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This
elegant design is more complex than it appears since
it combines a freely drawn scene with a counted border.
Students will learn a unique method that I have devised
that will make every outline fit perfectly. The same
method will also eliminate the need for a drawn outline
if the student thinks she would like to try this. The
design is "punched" on to the canvas with
an awl after the pattern is placed correctly behind
the stitched counted outline. The resulting perforations
will not only define the design outlines, but the holes
will be used for the stem stitch outlines that will
be added after the fillings are done.
Students
who prefer a drawn outline can trace the design on -
or they can add the stem outlines before class and work
with these in place. I like the flexibility that this
method allows me in planning a piece, and advanced students
will be able to handle it with ease and may find it
a useful tool in doing their own designs.
The
border outline here uses Square Herringbone units to
form the circle outline and staggered Diagonal Hungarian
units to create the slanted outlines in the corners.
The open patterns used in the border are original combinations
that were developed for this piece. Both combine white
pearl cotton with the star green Kreinik metallic to
create a soft elegant framework for the birds.
The
bird details are done in couched blackwork fillings
with some top stitching to identify the eyes and tail
feathers. The hibiscus is shaded in an unusual couching
treatment that uses a blended metallic with three shades
of red pearl cotton to create a naturalistic look. The
leaves are executed in a dense couching pattern, using
a variation of Web stitch. The background area behind
the birds and flower is stitched in a simulated darning
pattern in white pearl cotton - it is actually step
2 (by itself) of the pattern used in the trapezoid area
of the border.
Two
ombre' Kreinik metallic braids are used in the birds
and the flower to create a sophisticated look. The gold,
black and red combination is a custom blend developed
by Kreinik for me. Other threads used in this design
include pearl cotton, two additional metallics, and
silk and cotton floss.
COLOR
CHOICE: The greens in the design will be the same
for both color choices, but students may choose between
a red-orange hibiscus or a ruby-red shade with a corresponding
color change on the bird's throat.
PREWORK:
Basting lines must be established and the border outline
completed prior to class. In addition, the design lines
of the birds and flower must either be punched on with
an awl (or drawn with a permanent marker if preferred).
Estimated time: 18-20 hours.
GOALS
OF THIS CLASS:
1. To introduce students to a unique shading method,
using couching.
2. To introduce my "poked hole" method to
transfer design outlines to canvas without a marking
pen.
3. To discuss the development of appropriate borders
and backgrounds for designs.
4. To share ideas for developing original stitch treatments,
using combinations of open canvas networks with couching
and blackwork accents.
5. To learn how to manipulate stitch sequences in order
to conceal traveling threads in open patterns.
6. To learn how to control stem outline and get attractive
soft curves on canvas.
TEACHER
PROVIDES: All materials needed to execute the design
plus a large color cover along with a detailed instruction
booklet.
STUDENT
PROVIDES: An 18" stretcher frame, a clamp or
weight to secure the
frame to a table, plus regular embroidery accessories
such as scissors and a laying tool.
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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