After all the busy'ness'/business of the AGM, Subscriptions, Competitions and the essential tea and coffee break, of our last meeting at the Lytham St Annes Embroiderers Guild we finally settled down to a little stitching!
This was the second part of our workshop in Drawn Thread Work, see the previous posts here and here.
It turned out to be a 'very little' so no photos of works in progress, am afraid but here are a couple of Samples of the new stitches we were learning, that our Tutor, the amazing Linda Bedford, had whizzed up for us beforehand.
This is Interlaced Hemstitch that is worked on a section that had 8 threads withdrawn and the top and bottom was worked in Hemstitch over 2 threads (this is called Ladder Stitch).
Working the top and bottom rows again in Hemstitch over 2 threads to prepare the edges, a Diamond Hemstitch is then worked in the centre over the threaded area that was left untouched. Shown in Orange thread, above.
Here is the same Diamond Hemstitch pattern worked in a dark navy thread, below.
The Diamond Hemstitch was worked in the section you see below that has 4 weft threads removed, then count down 4 threads and remove 4 more weft threads. This leaves a section untouched in the middle on which to work the Diamond Hemstitch pattern.
Coral Knots, above worked in pink thread, have had 10 weft threads withdrawn and the top and bottom areas were worked in purple flossed Hemstitch over 2 threads.
Four Sided Stitch shown on the top row of the sample in navy, below has been used to give a more decorative effect. The bottom row has been worked in Hemstitch over 4 threads also and this gives the coral knots a cross stitch effect in the centre.
Here is the completed Sample of Drawn Thread Work stitched by Linda. This is what we 'should' end up with if we follow the handouts.....
Top Row is the Hemstitch over 2 threads, or Ladder Stitch as it is also known when worked top and bottom rows either side of the withdrawn threads. This is commonly used to start off the pattern.
Second Row is Hemstitch over 4 threads.
Third Row Zig Zag Hemstitch.
Fourth Row the Interlaced Hemstitch.
Fifth Row Diamond Hemstitch.
Last Row the Coral Knots with Four Sided Stitch on the top and Hemstitch over 4 thread on the bottom.
We were very grateful to have Linda on hand to help especially as half of the members were beginners having missed the first workshop in August due to holidays etc.
A big Thank You to Linda for all her hard work in teaching our two work shops and for providing us with fabric, thread, work sheets and samples.
We now have another technique in our repertoire!
If you would like to learn about Drawn Thread Work or other types of embroidery, do come along and join us on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Address on the right hand side bar. You will be made very welcome.
As promised in the last post showcasing the entries in the Novice category of the Trudi Goodenough competition this year with the theme The Colour Purple, here are the entries submitted for the more experienced stitchers.
Lovely hand embroidered Lilac Blossoms, below, with a crewel work flavour to the stitches. Very pretty.
Next up is a splendid creature of myth and magic - a fabulous velvet Purple Dragon with sparkling silver plumes of smoke coming from his nostrils. The background fabric is fitting too as it gives the impression that he/she is in a misty lagoon or swamp.
Canvas work Diamonds in purple and aqua with silver highlights, above. What a fantastic colour scheme and very neatly stitched.
Lime greens, yellows and purples, below, make up this lovely little cushion based around 4 lines. Needle woven flower petals give the piece a very professional look. The fabric has been hand dyed.
A Soutache Pendant, below, looks striking in purple braid embellished with beads.
You can read a little about the Soutache technique of braid making, in this post here.
Detail of central design in close up, below.
More striking Purple Canvas Work, below. The one Red Square in the top right of the design gives the piece interest (apologies for the flash in the photo it was impossible to get a clear picture). You can still see the effort that has gone into the stitching and appreciate the workmanship. Love the touch of red.
Lastly, we come to the Winning Entry, below.
This is a lovely display of Stump Work Pansies complete with a bee and small butterfly. Extremely nifty fingers stitched these delicate petals one by one with Long and Short Stitch to give shades of colour.
And here is our Winner of the Trudi Goodenough Cup this year; Diane holding the Cup and her entry, in the photograph below. Well Done Diane!
Well thats all for now. All the work was well executed and we appreciated the work that went into each of them. Thank you to all our entrants in each category of the competition.
Which piece caught your eye and perhaps gave you the inspiration to start something in Purple of your own?
Till the next time - Happy 'Purple' Stitching!
