More Experiments!
Back Of Sample
You could be forgiven for thinking that I had finally lost all common sense. We’re all interested in fibre, fabric, and stitch, but even so, expecting you to take an interest in a photograph of a plain piece of felt seems a little extreme.
Especially a very ordinary, single-colour, and entirely unadorned piece of felt.
So what am I up to?
Mischief, of course!
Does it help if I tell you that it’s really quite a thick piece of felt?
Front Of Sample
Or does it help if I tell you that this is the front?
I bought an “inspiration pack” of threads, and this thick square of felt at “Sewing For Pleasure” a while back, with absolutely no idea of what I expected or intended to do with it.
While I was wondering about it, I remembered reading about a medieval satchel that had been made by sewing the pieces together within the thickness of the leather. I didn’t feel quite willing to attempt something structural, but it gave me the idea of trying to work a sampler of stitches without the back showing.
Detail Of Sample
I even managed to work some of my favourite stitches.
I originally began with a wavy line of Shell Chain stitch, and then built up the design from there. Some of the threads were too heavy to use in this context, and there was a wonderful heavy slub that I couldn’t find a use for (never fear, I will!) but I had great fun alternating texture and shine, space-filling and line, and just playing.
I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to do with it, but I’m rather pleased with how it turned out!
I like the purple background and those threads.
Excellent experimentation! I would just file it away as exactly that – and you never know when the technique will come in useful. Wouldn’t want to try it on a piece of leather though!
Leather would be tough on the fingers, but felt provides a wonderful feeling for stitching. Great way to experiment!
Love it! Sometimes it’s fun to just play
Trying new things out is such fun, isn’t it? And a very impressive result in this little sampler. I guess that most stitches which work well stitched would suit this technique – which means lots of the ‘Elizabethan’ stitches are up for grabs. (I’ve recently been playing with pattern darning, and was surprised that what looks like a perfect stitching stitch actually needs stabbing to work well.)
What a super sampler – and my brain is already thinking about what I could do with that technique!
Hello, I was just having a v lovely few minutes looking at your wonderful stitchwork and was v taken by your kumihimo. I think I used to make these braids when I was younger – primarily from embroidery floss and my elder daughter has given them a try too. I couldn’t comment on the kumihimo post though for some reason.
Many thanks for your comment. Dressmaking you say? Seriously impressive
Sometimes it is nice just to stitch for no particular purpose. Rather like whistling or singing. It makes you feel good.
How amazing that none of your stitches went through the back (a talent that I’m sure would test my lack of coordination). I agree with Carolyn, sometimes stitching or creating anything for no reason at all is just so much fun.
Hi Rachel,
I’m sure you will think of something lovely to do with it. The purple is lovely, especially with the variegated threads. I love the combination of dark purples and greens, it is so rich looking.
I should say pleased – it’s quite wonderful! I love the stitches, and the wonderful texture they give. Stitching without going all the way through isn’t always an easy thing – I do it on occasion, especially when decisions are made “after the fact”.
I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes next…
oh yes…well done. It’s fabulous. I would keep it as a reminder of how clever you are and also for future reference…
Ooh, interesting – and love those colours!