More on the Packing Case
A New Approach
Having unpicked my experiments, I decided on a new approach..
Actually, a digression here. A lot of people talk of test-stitching, by which they mean trying something out, but not on the real thing. I did that with all those goldwork stitches in the Tudor and Stuart Goldwork Masterclass, but as a general rule, my experiments do happen on the project itself. As much as anything else, this is because it is the interaction between the fabric, the design, and the thread that I am experimenting with, and if I take one of those out, I’m not testing what I need to test. I have a picture in my mind of the effect I want to achieve, but it is rarely detailed enough for me to know what to do at every point before I even begin. Instead, I rely on the project to tell me what it wants next, and while some projects are sullen (they know who they are!) others are talkative beyond belief. This one, so far, occupies the middle ground!
Top Surface
End of digression.
Since I had decided on how I was going to work the reinforcing boards, I decided that it might – possibly! – make sense to work some of the dark shadows to help me with their edges. I’m using the warm brown as the dark edge on the top surface, to keep the sense of bright sunshine, and the greyish colour for the front surface which is in a more even shadow. I will be combining the grey and the yellow in the reinforcing boards to help confirm that effect.
Top Edges
I also need to make sure that all the edges are clear and won’t fray. A packing case holding delicate antiquities should be a solid looking object, not one suggesting that even a gentle tug will take it apart! Just to give that sense of solidity, I have worked an overcast trail along each of the top edges that will be cut, whereas the edges that are within the piece of fabric are worked in reverse chain stitch. So far..
It’s taking shape nicely.
The stem stitching is nice and ‘woody’ without being too detailed to be distracting. Once you’ve got some perpendicular lines to suggest the inner boards, you’ll have a very three-dimensional box.
This looks perfect! I so agree with you that – all the tests and trials don’t make up for the actual work when your minds eye, heart and hand all go in the direction – no matter what earlier plans existed.
You obviously have a tremendous amount of patience, to unpick and restitch your work!
I think you are achieving your aims nicely! Like the warm brown/grey shadow effect too.
Really gives a good impression of the different shadows. I wouldn’t have thought of that. Looks good and solid too!
yes, my work speaks to me too….and i also test on the actual piece. That is the best way to get a well informed decision I find.
Looks like popping up 3D textures. Nice experiments.
This is really taking shape now that you’re getting all the shading into it – I’ve not been here for a while so had to scroll down to find that original black and white image which I remembered from last time I was here. You’ve been so busy with some stunning work as usual in the interim! xCathy
The chatter that some pieces engage in can be annoying at times but this piece seems to know what it is about. Coming along nicely. Keep listening.