Chapter Three

Free Machine Stitchery

3.1 Free machining using Isocord threads in bobbin and on top.

3.2 Free machining using Isocord threads in bobbin and on top.  Whip stitch – loose bobbin tension and tighter on top.

3.3 Free machining using Isocord threads in bobbin and on top.  Zigzag and whip stitch – widest zigzag and loose bottom tension and tighter on top.

3.4 Free machining using cable stitch.  This sampler was worked from the back with wools, perle and cottons in bobbin and Isocord in top.

3.5 Free machining using sewing machine automatic patterns.

Cotton in bobbin, Isocord in top Worked from back Auto 4:13	Cotton in bobbin, Isocord in top Worked from back Auto 2:14	Cotton in bobbin, Isocord in top Worked from back Auto 2:12
Cotton in bobbin Isocord in top Worked from back Auto 3.42	Cotton in bobbin, Isocord in top Worked from back Auto 3:28	Cotton in bobbin, Isocord in top Worked from back Auto 2:22
Cotton in bobbin, Isocord in top Worked from back Auto 2:40	Cotton in bobbin, Isocord in top Worked from back Auto 2:29	Cotton in bobbin, Isocord in top Worked from back Auto 3:34
Isocord top and bottom Worked from front	Cotton in bobbin, Isocord in top Worked from back	Cotton in bobbin, Isocord in top Worked from back
Isocord top and bottom Worked from front	Isocord top and bottom Worked from front	Isocord top and bottom Worked from front

Chapter Two

Designing with shapes and layers

Make a collection of decorated papers using the methods from previous chapter and translate the shapes observed in photographs.

These are the photos I am using for this exercise

Photo 1 – Bruge                    Photo 1 – Belton                   Photo 3 – Corsham
         
Basic method –
Image 2.1.1 - turquoise acrylic paint scraped back with rubber pencil to reveal heavy background of blue crayon
Image 2.1.2 – black/white acrylic paint scraped back with rubber pencil to reveal heavy background of blue crayon
        
Image 2.1.3 and 2.1.4 – samples above cut and then re-assembled
     
Image 2.1.5 – sections from above samples re-assembled

Image 2.2.1, 2.2.2 & 2.2.3 – simple shapes and patterns taken from the photos above.
          

Images 2.3.1, 2.3.2 & 2.3.3 – Variety of papers and transparent trapped threads used to create shapes and patterns from photos.
         

Images 2.4.1 – photo 3 Corsham developed further.  Cut into shape of water pattern, then re-assembled.
    
 
Image 2.4.5 above cut again and re-assembled a second time.
       
Image 2.4.4 is then copied four times as shown in image 2.4.6

Previous image is cut horizontally and re-assembled in Image 2.4.7

Re-composed on foil
Cut and torn papers and transparent threads re-assembled on foil background.
Images 2.5.1 – using photo 1 Bruge

 

Images 2.5.2a & 2.5.2b – using photo 2 Belton
    
Image 2.5.3 – using photo 3 Corsham

 

I have really enjoyed this chapter and I think some of the designs could be very useful.  I am particularly pleased with Images 2.4.4 and its duplication in 2.4.6.  The foil backing also looks effective and tearing the papers  in 2.5.1 and 2.5.2b left a lovely layered effect replicating the frothy water.  In 2.5.3 I assembled the design on foil as requested but I then took it further and put the results on a plain blue background.  I treated myself to some Intense Blocks recently and this was a good opportunity to have a play.

Chapter One – revisited

I was not very successful with some of my previous work so decided to revisit the tasks and concentrate on one design.

 

Frottage – rubbings using pastel (blue) and markel stick (turquoise)

       

1.30 – 1.30.1 & 1.30.2

     

1.30.3, 1.30.4, 1.30.5

     

1.30.6, 1.30.7, 1.30.8

   ,

1.30.9, 1.30.10

 

Sgraffito – top material scraped back using wooden chop stick

     

1.40.1 Turquoise markel stick over blue crayon – poor result

1.40.2 Turquoise markel stick over yellow crayon – poor result

1.40.3 Turquoise acrylic paint over blue crayon – good result

I built up several layers of crayon as a base layer and then added the acrylic but had to work quickly to remove before it dried.  Next time I will make it thicker.

 

Discharge method – different inks and when dry using bleach to make marks

     

1.60.1 Black Parker Quink ink 1.60.2. Black Stephens drawing ink 1.60.3 Walnut ink crystals

1.60.4 Black Winsor & Newton ink

Two inks were successful but two were not.  I understand that some inks produce different colours when discharged but unfortunately I have not got them.  This would have been interesting and effective.

 

Transparent surfaces

     

1.70.1 threads trapped between acetate

1.70.2 threads trapped in plastic wallet

1.70.3 threads trapped in clingwrap

1.70.4 emulsion paint applied to bubble wrap – some of bubbles burst to show low relief.

 

I am pleased I have done some more work on this chapter.  Some of the tasks have worked well but some have not so I can concentrate on the successful techniques and materials.