Sewing the Distance!: February 2021

Distant Stitch Diploma, Module 3, Chapter 5 - Stitched Braids

I started by dabbling with all the methods outlined in the chapter for creating braids. Some were more successful than others.

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This braid consists of 3 strands of fancy yarn with an automatic pattern sewn over to combine the strands.

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Wrapped braid with an automatic stitch (M2/42)

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More wrapped braid.

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I wrapped pelmet vilene with fabric and wool, then stitched rows of automatic stitch. I concertina'ed the braid and cut into the top and bottom edge - very hard work!

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Two braids intertwined.

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The same braids stitched together to create a new fabric/lace.

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Braid created on a wire frame. I wrapped fancy yarn onto the frame and then zigzagged down the centre. The gold knitted yarn was opened up and I added a woollen plait of various thicknesses down the middle.

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This braid was made on soluble fabric, using automatic embroidery stitches. (M3/04, M3/97, M2/99).

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This sample shows 2 rows of maroon braid made on a wire frame. The braid made on soluble fabric was layered on top. The rings were made with the flower stitch foot and an automatic pattern ( M3/93). I laid clear organza over soluble fabric to stitch the rings. This made the fabric stable enough to work without a hoop. I cut the rings out with a soldering iron and dampened them to remove some of the soluble fabric. I was very pleased with the result, especially with the colour blending of the braid and the background fabric.

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I stitched rings of wide zigzag onto to pelmet vilene, then used a soldering to cut them out. The strips were created on felt. I arranged heaps of cut threads over the felt and used a very narrow zigzag stitch to hold them in place. I then trimmed the tangle of threads to create the strips. Creating this design in paper had been relatively easy. It was much more difficult in fabric!

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I wanted to create the spiralling circle design from page 22 in fabric but it proved too difficult. I made several attempts but they all looked very clumsy and untidy so I decided to make everything simpler. I made a flat braid on soluble fabric, stitched in silver (M3/04). I covered a length of string in silver zigzag to create a cord. I made a series of 'figure of eight' knots along its length to mimic the design on page 22. Not too bad!

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Shown against a printed 'knotty' background.

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This is a simple wrapped braid with an automatic pattern stitched on it. The design is based loosely on my drawing from the Book of Kells. I have photographed it horizontally but I actually made it vertically. It wasn't until I looked at it horizontally that I noticed the design looked like 3 fish. I just can't get away from my theme!

A very enjoyable chapter that has really helped me to look closely at the potential in design and how to work with ideas.

Presentation of Plaits and Prints

Presentation of Braids

Distant Stitch Diploma, Chapter 4 - Stencilled Designs onto Fabric

I chose 4 designs to base the stencils on. I cut them out in freezer paper and lightly ironed them in place on the papers.

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Top left Zigzag design from page 17

Centre Square design from page 23

Top right Circle design from page 23

Bottom Celtic design form page 15

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Layered circle and Celtic stencils on pink painted paper with acrylic paints.

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Layered zigzag and square stencils on blue painted background, with acrylic paints and Markal paint sticks.

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Circle stencil with acrylic paints and Markal paint sticks on painted background.

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Zigzag stencil and circle stencil on painted background with Markal paint sticks.

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Top left - circle stencil with acrylic paints and Markal paint sticks.

Centre - zigzag and square stencils with acrylic paints.

Top right - zigzag and square stencils with acrylic paints.

Bottom - zigzag and Celtic stencils with acrylic paints and Markal paint sticks.

The following prints have all been created onto white cotton, using a gelliplate. The process was a bit confusing to start with as I didn't realise I needed to reverse the order of creating layers. In fact, on the gelliplate I created each layer by masking out the layer below using the stencils. I took the print after using the stencils multiple times and I enjoyed watching the build up of patterns as I layered the stencils. I used acrylic paint throughout.

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Wide toothed comb used to create lattice design on base layer. Square stencil used as mask.

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Zigzag and circle stencils used.

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Square stencil and kitchen roll used to create patterns.

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Book of Kells stencil used to create layers.

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Circle and square stencils used to create layers.

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Circle and square stencils used vertically and horizontally.

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I needed an extra background in chapter 5, which I have inserted here. It was created using a gelliplate and acrylic paints, using one of the printing block created in chapter 2.

Distant Stitch Diploma, Module 3, Chapter 3 - Paper Braids as Stencils

I decided to draw out the designs I had chosen into my sketchbook first, before creating them in paper. I used one example from The Book of Kells and the rest came from books on decorated lettering. I looked at a small sample of the decoration and isolated it into a design of its own.