MODULE SIX - completion notes

I have taken rather a long time to do this module but now it is over I have mixed feelings.  Yes I am pleased it is finished but this now marks the end of my course and I am rather sad about this.  I have learnt so much, experimented with so many ideas but now it is time to take those forward and hopefully concentrate on the things I have enjoyed most.  The girl I asked to authenticate my work is visiting next week so this will be a great opportunity to get out all my workbooks and to look through them with her.

Here are my final completion notes:

I have just spent a most enjoyable morning with my dear friend Pam who I lived opposite for nearly 40 years.  Pam has watched my progress in this City & Guilds course since I started and it was fun to explain the work of this final module, initially creating all the samples from photos, experimenting with the various techniques then choosing the topic for the final wall hanging.  It is not until you have to explain to someone your journey step by step, that you realise what an amazing amount of work you have done.  Thank you Pam for your support and interest over the years.

This is the authentication form she has signed:

CHAPTER ELEVEN - part 2

Wall hanging - completion

When I posted my hanging a few weeks ago I was pleased with my work but there was something missing - I really did not like the white zigzags.  I read Sian's feedback and chatted to friends and family and then, after returning from holiday, I had a brilliant idea.  Back in March we had an indigo dyeing workshop at the Guild but the vat did not work and the tutor agreed to return at the end of September.  I took along my original resist samples and I decided to take the white zigzag pieces I had prepared for my hanging and put them in the vat too.  It worked a treat and was just what I wanted.

Completed hanging

Presentation of supporting work

Rather than display the samples on one sheet I decided to use four hinged A3 boards so the presentation could be folded up.

Indigo workshop

I have really enjoyed this project - the preparation, the design and the creation.  I am pleased with my choice of colours and my choice of techniques.  Yes, I have changed a few things along the way but most of my original ideas have stayed.  I decided not to create three cords for the hanging as one, well covered, was fine.  When using the coloured papers I was enthusiastic about the white zigzags and the green squares but when I got to the stage of adding them to the hanging they just did not work.  It was a stroke of luck to have the indigo workshop two weeks ago and I was so pleased I had the brain wave of taking the white zigzags along.  

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Making your wall hanging

Below is the paper image of my chosen design followed by a variety of photos of the different stages of the construction of my wall hanging.

 11.1 Background

11.2

11.4

11.6 water soluble work added to background

 11.8 cutback pieces added to background

11.9 white zigzags pinned.  I really do not like this so I am cutting back the white to make it narrower.

11.10 background folded forward to add an edging.  No additions

11.11 green focus squares added

11.12 all white zigzags cut back to show just the silk and dark green squares

11.13 current situation.  All the various sections have been stitched to the background including the white zigzag.  The paler green squares are to be stitched into position, edges to be stitched and backing with sleeve to be stitched into position.  I am leaving this until the last job in case I need to add or alter anything.

11.14  I am still concerned that the white zigzags are too dominant so I have experimented by weaving some interesting threads through the running stitches on my sample.  Quite like this as it tones the white down - could use the brown/green threads and possibly some blue against the rain section (water soluble)

I have spent a number of very enjoyable hours on this wall hanging and I am pleased with the result so far.  There is still some work to do but I feel it is coming together well.

Chapter Ten

Converting Hanging Design into Embroidery
  
Chosen design and design with addition of feature squares – Siân suggested these squares and I think they bring the design together.  Lime green is a colour I have only discovered recently and one which I will certainly use in the future.
  
Design enlarged to A1 and design pattern ready for cutting

Images 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 for area 1 the rain.

Images 10.4, 10.5 & 10.6 – fabric manipulation

Images 10.7, 10.8 & 10.9 – soil effect

Images 10.10, 10.11 and 10.12 – feature squares in silk


Images 10.13, 10.14, 10.15 & 10.16 – white zigzag in varying lengths and widths.

My chosen samples for hanging.  After discussion this may well change!

Threads and fancy wools

Machine threads and brown materials

Blue materials and hand dyed scrim

Silk for feature square

Text for Chapter Ten