Contemporary trellis work . . .

Beginning the trellis . . .

Basic running stitch across the trellis . . .

Using four colours . . .

Using heavy chain stitch for the edging . . . 

Running stitch outside the heavy chain stitch . . .

Back on the crewel work . . .

Back on the crewel work, but only just!  So, so busy with the 'teaching', but hope to do more on this over the summer.  Still experimenting with ideas, and colours.

In the meantime, I have been feeding my creativity exploring textiles arts.  

Coming soon . . . 

Experimenting with trellis work . . .

Experimenting with Colour

So far . . .

Trellis work ideas

Working on some ideas for this crewel work design.  Still sampling colour, and different approaches to trellis work. 

Crathorne Bug - embellishments

to give more definition for the body, work a stitch in DMC Col.3031 over each cross over on the trellis

trellis pattern complete

using DMC Col.3031, work two small stitches to the side of each antenna for the eyes

over the two small stitches, work smaller stitches again to complete the eyes in satin stitch in the same colour

eyes complete

body definition - worked in DMC Col.3031 in tiny running stitch
work a slightly longer stitch on the front, and a smaller stitch behind

Complete!

Crathorne Bug - body, satin stitch, and trellis work split

split stitch using one strand of DMC Col. 644

satin stitch starting from the middle, and working over the split stitch

completed satin stitch

laid work, worked in DMC Col.3782, set the first central cross

then, work parallel lines of stitch, either side of the central cross

at every crossover of the laid work, work a small stitch to hold in place, again with DMC Col.3782

laid work, and body complete

Last few images of Crewel work Acorn

front - side view

front - another side view

front - close view of trellis work

satin stitch and leaves

Back view of trellis work

Back view

A few more shots of the crewel work acorn completed, both front and back of work.

Exhibition - A reminder of Nicola Jarvis's exhibition which runs from 6th July to 22nd September at the William Morris Gallery 

Kits - Kits of the acorn design will be available from Nicola Jarvis -  http://www.nicolajarvisstudio.com/store.html

Thank you for following this post - I have enjoyed working on this project.  If you want to see all the images from start to finish - you can now see these on Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/tracyafranklin/crewel-work-acorn/  Please LIKE the page . . .

more trellis work . . .

finishing trellis work using straight stitch, cross stitch and satin stitch

another view

trellis work complete outlined with stem stitch

There is only one more technique of this design to show, then it will be complete!  Keep watching for the final postings . . . 

trellis work . . .

the start of the trellis

measuring from all angles

holding down the trellis at the cross over

inserting the filling

I started working on the trellis late one evening, hence the mood of the images.  However, there is more to show in detail during daytime in the next posting . . .

Patching and piecing

my 'patching and piecing' piece

texture of plain coloured fabrics

detail of hand stitching - running and blanket stitch

more hand stitching - trellis work with satin stitch and bullion knots

I have just completed a weekend with Ruth Issett called "Stitched Surfaces to Dye For" as part of the Embroiderers' Guild North East Region's spring school.

This sample is the first part, using a method called 'patching and piecing' where different types of natural fabrics (not wool) are machined together in strips of various widths.  After the first stage is complete, the assembled fabrics are cut into strips again in the opposite direction at right angles. The new strips, which now show a series of squares of fabric, are assembled onto a backing fabric and constructed again using 'fancy' machine stitching.  Afterwards, other additional embellishments and hand stitching are added, and then the dyeing process begins . . . to follow . . . 

More detail and trellis work . . .

detail and trellis work

the working needle

Worked hard to almost finish the top half of the design yesterday.  The top two circles are straight forward satin stitch worked over split stitch, and were really quick to work.  The next pale green was satin stitch but I decided to trellis over it as the stitches were quite long.  Then there is the big circle which brought slight frustrations.  Nikki originally suggested velvet stitch - not being a big fan of velvet stitch although it has its place - I decided to go for the French knot option.  The French knots looked too textured when everything around it looked fairly sleek, so I decided to just trellis over it, which I am fairly happy with.  The French knots however, are so solid - that my fingers and the working needle (which has been amazing after what I have put it through) are at breaking point.  Still -  the joys of decision making!

Crewel work

samples from crewel work book
ISBN 9780956638809

Self published book on crewel work embroidery showing designs, stitch techniques, using two-ply worsted wool yarn known as crewel wool, on linen twill fabric.

The book, which is mainly picture based, details how stitches such as seeding, French and Bullion knots, and trellis work can be used in pattern and design.

Retail price is £29.99 plus p&p.  For further information and purchase, please contact info@tracyafranklin.com