"I begin with an idea ... and then it becomes something else"
~ Picasso

Sunday 1 February 2009

Felt and Stitch

I made a piece of wet felt - a mauve background with green and orange detail


















Throughout this project I decided to concentrate on practising a couple of stitches which have become favourites of mine and also helped me develop my theme. I stitched on top of the felt with free machine embroidery in a zig zag stitch. Zig zags will appear more later. I also practised "fly stitch" - a hand stitch which is very effective for branching patterns, such as coral and seaweed. I like layering fly stitches, starting off with a thick yarn, then layering cotton yarns on top and then a very fine thin metallic thread on top for glitz. It may be time consuming, but I also find it very satisfying to work with my hands and therapeutic as it gives me time to think and plan the next pieces



































Machine and hand stitched detail on the felt

4 comments:

Julie said...

Your combination of stitches works well. Fly stitch is a favourite of mine too along with feather stitch and french knots.

Anonymous said...

French knots are my most favourite stitch, they look like little beads - very satisfying!

Anneli/Bockfilz said...

Very beautiful combination of dull and glossy materials - the silky curls look great! - and the layering of fly stitch is a classic but often forgotten technique ... (I often use normal machine sewing thread in a slightly darker tone for the last layer - but thin metal thread is a great idea, too!)

CAROLYN SAXBY said...

Thanks Julie and Anneli x