I stitched this area of my band sampler late in 2009. As I was stitching it I felt this section could have become a mini wall hanging but in the end I kept it as I originally conceived it, as a strip of experimental embroidery.
In the previous section of the sampler I experimented hand dyed, evenweave foundation fabrics that I patch worked together to form a long strip. This section is also patch worked together but instead of using specialised needlework fabrics, for this section I used rough slub linens and cottons that had a more workaday quality.
If you need a reminder of what section 45 looked like I have written about it here. If you compare the two you will see what I mean.
At the time we were heading into summer, so I selected what I call Australian bush colours and I pieced the fabrics together in a strip. I worked the outline of a few gum leaves down the length of the sample. Then instead of using threads and beads that had a high glossy finnish I used dull matte threads, wood beads and even rough brown buttons to define the negative space.
The idea was to experiment. Some day I might work a wall piece that is similar as although the gum leaves are a cliché I felt it described the mood of the Australian bush quite well. I think I would have to step away from the gum leaf motif if I worked a larger piece. That said I had a lot of fun with it!
In future posts I will share the close details and talk about what I did and what stitches I used etc. This post is introducing the area of the sampler and setting the context.
Size:
The For Love of Stitching Band Sampler is 15 cm (6 inches) wide. It consists of different strips of fabric which are are stitched together to form one long strip. It currently measures 96 feet 5 inches (2,938.78 centimeters), or 32.138 yards which is 29.3878 meters. It is still growing…
Sampler FAQ
For the full back story on this piece visit the Sampler FAQ page.
All posts in the series are in the category the Love of Stitching Band Sampler.
When is your next online Sumptous Surface Embroidery class.
I would be very interested. I have already taken your surface embroidery class.
Thank you
This is such a beautiful way of using ‘what’s on hand’. Small pieces of scrap fabric, joined and embellished with seams, then any stitch can be worked in a free form manner. Isn’t this the ultimate use of odd bits and pieces of fabric, thread, beads and buttons? Isn’t it the perfect place to try your hand at every new TAST stitch?
Thank you for always inspiring us, Sharon.
This is my favorite part of your sampler…I love how the texture and contrast keeps your moving and looking for more….much like your Sumptuous Surface class.
Deb
Thanks I like it too which is why I have often thought I could take the idea and work a larger panel. Its the cliché of the gum leaves that has always held me back.
You mention the gum leaves in the post….but until you left this reply…I had to go back and look for them. I do see the outlines now. My eye was so caught up in the surrounding area the leaves, to me, went unnoticed. It is funny how each of us see things differently. Of course if the sampler were right in front of me, in my hands, the leaves may have a stronger presence.
The cliche of the gum leaves has held you back……then do it without the gum leaves….too beautiful to let a cliche stand in your way!
this is beautiful! Look forward to seeing the detail. Must admit…. I am looking at my material and bead stash in a new light lol
x