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Embroidered hexagons anyone? I'm hoping the next time you see these they will be joined together adorning one of my samples.
The main piece here has more gimp added, a flower centre.
I'm trying really hard not to get carried away with this sampling or there won't be anything left to do in class but I am enjoying this spell of purely hand embroidery so much that I can't seem to stop.
A new sample, this one using just white thread and a quick stock take of where I am at with these pieces.
If you are joining my sewing circle in just over a week, if you are registered, these pieces are I hope going to get us off to a flying start.
My pattern ideas won't stop here. There is a lot more sampling for me to do and I am beginning to think I need an alphabet. These pieces are reminding me of traditional samplers and samplers generally equal alphabets don't they.
Please don't be scared of the pattern though, the hand drawn aspect of that. These are very, very basic shapes and we won't even attempt any pattern making at first. We are starting off gently sampling stitches. There is nothing to fear here.
Meanwhile I am absolutely having the best time just sitting and hand embroidering cloth. It is so restful and relaxing, it allows for thinking time, it's gentle and very satisfying.
It seems like a long, long time since I concentrated on purely embroidery, no sewing machine, no paper, just my hands with needle, thread and cloth.
My upcoming sewing circle will allow for more of that, more hand stitch and traditional embroidery techniques.
You may have noticed a lot of sampling of hand stitch in my recent posts. (you have been bombarded)
That sampling has allowed me to reconnect with past work, past choices, colour, stitch and pattern.
That's what I have been doing this morning too, looking at this wrapping cloth, my happy cloth for inspiration.
(It's called my happy cloth because it makes me happy!)
I'm sampling my fingers to the bone here.
I doubt any of these samples will ever become finished pieces.
They will however be finished samples which will inform, which I will learn from.
The pattern placement, the colour choices, the stitch choices are all being stored in my grey matter in order to make more choices in the future.
I had intended to post earlier today but you don't want to know about the two hours I just spent arguing with my image software do you.
A quick chat, on camera, a video and an idea of another use for doodled cloth.
More embroidery has been added to both silk pieces here.
In the first image are two hand stitched paper 'wraps' I created for artist books which I am thinking of using as inspiration to move my pattern choices forward for the silk pieces.
I will of course let you know how that goes.
My aim for 'sewing circle' is to use purely hand stitch and hand embroidery techniques on cloth and create embellished surfaces using 'traditional' process.
For example, rather than use ribbon.....create a sense of ribbon with hand embroidery.
Instead of using lace....create a lace like surface with French knots perhaps.
Does that make sense?
Hopefully it will become clear as I develop this sampling further.
The pieces here are linked to this piece and also loosely linked to this.
I am sampling new work which is inspred by work from 2016, from patterns, doodles and embroidery techniques I worked on back then.
The patterns, the floral shapes have been hand drawn onto the silk before hand stich, patchwork and applique has been added.
I'm quite happy with the direction of this work but not happy with my colour choices in the blue piece.
It's not that they are 'wrong', they just don't appeal to me.
It's not a problem, that's what sampling is for after all, to help us make creative choices.
This work will feed into my 'sewing circle' experience which you can read more about here.
Do you want to learn how to embroider? the basics? hand stitches? applique? cutwork?
If you are a more experienced embroiderer would you like to develop your skills in a supportive and like minded group?
This may be just what you need.
Embroidery school sewing circle.
Embroidery school sewing circle, a gathering of those with a love of cloth and stitch.
12 weeks duration beginning Monday March 8.
Throughout my life as an embroidery teacher I have experienced the joy created when groups of women join together to share their creativity with needle and thread. Friendships are formed, bonds are created and the shared love of embroidery is spread far and wide.
Being a member of this sewing circle will allow for the learning of basic embroidery techniques for the beginner whilst providing an opportuntiy for the more experienced needlewoman to develop her own personal style.
Our twelve week gathering will begin with instruction and demonstration of basic embroidery stitches and techniques. We will then progress to creating simple designs which we can apply to cloth prior to embellishing our pieces with hand embroidery.
Your finished embroideries can be used to create hoop art, pillows, pockets, framed pieces or you may prefer to create a small collection of stitched pieces for an embroidered book. Instruction will be given on various finishing techniques.
Patterning for my own work will evolve from previous studies of simple embroidery transfers, the resources our Grandmothers would have used.
Final pattern outcomes for your work can be in the most simple form.
I am not an artist and always work with very basic shapes.
You may also use patterning I create should you wish to do so.
This will be provided in PDF form for you to download and print at home.
The transfer of design to fabric will also be demonstrated.
Joining our circle of stitchers will give you access to a private image sharing and discussion forum where you can interact with other members of the group, be inspired by the work of others, share tips, suppliers and receive encouragement with regard to your stitching progress.
My wish is for you to use this learning experience in the manner best suited to you, to learn in a way which makes you happy and furthers your individual creativity.
There are no deadlines, no set tasks.
Access to all resources is permanent, forever.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced embroiderer.
In my post yesterday I spoke about how the piece I am working on at the moment was inspired by designs from 'Swathed in Stitch', an online class which was live in 2016.
The piece today was created during that class. It's a tall, narrow pocket or pouch whichever you want to call it which is free standing.
(it is photographed on its side as it's very difficult to capture it properly without a lot of background distraction whilst it is upright)
Yesterday I also mentioned how I was hoping to develop more patterning with reference to 'Swathed in Stitch'. This piece seems a good starting point for that.
One thing I have noted is the lack of hexagons in these pieces from 2016.
This piece has tiny half circle pockets and tiny patch pockets added to the surface.
If I couple those ideas with hexagons and patchwork I may find a way forward.