Some early (very early!) experiments for the Vision Of Placidus – Part One
Experiment One
I’ve been struggling with a sore and stiff shoulder for some months now. It’s made me reluctant to go back to Eve In The Garden of Eden because at this stage she demands perseverance in a single, small stitch for the gold groundwork. The Head of Nefertiti has involved more variety, and earlier signs of progress, while the canvaswork is perfect for evenings.
However, my shoulder is beginning to ease and I’m feeling more willing to experiment. So I had a very entertaining morning last week (it was on Instagram and Twitter) having a go at something I saw on someone’s blog a few months ago and thought might have possibilities for the underlayer of my planned Vision of Placidus panel. If what you see looks familiar, please let me know and I will gladly edit the post to give credit!
Wetted Out
Now, the Placidus panel is going to be about five foot by four foot, so even using some of the chunky threads I am happy to use (… and may even spin for the purpose!), it will take quite some effort to cover it. So I thought maybe I could wet felt some rough elements – trees, rocks, clouds, the stream, which could then be applied and tweaked, improved and generally titivated with stitchery.
In the absence of a real – waterproofed! – studio, therefore, I was to be found squatting on the kitchen floor, using a Lakeland Limited tray for cleaning oven shelves to contain the splashes and soap. I must have looked distinctly odd, but I’m accustomed to that!
Experiment 3 – First Layer
In the case of the final experiment ( I did three), I rummaged for some fine crewel wool and made a crochet chain, with some very slapdash and freeform loops added in, and laid that down first, with a tangle of leftover yarn.
I also fished out my spindle and had a go at spinning and doubling some wool to create a different effect on the trunk. That didn’t work too well – the yarn kept unspinning itself. My shoulder isn’t up to a concerted attempt to crack spinning, so I made do with what I’d got, and backed it with various other wools to hold it together.
At this point – creaking slightly in the lower back – I decided to stop, rinse everything off, and let my trees dry before going any further. .
This is going places! There is a touch of a “cotton wool ball on a stick” appearance of Experiment One,but it is only a trial effort! and much improved at the wetting out stage. The third experiment is great, all that calligraphy!
I really like experiment 1!
You do very beautiful work!
Amazing tree experiments! I’m wondering which you liked best, or thought was most what you wanted.
I will be interested to see how this turns out.
You are soooo good with fiber and interesting ways to use it! I love to see your experiments and they always seem to be so successful. You’re blessed with imagination and talent!
Interesting Rachel – looking forward to seeing them used. xx
I like how tree 1 is looking. Enjoy your experimenting!
Does Experiment 3 end up on top of Experiment 1, as an open, more detailed layer?
Wow! You amaze me with the variety of your art work I can’t even begin to think how long such a large piece would take to complete. I am looking forward to seeing this move along. I hope your shoulder heals soon!
I enjoy seeing your experiments!
How nice to see your felt work. Wish you’re fine with no pain.
oooh, this looks interesting! I could really fancy doing some felting… shame I’m at work!
Liking the experimentation, especially the lacy almost scribbly effect in the third experiment.