Burn it

Having read articles in magazines & online about burning synthetic sheer fabrics, I finally got round to trying this technique.

This ATC started with a base layer of acrylic black felt onto which bondaweb was ironed for the sporadic application of gold transfoil. Small diamonds cut from an old book page were also ironed on at this stage then each embellished with a bead & sequin. Next a layer of burgundy organza & black chiffon was machine stitched over the top in a diamond grid pattern & then zapped with a heat gun, this melted & distressed the sheer fabrics revealing the layers beneath. The edges were then finished off with a little gold paint.

This was a fun technique to try & I can see myself experimenting more with sheer fabrics, heat guns & soldering irons.

Health & Safety: Remember synthetics always produce toxic vapours when burnt, so do this in a well ventilated area or wear a suitable mask.

Detail view

Back to Neutral

This piece was inspired by one of our EG members, Daphne's 'Low Tide' article for Stitches magazine (#42). I'm forever filling my pockets with treasures found whilst walking on the beach, so had an ample supply of broken shells to play with.

Gather a collection of mixed neutral coloured beads, all shapes & sizes

Tip: Stick adhesive backed sheet magnet to a mint tin lid to hold your beading needles safely

Collect up all your neutral coloured threads, here you can see rayons, stranded cottons, coton perle #5 & #8, & variegated threads which create lovely effects.

Use accent beads like these quartz crystal & tiger's eye chips

or luscious freshwater pearls

or even coloured ones like these

I really enjoyed working on this project & it's another one where you just make it up as you go along, basically you recreate with the help of beads the accumulation of shells & pebbles that you see in between the rocks & crevices at low tide.

another work in progress

Kantha

The South West region of the EG (Embroiderers Guild) were holding a Fabric postcard competition, the subject being "A Postcard from....." Having spent alot of time working in neutral shades for my last project I challenged myself to use brighter colours for a change, something which I find quite difficult!
I had heard of & researched Indian Kantha embroidery/quilting,so I just had to have a go & this is the result.



Traditionally Kantha is worked on old worn recycled Sari fabric creating lightweight quilts & shawls in the Bengal region of India.
The fabric here comprises of: a top layer of soft cotton(recycled from an old cotton sheet)over 3 layers of muslin basted together, this is worked in a simple running stitch using shimmering rayon thread (Indian of course) & the design is created by the placement of the stitches.

New Directions

Rock Pool

Since joining the Jersey branch of the Embroiderer's Guild last year I've reignited my enjoyment of creating with fabric & threads. Not having embroidered since a child it was quite an eye opener seeing how stiching & textile art has evolved over the years.......we are no longer laboriously working satin, stem & chain stich (the only 3 stitches I knew) on printed tray cloths & dressing table sets, but being far more creative & even incorporating mixed media with textiles & stitch........I havn't quite reached that stage, but watch this space!

My first project, as most, was inspired by the seashore where I live. I've always leaned towards texture & dimension so it was suggested by some Guild members I try Encrusted Calico, see here for project instructions.

I've had great fun working on this piece making it up as I went along & learn't quite a few new stitches along the way: Cup stitch, Parma braid (stems of the Fan worms), Woven picots, Buttonhole bars & Woven Stars to name a few.

2008

Last year recap:

Fairy Slippers Project via Paper Whimsy Forum completed.

Garden designed & built from this in April:

To this in June:

Fabric Arch & Charm swap for Paper whimsy finally completed after much delay.....apologies to all involved.

& finally had a go at Needle felting in November:

All in all, not a very productive year Art wise!