A bit of experimental stitching

This is the first page in the design book that I showed here...

After a bit of fiddling, I found that Empress Mills' "Superliner" is the best weight for me to use.

I also found out that I absolutely must not put Bondaweb on the pieces before stitching....

...as it makes everything too flat!

I want some loft here.

Stitching was done first by machine using Empress variegated  thread...

...then hand seeding (I simply can't resist!!)

Finally some Pebeo Setacolour was used to add some colour.

It's only a small piece...

...but, after seeing so many chevron patterns in 12th Century churches recently,  I like it a lot!!

x C

New design book for latest stuff!!

I'm working into my long, narrow KHADI book with drawings intended for (eventual) lino prints...

...but wanted a smaller, less formal one for scribbles, collage, ideas etc.

So, I got an 8" x 5" book from the Art Shop in Abergavenny...

...and collaged some medieval-looking bits on the front cover.

I may add something else on that brown mica-paper...

....but haven't come across "just the right thing" as yet!

It WILL turn up!! :-)

x C

2017....and back to it!

Well HELLO lovely people!

I hope that you all had a wonderful festive season...

...got through the New Year celebrations...

...and are now back into your respective "grooves"!!

I had a very quiet time as is normal...

...and managed to get some bits during my little escape from "internet-land" :-)

A few more pages in my "Medieval Inspirations" design book (calling it a design book rather than sketchbook - more appropriate methinks)...

Beakheads found at Etton in E.Yorks. last July...

These are fairly new - appearing around the time of the Victorian renovation of the porch area...

...whereas these are 12th century originals from around the tower doorway.

I scanned and enlarged my drawings...

...then draw over the main lines with a Sharpie marker.

I use a lightbox to transfer the design onto fabric to be stitched.

(Fabric has been lightly sprayed with Brusho here..)

This one has been hand-stitched and painted...

...but although it looks ok-ish...it's way to thin and flimsy.

The next ones will have to be done with a more "lofty" wadding!

I cut my hands yesterday evening whilst freeing a roll of square-mesh to use as support.

Damned stuff sprung like a clock spring when it was released!!!!!

Pfffffff!!!!!!

Have a good week ...

x C