Drawn Thread Embroidery

I've been experimenting with some other traditional hand stitch techniques, with the aim to learn new techniques and to then consider how these methods could be used and applied in a contemporary manner. 

 

Drawn thread embroidery is a counted thread technique, one of the oldest forms of openwork embroidery.  The work involves the cutting and removal of some of the threads in the fabric which are then stitched to create patterns, positive stitches and negative spaces.

 

The sample I created is stitched on an evenweave linen fabric of 28 threads per inch.  Evenly woven fabric is essential for this method to work as you have to count the number of threads to cut, sew etc.

I have to admit this method is a bit of a killer and a strain on the eyes!!  Although I like the outcome I would like to try it on a fabric with a lower thread count, and even further wonder if it would be possible to stitch metal gauze or similar to create 3D pieces.  

 

Here is the sample, one photo with a 50p piece to illustrate how small and intricate the sample is! 

 

 

 

The New Crewel

I've been experimenting with crewel embroidery technique, using crewel wool thread, rather than stranded cotton which I am used to.  I thought I should familiarise myself with this style of embroidery having referred to my projects as worked in this manner.  Crewel embroidery is defined as a type of surface stitching worked in crewel wool; the embroidery is much thicker and heavier than other types of embroidery, and the stitching lies above the background fabric, not just on it .  Having read up on this, I think purists would also say that it should be stitched on linen fabric!  I never realised that the Bayeux tapestry is in fact the Bayeux crewel embroidery, although it doesn't have such a good ring to it! 

I taken have some exercises from the book 'The New Crewel' by Katherine Shaughnessy and practised some of her designs which are conpemporary in nature,  although I feel a little limited on the range of stitches used.

 

 

Inspiration

I wonder why I search for unusual inspiration for my projects when sometimes things are right under my nose...in the garden!