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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| Page 37 |
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| Page 38 |
This braid consists of 3 strands of fancy yarn with an automatic pattern sewn over to combine the strands.
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| Page 39 |
Wrapped braid with an automatic stitch (M2/42)
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| Page 40 |
More wrapped braid.
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| Page 41 |
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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Page 42
Two braids intertwined.
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| Page 43 |
The same braids stitched together to create a new fabric/lace.
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| Page 44 |
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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| Page 45 |
This braid was made on soluble fabric, using automatic embroidery stitches. (M3/04, M3/97, M2/99).
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| Page 46 |
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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| Page 47 |
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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| Page 48 |
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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| Page 49 |
Shown against a printed 'knotty' background.
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| Page 50 |
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.
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| Presentation of Plaits and Prints |
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| Presentation of Braids |
