Step 2 New Body Of Work

Step 2 New Body Of Work

This morning commenced the next step which is to develop the background layer of stitching. This layer is equivalent to the undergrowth so dark colours utilized here. Mainly filling in the blocks of painted colour with small circular stitches. No structual definition is developed in this step.

This photo shows the mid area of the scene being covered in small circular stitch using a grey thread.

 

Preparation Of The Fabric

Here begins the process first l like to draw/ sketch the piece of work, only a fews minutes to do this. Mainly to get the feel of the different areas and the different number of layers that might be needed to build up the work.
Also to help me develop an idea of the layers within this piece l will print it off in black and white. Now with a sense of the major outlines l will transfer this imagery to the fabric piece.

The final preparation step before stitch is to fill in the background of work with blocks of background colour. Here l used acrylic paint. Did not wash the fabric thus sizing still present in the fabric, a bit harder to get even coverage with the paint but it is only the background so not too much of an issue.

 

 

New Body Of Work

With many projects finished nows a good time to start a new body of work. My favourite place of solace at this point in time is in central NSW ontop of a mountain called Mt Canobolas. So what a perfect theme for my next body of work.lve taken numerous pictures of the area. Heres the first one lve chosen to work with.

Projects Finished

Both pieces finished and edged. l find each one l complete l tend to extend myself that little bit further and add extra elements. This time l have added trees and grass, not alot but the scenes become more realistic.

Almost Finished.

These two pieces are well on the way to being finished tonight. This stage involves tying off threads, adding machine stitch to the foreground, squaring off, satin stitch edging and bead work.

A New Project

Went for a visit to Wellington NSW look at the find of a curtain sampler, ideas running riot to what projects might be constructed from this colour spread.

 

Starting New Work.

Monday morning created the bases for my next two projects, again no particular inspiration source, very freeform. Cannot wait to add the embellishment of machine stitch, hand stitching and maybe some beading.

My 10min sketch for today.

My 10min sketch for today, how are your 10min sketches going?

An Experiment

An experiment...dense sewing on 2 layers of washaway. Washed away the washaway and left with a structured shape that can be added to a project or stored til needed.

Finished Project

Have finished my project of a land seascape. Experimented with free motion machine stitch within each mountain shape besides the foreground. To finish squared off the piece and edged with a wide satin stitch.

Only 29 Days Til Christmas

With Christmas only 29 days away nows the time to complete a few Christmas projects. A few years ago l completed a couple of crazy patchwork Christmas Stockings. Crazy patchwork is a great technique to use to use up all those tiny pieces of fabric that would otherwise go to waste. With these stockings l have used Silk Dupion as my fabric base and then raided my sewing stash for scrap trims. Embroidered the front of the stocking first then attached the back. Very much a fun project.

A new project

With no particular imagery in mind for this project l allowed the fabrics to talk to me.
Started with two different shades of Procion dyed fabrics. Lighter shade for the top half of the piece and a darker shade for the bottom half.
Then visoflixed shapes of mountains to the top half of the piece, just above the horizon line.
Now l need to allow the piece to sit whilst l contemplate the placement and type of stitchery to use to develop this piece further

With Some Time On My Hands

Today with a little bit of time on my hands l decided to experiment and make some fabric storage containers for my daughter to store baby items in. So in the true form of economizing l cut down a old pair of jeans to create two unique containers. I made both of these in under a hour so do have a go yourself and even have them match your room décor. You will note l have used Ric Rac, it is a timeless trim but lends itself to many uses. For further information re Ric Rac click on the following link http://www.suzannescraftsupplies.com/

Instructions for creating Denim Storage Containers.
Step 1: Cut off approx. 7inches from bottom legs of your jeans
Step 2: Draw a line 1 inch up from the raw edge on the cut end and 1 inch in from the side end.
Step 3: Cut off the end squares as illustration.
Step 4: Cut out exactly the same in lining, l used a cotton fabric.
Step 5: Machine sew along the base and trim as per photos.
Step 6: Bring the corners together and sew straight across, you may need to pin to hold the fabric in place as you sew.
Step 7: Do exactly the same for the lining.
Step 8: Place the jean pocket inside the lining pocket, wrong sides together and machine sew the two sections together just underneath the jean hem. Refer to photos.
Now you have completed 2 very colourful, practical and versatile containers for a minimal cost outlay.

Turning my sketch into a boarder.

I was quiet pleased with my inital sketch so l have turned it into a continuous /repeat boarder pattern for future use as a quilt boarder done in applique.
Step 1. Squared off my sketch with a 1cm boarder.
Step 2. Cut the design down the centre and join the outer edges together to create the centre.
Step 3.Photocopy or trace more designs and join onto your first block

Todays 10min sketch

Here is todays sketch, do feel free to use my photo for your 10min sketch. Once completed do let me know how your pic turned out.

Daily Sketching.

As a textile artist l try each day to take 10mins to sketch each day as not only does it help me plan prospective work but to see the layers involved in constructing a piece. This photo is of my place of serenity, Mt Canobolas, the pencil sketch is nothing intricate allows me to think of perspective,layers of stitch or fabric and maybe size of the work.

Sources Of Inspiration

I find inspiration for designs comes from all different sources. Whilst travelling back to Melbourne l stayed overnight in a very out of the way motel where the bedspread popped out a multitude of designs in stitch and applique work. Where do you find your design inspirations come from.

 

Christmas Is Just Around The Corner

A really lovely Christmas quilt which l hate to say is just around the corner. Where has the year gone ?

 

A Striking Embroidery

Today l spent sometime going thru and revisiting some of the previous pictures l have saved and deleting others. Decided to retain this picture because of the use of bright embroidery threads creating a vibrant textile piece. It has quiet a striking effect.

Baby's Bib And Pattern To Print Off

Here we have the Babys Bib, pattern and instructions, please feel free to share this design with friends and family.