paper and metal

This work is inspired by Islamic design and repeat patterns, but not a copy.  I worked it in a very spontaneous way, by just drawing in basic lines and tracing the shapes very naively, although I maintained  a certain amount of accuracy.

my working frame

how I work . . .

My frame as I work the Union Jack . . .

experimental whitework

experimental whitework

Experimenting with whitework techniques using pulled work and surfacing stitching ideas, worked on 25 count Dublin linen which is an open plain even weave fabric - lovely to work on.  There is a combination of threads and yarns, including linen, fine wool and cotton.  Another on going unfinished project . . .

the stamp

the finished stamp - showing detail of satin stitch and seeding

showing more detail and depth

The completed stamp was taken from an ink jet printed design.  My objective was to enhance the design with simple stitch rather than detract.  The whole design contains, couching, running stitch, seeding (single and double), satin stitch, stem stitch, using a tarnished 'passing' metal thread, stranded cotton, and a metallic stranded thread (which is a nightmare to use, but I am sure that is part of its charm!).  Design is approximately 12cm x 17cm and worked on plain cotton fabric.

paper and stitch

paper samples

paper samples - detail of folded paper

Samples of paper and stitch from some time ago, which I want to, need to and look forward to exploring again, in the not too distant future.  I concentrated on metallic coloured papers, manipulating, tearing and cutting, then attaching with stitch - simple stitch.

another union jack

Another Union Jack by Esther Dean

Mine is still in progress . . .

machine embroidered fringing

machine embroidered fringing - experimental!

Experimenting and making fringing using my Bernina sewing machine primarily for City & Guilds teaching.  I used natural fabrics, and natural colours including silk, calico and organza.  Techniques include fraying, free style machine embroidery, and wrapped cords.  I loved experimenting, and still have more ideas.

The other thing I should have said about my 'machine fringes' is that, I always seem to insist on working with white, off white, natural, etc. - and therefore - really difficult to photograph, with a lot of editing in Photoshop!