"SUMMER GARDEN" - patchwork cover is sent on its way!

 

The patchwork bed cover (click & follow the link to read more about it) was posted to its new home - the above is a detail of one small section. Stitched on my latest acquisition Janome (which I am very pleased with), the single bed cover is entirely stitched together using the pre-programmed embroidery stitches. The wider than normal long arm is superb, as is use of finger (rather than foot) control .... the bobbin also doesn't keep dropping on the floor!!! In using it, I have thought of several other ideas for the machine embroidery patterns BUT more on that in future entries!!

" STITCHES IN TIME " & a top-loading bobbin !

At this stage, it's very easy to head off in many other directions & am sure if there was sheets of metal easily to hand, a large 3D metal Anger structure would soon appear! But the piece to be made is a textile one … especially as I look over to see my latest sewing machine reminding me of what I’m here for! Since 1972, an Elna SU has been my main sewing machine & it’s done everything wanted as a designer/dressmaker. When broken & stitching was no longer perfect, they were replaced with ones found on eBay but unfortunately they can no longer be repaired & I’m now using the final one.

Teaching dressmaking for many years, I’ve witnessed various sewing users & always recommended Bernina machines - especially as it was a first choice of mine in 1970s (when purchasing the first Elna) but at the time they were too expensive for me. I dearly loved my Elna, had almost every sewing foot & accessory for it but had also obtained some other machines for other specific uses. Along with an overlocker (still going since the 1978), I also had an industrial & domestic computerised Pfaff machines for several years. The industrial one was finally sold & after an expensive repair to the domestic one, some 15 years ago, traded it in for second-hand Bernina 1630 (above) - a computerised machine with touch screen. About 3 years ago, an upgraded Juki overlocker was bought (with so many more stitching options than the one already owned) & then last year (after the trusty Elna had become a bit more noisy), thought an investment in a Bernina 1008 would be a good next step. Unlike the other Elna or 1630 machines, it had a front loading bobbin & every time it was used, the bobbin ended up rolling across the floor with me becoming increasing ‘rather angry’ about it. Also, it wasn’t as precise as the old Elna, found the tension to be less reliable & overall, used it less as I became more dissatisfied with it.

NOW FOR THE BEST BIT … Recently, while “playing around” & experimenting with some stitching for the Anger panel, the fine embroidery thread in the needle snagged & snapped in half! … I clearly saw part of it was wrapped around the inner spindle of the take-up lever … & my Elna would never have done this! After contacting the local shop, found it was now essential to have it repaired but after further discussion, decided to trade it in. The choice now was between a computerised Bernina 540 or a Janome 8900 & after Internet surfing both, decided on the latter - the main reasons being: it had a long arm (suitable for quilting or other large jobs), a push button & foot pedal control (which maybe in tyhe future very useful) but best of all, it had a top loading bobbin!

I’m highlighting all this within the story of the Anger panel for 2 reasons:  firstly I experienced a small sequence of “minor anger issues!” as a result of the 1008 front loading bobbin & secondly, the plan is to use both the new Janome & the 1630 for making the panel  & apart from recording my creative thoughts & ideas, included in the narrative are those experiences of the equipment being used - especially these 2 machines.

Patterns ...

The night before last, I watched a recording about Faberge & his Eggs as I love them & his work. As I watched (& began to have some textile 3D ideas forming), so many on-screen patterns seemed to jump out at me ... so many shapes I also have preferences for.

Then yesterday I spent some time writing a magazine article about my work - actually I've completed the initial 'draft' version & now going through it updating & putting in better phrases etc! Whist reading through its beginning (a very brief outline about me) it suddenly dawned on me that one thing I've always been fascinated with is PATTERNS.

Obviously (!), sewing ones but also knitting, crochet, embroidery, lace etc etc ... but not the actual pattern instructions but the shapes of what the results create & form. Those 'shapes' known as bodices - sleeves - cuffs - collars - pockets - bags - tops - mats - scarves - gloves - socks and so on. Typing this now, I'm reminded here of a wall-hanging I made a few years ago that has miniature dress pieces stitched (then embroidered) onto a basic 'dress shape' to form a full-size hanging:

As a dressmaker, I love fabric & consequently the weave patterns as well as any surface stitchery. I also love the inner & created shapes of mosaics, grids, architecture, kaleidoscopes & those patterns formed by mathematical equations with fractals, chaos & space being exciting. From YouTube is this to demonstrate:

And I'm making mention of all this now as I feel it to be extremely significant. I'm not sure why but possibly in the context of a direction where I shall go next or maybe how I continue with Project: Interspection.

Seeking to understand the tradition ...

The above ("Laid to Rest" Skull Brooch - one of my stitched 'artworks') was one result of studying some worked examples of an embroidery technique (needlelace) whilst researching WWII. 

During the past week I've been studying some of my collection of embroidery samples - mainly to update details for The Stitch Sanctuary (if you click this link you'll be able to see them). Anyway, whilst doing it, I was reminded of the phrase:

Seek to understand the tradition and the techniques will regenerate within your imagination

... and I belive (just as in the example above) that's quite a true saying. On looking at my samples quite a few new 'stitchery' ideas are beginning to 'float to the surface' .

Lazy Daisy ...

One of the embroidered linens I've been uploading has constantly 'caught my eye' since I originally bought it many years ago. I don't know why but I think it maybe connected to its stitch term of 'LAZY DAISY'.

Project Stitch takes a form !

Yesterday I decided that Project:Stitch could now have a creative "form". I'm somewhat unsure if it will (ultimately) remain like this but for the immediate future, it is to be digital & on-going.

It's 'name' (for the time-being) is : The Stitched Kingdom ... the above image displaying one of my earliest memories of my "actual stitching".

NOTE: On 12/2/13, after coming across some old notes, the name has now been changed to THE STITCH SANCTUARY

Lace Flowerings ...

Whilst cleaning/restoring some lace at the weekend, as I picked up a piece to press it, the term 'Flowerings' sprung to mind. Acknowledging this term as possibly the style of embroidery I was looking at, I have once again begun to query the origin & link between certain stitchery & the techniques used - the above being a good example of this.

Perhaps another 'cross-over' or piece of symbolism ??

Stitch Project ...

One of my many ideas is to find out more regarding "stitches" - traditions of use alongside type & where/what it's used for. I find it a fascinating subject - especially regarding a link between a basic & decorative use. The verse below (found scribbled in my notebook) also reminded me that I must get to start this project:

Seek to understand the tradition, and the techniques
will regenerate within your imagination

c. 1930's stitched panel

NOTE 23/2/13: This has been included

within my reference library THE STITCH SANCTUARY

Samples of unusual techniques ...

Stitched Feather

Stitched skull

A special technique (sample left) that I find of interest, is the use of old milinery braids for other effects. Here I've used some trim for making flower buds along with some unusual bird feathers for the 'foliage'. I really enjoy "turning things on their head" & usually find something quite unusual & different appears as a result. On the right (not for everyone!) is a brooch I made to match up with the 'corsage' left. After finding a small bird skull whilst on a walk, I picked it up (& cleaned it) then decorated it with buttons, thread & some small feathers. At the end of last year, I found a larger small mammal head & I'm hoping to do something similar with that.

Or nue ...

In the recent past, I've studied some traditional embroidery techniques. One I 'turned on its head' for some experimental work is known as ' Or nue ' which if you click on, you can read more about.

Using some unconventional materials, I stitched a '2-way face'. Now framed & in a silver mount (so difficult to photograph), the image tends to move & change colour. Again, this is another technique I want to resurrect.

Stitched face