Chapter Ten

Interchange sample 3

My workbook - image 58

I was very uncertain about this sample to start with but after some advice and once I got going, it became easier.  I chose to cut two of the star designs straight and move the other two round slightly adding variety.  Most of the hand stitches I used I had done before except for couching which I added to give a bit of colour to the darker squares.

Counterchange -  sample 2

My workbook - image 57

This is a counter interchange sample using bonded felt. I was pleased with the outcome and loved the scrim and will certainly use it again. I don't particularly like the effect of the net by itself but it makes a good contrast when used with other finishes.  Closed blanket stitch is another new stitch for me.  Quite straight forward and I like the effect round the edge. I did wonder if I could possibly have done more hand stitching but decided against it.

My workbook - image 56

Counterchange using bonded felts. I liked the way the threads appear on this counterchange sample and will remember this idea for the future. I have used blanket stitch before but never antique stitch and I am pleased with the result.

My workbook - image 55

Simple counterchange using papers.

My workbook - image 54

Chapter 10 starts with some insertion stitch samples. I tacked the strips of felt onto a piece of tissue paper and found there were a variety of possible stitches in my books. Most of these hand stitches are new to me so it has been great fun learning them. I started the bead inserting quite close together but after a few beads made the stitches wider which was more effective. There are a number of pattern stitches which I can use on my machine but they would not be wide enough to leave a gap.

Chapter Nine

My workbook - images 52 & 53

I completed image 52 but was rather disappointed with the outcome.  I then realised that I had cut the wrong side of the stitching so I decided to start again and was pleased with the end result.  I am pleased I took photos of the materials before I added the top chiffon because, although poor quality, they are a good reference for future designs.

Second attempt at distressing this sample - image 51

My workbook - images 50 & 51

I am pleased with the frayed effect on image 50.  Another time I could have used all fraying materials and this would have given a less defined design. 

I used 5 layers for the sample in image 51 and, although they were all fraying materials the colours have not shown up here.  I rubbed the finished sample to distress it but I wonder if the design was too detailed.  When I have used this method before I have used straight lines or circles.  Another possible idea would to have had the top layer in a different material.  I pressed the sample down when scanning so it is possible this did not help either.

My workbook - images 48 & 49

Chapter nine is about reverse appliqué.  I have produced samples showing traditional and contemporary methods.  With the traditional method it is easy to see what the result will look like but with the contemporary methods, it is not until the material is cut away, the final effect emerges. 

I found myself heading for a symmetrical sample in image 48 so decided to make the final layer more random.