TAST 9 - Couching
I've never tried couching before. After struggling for a while to figure out how to use it, I settled on using it to create some script. I used some salmon pink mercerised cotton yarn (by Patons I think), couched down with gold thread. To avoid having to stop and start I decided to mimic the way I would write the word, which involved doubling up the yarn in places. The 'd' and the 'a' look a bit weird where I've doubled up the yarn side-by-side, but for the 'm' I went on top of the existing yarn and it's a much neater look.
TAST 10 - Running Stitch
For my first running stitch sampler I was inspired by Japanese Sashiko embroidery, which uses running stitch to create geometric patterns. The resulting shapes traditionally have a symbolic meaning. It is simplicity itself, but produces some really beautiful results. My attempt is a far cry from the defined, precise stitching of traditional Sashiko, but in my defense I drew my pattern freehand so didn't have the benefit of super-straight lines. That's my excuse anyway.
I thought it would be fun to try a freestyle, doodle type of thing as well. On its own in a small hoop it looks like it could use some additional embellishment, but it might work better on a larger surface, like a cushion cover for example.
Good to see you've got some embroidery work done. Couching is a great way to use thick, knobbly or in other ways 'difficult-to-stitch' treads. I agree with you, placing the second line of yarn on top of the already stitched one, like you did with the 'm' in dream (good choice of word, too) makes a neater line.
ReplyDeleteSashiko was used in the past to reinforce patched and worn garments so the pattern was not the most important. You can often see this is so called 'boro' pieces. However, when layering fabric of the same size a pattern was used (think whole cloth quilt) and as the stitches show up so clearly even stitches were important. When looking at your free style lines I am impressed by the neat, even stitches. Great work, Lilian!