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Description: |
This
original design was developed for the 1987 ANG National
Seminar in New Orleans. It was entitled Cajun Catfish
to give it a regional flavor, but the fish has gained
popularity throughout the United States today as a gourmet
delight whether blackened, fried or more simply prepared.
The design here is an elegant version of a somewhat homely
scavenger. The interpretation is also somewhat Oriental
since most of the fillings are original couching patterns
developed for this fish. Such patterns maneuver well in
unusual shapes and compensate easily so they were an ideal
choice to embellish this design.
This
design uses both one-way and two-way trame' or laidwork
foundations in several of the composite stitch fillings.
One pattern uses a ribbon tramE', and the water pattern
uses reversible blackwork rows of waves to couch down
the vertical metallic tramE's. In the large stomach
area another reversible blackwork pattern is used to
tie down or secure a sheer iridescent fabric that was
first applied to the canvas with a back stitch outline
along the edges. The entire design is outlined in synthetic
Japanese gold to hide the drawn outline as well, and
the barbs are outlined in couched jaceron. The eye of
the fish is an amber glass button backed with a layer
of gold kid to stabilize it. The border also incorporates
couching techniques, and the side areas are beaded as
well.
A
variety of threads are used in addition to these novelty
materials. These include both DMC floss and pearl cotton,
some Au Ver a Soie silk, Marlitt, Natesh rayon (optional),
and both Kreinik and Coronet braided metallics. Some
class time will be spent on discussing methods of developing
original couching patterns and proper tracking sequences
for these composite patterns whether they are open or
solid fillings.
COLOR
CHOICE: Color choices for the project include an
appropriate grass green combination, as shown, and a
brown arrangement, but those who prefer a more fanciful
treatment may choose the teal option. The water colors
are also flexible and may be chosen in class from large
spools of Natesh in suitable colors.
PREWORK: None
GOALS OF THIS CLASS:
1. To introduce students to a variety of couching techniques
used for both decorative laidwork patterns and attachments.
2. To discuss ways to develop appropriate borders and
backgrounds for designs.
3. To discuss stitch variations and how to derive interesting
stitch treatments for a design.
4. To discuss ways to develop "atmosphere"
in a piece - underwater scene here.
5. To demonstrate proper laying of plied threads and
other ways to refine canvas skills in some of the stitch
treatments used.
6. To introduce kid applique' and other three dimensional
effects.
7. To introduce sheer fabrics as a way to add background
color to an open pattern.
TEACHER
PROVIDES: Complete kit that includes all threads
needed to execute the design, the stretcher frame, the
mounted canvas, comprehensive instruction booklet, and
colored photograph of the model.
STUDENT PROVIDES: Two HiLiter pens, laying tool,
embroidery scissors, old scissors for cutting metal
threads, a clamp or weight to secure the frame to a
table, lamp and/or magnifier, if needed, along with
an extension cord.
TEACHER'S CLASSROOM NEEDS: Blackboard, eraser, and
chalk preferred (marker board acceptable alternative).
U-shape arrangement for student tables if possible.
Need large table somewhere for exhibit of visual aids.
Small table in front near board for teacher's notebook
and stitched model.
SUGGESTED FINISHING OF DESIGN: Framed piece
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