbzSn8FmMsVl4pw_s2OgnZQDnMMaaWrGHNVFAVxWf7RyEsftr-mkIHWmC7FqNNy5YSxwofe1xCOBMiNa3i_AJ4ZKwe62bOlwlUI8krJx4D50q84bjuUXYz2vZYLY5v4GigwUmsMPqQ/s8518/chrysanthemums.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="5608" data-original-width="8518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqM1leCfvB8yeUECeajnpT554iAn-cSE4jy9tdc4sh0cSXPD8gbzSn8FmMsVl4pw_s2OgnZQDnMMaaWrGHNVFAVxWf7RyEsftr-mkIHWmC7FqNNy5YSxwofe1xCOBMiNa3i_AJ4ZKwe62bOlwlUI8krJx4D50q84bjuUXYz2vZYLY5v4GigwUmsMPqQ/s320/chrysanthemums.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-43228440340542701112022-05-08T19:00:00.001+00:002022-05-09T16:43:57.921+00:00Goldwork Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkbjJVBYfBpPbbyIrMHHAy5Yoia_VTI-crJdzdVhebt2zprlCtpsATpTpfX8iOU8wXdnx95C4QYxmfMfXjURBAWeXkK-g--I1bpQMrqqf0eyFyoXFV7nrV0-I_xrHdCBZMZdtnFHb5XmF15tyeKuxhiApL6pOTUjnJin5RlB0aBCkko_dFyaphTqtrA/s6700/20210904_173450.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="6700" data-original-width="6607" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkbjJVBYfBpPbbyIrMHHAy5Yoia_VTI-crJdzdVhebt2zprlCtpsATpTpfX8iOU8wXdnx95C4QYxmfMfXjURBAWeXkK-g--I1bpQMrqqf0eyFyoXFV7nrV0-I_xrHdCBZMZdtnFHb5XmF15tyeKuxhiApL6pOTUjnJin5RlB0aBCkko_dFyaphTqtrA/s320/20210904_173450.jpg"/></a></div>
The third sample for the Introduction to Tudor Embroidery course was a goldwork rose worked directly onto black velvet. I had done many of the goldwork techniques used in this tutorial but not directly only velvet and that offered up a whole new level of challenging!<br/><br/>
The supplies for this course included some black velvet but I substituted that for a firmer velvet that I had in my stash. Prick and pounce was again used to transfer the pattern, using yellow paint to connect the chalk dots. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGRmAoJsUGdwAdJDWTrce1fSI4KGC-tIzbktzo7hSVmJSjo_t9feN5UOyyoIs6at5FmmjgQoNOnzC0tJbSa5UjTlkKzudymZgrSsaShzl7Hh_bUjbEytqwt8aYEd99ycx4FO8tDQr1o4XlDfVUS8h58Jdc5fVrOKX31s8Zx9q0QNw8LS8L_obEGo5dg/s2960/20210804_102216.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2940" data-original-width="2960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGRmAoJsUGdwAdJDWTrce1fSI4KGC-tIzbktzo7hSVmJSjo_t9feN5UOyyoIs6at5FmmjgQoNOnzC0tJbSa5UjTlkKzudymZgrSsaShzl7Hh_bUjbEytqwt8aYEd99ycx4FO8tDQr1o4XlDfVUS8h58Jdc5fVrOKX31s8Zx9q0QNw8LS8L_obEGo5dg/s320/20210804_102216.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
First the stems and the outline of the rose were stitched with 1.5 twist which consists of three stands of gold twisted together. I have used similar thread before and have couched other the thread trying to “hide” the couching thread along the line of the twist. In this tutorial we were taught to open the twist by untwisting it slightly so we could stitch through the thread The tutor described this technique as “a little tedious”. I did not find it so but it took me several stitches to find a rhythm and the optimum place to go through the thread so that the couching stitch was not visible when the thread was retwisted to its original state. As a method for applying a twisted thread I think it is preferable to couching over the thread. Once I had found that rhythm, the process went quite quickly. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoHRt1mvIvCbxtiMnUzdzA5WTLTdmo9gAu-eWdq5yAPWTVSnqsOQWdOk6bZnhYsDbRhKRfKwNGNTBx0y2aUWkdfYxpzPplE_No0zEGA_4fyBED4qCfK64BLMONEx5FRZOLYr6mHJYuO-nWohmjfbukEDYDwXXvoVZFXTSoKQQMTGR3FtQXpilaE6Uow/s4032/20210806_102506.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoHRt1mvIvCbxtiMnUzdzA5WTLTdmo9gAu-eWdq5yAPWTVSnqsOQWdOk6bZnhYsDbRhKRfKwNGNTBx0y2aUWkdfYxpzPplE_No0zEGA_4fyBED4qCfK64BLMONEx5FRZOLYr6mHJYuO-nWohmjfbukEDYDwXXvoVZFXTSoKQQMTGR3FtQXpilaE6Uow/s320/20210806_102506.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The leaves, bud, and inner rose were first outlined in #3 passing thread. #2 passing thread was then couched in a zigzag formation across the outline of the leaves, mimicking the serrated edge of a rose leaf. Smooth passing was used to represent the veins of the leaves. The smooth passing was also used to fill the sepals and the spiraling part of the stem. <br/><br/>
The outer petals of the rose and the bud are done in #10 check over linen string padding. I believe this technique is now knows as cutwork and I think it is one of the more difficult goldwork techniques to accomplish. Each piece of check must be cut to the exact length for its position and then applied so that it lies neatly beside the neighbouring pieces. In most cases, these stitches should be perfectly parallel but in some cases, like the bud, you can rotate the stitches gradually to follow the shape and finish with a nice angle at the tip. Both scenarios are, I find, difficult to perfect. I have always found it difficult to cut purls to the precise length required and when they are slightly longer than required, cutting a tiny amount from the end is neigh on impossible, at least it was before I saw how the tutor did it. Using her method, which it to cut into the purl rather than across it, I was able not only to adjust the length more precisely but also to remove the snagged ends that sometimes are left when you make your initial cut.<br/><br/>
The calyx is filled with chips of #10 check and the central rose is finished with a spangle and radiating stitches in 9drm tambour. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkbjJVBYfBpPbbyIrMHHAy5Yoia_VTI-crJdzdVhebt2zprlCtpsATpTpfX8iOU8wXdnx95C4QYxmfMfXjURBAWeXkK-g--I1bpQMrqqf0eyFyoXFV7nrV0-I_xrHdCBZMZdtnFHb5XmF15tyeKuxhiApL6pOTUjnJin5RlB0aBCkko_dFyaphTqtrA/s6700/20210904_173450.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="6700" data-original-width="6607" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkbjJVBYfBpPbbyIrMHHAy5Yoia_VTI-crJdzdVhebt2zprlCtpsATpTpfX8iOU8wXdnx95C4QYxmfMfXjURBAWeXkK-g--I1bpQMrqqf0eyFyoXFV7nrV0-I_xrHdCBZMZdtnFHb5XmF15tyeKuxhiApL6pOTUjnJin5RlB0aBCkko_dFyaphTqtrA/s320/20210904_173450.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Seeing the needle against black fabric is always problematic and much more so on velvet. Also, stitches seem to shift on velvet making it much more difficult to position your stitches precisely! However, it is worth it as the effect of gold work on black velvet is difficult to surpass. I would dearly like a black velvet jacket with goldwork on it, perhaps down the front facings. That is another “wish” project to go on my long list. <br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-51494517636943739072022-04-27T19:00:00.001+00:002022-04-27T20:08:51.125+00:0030 Woven effect (mushiro-nui) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7mxi1McrH7B0cAWWAVapWUab4jldjWY9anaFdD8z_vElVlvu77SIEP3X1z-037UJ13YGVTrHF9mIgK46nLAgtOT-9xKuJH79b_oFIfdaK81HOT8RQrSF0UipXDwDrne6oMRmfynsbbcqcssb6lSi-kEFiBDBY9_rLdxDBZglHaFFug-9Jrx22hZkhw/s2108/3470583564_832abc6c12_o.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1662" data-original-width="2108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7mxi1McrH7B0cAWWAVapWUab4jldjWY9anaFdD8z_vElVlvu77SIEP3X1z-037UJ13YGVTrHF9mIgK46nLAgtOT-9xKuJH79b_oFIfdaK81HOT8RQrSF0UipXDwDrne6oMRmfynsbbcqcssb6lSi-kEFiBDBY9_rLdxDBZglHaFFug-9Jrx22hZkhw/s320/3470583564_832abc6c12_o.jpg"/></a></div>
There are a small number of techniques that come under the heading of <b>Novel Effects</b>. They are three distinctly different techniques. The first of these that I learnt is one that I enjoy very much. I first encountered woven effect (Nw) on Phase III, <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Venerable%20Friends"><i>Venerable Friends</i></a>, and have used it a couple of times since. It is fun to stitch and produces and interesting effect that I have not seen in any other form of embroidery.<br/><br/>
The effect is created in several stages. The first step is similar to creating a weft foundation, two stitches are made across the width of the motif in the weft direction, then a space is left, the width of one stitch. This sequence is repeated, stitch two, miss one, until the entire motif is filled. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkBHUYN-NDsT8MMt0q9McrPQrv7h0PoT9iHC9vi3lvOxJ1KK6CEWW7BPP4tDYD1oIgvk87exPNl7VH-cYdVxnFBmDPEe2QYZ6GkVUH2EBIDVh2WBKX8RquePw51BuAtBLIDba6-bhLmSojjs_yF5HtqauC0J-PM6X60UdMIfXXEoRJ4mpiy4-DwQkKQ/s3027/IMG_6274.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1853" data-original-width="3027" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkBHUYN-NDsT8MMt0q9McrPQrv7h0PoT9iHC9vi3lvOxJ1KK6CEWW7BPP4tDYD1oIgvk87exPNl7VH-cYdVxnFBmDPEe2QYZ6GkVUH2EBIDVh2WBKX8RquePw51BuAtBLIDba6-bhLmSojjs_yF5HtqauC0J-PM6X60UdMIfXXEoRJ4mpiy4-DwQkKQ/s320/IMG_6274.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The second step is to stitch lines perpendicular to the foundation at 5 mm intervals. To prevent these stitches from moving they are couched, at approximately, 1cm intervals, in the open spaces. It is not necessary to couch into every open space but the couching stitches should be staggered so that there will be some couching stitches in each of the open spaces. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYCGERDkn-B2mVDA5L8SC6nrB5rV8G_MOg0sTXpTRaYglfRCjxpxWj8Waa4X6eo5JK0-o2Ks4_n2L8QrT9P2O73p1IZjUyuhwwZ7o1Uxl8pQuHSpdMrHhg4rrOamiE6Y0XqOEHX7KhdSrSR-G285-SPJu_1cxISf0yi29fA82m9T7tCDWWcmzruMvFQ/s1984/IMG_6275.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1984" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYCGERDkn-B2mVDA5L8SC6nrB5rV8G_MOg0sTXpTRaYglfRCjxpxWj8Waa4X6eo5JK0-o2Ks4_n2L8QrT9P2O73p1IZjUyuhwwZ7o1Uxl8pQuHSpdMrHhg4rrOamiE6Y0XqOEHX7KhdSrSR-G285-SPJu_1cxISf0yi29fA82m9T7tCDWWcmzruMvFQ/s320/IMG_6275.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The open spaces can then be filled using the same thread as for the first step. Finally, the filling stitches are couched half way between each of the perpendicular stitches made in step two. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcRTsNyXYTl09cOfdZ1H2eda8BpyOmhsZwijGJC2LfqqVoq0kfWyNWFEK3IRLJe9lquobNapjDW-a4cIOnzgoxOF5xAPNBgbj-s5U5zZaMm8mZPwmDXxdBhXzv4ghIHKDZr7RMEattOPrMslzTS3VM5iK3XD1GiGbUY4FEM8q3fuvvpglgT9YFRQfiw/s2689/IMG_6276.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1611" data-original-width="2689" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcRTsNyXYTl09cOfdZ1H2eda8BpyOmhsZwijGJC2LfqqVoq0kfWyNWFEK3IRLJe9lquobNapjDW-a4cIOnzgoxOF5xAPNBgbj-s5U5zZaMm8mZPwmDXxdBhXzv4ghIHKDZr7RMEattOPrMslzTS3VM5iK3XD1GiGbUY4FEM8q3fuvvpglgT9YFRQfiw/s320/IMG_6276.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The text book suggests that the weft layer stitches should be a fairly thick tight twist thread, e.g., 4->1 but the pine on <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Kusudama"><i>Kusudama</i></a> is first time that I have worked this technique in twisted silk. On <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Venerable%20Friends"><i>Venerable Friends</i></a> flat silk was used to great effect. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7mxi1McrH7B0cAWWAVapWUab4jldjWY9anaFdD8z_vElVlvu77SIEP3X1z-037UJ13YGVTrHF9mIgK46nLAgtOT-9xKuJH79b_oFIfdaK81HOT8RQrSF0UipXDwDrne6oMRmfynsbbcqcssb6lSi-kEFiBDBY9_rLdxDBZglHaFFug-9Jrx22hZkhw/s2108/3470583564_832abc6c12_o.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1662" data-original-width="2108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7mxi1McrH7B0cAWWAVapWUab4jldjWY9anaFdD8z_vElVlvu77SIEP3X1z-037UJ13YGVTrHF9mIgK46nLAgtOT-9xKuJH79b_oFIfdaK81HOT8RQrSF0UipXDwDrne6oMRmfynsbbcqcssb6lSi-kEFiBDBY9_rLdxDBZglHaFFug-9Jrx22hZkhw/s320/3470583564_832abc6c12_o.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Woven effect is used again on Phase IV, <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Karahana"><i>Karahana</i></a>, this time using twisted gold for the weft layer. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl9dvT4_y71ManuIQn7CJQrxve6ijyiH6LM5Dtw99O4QGm1if_g7uRysWNPXZ_59X0symnEWySsG4zAIyTVQUvo2gDAbsyTWRxRqyhH_5f_CYUY-D76Kz7euSn-3jSC_ZG1rLtdi0ztRRrqzuslCFKOvPKT1s8FB5Om84mxwLONrAn4YA-lisK4ELXA/s2570/2941619999_614e7bbceb_o.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1997" data-original-width="2570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl9dvT4_y71ManuIQn7CJQrxve6ijyiH6LM5Dtw99O4QGm1if_g7uRysWNPXZ_59X0symnEWySsG4zAIyTVQUvo2gDAbsyTWRxRqyhH_5f_CYUY-D76Kz7euSn-3jSC_ZG1rLtdi0ztRRrqzuslCFKOvPKT1s8FB5Om84mxwLONrAn4YA-lisK4ELXA/s320/2941619999_614e7bbceb_o.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
On the <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Flower%20Circle"><i>Flower Circle</i></a>, I stitched a variation based on something I had seen in an exhibition of Japanese Embroidery. When I stitched the foundation I stitched two and missed two so the “weave” was more even. Instead of laying perpendicular stitches across the first layer, I couched both layers of weft stitches in a brick formation. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqm_X0cgZuUl72T8eZqIMB1sDqZU1rNKKneM_BHG8g_fHrHhsg0VJBIrW4tQwzyLMBXaUsYUVlJeMQvWNZiN6LlHn3mHf_fHOr8LjGTG0544aOnZOIxYbg7E8cMno-glQztK56-FcmK-j42KQ20mHkIbLPCzEWE-8c-ObpNoV1PZP14ODejQwY-5oEw/s1657/029%20%282%29.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1657" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqm_X0cgZuUl72T8eZqIMB1sDqZU1rNKKneM_BHG8g_fHrHhsg0VJBIrW4tQwzyLMBXaUsYUVlJeMQvWNZiN6LlHn3mHf_fHOr8LjGTG0544aOnZOIxYbg7E8cMno-glQztK56-FcmK-j42KQ20mHkIbLPCzEWE-8c-ObpNoV1PZP14ODejQwY-5oEw/s320/029%20%282%29.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © Shizuka Kusano/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-80216836524531234282022-04-24T19:00:00.001+00:002022-04-24T19:00:00.188+00:00Cutwork - Berkeley Grape Vine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display:none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLrPYgGNn2dhU0_vHA0aeiVcpiBr0Eh-9gXGX9-z7Fvr4ccCpIkMaxp9gUsQAsL3r0urxuIlIY0LZNWGN7bxWSHRzAk3IzS0X1yw5nmZ4Gm2ltKZl4k1iCLwOXN-7xG5ICfJG-7z3PkeQXlhlscIlahem89-M33wDMATnVEnriceSNbvLiinv4bE1tw/s2746/20210803_093844.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2687" data-original-width="2746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLrPYgGNn2dhU0_vHA0aeiVcpiBr0Eh-9gXGX9-z7Fvr4ccCpIkMaxp9gUsQAsL3r0urxuIlIY0LZNWGN7bxWSHRzAk3IzS0X1yw5nmZ4Gm2ltKZl4k1iCLwOXN-7xG5ICfJG-7z3PkeQXlhlscIlahem89-M33wDMATnVEnriceSNbvLiinv4bE1tw/s320/20210803_093844.jpg"/></a></div>
The second sample we stitched for the Introduction to Tudor Embroidery course was based on a hanging from Berkeley Castle, now held at the V&A museum (<a href="https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O363492/hanging/">T.90-1926</a>). The V&A describe the hanging as “appliqué velvet on wool”, probably English, late 16th century. Appliqué, or cutwork as it was known in Tudor England, can be defined as “Motifs cut from fabric and applied to a ground with embroidery; they might be padded and couched for a three-dimensional effect.” (<i>Tudor Textiles</i>, Eleri Lynn, Glossary, p.165) Cutwork was often used to embellish large textiles such as hangings. <br/><br/>
The Berkley Hanging consists of two repeating designs cut from black velvet and applied to red woollen cloth and embellished with couched (gold?) cord embroidery. Our sample, based on the central grape vine, was cut from red velvet, applied to white wool felt and embellished with gold silk cords which we made in two thicknesses from AVAS soie d’alger. <br/><br/>
The design was transferred onto the felt using the prick and pounce method. The templates for the cutwork elements were flipped and transferred to the back of the velvet. The cut velvet shapes where then applied to the wool with small stab stitches around the perimeter. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbzOtlnSH_OHRh2h5GiPLiZjCeQr01xOu9S_8lU5OU0NsVELxakmSo4qANPbUGvbt3OH8c4WsAjZSIbzZTBlA8FKUxglFi3V3VKKLXMtcZJFoFUnFMbjWwFD1tVpOhB6VYbPIqYhV7TQ8d5bsEWXUDuwEXIZwwlTAGlRPyRW26W9nn8RbWg4xxzj9Lw/s1955/IMG_6216.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1955" data-original-width="1955" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbzOtlnSH_OHRh2h5GiPLiZjCeQr01xOu9S_8lU5OU0NsVELxakmSo4qANPbUGvbt3OH8c4WsAjZSIbzZTBlA8FKUxglFi3V3VKKLXMtcZJFoFUnFMbjWwFD1tVpOhB6VYbPIqYhV7TQ8d5bsEWXUDuwEXIZwwlTAGlRPyRW26W9nn8RbWg4xxzj9Lw/s320/IMG_6216.JPG"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The silk cord was couched first along each edge of the central strip and then a continuous length of cord was stitched along the vine and tendrils, and around the grapes and leaves, doubling up when necessary, e.g. for the tendrils and stems. The finer cord was used to add details to the leaves and grapes and a scattering of French knots. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLrPYgGNn2dhU0_vHA0aeiVcpiBr0Eh-9gXGX9-z7Fvr4ccCpIkMaxp9gUsQAsL3r0urxuIlIY0LZNWGN7bxWSHRzAk3IzS0X1yw5nmZ4Gm2ltKZl4k1iCLwOXN-7xG5ICfJG-7z3PkeQXlhlscIlahem89-M33wDMATnVEnriceSNbvLiinv4bE1tw/s2746/20210803_093844.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2687" data-original-width="2746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLrPYgGNn2dhU0_vHA0aeiVcpiBr0Eh-9gXGX9-z7Fvr4ccCpIkMaxp9gUsQAsL3r0urxuIlIY0LZNWGN7bxWSHRzAk3IzS0X1yw5nmZ4Gm2ltKZl4k1iCLwOXN-7xG5ICfJG-7z3PkeQXlhlscIlahem89-M33wDMATnVEnriceSNbvLiinv4bE1tw/s320/20210803_093844.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
This was another fun piece to stitch and looks rather striking. It gives a feels for how sumptuous the originally hanging would have been. The wool felt (doeskin) for this project was extremely nice. The velvet was quite light weight (I believe it was not what the designer originally selected but supply issues forced an alternative) but that did not matter once it was attached to the felt. It worked up reasonably quickly and it is a technique I would use again if the right project presented itself.<br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-80796545303450544362022-04-22T19:00:00.001+00:002022-04-22T19:00:00.191+00:003 Vertical layer (tate-nuikiri) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKB50wbpKnWcSysWzHaruzYP0qvdoDEKA3m8_TyCfrkYrLhfnuKFtVY3Z11dWKVaqBDckZsF1ScQ5twOa8HnfaoLfATJnEuJONGlVe91SBcdwlGVIASWtocPjeI7bV96eP4ULx6jxx1wDRylD-IKbxaLV9yAGJ1x6BIZimtMdkztCTGEGHdLOAO8Yfw/s3253/cherry_X.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="3194" data-original-width="3253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKB50wbpKnWcSysWzHaruzYP0qvdoDEKA3m8_TyCfrkYrLhfnuKFtVY3Z11dWKVaqBDckZsF1ScQ5twOa8HnfaoLfATJnEuJONGlVe91SBcdwlGVIASWtocPjeI7bV96eP4ULx6jxx1wDRylD-IKbxaLV9yAGJ1x6BIZimtMdkztCTGEGHdLOAO8Yfw/s320/cherry_X.jpg"/></a></div>
The vertical layer (V) is aligned with the vertical axis of the motif. It is typically worked on smaller motifs, such as the petals of cherry or plum blossom and therefore does not require any form of holding. Stitches are worked from the middle of the motif to the right, then from the first stitch to the left. All stitches are parallel to the centre stitch. <br/><br/>
As each petal is orientated in a different direction, so is the direction of stitches. Because of the reflective qualities of flat silk, a mass of blossoms stitched in a single colour can look very effective. <br/><br/>
I thought that I had stitched vertical layer many times but when I came to review my progress I was surprised that it is present on only on my first three phase pieces. <br/><br/>
When I first wrote about Phase I, <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Hanayama"><i>Hanayama</i></a> I said that the design introduces some of the basic techniques of Japanese embroidery, including laying weft and horizontal foundations. In fact it covers each of the layer stitches. Vertical layer is used on both the cherries and plum blossoms. With both flowers, it is important to stitch the petals in the right order, a sequence we refer to as head, hands, feet. One petal is slightly larger or more prominent than the others. This is the head irrespective of orientation of the flower and is always stitched first. The two petals either side of the head are the hands and are stitched next. The two remaining petals are the feet, they are stitched last, if one petal overlaps another, that petal is stitched before the one below. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7LnLQtGgz6CK8E7tA9cWBE4XraBQlsVGgcMWuAFUYhbG-GyMnCm4O92Lcys3U0_vt_cUUMjroniRFX63QScvuWWMZNGbgdizKJTzzbOf72qSFXW1Ijxox00sADgn5cpOLV9ygW_yaOwDm37pLdKEZl6uui19gAk9WRtY547j940vsgFTBAQlwKsWQQ/s2304/cherry_I.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7LnLQtGgz6CK8E7tA9cWBE4XraBQlsVGgcMWuAFUYhbG-GyMnCm4O92Lcys3U0_vt_cUUMjroniRFX63QScvuWWMZNGbgdizKJTzzbOf72qSFXW1Ijxox00sADgn5cpOLV9ygW_yaOwDm37pLdKEZl6uui19gAk9WRtY547j940vsgFTBAQlwKsWQQ/s320/cherry_I.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZmTB3Hpj4pBqtlXUfwDxMNoszp4lS4ZX1nbd_VVGlCAzcwvRoNy3HPSHRtqxko68OSSZi9-XxCB51qiNPmvERjbdFGtttyEeUweb3NDuqPLGgJF31Vj-h7UBNepayi0ichL6qvqMwigcPrjN6pPyPp1K0cydlKmmGBLOk8X4uMyjTQF0YntDz19xfQ/s2304/plum_I.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZmTB3Hpj4pBqtlXUfwDxMNoszp4lS4ZX1nbd_VVGlCAzcwvRoNy3HPSHRtqxko68OSSZi9-XxCB51qiNPmvERjbdFGtttyEeUweb3NDuqPLGgJF31Vj-h7UBNepayi0ichL6qvqMwigcPrjN6pPyPp1K0cydlKmmGBLOk8X4uMyjTQF0YntDz19xfQ/s320/plum_I.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div> <br/>
Cherries and Plums appear again on my Phase II, <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Suehiro"><i>Suehiro</i></a>. At the time, I wrote that, comparing them to their counterparts on <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Hanayama"><i>Hanayama</i></a>, I could see improvement and I recall that I really enjoyed stitching this piece. I can see, however, that I had far from mastered the technique of one point open space that should leave a small gap between petals or along the vein of the maple leaves. <br/><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2D0r6f-7nqWkbJyswgLg0VX7CYHlW5s-hUVodOnOhEdcSwxYWchRF-BtZC4vqCwlbOmdtMm3aBxVrDCcPdFL-Se7DwieLS3JcouCCE1QhnS9U7nNvxXAEqZYxJqNgxnPun20KJ5OHOMdFs-6BlYAKgmMQJzLp-j306WqGuvsHujKuqoj39hUcLCpMA/s1430/cherry_II.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="1430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2D0r6f-7nqWkbJyswgLg0VX7CYHlW5s-hUVodOnOhEdcSwxYWchRF-BtZC4vqCwlbOmdtMm3aBxVrDCcPdFL-Se7DwieLS3JcouCCE1QhnS9U7nNvxXAEqZYxJqNgxnPun20KJ5OHOMdFs-6BlYAKgmMQJzLp-j306WqGuvsHujKuqoj39hUcLCpMA/s320/cherry_II.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjzVmX32tEmr7fae6o5DVgT-4Hr7C1ZHb1oOZ3qK1VY2t8tMd8YjWYsGV0UbYnd0JyJEMlL5ME_69nAKx6qMdZDcazpM_f5huK2mHhoSOcAtVUOw9TKef4_wdKy1etdgKTRQdgcU9Ke6aoHwh4UhGfZpjaLS6rJ1JgHoBFx11vZAhy3HQNrIO0TA8qQ/s1484/plum_II.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="803" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjzVmX32tEmr7fae6o5DVgT-4Hr7C1ZHb1oOZ3qK1VY2t8tMd8YjWYsGV0UbYnd0JyJEMlL5ME_69nAKx6qMdZDcazpM_f5huK2mHhoSOcAtVUOw9TKef4_wdKy1etdgKTRQdgcU9Ke6aoHwh4UhGfZpjaLS6rJ1JgHoBFx11vZAhy3HQNrIO0TA8qQ/s320/plum_II.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I can see that I was still struggling with the one point open space when I stitched <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Venerable%20Friends"><i>Venerable Friends</i></a> at Phase III but also that the stitches of my vertical layer on the plum blossoms are parallel to each other. Small improvement at every phase is what we aim for.<br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhUK57n841q8g34p2u7EohniWX732XwUyOS1yQl_w1DX1KL-pmZ0ToajEQKAK_f1bR44_wQ9G5QDrORyLbLrka6g7pMk-_VgZ2klWAHTX8TiH-88tpbV1axKfJJ7vzJ2tBbIT2YcB_T_8TJUcn-8Z8llUCMJGK872wt7g18mkBjyB87TV5SmS5aEB9g/s2385/plum_III.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2385" data-original-width="1579" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhUK57n841q8g34p2u7EohniWX732XwUyOS1yQl_w1DX1KL-pmZ0ToajEQKAK_f1bR44_wQ9G5QDrORyLbLrka6g7pMk-_VgZ2klWAHTX8TiH-88tpbV1axKfJJ7vzJ2tBbIT2YcB_T_8TJUcn-8Z8llUCMJGK872wt7g18mkBjyB87TV5SmS5aEB9g/s320/plum_III.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Happy stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-80492686484007995812022-04-12T12:28:00.003+00:002022-04-12T12:28:26.904+00:00Strawberry Cheesecake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1_CTEs7iZxl8VLGyVvz6wKjzyJQ_ikKQhDqGcJ3WsqkbaS1bGQM-spCBaN8Vmq8EaTsBRMNhCeYMYVwZgxWdLYfaOqBZZR6bcQiuGssL7MR3_3dL_VOhnN7iilFSDGUCW_Hg_b3j9ssJPm9yuUHtJ2Gp6TFgGmSohMceMHsATkaxbTvCGYvIJ6lVBw/s2143/IMG_6424.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2123" data-original-width="2143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1_CTEs7iZxl8VLGyVvz6wKjzyJQ_ikKQhDqGcJ3WsqkbaS1bGQM-spCBaN8Vmq8EaTsBRMNhCeYMYVwZgxWdLYfaOqBZZR6bcQiuGssL7MR3_3dL_VOhnN7iilFSDGUCW_Hg_b3j9ssJPm9yuUHtJ2Gp6TFgGmSohMceMHsATkaxbTvCGYvIJ6lVBw/s320/IMG_6424.JPG"/></a></div>
Fortnum and Mason have been running a competition to create a Platinum Pudding in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. While we have some very fine bakers among our membership, at Textiles in Oxford we chose to celebrate our silk with a needle by creating stitched cakes and deserts. I, like others, decided to use only ingredients that I had in my store cupboard. <br/><br/>
I had a hunt around my sewing room and found both inspiration and the supplies to make my dream dessert. The Epoisses had long since been consumed (and enjoyed) but I had kept the box thinking I’d find a use for it one day and since cheesecake is a firm favourite in this household, that is what I decided to make. <br/><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo3-wT2kPGs5ZFXZM37hqaY76jsyYkdC-RzneeUT-bGPYOhS9okI4XhP004C-MJ7maPs6HE6LpEe4KIiN3hDQ7sXckUBYssM85bhHZjsFoNCY-HckNphbAcAuLtLXPkEtW5d0McpVFqA__13Sai8-8Gcw5KCHBSV4bOdk7TH0QpFIuKabk7HGB3j0qA/s2696/IMG_6415.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2696" data-original-width="2453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBo3-wT2kPGs5ZFXZM37hqaY76jsyYkdC-RzneeUT-bGPYOhS9okI4XhP004C-MJ7maPs6HE6LpEe4KIiN3hDQ7sXckUBYssM85bhHZjsFoNCY-HckNphbAcAuLtLXPkEtW5d0McpVFqA__13Sai8-8Gcw5KCHBSV4bOdk7TH0QpFIuKabk7HGB3j0qA/s320/IMG_6415.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I would have liked to make a strawberry cheesecake but strawberries were not in season when I started so I decided to make a vanilla cheese cake and grow a few strawberries at home to decorate it. My strawberries are heritage varieties, the likes of which Queen Elizabeth I might have enjoyed. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld8Zw3tb48cczB6NjIQITg_y1ei04Ns4c-5zxUUxriBxpbhN-fB73ca4i4WAjrAqjWrkuBeeMxS5M7TNRmfXDdXSPxf_qh0eimJJo9leZRDLHeLunEMOZ_Jwplk5LoVkliGFatuRhQqokexHPmgND1I7KU2Ij18fcYDe9h2PB8hCfrX_-6FygPMHjPw/s2001/IMG_6394%20%282%29.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhld8Zw3tb48cczB6NjIQITg_y1ei04Ns4c-5zxUUxriBxpbhN-fB73ca4i4WAjrAqjWrkuBeeMxS5M7TNRmfXDdXSPxf_qh0eimJJo9leZRDLHeLunEMOZ_Jwplk5LoVkliGFatuRhQqokexHPmgND1I7KU2Ij18fcYDe9h2PB8hCfrX_-6FygPMHjPw/s320/IMG_6394%20%282%29.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBf81Z_B_tlep4SPZ_s9AMFkJ7xXORVRqr-nnRF4JAeGwyzEkJfhD2NSGYkdyh5Ofn81ZYN4z2zLTF90lwWYs2XqgNZGivueUSeyte5LylSDwruFru7IjmFv-Dz0ZG9PsUcEvdxxMOnIamoJQBj_f8kFNuahKVHc4gnscahi_QeUHtGjirrNAu4-pO6w/s1838/IMG_6406.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1770" data-original-width="1838" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBf81Z_B_tlep4SPZ_s9AMFkJ7xXORVRqr-nnRF4JAeGwyzEkJfhD2NSGYkdyh5Ofn81ZYN4z2zLTF90lwWYs2XqgNZGivueUSeyte5LylSDwruFru7IjmFv-Dz0ZG9PsUcEvdxxMOnIamoJQBj_f8kFNuahKVHc4gnscahi_QeUHtGjirrNAu4-pO6w/s320/IMG_6406.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b-cWNWtnwq46QKuD0NFc9DW-94EZBqjbzfxEmX6TnvZCt7rEXw_PI_eYUopIJGcLSAbU2o-jGE52f3FPoFuJLT0ampwyRT22HoImGmjJJ4Bzfh08H1xCjfbpgZCTghffgF1VTZseAWViXLnExHPMbiEJ97TCha55MTy7CLLKAd9M9ZjsY0f6gSVfSQ/s1617/IMG_6407.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="1548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b-cWNWtnwq46QKuD0NFc9DW-94EZBqjbzfxEmX6TnvZCt7rEXw_PI_eYUopIJGcLSAbU2o-jGE52f3FPoFuJLT0ampwyRT22HoImGmjJJ4Bzfh08H1xCjfbpgZCTghffgF1VTZseAWViXLnExHPMbiEJ97TCha55MTy7CLLKAd9M9ZjsY0f6gSVfSQ/s320/IMG_6407.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo2c-LVkLKb-Yf31Gt-2lhG5gMbQ7tAgww_bbKSBcL1U2OosoCoERdbJ3dq5QzNsxJNWNkRNmAtLq8tEON0qdkxncqvWWkcbc3DmgTdUJuAdCQNrdibQo2_ledUlwB1dY1lJ0NQhbjDCMqXGeftm6A0OY5e51GvNkt47CxEbGfa46jHVsgHM0sDuRNw/s1479/IMG_6409%20%282%29.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="1433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo2c-LVkLKb-Yf31Gt-2lhG5gMbQ7tAgww_bbKSBcL1U2OosoCoERdbJ3dq5QzNsxJNWNkRNmAtLq8tEON0qdkxncqvWWkcbc3DmgTdUJuAdCQNrdibQo2_ledUlwB1dY1lJ0NQhbjDCMqXGeftm6A0OY5e51GvNkt47CxEbGfa46jHVsgHM0sDuRNw/s320/IMG_6409%20%282%29.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kmX6GXPo08D62Qp5KyEB6svqWJH3RNf8KVIczPOhnzhKX0I7JdV4UM_qpgGkFNsLl0ZZnv-Mxr5BXd0XK1jMdUmLs1Rsh61BQC_ufXRr4CyBrYG3NqN_q0PBDX356edbg1kh6XGKywyYy7ySMAihXJnxN1uMhVJQXhUXms20UtFGf-0_Y86zj8-jSQ/s2267/IMG_6414.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2267" data-original-width="2076" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kmX6GXPo08D62Qp5KyEB6svqWJH3RNf8KVIczPOhnzhKX0I7JdV4UM_qpgGkFNsLl0ZZnv-Mxr5BXd0XK1jMdUmLs1Rsh61BQC_ufXRr4CyBrYG3NqN_q0PBDX356edbg1kh6XGKywyYy7ySMAihXJnxN1uMhVJQXhUXms20UtFGf-0_Y86zj8-jSQ/s320/IMG_6414.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl281jTMs-o_7YuA2tJ8DPOvwsh0x7nre5RikTN5d7hgBpzTh-cFUQj_5C-z8DQdBMghCi9zVx_uJfx1WmMhQnLfVIyn8tHuLAfWAHJq2X2xFwFnhWXK1I_5FiahJqJw8GdWGfWkt2kharBrZrZEO1oQS3CMtJuBg_SoN8sh_6SR-SeoKXwmmnRZzPA/s6936/20220411_135639.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="6767" data-original-width="6936" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl281jTMs-o_7YuA2tJ8DPOvwsh0x7nre5RikTN5d7hgBpzTh-cFUQj_5C-z8DQdBMghCi9zVx_uJfx1WmMhQnLfVIyn8tHuLAfWAHJq2X2xFwFnhWXK1I_5FiahJqJw8GdWGfWkt2kharBrZrZEO1oQS3CMtJuBg_SoN8sh_6SR-SeoKXwmmnRZzPA/s320/20220411_135639.jpg"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
With no recipe, it was a little bit experimental. The vanilla filling curdled slightly but the strawberries are delicious, even if I say so myself. <br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-41779740562014597972022-04-08T17:56:00.002+00:002022-04-22T15:35:20.198+00:00Ecclesiastical Flower Motif <div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq05qCjEOtQQAjP2MPxpXB34anaNYieZH2E3s5zZ65TZMvmIQF_EQzDxbwHin-Mlnw9gfiJvVRvNJB2WdDirNot9rKoAPRkPCY5dGEKjSyMfdJOayMlVTaMWgqvtGMQUKkcrPX_qAofaYT_D3pgBUw2FsZQ3CmAJV9l3AQP2hYESFnKjLEDQ_CeqbRg/s7517/20211023_155222.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="7517" data-original-width="6728" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq05qCjEOtQQAjP2MPxpXB34anaNYieZH2E3s5zZ65TZMvmIQF_EQzDxbwHin-Mlnw9gfiJvVRvNJB2WdDirNot9rKoAPRkPCY5dGEKjSyMfdJOayMlVTaMWgqvtGMQUKkcrPX_qAofaYT_D3pgBUw2FsZQ3CmAJV9l3AQP2hYESFnKjLEDQ_CeqbRg/s320/20211023_155222.jpg"/></a></div>
In my <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2021/12/on-fifth-day-of-christmas-embroidery.html">Golden Compass</a> post, I mentioned that I had taken part in an amazing online class with <a href="https://gutterlaneembroidery.com/">Cynthia Jackson</a>. It was in fact much more than a class; it was a ten week, in-depth study of Tudor Embroidery with course notes, weekly zoom lectures, and supplies to create a sampler of the embroidery techniques studied. The sampler consists of five panels, each based on extant textiles and/or influences following the development of embroidery during the Tudor period. <br/><br/>
In the first lecture we learnt about powdering and saw many, mainly ecclesiastical, examples. Powdering is a medieval term for the scattering of motifs across a cloth or other surface. For ecclesiastical robes and other textiles, the motif might first be stitched on linen then cut out as a slip and applied to the ground fabric. The inspiration for these motifs often came from a pattern book featuring stylized pictures of trees, plants, and animals including fantastical beasts. <br/><br/>
The design for our first sample was based on <a href="https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/385c0fdd-03ce-42c7-b43f-369003bee8f3/surfaces/56dc6028-ecbf-4f64-bf0e-0aa6995b2aa1/">this stylized flower</a> taken from <a href="https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/385c0fdd-03ce-42c7-b43f-369003bee8f3/">The Tudor Pattern Book</a> in the <a href="https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/home">Bodleian Library</a>. We transferred the design onto the linen using the “prick and pounce” method. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
We used Devere 6-fold for the satin stitch and split stitch areas. 6-fold (or suga) is a smooth and lustrous low twist filament silk. We used two strands which is equivalent to one strand of JEC flat silk or a single strand of DMC. Being low twist, it is less unruly than flat silk and is delightful to work with. I especially like using it for split stitch and stem/outline stitch. The satin stitch areas are really shiny, which is what you want from a silk satin stitch but I found the slight twist prevented the silk from spreading the way flat silk does and, therefore, does not give quite as smooth a finish. None-the-less, I think it is a very nice embroidery thread. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I made a couple minor changes; I swapped the suggested blue at the top of the flower for red and selected a different diaper pattern for the couched gold in the central panel. The final step on the linen was to outline everything by couching several strands of the silk around each area. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Before cutting out the completed embroidery, glue was applied to the back of the stitched area and allowed to dry thoroughly. The slip was then applied to the velvet ground with small stab stitches (I laugh at how easy that sounds, knowing how difficult it actually is). A further bundle of silk threads is then couched around the outline before stitch the gold details directly onto the velvet. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLbePQEVTAnR_ovPS3T6OUVMEyZMoiUnvioK2ZBkwwhRRXnrbU9ZDfXW0sA53-X05DWOq7vV2Tb30oUG9KiZ8SWvshwrLSxiSiWxnM9D2Qj-2PPciQLlCBvWIkEQh6dBsl2dIvF2d8rbZhbIbOqaf-3F_lm5JAjRdHnQpoRbpOVtJ1gY0NvqMA_XJTA/s7517/20211023_155222.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="7517" data-original-width="6728" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLbePQEVTAnR_ovPS3T6OUVMEyZMoiUnvioK2ZBkwwhRRXnrbU9ZDfXW0sA53-X05DWOq7vV2Tb30oUG9KiZ8SWvshwrLSxiSiWxnM9D2Qj-2PPciQLlCBvWIkEQh6dBsl2dIvF2d8rbZhbIbOqaf-3F_lm5JAjRdHnQpoRbpOVtJ1gY0NvqMA_XJTA/s320/20211023_155222.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Cynthia Jackson/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
This was a fun piece to stitch and I am pleased it, especially the diaper pattern couched gold, but I don’t think it is a technique that I will do often. <br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-48379087069672894582022-04-05T18:17:00.000+00:002022-04-05T18:17:07.085+00:00Pomegranate and GrapesAutumn is the last but by no means the least of the <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Casket%20Keepsakes"><i>Casket Keepsakes</i></a>. As with each of the kits, there are two elements and each is a needlework accessory: a Pomegranate Thread Winder Keeper and a Bunch of Grapes Scissor Keeper. Both are exquisite! <br/><br/>
The supplies for this kit are every bit as lovely and thoughtfully prepared as the previous kits. Very little preparation is required before you can get on with the important stuff – stitching! <br/><br/>
<b>Pomegranate Thread Winder Keeper</b><br/><br/>
I have a growing fondness for the <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Casket%20Keepsakes"><i>Casket Keepsakes</i></a> that are pouches cunningly disguised as something else. My interest in them began with the Frog Purse in the <a href="https://www.ashmolean.org/">Ashmolean Museum</a> that I saw on a study day, several years ago, and a yen to reproduce it but little idea of how to go about it. In each of the seasonal kits, one of the accessories is a pouch, each constructed in a slightly different way and I have loved making them all. In the Autumn kit the pouch is disguised as a Pomegranate. The embroidery on this piece is probably the simplest but it is no less charming for that. The front consists of three pieces with the two side pieces folded back to show the mother of pearl sequin and bead pomegranate seeds. The gathered top of the pink silk pouch sticks out above the top of the embroidered front and back and looks absolutely like the top of a pomegranate. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Amy Mitten/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
<b>Grape Scissor Keeper</b><br/><br/>
When every piece is gorgeous, it doesn’t seem right to have a favourite but I am just going to say it, this piece is my favourite! Each of the grapes is stitched in a different technique and several different threads are used to create them. They are so much fun! The same techniques are used on the front and back of the scissor case, except that the grapes on the back are stitched flat and those on the front are stitched over felted balls so they are very dimensional! The leaf is made separately and attached over the top of the grapes.<br/><br/>
The construction of the scissor case is the simplest of all of the accessories. The front and back are laced together leaving an opening at the top for the scissors. One of the grapes on the front contains a secret something to prevent the scissors falling out. <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> © Amy Mitten/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Although this is the last of the Four Seasons <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Casket%20Keepsakes"><i>Casket Keepsakes</i></a>, <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Amy%20Mitten">Amy</a> has released other <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Casket%20Keepsakes"><i>Casket Keepsakes</i></a> which I predict will be every bit as fun to stitch and make as these were. I<br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-30254025589330011432022-03-25T19:16:00.001+00:002022-03-25T19:16:35.283+00:009 Short-Stitch Holding (kiri-osae) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC14GtMXKIe5mXCCtnEnmWJ1Qn6D9Sb2GfgRQ37iKndoPXLiR7cIXMl0ifLAEQwQcAz9XQPckDNPQgvt20smy-XQaAP5zgdCqztM4NmBnJgY1T57rDQV8LXhtSZ-batvFlN1GFjWLaMK214AmLAUTe_3S0Kogt_-qzZGVyG6hdkPP0ZQ3Nc3Sj0OM7rg/s3264/IMGP4926.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC14GtMXKIe5mXCCtnEnmWJ1Qn6D9Sb2GfgRQ37iKndoPXLiR7cIXMl0ifLAEQwQcAz9XQPckDNPQgvt20smy-XQaAP5zgdCqztM4NmBnJgY1T57rDQV8LXhtSZ-batvFlN1GFjWLaMK214AmLAUTe_3S0Kogt_-qzZGVyG6hdkPP0ZQ3Nc3Sj0OM7rg/s320/IMGP4926.JPG"/></a></div>The most challenging holding stitch (for me) is short-stitch holding (Hs). This technique can be used on either a twisted or a flat foundation. The holding stitches can be in the same colour as the foundation to blend in, or in a different colour to create a delicate contrast. <br/><br/>
Short stitch holding is covered in detail at Phase VI. I choose to stitch <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Loving%20Couple"><i>Loving Couple</i></a> which includes a variety of short stitch holding techniques.<br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6WjaPyPgT1ubyVP330Wz-MKe_uvazAb0-8-36_8NZ48wF_kLvOKEGKDClSM4SUH4wAkG7bCbVSWBaJZgysqwfWQ9VXXbCU-v7pbLqRqlEgLWiaWJA41P46SZawisYrOci5-GBnKi6TMrWkg0l6Pknpns_bkH2mYFMO1pq8FxJ6WpHgNUzf1h_yr5DQ/s3264/IMGP4940.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6WjaPyPgT1ubyVP330Wz-MKe_uvazAb0-8-36_8NZ48wF_kLvOKEGKDClSM4SUH4wAkG7bCbVSWBaJZgysqwfWQ9VXXbCU-v7pbLqRqlEgLWiaWJA41P46SZawisYrOci5-GBnKi6TMrWkg0l6Pknpns_bkH2mYFMO1pq8FxJ6WpHgNUzf1h_yr5DQ/s320/IMGP4940.JPG"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Despite the challenges, I absolutely loved stitching “The Ducks”. Here the short-stitch holding is mostly used for effect; to create subtle shading or suggest the iridescence of the feathers. More often short-stitch holding is used to secure foundation stitches where there is no other stitching on top. As a rule of thumb any area more than 1cm long requires holding. <br/><br/>
Certain types of leaves consist of either a weft or horizontal foundation with veins stitch on top of the foundation. In some cases the stitched veins with be sufficient to secure the entire foundation. In others, for example where only the central vein is stitched, some additional holding may be required. The vein is stitched first and short-stitch holding is applied only in the sections where the unheld foundation stitches are more than 1cm long. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbymzXtuFmOtmd8t5K3Ub6NXn4JJX9fA9CLog86oJe5SPadnKQxJSX9oUDp-ywKJ0WuUShR69o3QlBzPeWjGxozIemse-as5FTNCSmYT6NvVcQwfyK_0XYlQIWp5vSk6FenMOu7_feHI7KwcCs8_NCaXvNozMD067EePEptJ_P6HkhLprzBV1jNeW4Q/s3216/DSC_0155.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="3216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbymzXtuFmOtmd8t5K3Ub6NXn4JJX9fA9CLog86oJe5SPadnKQxJSX9oUDp-ywKJ0WuUShR69o3QlBzPeWjGxozIemse-as5FTNCSmYT6NvVcQwfyK_0XYlQIWp5vSk6FenMOu7_feHI7KwcCs8_NCaXvNozMD067EePEptJ_P6HkhLprzBV1jNeW4Q/s320/DSC_0155.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
In this case the holding stitches should blend, as much as possible, with the background. On a flat foundation, 0.5 flat silk in the same colour as the foundation is used. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3r2Zq9hPqf11HWt5JQwkDbvsiuCfjcP1GQDLbYjqD48H1SyuQxgRpFlafXjz-VveYVVH4wQA52rLy62THp6CxNalPV2qaM6zaKmUrCy5zyKZqgSRaj4mVbrg1DN2gAA7artg-Lg2Pfi6jQ6cGx_swp_s02tY7HDagDyqEXf-6OFawRCjC43v8Zjl3A/s3253/IMG_6099.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1830" data-original-width="3253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3r2Zq9hPqf11HWt5JQwkDbvsiuCfjcP1GQDLbYjqD48H1SyuQxgRpFlafXjz-VveYVVH4wQA52rLy62THp6CxNalPV2qaM6zaKmUrCy5zyKZqgSRaj4mVbrg1DN2gAA7artg-Lg2Pfi6jQ6cGx_swp_s02tY7HDagDyqEXf-6OFawRCjC43v8Zjl3A/s320/IMG_6099.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
On a twisted foundation a 2->1 twisted thread is used. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MHUGOggMb6juwJisun6ItbrZKjzHeSHmmbyEoMtiI9qd20CzSD12LO7lyRqDFqMeNt0pf-LDWDX7tmzNQLfs6N-MoCUYsvDQCsFQGMNIR5LlE-ho2N_Ylv_iVeN5KTo-R8Dte8Yp7tt4PZHmCkcu2Bfcwxyckl3w_ule2fA_GCnlwzkusCxE2H6wvg/s2869/IMG_6343.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1611" data-original-width="2869" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MHUGOggMb6juwJisun6ItbrZKjzHeSHmmbyEoMtiI9qd20CzSD12LO7lyRqDFqMeNt0pf-LDWDX7tmzNQLfs6N-MoCUYsvDQCsFQGMNIR5LlE-ho2N_Ylv_iVeN5KTo-R8Dte8Yp7tt4PZHmCkcu2Bfcwxyckl3w_ule2fA_GCnlwzkusCxE2H6wvg/s320/IMG_6343.JPG"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Happy stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-32361652643124191732022-03-18T20:00:00.001+00:002022-03-18T20:00:00.162+00:00Shaking my Tail Feathers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGCjugiQSiDKHof6ULMs-zYV_gxw6h_ytppUpMTSo_XpCN4VeN4hszinadwzVn5W-1CveMHaBE3hHT3vocSGUMSvR4JCX6rdJ9HFnare_JjEqq2dzOGfxXCQYmEDQIY4cNMOlC70ypftlALLWeazlJtlSuuqdyZ-ohGV6mvOJIu5b81ZzVVwTuvQsQg/s7098/20220317_085052.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="7098" data-original-width="6655" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGCjugiQSiDKHof6ULMs-zYV_gxw6h_ytppUpMTSo_XpCN4VeN4hszinadwzVn5W-1CveMHaBE3hHT3vocSGUMSvR4JCX6rdJ9HFnare_JjEqq2dzOGfxXCQYmEDQIY4cNMOlC70ypftlALLWeazlJtlSuuqdyZ-ohGV6mvOJIu5b81ZzVVwTuvQsQg/s320/20220317_085052.jpg"/></a></div>
Once I had finished making all of the tail feathers, I wanted to see how they would look assembled but, in order to do that, I had to make another piece of needle lace for his back. This was a much simpler task than the feathers, not least because it was made on a piece of fabric with a cordonet outline. The detached buttonhole is worked over the same silver passing thread as the body and feathers. I wish that I had taken time to create a template and pad for the feathers, it would have made life much easier! <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoh2PZqbKN0iHYpsnJKaNAzukr5GZ-H_XdOwU6swCeqat3p1jSaD0MZog6-rNBVTXq0fXNSHIh4mcMwrXVEsh_HPvFruTf4dvTY8ZNRH1VXbo67tu30KwSFAJfBsvhV36N5LfiYkjb5JAwubNabdYBxC2JffugaMYfWN1D1qwuc8dRpomTn1SVinzFw/s9248/20220214_135626.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="9248" data-original-width="6936" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoh2PZqbKN0iHYpsnJKaNAzukr5GZ-H_XdOwU6swCeqat3p1jSaD0MZog6-rNBVTXq0fXNSHIh4mcMwrXVEsh_HPvFruTf4dvTY8ZNRH1VXbo67tu30KwSFAJfBsvhV36N5LfiYkjb5JAwubNabdYBxC2JffugaMYfWN1D1qwuc8dRpomTn1SVinzFw/s320/20220214_135626.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © The Essemplaire/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I sometimes struggle to follow written instructions and that the case with the placement of the feathers on the back. In the end, I gave up on the instructions and arranged them in a way that I found pleasing. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyfeCrlme5DQZsCz7T6ajDlb9ffUAT1BfbRN2CY1OB51TeWxqiS03XyNGEKY3LCgaYqQTDOwwzSJr5s7w_kSgNCzNGYJ1TeafN94CQsu13MoA5et1Ty0l1I-I539ULq0MTTFve8A4GzzI0sTPcn-C5yHZQD-JBAs-eHow-osQ2p3_GqTEcHeoIQuBRw/s7631/20220217_113059.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="7631" data-original-width="5909" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyfeCrlme5DQZsCz7T6ajDlb9ffUAT1BfbRN2CY1OB51TeWxqiS03XyNGEKY3LCgaYqQTDOwwzSJr5s7w_kSgNCzNGYJ1TeafN94CQsu13MoA5et1Ty0l1I-I539ULq0MTTFve8A4GzzI0sTPcn-C5yHZQD-JBAs-eHow-osQ2p3_GqTEcHeoIQuBRw/s320/20220217_113059.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © The Essemplaire/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Now that I had completed most of the components, and I still had not made the finger loop braids for the <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Casket%20Keepsakes">Casket Keepsakes</a>, I thought I would continue with the <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Bird%20Thimble">Bird Thimble Holder</a>. The next step was to make the pouch that sits under his tail feathers. Here I made a couple of changes to the instructions. The first was to the braids that close the pouch. The directions said to make two plaited cords but I thought that finger loop braids might be nicer. Yes, I know that the <a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Casket%20Keepsakes">Casket Keepsakes</a> are on hold because I didn’t have time to make the finger loop braids but the ones I wanted to make for the pouch are a little simpler, so I thought they would be quicker … and they were … except before I could make them I needed to find a video to remind myself how to do the braid I had in mind and when I found a video I fell into a finger loop braid rabbit hole! Anyway, many hours of watching videos later, I was ready to make my basic braid, which I now know is called a 5 loop square braid. The braid is made in a similar way to a plait but instead of passing the outer loop over other loops, it passes through the other loops. Starting with two loops of one colour on the one hand and three loops of another colour on the other hand, you get a chevron effect that looks very much like a plaited cord. <br/><br/>
In one of the videos, the cord maker suggested that you can make your cord anywhere provided you have a suitable anchor for one end of the cord, even in bed using your foot as the anchor. This liberated me from having to make my cord in the office where I have a wooden clamp attached to the desk for this purpose. Instead, I could make the cord in the living room and as I was making a "simple" cord, I could do it while watching TV! <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6Js6nmC5_-Pq71lWzDy9VtP5_yLFCkJczLoyOvTNtv5ZATGueaY1UkGWa-Bou77fVCp0wAZvBgcl8AlybbVNAYMnbhYTzl_AELImK8pmP4i8bKYUqsVhQQv_JQ53krhHAfoZYPD9TW3pflkFVbq2mTLVqKi2NsCpTWAMHjA3pAKkXefWQ0JUk4F7LA/s6831/20220306_212354.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="6831" data-original-width="4881" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6Js6nmC5_-Pq71lWzDy9VtP5_yLFCkJczLoyOvTNtv5ZATGueaY1UkGWa-Bou77fVCp0wAZvBgcl8AlybbVNAYMnbhYTzl_AELImK8pmP4i8bKYUqsVhQQv_JQ53krhHAfoZYPD9TW3pflkFVbq2mTLVqKi2NsCpTWAMHjA3pAKkXefWQ0JUk4F7LA/s320/20220306_212354.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © The Essemplaire/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The first one went well except I had to hold my leg in the air and it soon got tired. DH placed a small stool and a couple of cushions under my heel so that I could rest it for the rest of the operation. For the second cord, I put both legs up on the sofa and found it even more comfortable to work this way. <br/><br/>
The second change I made was a minor detail on the pouch. The instructions suggested threading the cords into a large chenille needle and taking several long running stitches around the opening. I decided to make eight eyelets around the opening and threaded the cords through these. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAYbqlxSdrzB3-kg14T3oy4cbPqYXUa-Qbq9ACOrebCzjm1aKiWc_4z7T-ogHpl8zxwAfzUCdu-8oppP1HAloFrB14epaTiJXqANsx28kk2cZU0cpoo9U1RoJ4pzPwcWLMRULrdjffGkvEBEe19ujqdUIIg8xiQkXx1zCg3TqHvVISTUil_qkQCZUXg/s6395/20220306_103955.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="6395" data-original-width="6024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAYbqlxSdrzB3-kg14T3oy4cbPqYXUa-Qbq9ACOrebCzjm1aKiWc_4z7T-ogHpl8zxwAfzUCdu-8oppP1HAloFrB14epaTiJXqANsx28kk2cZU0cpoo9U1RoJ4pzPwcWLMRULrdjffGkvEBEe19ujqdUIIg8xiQkXx1zCg3TqHvVISTUil_qkQCZUXg/s320/20220306_103955.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © The Essemplaire/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I had a few more pieces of needle lace to make; six pieces to make the decorative tabs on the ends of the cord and two pieces for his beak. I also needed to make two legs then it was a relatively simple process to assemble all of the pieces to finally finish my showy peacock. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUHkxbiozo0fvz-W4u7DiQ1YbPDgD-jhpQQ5QRW_ud_qKH6kxKFXcWSoZ5W_Tzh30gtaWUdXWnpOCLB1YBYLtitenx9oKUwJkOMRcM83xUDCLfpkifgXe3V29KsJRNPB5HGpTPh8z2W-E8qJB4SkecXuiVMeobIBJQ_9taZPjr0dfqw_R5Ts_CSyKSQ/s6936/20220306_103859.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="6877" data-original-width="6936" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUHkxbiozo0fvz-W4u7DiQ1YbPDgD-jhpQQ5QRW_ud_qKH6kxKFXcWSoZ5W_Tzh30gtaWUdXWnpOCLB1YBYLtitenx9oKUwJkOMRcM83xUDCLfpkifgXe3V29KsJRNPB5HGpTPh8z2W-E8qJB4SkecXuiVMeobIBJQ_9taZPjr0dfqw_R5Ts_CSyKSQ/s320/20220306_103859.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © The Essemplaire/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
After his long incubation period, I am very happy to have completed this project and add him to my Cabinet of Curiosities. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnkvJH7FysFBdjNJLupmwHLz3Cvkic91TWFRrtXoY8GwctNZdqNcFmCv9T8ongSgipDsJ5Eqi4WJ1WZ8yIE900jIQvFc9plDWrSZBogeCMycBVsObukTWlhlJse7ek-JyLwPTSBancEn42Og_9SVvK5RvDbG9UCgGGDWcwXlTZjpCsSx3YoaS510ZFQ/s6752/20220311_111511.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="6752" data-original-width="6293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnkvJH7FysFBdjNJLupmwHLz3Cvkic91TWFRrtXoY8GwctNZdqNcFmCv9T8ongSgipDsJ5Eqi4WJ1WZ8yIE900jIQvFc9plDWrSZBogeCMycBVsObukTWlhlJse7ek-JyLwPTSBancEn42Og_9SVvK5RvDbG9UCgGGDWcwXlTZjpCsSx3YoaS510ZFQ/s320/20220311_111511.jpg"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © The Essemplaire/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-17726567099985549222022-03-10T18:19:00.000+00:002022-03-10T18:19:57.078+00:002 Horizontal Layer (nari-jibiki) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAm6hQSJF9spfxI08-LeaX8yrdL63P5MYzfE8Hvb9mqDc_dpLxvj_0d1edqANSZbIkNP8-iVW29NowKx4fg9ZGwdPrMxy8Bp7n1MyNzDaK1SyiA2Ey8Cw6zR9ArcVmdubT3Yu-ZkIitztvVF8dhKSlpvr0_NGfOyIZzBoYL4sW-BqAZYmR0Ga46H8YVA=s2048" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2047" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAm6hQSJF9spfxI08-LeaX8yrdL63P5MYzfE8Hvb9mqDc_dpLxvj_0d1edqANSZbIkNP8-iVW29NowKx4fg9ZGwdPrMxy8Bp7n1MyNzDaK1SyiA2Ey8Cw6zR9ArcVmdubT3Yu-ZkIitztvVF8dhKSlpvr0_NGfOyIZzBoYL4sW-BqAZYmR0Ga46H8YVA=s320"/></a></div>
The horizontal layer (H) is very much like the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2022/01/1-w-weft-foundation-layer-nuki-jibiki.html">weft layer</a>. The key difference is that a horizontal layer is worked across the width of the motif rather than the width of the fabric. Where the motif has an axis, such as the central vein of a leaf, the stitches are worked perpendicular to the axis and are parallel to each other. Stitches are worked from the middle of the motif to the right, then from the first stitch to the left. On irregularly shaped motifs, I tend to start at the widest point rather than the exact middle. On all but the smallest motifs, I find it helpful to mark parallel lines at regular intervals; I find it difficult to keep my stitches parallel without this visual guide. <br/><br/>
Horizontal layer is typically worked on leaves. Were there is more than one leaf, and they are orientated in different directions, the stitches are orientated to suite each individual leaf. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib7hyneeAsreaPd7gOMpgVNlQ5jIdMHzKeF2X2jmLersGADlb3YERU0j5ZtJYmPFdi91tDRNbTctJP0NJ9bnLlqQVGjkp4LrSBIlIpF1dpiEtNcFgq1sv0FNkUY3rGRP9WSdfinVlAcDoxkihLCbh7MJJ1Zc_MAXHWQQyHM5mqeyRRqQ-_1qsb29FsNQ=s2869" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1611" data-original-width="2869" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib7hyneeAsreaPd7gOMpgVNlQ5jIdMHzKeF2X2jmLersGADlb3YERU0j5ZtJYmPFdi91tDRNbTctJP0NJ9bnLlqQVGjkp4LrSBIlIpF1dpiEtNcFgq1sv0FNkUY3rGRP9WSdfinVlAcDoxkihLCbh7MJJ1Zc_MAXHWQQyHM5mqeyRRqQ-_1qsb29FsNQ=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
On <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Camellias"><i>Camelias</i></a>, the leaves are all worked in the same shade of green but, because of the reflective qualities of flat silk, each petal appears to be a slightly different colour. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgc8mVARKYTjRaTuhF-9FFMHoLVnHxbHKdfvh9vtoaLE3R8grsQYLP-PX9O9s8Os-F2NR8AmrRXZuUyX--Nh5FfHPlZ00VL_8fNvtbKgyyZXeMLCWhHnn04_QZOeP87V5GFQ-O03BDZQJzY_sGTBMTj0P-frxnzvEw5FfXD2-mGFP4wlZXD2H9po-yO4Q=s1600" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1287" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgc8mVARKYTjRaTuhF-9FFMHoLVnHxbHKdfvh9vtoaLE3R8grsQYLP-PX9O9s8Os-F2NR8AmrRXZuUyX--Nh5FfHPlZ00VL_8fNvtbKgyyZXeMLCWhHnn04_QZOeP87V5GFQ-O03BDZQJzY_sGTBMTj0P-frxnzvEw5FfXD2-mGFP4wlZXD2H9po-yO4Q=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
For chrysanthemum leaves, what appears to be individual leaves may be the lobes of a single leaf. In this case, the horizontal layer is perpendicular to the main lobe and the stitches are aligned across all of the lobes, even when the join is not visible. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuoiETlbVXRD94sIbmQpf5vdq7b5nWx4dW3XcFoLt9CguRv6rfx-4YQUYTqw67WlZ_yip4HF4kEhTK6MZrbQhBcbWzk4Yk9UH33FdU1nHRU1zABQGw5jY-oEn4w6u1ZDfgTtZo2f3bVg5lvFX_SurHlG-FW7c8LdPjKTJTad0nw4V8bUQidcfgEZ39GA=s2048" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2047" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuoiETlbVXRD94sIbmQpf5vdq7b5nWx4dW3XcFoLt9CguRv6rfx-4YQUYTqw67WlZ_yip4HF4kEhTK6MZrbQhBcbWzk4Yk9UH33FdU1nHRU1zABQGw5jY-oEn4w6u1ZDfgTtZo2f3bVg5lvFX_SurHlG-FW7c8LdPjKTJTad0nw4V8bUQidcfgEZ39GA=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Happy Stitchingcoral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-33605943158382733562022-02-26T19:38:00.000+00:002022-02-26T19:38:24.925+00:0015 Geometrical effects (waritsuke-nui) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikur_s-J8wjl3dra4CmLWyJyxpdgP95PTUIIcQpbrrul91cffAbT8HeP3kXRO80LgAphUD1aVvlHe9vHOg1XC35pvP7S5MYxPSbcGWqwOjM_287jNRFv9GDyIXGKmslxc2XHaAxzSjXq4jnEkSTKtmUoVyPhWf3CfaNq569VbJmfay4ZLGedOqJRA48g=s1802" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="1802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikur_s-J8wjl3dra4CmLWyJyxpdgP95PTUIIcQpbrrul91cffAbT8HeP3kXRO80LgAphUD1aVvlHe9vHOg1XC35pvP7S5MYxPSbcGWqwOjM_287jNRFv9GDyIXGKmslxc2XHaAxzSjXq4jnEkSTKtmUoVyPhWf3CfaNq569VbJmfay4ZLGedOqJRA48g=s320"/></a></div>
There is, in the world of embroidery, little to rival the glossy shine of a flat silk foundation. While stitching the pines of <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Hanayama"><i>Hanayama</i></a>, I was too focused on my errors to see any beauty in my foundations. I started stitching Phase II, <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Suehiro"><i>Suehiro</i></a>, at home in advance of the class so was able to take my time with the foundations and was more satisfied both with the actual stitching and the results. <br/><br/>
These foundations are the first step for the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2007/02/suehiro-novel-effects.html">geometrical effects</a> that adorn two sections of the fan. I recall that I was particularly pleased with the flat white silk foundation on one of the sections and was loathe to “spoil” it with additional stitching. Fortunately, I really enjoyed creating the geometrical patterns and was pleased with the finished sections. Geometrical effects are not appropriate for every design but they are a aspect of Japanese embroidery that I especially enjoy. <br/><br/>
<b>Gt Tie-dye effect (<i>hitta-gake</i>)</b> <br/><br/>
Although I tend to think of <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2007/09/hitta-gake.html"><i>hitta-gake</i></a> as one of the novel effects, it is in fact a geometrical effect that falls under the category of Linear Effects. <i>Hitta-gake</i> is commonly referred to as "tie-dye effect" which, for me, conjures up images of the psychedelic t-shirts of the 1960s and 70s. <i>Hitta-gake</i> is nothing like that - it mimics the look of <i>kanoko shibori</i> which in turn mimics the camouflage spots of a fawn. It is a form of <i>shiborizomi</i>, a term that covers all of the manipulated resist dying techniques. I know very little about shibori or dying in general but I like to understand all aspects of my embroidery so often do some background reading about related subjects. I found John Marshall’s <a href="http://www.johnmarshall.to/H-conversations004a.htm">article</a> on <i>shiborizomi</i> very informative on this subject. <br/><br>
The foundation represents the undyed areas of the fabric so is often stitched with flat white silk. Here I used two strands and was careful to space the stitches so that they covered the fabric without cramming them together. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYTgUQhXepsSkmQC3nqqtshn2uXVBELiwnrgYo2wdSM58ILRgCL6zj-y2wJzQ-SqwQmTF7hufWaMQ_blr2TILcQ1DP_MU7F1p2Cf8Zv3m_Z3yKBSW2FPtHEI_7DSo_Oq302rKJLM_8pzPcFev4lyV8hywBT8J-bq6yf3PUkS57nKGRuVHk0KdO9ty1Ew=s1691" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1691" data-original-width="1690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYTgUQhXepsSkmQC3nqqtshn2uXVBELiwnrgYo2wdSM58ILRgCL6zj-y2wJzQ-SqwQmTF7hufWaMQ_blr2TILcQ1DP_MU7F1p2Cf8Zv3m_Z3yKBSW2FPtHEI_7DSo_Oq302rKJLM_8pzPcFev4lyV8hywBT8J-bq6yf3PUkS57nKGRuVHk0KdO9ty1Ew=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The foundation is covered with a lattice of twisted thread. This lattice is very slightly larger than the lattice holding on the cherry blossoms and the thread is a tight twist. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZSBHgSkdiihRSB3XZMyHYyRBEPIM9qrjb_QE3jHRMJN6hXE8a1Kfw5kZEtuSziIvZjFYwQDhJCzKjjz3JceU0lKn9pqbSof7gNyn2nlSgD40TfyWn3v8Xpo-oEkMpobFUhp3TDQqVzxJIX1MMxmwRLNgF02lfhDYnRZnF9lFjbVAaJO-xCJ9oxhqHyQ=s1671" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1671" data-original-width="1671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZSBHgSkdiihRSB3XZMyHYyRBEPIM9qrjb_QE3jHRMJN6hXE8a1Kfw5kZEtuSziIvZjFYwQDhJCzKjjz3JceU0lKn9pqbSof7gNyn2nlSgD40TfyWn3v8Xpo-oEkMpobFUhp3TDQqVzxJIX1MMxmwRLNgF02lfhDYnRZnF9lFjbVAaJO-xCJ9oxhqHyQ=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Using the same thread, three straight stitches are placed over each intersection in the direction of the foundation. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiReHesRCMVy0jy4kbe-XvKwtk_bUXnhz12j_Fu5I3G3VrOglyiOUiob8rq-4h4pSvDnZ2K5KDzHNyhnciPeBLg4HQKDMsYt1qzYZYuUz_iAGk9aiEdILktV4kYxvW6YRxU9is2jF72B9iXyQKfrVNpTVXzUL5-9AdJ4ZqCb1WF9AdO6JkpmX6jF3VfYQ=s1805" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1805" data-original-width="1805" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiReHesRCMVy0jy4kbe-XvKwtk_bUXnhz12j_Fu5I3G3VrOglyiOUiob8rq-4h4pSvDnZ2K5KDzHNyhnciPeBLg4HQKDMsYt1qzYZYuUz_iAGk9aiEdILktV4kYxvW6YRxU9is2jF72B9iXyQKfrVNpTVXzUL5-9AdJ4ZqCb1WF9AdO6JkpmX6jF3VfYQ=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Two additions straight stitches are placed in the centre of each "square", also in the direction of the foundation. Unsupported straight stitches in the same direction as the foundation would simply sink into the foundation stitches. Those across the intersection are supported by the thread forming the lattice; the two in the centre of each square are supported by a "sleeper" stitch. This is simply a short stitch perpendicular to the foundation that is not visible when the two stitches are placed on top of it. <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_50yjdzCKK6AzOJlUgKLQF6K8HV15biHUP9Gq6u2idfwetgIVFgCHDvWlby0njGT_qbcPp8l7YDmEjs0rPTEkrvFvqIOQjIuMW0bQ0D6GZwannpE6eJdoOYuVXvsisSFlQCPsqWJ4r_lOYt0cEI2zvqi2tvNzsNACUXNdnfSepYAgBrKWGKLswYMS3A=s1950" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1949" data-original-width="1950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_50yjdzCKK6AzOJlUgKLQF6K8HV15biHUP9Gq6u2idfwetgIVFgCHDvWlby0njGT_qbcPp8l7YDmEjs0rPTEkrvFvqIOQjIuMW0bQ0D6GZwannpE6eJdoOYuVXvsisSFlQCPsqWJ4r_lOYt0cEI2zvqi2tvNzsNACUXNdnfSepYAgBrKWGKLswYMS3A=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
When finished, the motif may be outlined to hide the stitching holes.<br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWAbP9Lui6U2eUlQPTt4Qg5_NPbLByQuIZpX6axuYnX7ug41kcLtNlHgm8Swy7DNWAGTeJI0tbnVZkIK-jsbwjNdb8l4yxSNIUCsxb5wYf6OF3MZKGO1agU2dA1MvkJcoearytsUatgWbTb128HSxYMKbXTVRuk6erNIOJe8LZhCOo4BC0AHA6QNI1VQ=s1802" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="1802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWAbP9Lui6U2eUlQPTt4Qg5_NPbLByQuIZpX6axuYnX7ug41kcLtNlHgm8Swy7DNWAGTeJI0tbnVZkIK-jsbwjNdb8l4yxSNIUCsxb5wYf6OF3MZKGO1agU2dA1MvkJcoearytsUatgWbTb128HSxYMKbXTVRuk6erNIOJe8LZhCOo4BC0AHA6QNI1VQ=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
<b>Tie-dye effect: in relief (<i>honbitta-gake</i>)</b> <br/><br/>
To show the tie-dye effect in sharper relief, the open spaces around the edge of the motif may be filled using the same thread. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtxwz-EEdmYcRUILrmdwYh-5316oW-U6J8ctG-MZKM0ZbpJRrizQGNG0ZaP3JE9AL2D-NZS6mKHpmAPriRJ-RwgyXo581X8Vh7nshT6VDUl24YNTwjxTOJGiayACRbg1TV6AtGNKpDgR0f7J1hOs8lEI3ngNg37za6KqMT_SMkB7dy--U7Rb0BXeGhQQ=s2341" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2341" data-original-width="2341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtxwz-EEdmYcRUILrmdwYh-5316oW-U6J8ctG-MZKM0ZbpJRrizQGNG0ZaP3JE9AL2D-NZS6mKHpmAPriRJ-RwgyXo581X8Vh7nshT6VDUl24YNTwjxTOJGiayACRbg1TV6AtGNKpDgR0f7J1hOs8lEI3ngNg37za6KqMT_SMkB7dy--U7Rb0BXeGhQQ=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
I did not understand this concept until I saw pictures of kimono that have areas of <i>kanoko</i> and areas of solid colour. Only the complete spots remain with the solid colour filling any remaining space. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhASJ9RXztMFURyaruiZSxY69Hw5iSiBc3tdwa7ibN57lpIUpKK-o89E9sIL94VcYRIY_b1iT7LzThUbaCm-B5xTHKfZJhJR3Ew7St1ElFB4SzUQ9qFAOb9fLmeN7losPaVtRpLjS0XAkfRsRNlOhHG4Dc7w8FGHbHS6e6UY2C4hdqSseNM7RWPm7mzWw=s2040" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2039" data-original-width="2040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhASJ9RXztMFURyaruiZSxY69Hw5iSiBc3tdwa7ibN57lpIUpKK-o89E9sIL94VcYRIY_b1iT7LzThUbaCm-B5xTHKfZJhJR3Ew7St1ElFB4SzUQ9qFAOb9fLmeN7losPaVtRpLjS0XAkfRsRNlOhHG4Dc7w8FGHbHS6e6UY2C4hdqSseNM7RWPm7mzWw=s320"/></a></div>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-23173860288895621982022-02-18T20:00:00.016+00:002022-02-18T20:00:00.180+00:00A Very Long TailGenerally, I have two WIPs (Work in Progress) on the go at a time. I have one on my stand in the sewing room. This is usually a larger piece that will take several months, if not years, to reach completion. Such a piece was most likely started in a class. Following the class it may have gone into hibernation either immediately or when I next attended a class and started something else. I mostly work on this piece at the weekend or on days off. During the summer months, I may work on it for a while before or after work. <br/><br/>
During the evenings I like to have what I refer to as a sofa project. These tend to be smaller projects, both in size and the time I expect them to take, and something I can manage while watching television at the same time. Once started, I usually stick with a sofa project until it is completed but there have been a few that I did not for one reason or another. Recently, I have been working on the fourth in the series of <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Casket%20Keepsakes">Casket Keepsakes</a> (and loving it). It is nearly complete but I need to make some finger loop braids before I can finally finish it. Each braid takes me over an hour to make and, once started, I have to keep going until it is finished and concentrate fully. I have not been able to find the time to make them yet. So, I needed something else to do in the evenings but was reluctant to start a new project until the Keepsakes are done. <br/><br/>
Looking for a "little" something to do, I came across one of the sofa projects that I had stalled. I started the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Bird%20Thimble">Bird Thimble</a> ten years ago and it had taken me about two months to make its body. I was very pleased with it but that was only the first of four online lessons. I then moved onto the second lesson which was to make the tail feathers. <br/><br/>
I mentioned in <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2012/11/dressing-bird.html">Dressing the Bird</a> that starting the cover for the body was a little bit fiddly … to say the least! Starting each of the feathers was also a little fiddly and I did not seem to get any easier no matter how many feathers I made … and I made a lot of them (eventually). Like the body, the feathers are detached buttonhole stitch on a silver wire. The wire travels back and forth to form a series of concentric ‘U’ shapes. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXF4Ns1wzGRq2nExeZBnUHTXyxJL7PVJcy3PyZ5PPoAxsmUXWN_8nYOYvVrWXn4hxqvRo70EpHrsdLhlbdboaj41VMER_U3Pcj6u7bxQ0cIDU5Mn9q6jOcLUcteulmep59hseQKl1sRt_LD80OSQk7zf5n6KsNLQK9aFRVvtLhTFpWqSeMUMX314iKbg=s2952" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2952" data-original-width="2520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXF4Ns1wzGRq2nExeZBnUHTXyxJL7PVJcy3PyZ5PPoAxsmUXWN_8nYOYvVrWXn4hxqvRo70EpHrsdLhlbdboaj41VMER_U3Pcj6u7bxQ0cIDU5Mn9q6jOcLUcteulmep59hseQKl1sRt_LD80OSQk7zf5n6KsNLQK9aFRVvtLhTFpWqSeMUMX314iKbg=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © The Essemplaire/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div>
<br/>
The feathers are either five or seven rows wide and either one, two, or three centimeters long, although mine are not very consistent in length. There is a total of 66 feathers stitched in nine different colours, just under half of them in the same yellow green as the body. <br/><br>
I don’t know exactly why this project stalled but I remember that I was struggling with these little feathers. In my progress report of February, 2013, I wrote,
<blockquote>"The bird thimble holder, which I forgot to mention last month, has not progress very much. His body is complete and I have begun to make the many, many tail feathers but because I usually work on these during the evening they have fallen victim of my S.A.D.ness. I will probably resume work on this when the lighter evenings return."</blockquote>
S.A.D.ness referring to seasonal affective disorder brought on by the dull, grey weather. I did not resume work when the lighter evenings returned and the project languished for ten years. <br/><br/>
When I resumed making the feathers, I still found the process fiddly. Fiddly but not quite the struggle that I remember them being before and I can only attribute that to the hours I spent doing buttonhole stitch on the carnation and cornflower petals for the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2021/12/on-fourth-day-of-christmas-embroidery.html">Spring Casket Keepsakes</a>. At first, it took me an entire evening to make one feather but quite quickly I was able to make three or four in an evening, depending on the size. Initially, I thought it might take me several weeks to complete them but, in fact, it took little over two weeks. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS-7sqg1-XYBqIHkf_hM7fHAqx0aho3xDabzH8Hxk1tfI9FzUFK1eu4Z5PE6k2QEk4l4BC4UcZkUmNjN9Oq20FIaAhS8w96icK_y5XMmLq4TzMHJZ1zulje1CMjYuAUu1ZKV4QDYxojUk-TQTbjt7vXuV3lWOQvQZbj9aftetNkE1MqLiJ72nv-NZnxQ=s7809" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="7809" data-original-width="6936" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS-7sqg1-XYBqIHkf_hM7fHAqx0aho3xDabzH8Hxk1tfI9FzUFK1eu4Z5PE6k2QEk4l4BC4UcZkUmNjN9Oq20FIaAhS8w96icK_y5XMmLq4TzMHJZ1zulje1CMjYuAUu1ZKV4QDYxojUk-TQTbjt7vXuV3lWOQvQZbj9aftetNkE1MqLiJ72nv-NZnxQ=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © The Essemplaire/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-81101128703922166492022-02-13T20:00:00.003+00:002022-02-26T19:37:18.384+00:008 Lattice Holding (goban-osae) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none;" ><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDG4c0pCLQyNGWYHxk5bohmcz1upyGEz1x2AFY7TO8mqgMbsJxOclOpincVHF3KZJP1Lwh8xt6AwNjjJP9TME2v2XFzlpat9K2vBu18u-ZbZVfa21fvcf9XUDxzIoxJtek7TQ9UgOnEZkNs927TMfL-r8aYMz1w_CboapDLsH1Jvyt0wxUkgdiX3uKBw=s1940" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1876" data-original-width="1940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDG4c0pCLQyNGWYHxk5bohmcz1upyGEz1x2AFY7TO8mqgMbsJxOclOpincVHF3KZJP1Lwh8xt6AwNjjJP9TME2v2XFzlpat9K2vBu18u-ZbZVfa21fvcf9XUDxzIoxJtek7TQ9UgOnEZkNs927TMfL-r8aYMz1w_CboapDLsH1Jvyt0wxUkgdiX3uKBw=s320"/></a></div>
While I enjoy the challenge of some of the more complex techniques, I very much appreciate the elegance of some of the simpler stitches. Lattice holding (Hl) covers the foundation with a lattice of thin threads. It is a decorative stitch that requires no additional embroidery on top. As with many simple techniques, accuracy is the key to success.<br/>
The lattice is created by stitching two layers of long stitches that cover the entire motif. The first is stitched at a forty-five degree angle to the foundation stitches. The second layer is stitched at right angles to the first. A fine thread is used. This does not necessarily need to be the same colour as the foundation. The stitches are tied down at each intersection using the same thread. As with diagonal holding, the couching stitches are made in the same direction as the foundation and pierce the foundation stitches and again, in my opinion, slightly longer couching stitches gives a more pleasing result. <br/><br/>
I first used this technique on the pines on <i>Hanayama</i> and while it is not too bad, some of the angles are slightly off resulting in mismatched squares. Even minor defects in a simple, regular design can be very noticeable. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmI0HP2_mDCCvdG1qiuewp6FJj7opuodUGl0AP2YhTNAswpW9FKKfAEFxWRLmqqLpgFIdkl_3xAYoFTd1AyLQsJPgWCotm-Zkn0J1E1ZOASUUqk4CZSPOxs6EtSGCjOJqYndL6D9ERizSOP20HbbWsl9WVv9LLTwbKbdNpd633YBi-Cjy2DPmOPrKDQg=s1600" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmI0HP2_mDCCvdG1qiuewp6FJj7opuodUGl0AP2YhTNAswpW9FKKfAEFxWRLmqqLpgFIdkl_3xAYoFTd1AyLQsJPgWCotm-Zkn0J1E1ZOASUUqk4CZSPOxs6EtSGCjOJqYndL6D9ERizSOP20HbbWsl9WVv9LLTwbKbdNpd633YBi-Cjy2DPmOPrKDQg=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Despite my best efforts, a few of the holding stitches are slightly off on these cherries but I am pleased that I carefully aligned the lattice across the three. To my mind, a misalignment would have been distracting. Instead, I think they sit quietly and harmoniously together. <br/><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDG4c0pCLQyNGWYHxk5bohmcz1upyGEz1x2AFY7TO8mqgMbsJxOclOpincVHF3KZJP1Lwh8xt6AwNjjJP9TME2v2XFzlpat9K2vBu18u-ZbZVfa21fvcf9XUDxzIoxJtek7TQ9UgOnEZkNs927TMfL-r8aYMz1w_CboapDLsH1Jvyt0wxUkgdiX3uKBw=s1940" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1876" data-original-width="1940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDG4c0pCLQyNGWYHxk5bohmcz1upyGEz1x2AFY7TO8mqgMbsJxOclOpincVHF3KZJP1Lwh8xt6AwNjjJP9TME2v2XFzlpat9K2vBu18u-ZbZVfa21fvcf9XUDxzIoxJtek7TQ9UgOnEZkNs927TMfL-r8aYMz1w_CboapDLsH1Jvyt0wxUkgdiX3uKBw=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-9674993981849169422022-02-08T19:00:00.000+00:002022-02-08T19:02:01.227+00:00Happy HarikuyoI have written about Harikuyo and Japanese needles a few times before <br/><br/>
<a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2010/02/shiney-happy-needles.html">Shiny, Happy Needles</a> <br/>
<a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2011/02/festival-of-needles.html">Festival of Needles</a> <br/>
<a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2013/02/harikuyo.html">Harikuyo</a> <br/>
<a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-needle-in-market.html">A Needle in a Market</a> <br/>
<a href="http://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2015/02/needles-and-pins.html">Needles and Pins</a> <br/>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"><b>Sanjo-Honke Misuyabari, Kyoto</b> © Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
When I began learning Japanese Embroidery, I attended a week long class in February each year. The festival of needles fell a few days before this class so I would spend the evening cleaning my needles and generally tidying my equipment and supplies in preparation of the up coming class. <br/><br/>
It is tradition, in Japan, to rest your needles for Harikuyo and in the past I have followed this tradition but I think this applies mainly to people whose profession centers around stitching. My needles spend more time resting than I spend stitching so I will honour them this evening but doing some stitching. <br/><br/>
Happy Harikuyo
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-12650660377565733072022-02-05T22:00:00.003+00:002022-02-26T19:37:01.769+00:007 Diagonal Holding (hippari-osae) If a foundation is used on small motifs, it is used as a single layer. On larger motifs, other embroidery may be added on top in which case it is a foundation layer and some form of holding is used to secure it. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr-ya4GNi-xvJlglfyiBL9Byb5ohw8J_DFNwycqELSIobhoshImn330G4VSn9pd8GNOqsB1McsAfO8XifT4N6EcN3TJ7cqKrVplV_wdk4Z-x4Thst6f5O8TVqptx-2DAB5dYnzBFTt7-9-ef0_ZC_UpEXspUc8X1vXYomX_PxHTo627CCZgMUpGRyxqQ=s1586" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1455" data-original-width="1586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr-ya4GNi-xvJlglfyiBL9Byb5ohw8J_DFNwycqELSIobhoshImn330G4VSn9pd8GNOqsB1McsAfO8XifT4N6EcN3TJ7cqKrVplV_wdk4Z-x4Thst6f5O8TVqptx-2DAB5dYnzBFTt7-9-ef0_ZC_UpEXspUc8X1vXYomX_PxHTo627CCZgMUpGRyxqQ=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Diagonal holding (Hd) is used only on a foundation of twisted thread*. The success of this technique is largely dependent on the consistency of the foundation, i.e., the uniformity of the twist and the spacing of the threads. The twisted threads on the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2007/02/hanayama-pine-trees.html">Pines</a> on my <i><a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Hanayama">Hanayama</a></i> are very inconsistent so it was difficult to establish the correct angle and the holding thread is clearly visible in some places. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAfjEyzhSq6IUNlY7m44LkuSEAabdfrsDfCTLneQucsCJaBdtyIbpRX6KzQgyfm7HjOkfBz_DWxky1KFIW_Ew1UMGU-U4v5AWqBWETZK7BUZUab40bLRwTaKtZYivLOYnQR3Sh1_iV4e94H7X-Xad1N5UoP6IKWwXKK4MakrO2zxN8HbWD1zirTmwWOw=s1600" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAfjEyzhSq6IUNlY7m44LkuSEAabdfrsDfCTLneQucsCJaBdtyIbpRX6KzQgyfm7HjOkfBz_DWxky1KFIW_Ew1UMGU-U4v5AWqBWETZK7BUZUab40bLRwTaKtZYivLOYnQR3Sh1_iV4e94H7X-Xad1N5UoP6IKWwXKK4MakrO2zxN8HbWD1zirTmwWOw=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Long diagonal stitches in a thin thread of the same colour as the foundation cover the entire foundation. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgR0D9jol0QlvSzreU9E-X65wHOjZ5POePR-mQGlBiB1HfYQluWhLbTTR5gpE7z3C4Wk5OvMIAknFdudcdNQR4O37MorBBWIgOA95iPGq_RE7N8b7TJw1M_OWP9u1Ln6Z7mV1OAgbG18ajhZ1ZeBFEO_VRffdA3vcQqVpvL-8ciGfLFqbFmCkW5ssO5iA=s2911" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1687" data-original-width="2911" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgR0D9jol0QlvSzreU9E-X65wHOjZ5POePR-mQGlBiB1HfYQluWhLbTTR5gpE7z3C4Wk5OvMIAknFdudcdNQR4O37MorBBWIgOA95iPGq_RE7N8b7TJw1M_OWP9u1Ln6Z7mV1OAgbG18ajhZ1ZeBFEO_VRffdA3vcQqVpvL-8ciGfLFqbFmCkW5ssO5iA=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The angle of the holding stitches is adjusted to match the twist in foundation thread so that it is barely visible. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvKERiu6XINHVX78dgzL3I7aR4RHoHB5HYKc2974F9NMG52fhw2E4L3evsuTbQ7-VdO0zmxGd747fQFdz6vHXuJeXYmIZqPjsUqW9mF84OrJ5izsIZ25uhU4LY1HJnhnwv47DYqjG33DpmKafY_7xItU9PyVQCUMeabaw2VMiEmpfcfhQg1v2ehLFayw=s3085" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1850" data-original-width="3085" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvKERiu6XINHVX78dgzL3I7aR4RHoHB5HYKc2974F9NMG52fhw2E4L3evsuTbQ7-VdO0zmxGd747fQFdz6vHXuJeXYmIZqPjsUqW9mF84OrJ5izsIZ25uhU4LY1HJnhnwv47DYqjG33DpmKafY_7xItU9PyVQCUMeabaw2VMiEmpfcfhQg1v2ehLFayw=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSjkgUQNJKGuiFb_m3aiIixsbwakErRcIvvatpCqM5qqwtNj-WXscM-5ev2Q4O0iy_iCGZZ2SP04QxayZimTI6brEeU22-GVloqQX1ZwVXA4TZL1M8kkBmPlAcglctiQNAreb0hwnsOx2J-mornw9LwarumhFMXVCpXCyFn10nJU8MDA-VgXmGSXMXew=s3093" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1739" data-original-width="3093" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSjkgUQNJKGuiFb_m3aiIixsbwakErRcIvvatpCqM5qqwtNj-WXscM-5ev2Q4O0iy_iCGZZ2SP04QxayZimTI6brEeU22-GVloqQX1ZwVXA4TZL1M8kkBmPlAcglctiQNAreb0hwnsOx2J-mornw9LwarumhFMXVCpXCyFn10nJU8MDA-VgXmGSXMXew=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
We had overcast weather for a couple of weeks with very poor natural light. I stitched this pine under artificial light. At the time of stitching, I thought that I had matched the direction of the twisted thread but in natural light I can see that it is not well matched. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsr2MK6ouQ1IIXDOf1QvexxaglTv2lv1VY74gdLtRFkhPjALnnRMW2tfmS5txrnRIYhnwkuE02kLXDJUg_3d7uh36j9vv4GXEvnWaKzdi2BDqgADsB-WNmrhRVLAqeJFukAjsBDygaGuX0tI1KbozlFBtsxDpIhWch1f-QKgjqnMh6cO0AP84ZkzK22w=s3648" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3648" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsr2MK6ouQ1IIXDOf1QvexxaglTv2lv1VY74gdLtRFkhPjALnnRMW2tfmS5txrnRIYhnwkuE02kLXDJUg_3d7uh36j9vv4GXEvnWaKzdi2BDqgADsB-WNmrhRVLAqeJFukAjsBDygaGuX0tI1KbozlFBtsxDpIhWch1f-QKgjqnMh6cO0AP84ZkzK22w=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Stitching in natural light, I was better able to align the holding stitches with the twist on this pine. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmDV1nM6l49HcG2TEOwfqIwNvIZ-LVmt04x1nnYCWQ_0hf2HLbxDtdP0Tau-5QIG6zV7sg9DLHJp7aFEtlyxvqQGgeo7Kh5dXn1fZ00QuApzZYKOAivhKgqDb1EbiynnXbA2_aX85yz4TaKJtAf2lN6sPagQVOqfRsZn7LGbaZjnGVZv4PV8Tg3QTFDQ=s3648" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3648" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmDV1nM6l49HcG2TEOwfqIwNvIZ-LVmt04x1nnYCWQ_0hf2HLbxDtdP0Tau-5QIG6zV7sg9DLHJp7aFEtlyxvqQGgeo7Kh5dXn1fZ00QuApzZYKOAivhKgqDb1EbiynnXbA2_aX85yz4TaKJtAf2lN6sPagQVOqfRsZn7LGbaZjnGVZv4PV8Tg3QTFDQ=s320"/></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The holding stitches are tied down at intervals with short stitches in the same direction as the foundation. The couching stitches, in the same thread as the holding stitches, pierce the foundation stitches. This was counter intuitive to me as I thought this would spoil the look of the foundation. I have learnt to make my couching stitches a little longer so that they blend into the foundation stitch and do not "pinch" the holding stitch. If the couching stitches are placed between the foundation stitches, they can displace them creating small gaps in the foundation. <br/><br/>
Happy Stitching<br/><br/>
*On the Konbuin fukusa, stitched in the Edo period, a variation of diagonal holding was used on a flat foundation. The diagonal holding stitches (of 0.5 flat silk) are at a much shallower angle, similar to that used in short stitch holding. The couching stitches are spaced approximately 1 cm apart and arranged in rows. As the holding stitches and couching are more visible than on a twisted foundation, consistency is crucial. <br/><br/>
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791529329752678532.post-21186568987194838182022-01-23T22:00:00.008+00:002022-02-26T19:36:42.153+00:001 Weft Layer (nuki-jibiki) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: none"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtI3QoR4MG3y5Jyl6L0qJMB1bLiM3l4Ah6mQPVNA5E-GOAxRYP5jI99saIDxprXl5Uewo9CerKM-x5bUeGvxrDEKHsY0hD_zT4OTZeD24GC8NqOaOJo3XgZDfRWFtzCIOwyZiiLueuonOHBuOeKHAgTzLOO4y0bttFrHy9X8Lyjo9Kzbu8d964dF7b2g=s320" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtI3QoR4MG3y5Jyl6L0qJMB1bLiM3l4Ah6mQPVNA5E-GOAxRYP5jI99saIDxprXl5Uewo9CerKM-x5bUeGvxrDEKHsY0hD_zT4OTZeD24GC8NqOaOJo3XgZDfRWFtzCIOwyZiiLueuonOHBuOeKHAgTzLOO4y0bttFrHy9X8Lyjo9Kzbu8d964dF7b2g=s320"/></a></div>
The techniques are not necessarily taught in numerical order but it so happens that weft foundation layer was the first technique that I was taught. That seems a very long time ago now. I recall struggling and feeling somewhat disappointed with my first attempt.<br/><br/>
The mechanics of the stitch are simple enough but simplicity does not always equate to easy. I have come to realise that there many factors to laying a perfect foundation and that a good foundation is key to whatever comes next. I have yet to lay a “perfect” foundation. <br/><br/>
The weft foundation (W) is made with long stitches, the full width of the motif. The stitches should be evenly spaced, close together with no space between them, and parallel with the weft thread of the fabric. <br/><br/>
On some fabrics the weft is plainly visible which can be helpful. On other fabrics, such as the fabric <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/search/label/Hanayama"><i>Hanayama</i></a> is stitched on, the weft is not discernable. In this case, I find it helpful to mark parallel lines at regular intervals to assist me. Stitching the <a href="https://threadsacrosstheweb.blogspot.com/2007/02/hanayama-pine-trees.html">pine trees on <i>Hanayama</i></a>, I could not keep the stitches parallel; they were closer together at one end than the other. I still have a tendency to do this if I do not pay close attention to every stitch. In the following image you can clearly see that the stitches are not parallel. Although this is a horizontal foundation rather than weft, the stitches should still be parallel to each other.<br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzBa27Ra05w8AEbiW3VC7WYRB_a9rhd_Rs1GBxxNFsM1949JsOc8z1ymF6oKTLs0pkTd9ZIyjc8bWaq0VPwiTcXyHxa3vfNBxB1r_czbqPU6lp0Jd6kGjlFWvFkpORicu9tmcdwHORyw75JqdpdDjkszo6BlAdCbjBLTS8-v7Y4AYw5ek91jDqojWEkg=s320" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzBa27Ra05w8AEbiW3VC7WYRB_a9rhd_Rs1GBxxNFsM1949JsOc8z1ymF6oKTLs0pkTd9ZIyjc8bWaq0VPwiTcXyHxa3vfNBxB1r_czbqPU6lp0Jd6kGjlFWvFkpORicu9tmcdwHORyw75JqdpdDjkszo6BlAdCbjBLTS8-v7Y4AYw5ek91jDqojWEkg=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
The spacing of the stitches is determined by the width of the thread. While they should be close enough to cover the fabric, if they are too close they become crowded and will not lay evenly. This may be even more evident when other techniques are superimposed over the foundation. In the following two images, the stitches are inconsistently spaced and many are too close together. When the stitch transfer is in place, the foundation does not lay flat and, in places, appears rippled.<br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7IDB48tcShrMNfveRCtk7rRELKOcUg9eH3PsD15zHYfwh8e0aysTEuDVAEwTu96Ve45Pc04cJ2sYcCzq0EpcINR4WFcliunSmwUIjuKsLLnYM4AJmz5zAVbp0DDonI25bgqpRxbhszwosIQ6dd_dXqu2hTLVIEUsm0oKNrTmkNsjVSs9kjFv1Uxm8ww=s1137" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7IDB48tcShrMNfveRCtk7rRELKOcUg9eH3PsD15zHYfwh8e0aysTEuDVAEwTu96Ve45Pc04cJ2sYcCzq0EpcINR4WFcliunSmwUIjuKsLLnYM4AJmz5zAVbp0DDonI25bgqpRxbhszwosIQ6dd_dXqu2hTLVIEUsm0oKNrTmkNsjVSs9kjFv1Uxm8ww=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhULjcxk0YL_4se4_Ge2pcvBbhQtFIoiONH9aqwEW0Sao8hHy1G9CJOs_9ZWswWYK0ZzeeS_GM94JOxBfX63UKmLJT4293N_kLOF6mlTCfNkkhNVnSx03bx5yNNuNftkv-QGWyrRVODrPshnkHg1ctv_3Pimpujuu9aMetOMnu703c8VBJ37qV-ChVU0Q=s1015" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1015" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhULjcxk0YL_4se4_Ge2pcvBbhQtFIoiONH9aqwEW0Sao8hHy1G9CJOs_9ZWswWYK0ZzeeS_GM94JOxBfX63UKmLJT4293N_kLOF6mlTCfNkkhNVnSx03bx5yNNuNftkv-QGWyrRVODrPshnkHg1ctv_3Pimpujuu9aMetOMnu703c8VBJ37qV-ChVU0Q=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Where I find an obvious weft helps me keep my stitches parallel, I can find it a distraction when it comes to spacing the stitches correctly. I find I allow the fabric to determine the spacing rather than the thread. I have done that here and the stitches are slightly too close together. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNWOem8hPMPhwWSSa_DpwdOfAdowb2NO_2zPMwUILQn8jxLmlegWWh4rC4-XNCE75iENoCTjfeeiqk9yEmGz78TfxeuN-9X2my4kXXKWZJbB-ggeJ57jzE_D_gd_yaOICy7wXxHcdzS_vsnRW4N7LNf67M8oja_v69XOD_TPY474-vrGjB6-ViiaO2hw=s2611" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="2611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNWOem8hPMPhwWSSa_DpwdOfAdowb2NO_2zPMwUILQn8jxLmlegWWh4rC4-XNCE75iENoCTjfeeiqk9yEmGz78TfxeuN-9X2my4kXXKWZJbB-ggeJ57jzE_D_gd_yaOICy7wXxHcdzS_vsnRW4N7LNf67M8oja_v69XOD_TPY474-vrGjB6-ViiaO2hw=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
Here I tried hard not to fall into the same trap and the spacing is much more pleasing; the stitches look comfortable. <br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRCSgg21Yu7alXUMSyddCVwFuAg_pLhhkdumC1GtRjLUMo4CtmbgVA-X6wTw3u_JnrlBY6Xzwmh2UwSbbI3lFE00WRobXB9GAWh6oQ5zVaLe-DvmfhRGpW0PTLNvAxDZGD_6ftelpgJRm3371r7lP8VcxqyIjuDRtxKfX1TNcNLGERtwEngpix5n1OkQ=s2599" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1752" data-original-width="2599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRCSgg21Yu7alXUMSyddCVwFuAg_pLhhkdumC1GtRjLUMo4CtmbgVA-X6wTw3u_JnrlBY6Xzwmh2UwSbbI3lFE00WRobXB9GAWh6oQ5zVaLe-DvmfhRGpW0PTLNvAxDZGD_6ftelpgJRm3371r7lP8VcxqyIjuDRtxKfX1TNcNLGERtwEngpix5n1OkQ=s320"/></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:78%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"> © JEC/Carol-Anne Conway </span></span></div><br/>
There are other factors that contribute to a pleasing foundation but these apply to many, if not all, of the techniques so I will post about these seperately. <br/><br/>
Happy Stitching
coral-seashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876196936807771078noreply@blogger.com1Oxford, UK51.7520209 -1.257726329.762963826635765 -36.4139763 73.741077973364227 33.8985237