Sunday, March 15, 2009

Sunday Stitches - March 15th

I really am enjoying this exercise - of stitching once a week and posting the results every Sunday. I am getting more out of it than what I anticipated at the onset, for while I am learning the art of embroidery (to some degree,) I have found that I enjoy "preparing" the surface for the stitches as much as I enjoy the stitching process.

Week's Stitches: I used some old favorites - French Knot, Open Chain and Star stitch, while experimenting for the first time with the Tied Cross Stitch (really like this one,) Fern Stitch and Tête de Boeuf Stitch, which I also like a lot.

For the Background - I used a stiff white canvas and Dye-na-Flow fabric dye. I'm excited by the way the Dye-na-flow interacted with the canvas. Instead of getting sucked into it, the color laid nicely on and went only where I told it to go with my paintbrush - and that's it. (Unlike with the Neocolors that have a mind of their own!)

I am finding there are three elements in play during my execution of my Sunday Stitches: (1) the stitching itself; (2) the design and preparation of the background; and what I do believe is my favorite element of the project (3) the color-play between the stitches and the background.
I'm inspired to start a small project using all of the knowledge I have gained thus far in this endeavor. Any ideas?

8 comments:

Mary Welsh Hubbard said...

I really like that background canvas! It looks great with the stitches.

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Hi Cathie - hope you had a good week. Your stitching is amazing! So very vibrant and colourful. Like it all very much!

You could maybe set yourself a subject to explore, research your subject and express your findings in different media - maybe in a sketchbook leading to a finished quilt. It can be very satisfying and a purpose for all your beautiful stitches

Have a good week. Best wishes, Carolyn

Vicki W said...

What fun! I really like the effect of the painted background.

3rdEyeMuse said...

I could so learn soooo much about colors from you ... ok, thoughts ... a decorative pillow, a bag (of the tote variety) and an "altar cloth" - for lack of a better term ... one a landscape sort of thing, one slightly humorous and one (ok, specific to the altar cloth) with sacred symbols. yep. take those thoughts and fly with them! :) in the least, let us know what you decide to do.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea and tool for learning as well as discipline. I love the textures and colors. The embroidery is very nice with much variety and eye-catching play.

Katiejane said...

These look wonderful! You are doing an amazing job. And, like you, I like the canvas very much, too. We are just tie-dye junkies, aren't we: you with fabric and me with paper.

Brenda said...

Amazing and beautiful!

Pursuing Art... said...

I really like this piece and the painted canvas for the background...beautiful colors!

I think your idea of a baby quilt is wonderful. An art quilt or pillow would be beautiful. I know whatever project you choose to make...it will be outstanding! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do!

XO ~Lisa

P.S. What is up with the comment moderation being enabled...did you have problems or something?

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