After trying out traditional pulled and drawn thread techniques, it was time to experiment!
I had tried different counted thread techniques as part of my C&G course, but it had up until now been kept fairly traditional. Now I was being asked to step out of my comfort zone and experiment with these techniques using different threads and fabrics to create some modern pulled and drawn thread samples. I started delving into my stash to see what I could find to use.
Pulled Thread Embroidery
For my first of the two samples, I decided to do a pulled thread sample, using some of the different pulled thread stitches I had used before. I found a piece of scrim that I had previously dyed when experimenting with fabric dye. It was a lovely turquoise colour, and I thought I could do something bright and colourful with it.
My design project was all floral, so I picked one of my basic flower shapes, and transferred my design. This was quite tricky - the pen didn't exactly glide over the fabric, but I got there in the end! I got out my threads and started stitching different petals in different pulled thread stitches.
I like the end result, and I think it fulfils the brief, but it certainly wasn't easy stitching!
Reticello
For the next piece I wanted to included some drawn thread embroidery. As I had recently been trying out Reticello, I felt sure I could somehow incorporate this technique into a modern piece.
I found a piece of hessian and so this seemed like a good choice to try out something a bit different with Reticello. I cut the threads to make the squares for the motifs in different sizes. This time I chose to keep the colour scheme muted and natural to go with the hessian.
I also decided to keep the cut threads as a fringing around a couple of the motifs, then echo that with a fringe around the edge of the piece. I backed the cut areas with different hand dyed fabrics to add extra interest.
The whole finished piece!
I really wasn't sure how this would turn out, but I was pleasantly surprised. I do actually like the rough, rustic natural look combined with the Reticello, and it was much easier to work with than the scrim!
It was then time to start one of my assessment pieces. I chose to try out an embroidered sculpture, you can read about it here: Embroidered Sculpture (claireharveyembroidery.com)
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