by Sandra | October 13th, 2009
You will notice I added one more design element, (I couldn’t help myself), to finish off the Clematis block. I printed off some text from a chosen font from my computer and sized it appropriately to the flower design. For someone extolling the virtues of simple embroidery stitches, I must admit I had really never used the back stitch much for outlining. Lately I have seen a lot of needlework artists, who mainly do embroidery blocks for quilts, use this over the stem stitch. I was intrigued.
The lettering gave me an excellent opportunity to play with this. I love it! I instantly saw why they are using it over the stem stitch for outlining images, text, etc., It gives a nice texture, hugs the lines and is easy and a relaxing “do it while you watch TV with the family” embroidery.
I didn’t do any fancy quilting, just my usual texture background fill that helped to enhance the burlap appearance of the background fabric. If I had time on my hands, (sure you betcha), I would create a multiple block quilt designed of different flowers like this. Too many other things in line ahead of it right now.
I make little quilts like this to give myself a hit of instant gratification and that is enough to satisfy me so I can continue to make progress on the quilts that demand a larger chunk of time to complete. They are also great for display in my sewing room because they take up very little space, yet give me a sense of accomplishment.
One more thing…..
Remember how I talked about the values in the fabric choices? Look at the top photo and imagine if I had used prints, solids, or the same value in fabric choices. Do you see how that would have changed this outcome considerably? Whether your intent is to create whimsical, folk, painterly, or whatever style of design, color value is the important consideration before a stitch ever takes place to reach that style goal you envision.
all content ©2009 Sandra Leichner all rights reserved
Just lovely – and what fun to watch the process. I used to embroider many moons ago – that stem stitch looked quite thick – and I’ve never heard of the turkey stitch – now I have to go look them up. Still haven’t started my beginner’s applique project – but soon! What will you work on next?
Make sure to also look up Ghiordes stitch if you can’t find anything under Turkey knot or stitch. I usually see Ghiordes knot referred to most often in stitch dictionaries.
Funny thing, during my fever I had a vision, (LOL) so I grabbed my sketchbook laying on the floor by my bed and quickly drew it out and then left it there to be rediscovered when I felt better. Do you see how my brain NEVER turns off?
I LOVED the idea and the sketch. This always happens, I am in the middle of a large project and the next big idea presents itself and I want to start it! If I have two big projects going at one time, it always ends the same, neither gets finished.
We will see which one wins out.
That turned out great! I see a series here….
I thought for a minute that you were laying on the floor by your bed , LOL ! Then I read it right ! : ) glad your feeling better !!
I mostly use the back stitch , I like the way it looks and find it easier than the stem stitch too.
I was wondering if you ever use the sewing thread ( like you embroidered on the flower) on leaves or birds ? I know you said that you did it so it would be finer,more delicate but would you use it on other things? and if yes what ?
Absolutely beautiful.
How did you transfer the printing to the background fabric ?
What thread did you use for the print ? If it was DMC’ then how many strands ?
Do you plan to teach at Paducah in the future ?
This is indeed very beautiful, Sandra. I think embroidering the letters tops it all off.
Thank you for visiting me back. I hope you don’t mind me adding you to my blogroll.
Sara,
I traced it through a lightbox, which wasn’t easy on this fabric! Another method to use would be some Saral transfer paper. Here is an Amazon link I found especially for you Sara for your special shipping needs if you want some.
http://www.amazon.com/SARAL-Graphite-TRANSFER-PAPER-Tracing-Sketch-Drawing/dp/B0019IKX90
Sara, The letters were done using two strands of DMC cotton floss. I did not use black as it would be too strong, but a nice earthy dark taupe #3021.
I did respond to a general teaching request from the folks at AQS for their shows, so if you want me, best to let them know!
Hey Ivory Spring,
Believe me, it was my pleasure to visit your blog! Thanks for adding me to your blogroll!
Too funny Boop! Although you may have been not too far from the truth!
Well I just fell in love with this backstitch for outlining and was scratching my head as to why I hadn’t thought of it before. See??? you knew something I didn’t.
I use sewing thread on anything that is small in scale. Such as the Egyptian goddess faces on the Pharaoh quilt. Do you ever notice how DMC is too heavy for facial details and they look like hookers when all is done. No disrespect to the hookers of course.
Yes, the bird “fluff” accents could use sewing weight thread as well. If you are used to doing regular embroidery, like I was, it takes a gentle changing of that instinct to instantly think in terms of two strands of floss for most everything.
Your eye will know when floss is too heavy (even with one strand) and then you scale down to a sewing weight thread and all is good again.
Thanks Vicki!
A series……quick take that back before my brain latches on to the thought! LOL
Hey! Look what I just found over at Superior Threads?!:
http://www.superiorthreads.com/gallery/featured-artists/
What does it say around the outside border of that quilt?
Michele,
That is the quilt that is now in the National Quilt Museum and the lettering says, “Beauty can often be found in the most unexpected places”. It is called Unexpected Beauty.
Thank you Sandra. You are so thoughtful. I am putting the saral papaer on a future shopping venture.