The Stumpwork Violets Finally Planted
Assembled Violets
I wouldn’t care to do much real hand embroidery on a fabric “doped” (after the fashion of early aeroplane wings!), with the mixture of inktense and aloe gel. Once it had dried, the calico had something of the texture of a cheap printed furnishing fabric, and did not recover well from having holes poked in it. I suspect it would prove rather abrasive on more delicate threads, but in this case I was simply using stranded cotton.
And there were many holes poked in it – one for each of the elements. I turned back one of the two wires at the base of each, to help to support the curves I was trying to set into them, using the wires around the edge. The other wire I poked through a hole which was in turn poked through the fabric using a stiletto. Bending that wire back on itself should have kept the elements in the place, but as with all of my embroidery adventures – it wasn’t quite that easy!
Cut And Padded
When I fished out the packet of stamens from my second Frostings Box, I found that there were three strands of each of three types, and picked the most delicate gold ones, so as not to overpower the flowers. So that worked out nicely – one strand for each flower! – and caused three more holes in the calico..
The elements were still wriggling a bit, though, so I decided to put some padding behind the clump to help to entrap the wires, and also to enhance the domed effect that I was hoping for. That meant that it made sense to trim the padding and enclose it with the calico, creating a single, “free-standing” clump of violets. The elements are held in place with minimal stitching, the curves nestling together, and the wires and threads entrapped in the padding. It wouldn’t stand up to much handling, but then it won’t get any!
Click on the pictures to see them at full size – I think they give a good sense of the dimension and “loft” I managed to achieve.
Can you tell that I’m rather pleased with my violets?
oh wow…..take a bow!! These are magnificent Rachel…
very pretty and realistic!
Those violets are great but I think I like the leaves even more. Great Job.
You should be pleased with them, they look lovely!
BTW, where did you get that Instagram widget thingy, please? I’d love one on my blog(s).
xx
I think they look splendid. You should be very proud.
You should be pleased: they look lovely!
This is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
So after all the worrying and edge-tiniting, the ingredients all came together into a pretty little posy and lived impressively ever after. I love a happy ending.
Gorgeous! You should be pleased, Rachel!
you should be pleased. they are beautiful.
You have every right to be proud of them – beautiful.
They look absolutely fabulous!!!!!
They are just beautiful! And so lucky to be a part of the Frostings Club 🙂
They are gorgeous! I love stump work flowers and leaves. How much of the Frostings Box have you used?
You should definitely be pleased with your violets. They are absolutely beautiful.
Absolutely beautiful piece. Of course,you should be pleased..
Beautiful stitching!
Gorgeous!!! These are so beautiful, and elegantly created.
Your violets look great!
How creative. I wish I’m as artistic. 🙂
And so you should be, they are beautiful
They look great. Congratulations.
Oh gosh, I’ve missed so much these last couple of months. These are simply fabulous!
They are the awesomest!!! and that too with stranded cotton…. wow,just wow!!
Those are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
Glad that you are having so much fun , playing with your threads and fabrics and your violets are gorgeous ! : )
Yes, I can tell you’re pleased with them – and with good cause! They’ve turned out beautifully.
Wow, your violets are amazing! Well done!
Barbara xx