More Stitched Story Chat

Hi Everyone

The Stitched Story Project continues again today. I’m collecting and developing all my elements for the first ‘patch’ of the piece (read back yesterday for more on this). I’ve re started my embroidered phrase ‘All will be well’ - I had made good progress with this element but decided the embroidery thread was too thick. I had used 6 strands of the thread and have chosen to use only 4. The result is more definition for my letters and much easier to work with. Initially, I used Stem Stitch for the letters and decided Whipped Stitch May look better. Bad decision ! and I’m back with Stem Stitch. Stem Stitch looks more elegant and I’m finding the technique helps to create the letter shapes more fluently. Images will follow when I’ve completed the phrase

So, I’ve got my theme for the first patch ie my Art Dolls, specifically Miss Mitchell . I’ve got my phrase - All will be well. I want to include a date - in this example to record  a memory of when I created my first Art doll ie 27/04/2012. Other elements of the stitched story will include images, symbols and appliqué elements of my actual Art Doll, Miss Mitchell. I will keep thinking about these as yet ‘unidentified elements’ as I develop the first patch. Having decided on the theme of the patch, I find I’m coming up with lots of additional ideas as I ‘create’. I love this part of the process. 

I’m using the four elements (identified above) - the theme, phrase, date and (I’m using the name) - bits and pieces to provide guidance for developing my Stitched Story. I also want to add another element which I’m calling ‘pretty things’. In this section, I’m including ribbons, small bits of fabric and special embroidered stitches such as French Knots (I’m sure there will be more). All of these five elements are, of course, linked and interchangeable. I think, the point of identifying them as distinctive parts, is simply to give guidance to The Maker and help plan.

One exciting development, which I mentioned a few days ago, is an image transfer onto fabric. I’ve done this a few times and learned that the medium used for the transfer is quite important. I’ve had several unsuccessful attempts in the past, using PVA glue. Yesterday, I had another complete disappointment - again using PVA. I didn’t learn from the previous disasters ! However, all is well and I’ve got a little sample of my image transfer, using Modge Podge as the transfer medium. These images isn’t quite big enough, so - I will give it another go today. Here is a quick look at the successful example.

                  

You can see the far left image has been slightly damaged but the other four images are good. They are tiny and not much use for my plan. However, I’ll keep them in mind for adding to my Stitched Story at a later date.

I’m working on the larger patch again today and will develop more elements, time permitting. I’ll share my results as they develop.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitch a story continues

Hi Everyone 

I’m getting into the actual making part of my first Stitched Story today (read back for more on this project). I’ve had various rethinks about how and where to go with this project and it’s time to see what works. Yesterday, I tested out a couple of ways of transferring images onto fabric but in the end they all are very similar and the difference is more in the fabric and stitch technique to be used rather than the transfer process. Check out this

information if you need to know more . From the various techniques described in my link, I used a tracing technique both with a pencil and a ‘disappearing’ pen (ie the pen mark fades very quickly). Both worked OK but the disappearing pen image didn’t stay long enough for me. I also tested out stamping an image onto the fabric with an ink pad. The stamping is good, again depending on the fabric used. I also looked at heat tansfer templates but failed to find a commercially produced images which would suite my project. I could make my own and may do this later.

My Stitched Story will comprise a range of sampler patches. Each patch will be worked separately and eventually stitched onto my little bag, eventually covering the whole bag. The actual bag will form a type of lining to the final piece and will develop as the project develop. I’d like to keep the design and development- ‘fluid’.

                  

I’ve sourced some butterfly buttons (inspired by the butterfly picture) - this is a framed piece in my house and has inspired lots of elements in my paintings). I’m very excited about the buttons and will add them at various points when I’ve completed my patch. I’m using my Miss Mitchell doll image as a focus for my patch. She will give me a colour palette as well as a focus for a little fabric appliqué element. I’ve also found a lovely little stitch pattern in a Mollie Makes online publication (check it out  here ). I’ll use the pattern to embellish my patch, again I’m not sure how things will exactly turn out. I want to experiment and see where the project takes me.

I’ll share  results as I go. Call in tomorrow for another update.

Thanks for calling in today.

Stitching A Story News

Hi Everyone 

Read back last week for more on the background to the Stitching A Story Project. Today, I’m preparing for the next stage of my latest project - Stitching A Story. I’m very excited about this one, I’m not sure why but it seems it’s been waiting to happen for years ? I’m preparing a Workshop version of the project but I’m also thinking about a number of additional Stitched Stories. I’d like to focus on something personal to me, incorporating my folk art dolls.  The Dolls are central to most of my work either directly or included in lots of my labels for things I’ve made and quite important to me.

 

Moving on from last week, I’ve started to experiment with writing words. One of my frequently used phrases with the Folk Art Doll is ‘All will be well’, I often add this phrase to dolls dresses (in paint) so am very familiar with the words. It was the first thing that I thought of, when wondering where to start with my new stitched story. I have a plan to stitch the words and add an image of Miss Mitchell (my favourite doll). I think, I will simply draw Miss Mitchell onto the fabric, she is a very simple shape and I will be able to use embroidery thread to add characteristics and colour. I’ll stitch the piece on my little hoop and trim, hem around my sample and stitch onto my backing fabric. I’m using a small fabric notions bag (pre made) as my backing fabric and a base for my story.

Here’s a quick look at the idea :

                       

As previously mentioned last week, Jessie Chorley is my inspiration for the Stitched Story approach. I love her work and will be thinking hard about ways in which I can add symbolic, personal elements in my piece. I love the different layers of patterned fabric as well as the buttons in the sample above. I especially like the patchwork look.

The little fabric bags will act as a base for attaching my stitched elements. I may deconstruct one of the bags but I do like the idea of using my completed story bag as a notions pouch. I knit all the time and always needs a new notions pouch.

I’m not sure exactly where a I will go with this project. I’d like to plan one step at a time and see where it takes me. However, I do need something more organised for the workshop version of the project. My experiments today will include finding ways of transferring images to fabric samples. More news about that tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Fibre Friday - update 23/2/18

Hi Everyone 

This weeks update is a bit limited ! I’ve have been working away but have had lots of ‘WORK work’ going on and my knitting time has been limited. However, I’m quite pleased with the progress I have made. Most of my knitting has been spent on the Coinneach cardigan by Kate Davies. 

                       

Looking at the photo, the piece of fabric on the left hand side of the Coinneach story looks very ‘thin’ to be the body - but it’s complete as far as the pattern goes. Go back to last Fridays post to see the finished cardigan as per the pattern. Obviously, when it’s time to start the yolk part, there will be more length added to the cardigan. It’s a steeked pattern and it’s also cropped but even so, I’m amazed how short my piece looks. As you can see, I’ve also almost finished one of the sleeves too, just a few centimetres to go. I’m enjoying this project and feel, for a cardigan, it’s developing quite quickly. I’m quite excited to start the yolk and see how the colourwork develops. Possibly, another two weeks could see a finished garment ! To this point, I’ve simply followed the pattern with no modifications. One of my knitting friends has suggested I may consider some short row shaping at the back of the neck. I will possibly go for this (when the time comes) but so far, it’s going OK.

Next up, is my From Scratch Socks. This is my own design and I’ve started writing up the pattern as I knit the socks. However, I’ve only added a few rows to the socks, the good thing is both socks benefit at the same time ! I’m hoping to make time for more knitting this weekend, so should make more progress. Hopefully, I could have my finished socks next week.

My next story is an acquisition. I’ve signed up to the Handmade Sock Society from Curious Handmade (Helen Stewart). I’ve decided it’s time to make myself work on some new sock patterns. I always have a pair of sock ‘on the go’ but recently I’ve relaxed into working my From Scratch pattern every time. I do like the From Scratch but I think it’s time to challenge myself. 

So, my challenge will be joining the Handmade Sock Society. Go and look at Helens blog here for how to sign up and other related stuff. The Sock Sociey is up and running, 6 sock patterns are released from Feb. to Dec. I’m a bit late to the party, so the first pattern has been released and is called Winter Rose Socks. Lovely, pretty socks with a ‘lace’ feel. I’m not sure about my yarn yet ? I do have lots of yarn which would work however, I’m thinking I may dye some for the job. I need to do some thinking about colours first. I love Helen’s patterns, she has a way of writing her patterns which gives a specific stitch count to each row as well as stating % complete column. I love that ‘column’ - so motivating ! Can’t wait to cast on. I will wait until I’m finished my current socks - this will give me time to sort out the yarn.

That’s it for this week, no crochet or spinning again. I really need to address my spinning or lack of it ! 

Thanks for calling in today. 

Have a great weekend - I’ll be back on Monday.

Bye for now.

Silver Day (22/2/2018)

Hi Everyone

It’s Silver Day today and yet again, I can’t believe it’s Thursday already.if you are a regular visitor to my blog, you will know Thursday is the day I share one of my current Silver Projects. 

This week, I’m sharing a new project to make a broach/pin. This piece is specifically for one of my knitted garments (the Titus Adrift by Carol Feller). Here’s my plan for the broach/pin :

                      

                        

I have two options, see bottom left or bottom right. I can’t quite decide whether to go for a silver, flat shape with a pin to attach to the cardigan. See bottom left sketch, or should a I go for the simplest, utility style pin design (bottom right). I made these simple wire bent pins as practice items last year for another project.

 The design on the left is more involved. I’ve got the option of using interlinked rings which will be made solid and hammered flat as well as a single organic larger shaped ring. If I go for this version, I will make an arm and hook for the back - to attach the broach. With this design, I’ll solder the attachments to the flattened organic rings. 

From the other option ie the four pins, at the moment, I’m favouring the far right design.

Have a quick look at the image below showing the actual cardigan. 

                       

I like to wear the cardigan, pinned across the front like a shawl and am happy to design the broach/pin specifically for this garment (instead of a button). Previous attempts to use an existing pin for the job have failed. The main issue is the weight of my broaches. As the garment is made from a very soft merino wool, the cardigan is pulled out of shape. My solution is to make something very lightweight and add a small piece of Felt behind the pin to give more support to the woollen fabric. Fingers crossed, either of the options described will be functional, maybe I need both ? I’ll let you know next Thursday.

Thanks for calling in today.