| Course
Description: |
This
elegant heart design was planned as the cover of my book,
The Heart of Blackwork, which was published in June, 1992.
The book, as well as this class, focuses on unconventional
blackwork techniques and on certain refinements that improve
the appearance of reversible blackwork patterns. The design
has examples of original blackwork treatments that include
irregular stitch lengths and composite patterns that combine
blackwork with exposed canvas patterns, couching overlays,
and "simulated darning." The design includes
patterns that use "merged stitches" to make
lines more attractive, and sequences are manipulated to
keep the stitches from shifting in the open holes as they
are laid.
All
of the patterns in the design will be executed in the
reversible technique. Some class time will be spent
focusing on the development of original blackwork patterns
and on my methods of charting sequences that provide
optimum visual satisfaction. This elimination of the
inherent glitches of the double running or reversible
method of executing blackwork has been the hallmark
of my experimentation and is useful in handling other
types of stitch sequences as well.
The
threads used are floss and pearl cotton in two sizes,
and some Coronet braid and Kreinik metallics in two
sizes. Two types of beads will be added as special accents
to three of the patterns as well.
COLOR
CHOICE: Four combinations offered - burgundy-mauve
with silver metallic (pink canvas), blue-silver (blue
canvas), red/coral-gold (sand canvas) or teal/aqua-gold
(sand canvas).
PREWORK: Heart outline must be completed prior
to class. Choice of three stitches for this step. Estimated
time: 15-25 hours depending on stitch chosen.
GOALS
OF THIS CLASS:
1. To introduce students to unconventional styles of
blackwork patterns.
2. To show students a variety of ways to keep reversible
blackwork patterns uniform by manipulating the sequences
and planting the needle strategically on the return
trip to avoid crooked stitches.
3. To share other refinements in doing the double running
technique.
4. To share concepts in the development of composite
patterns, using combinations of open canvas treatments
with couching and blackwork accents.
5. To teach ways to add beads as part of a stitch sequence
- upright and/or diagonal stitches.
TEACHER
PROVIDES: All materials needed to execute the design,
a colored photograph, the mail-ahead segment, and a
comprehensive instruction booklet.
STUDENT PROVIDES: An 18" stretcher frame,
a clamp or weight to secure the frame to a table, a
laying tool, embroidery scissors, and a needle threader
along with a lamp/magnifier, if needed.
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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