Progress so far on the sample for a larger work in progress:
Noob to couching, this is my practice piece.
I had this canvas thumbtacked to an old picture frame that's much smaller than the canvas, because I wanted to start RIGHT AWAY but I've since invested in a $20 "tapestry lap frame" which is duh, much better. And a lap frame sounds so...weird, I like it.
Embroidery on canvas, using DCM metallic embroidery thread with Scanfil metallic thread for couching. My first go at couching! My GOD it takes a long time. This canvas is 440 x 310mm, the larger work will be 505 x 505mm. The only way to do this is by hand, although I do yearn for a couching foot. At least the pattern transfer was easy, just tracing onto Solvy, which is a boon, my dears, a boon.
Obviously I made this as difficult as I could, deciding that every single teeny circle had to be 'floating', ie, not 'run on' as much as guipure laces & corded laces are.
So I was plunging the thread through to the back, once the teeny circle was done, securing it, then pulling it back up to start the next teeny circle. Much and constant re-threading, cursing, and wailing and cursing.
The tasselled rope is a vintage Japanese obi tie. To my shame I had two, but buggered up one of them trying to extract single threads. Bad girl, now with bad conscience.
First time using Solvy from Chatswood Sewing Centre; can those people any nicer? Always so helpful, they know everything. And Mary Corbet knows everything about embroidery if you're wondering. I couldn't resist washing off a corner of the Solvy, just to see, as you see above. Damn that stuff works! This is the lightweight film, I'll be using the heavier one on the large work in progress.
I created the decorative lace pattern, extrapolated from a piece of Alexander McQueen lace. I want to put this on all the things and I probably will.
Large work in progress
Images like this dont just 'appear'; I've been leading up to my foray into gold thread embroidery for 30 years, amazing its taken this long really. Combing sewing and artwork seems natural, I often use fabrics and laces in my work and I'm devoted to the decorative in all things. Love a landscape. Love some gold. Love some pretty.
More to come!, Watch the space.