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April 23, 2009

Adding More Color and Thread


Using the crewel work images as inspiration, I freehand drew out the additional images to fill the remaining white space.


Color was added to the images and the white background. The images were then outline stitched with a 40wt cotton thread. My original thought was to hand embroider the outlines, then I decided not to....


Sometimes I tie off the threads as I go, sometimes I leave them and do them all at once. I left the threads here and need to sit and tie them off. Using a square knot, I tie the bobbin and top thread together. Then a large eyed needle is inserted into the hole the last stitch made. The needle threader threads the tails through the needle eye like a hook. The tails can be pulled to pop the knot into the layers and then the tails can be safely cut. I used to use the self threading needles, but found my threads would cut when I pulled them into the eye. Then, the stitches had to be picked back tied and stitched back in. I was loosing time and $, so I find this system works for me. Threading the eye without the threader can work also, it's just quicker for me to use the threader..... I keep one on a magnet on my longarm handle and one in my sewing kit I made specifically for tying off threads.

I haven't decided if I want to use a heavy gold thread in the background or a thin 100wt that won't show. This has been a fun little project to play around with the inks and paints.

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8 comments:

Terri Stegmiller said...

Wow, I'm loving the riot of color in this piece.

Susan said...

Thanks for the tip about using the needle threader. I normally use the self threading needles too, but have the same trouble with the occasional thread breaking. I think I'll try your method next time! Thanks again!

Linda said...

Your work is amazing! I'll be back to see what you do next.

McIrish Annie said...

I see you are totally into the inks. This piece is wonderful.

I love the little nest you showed. My DH put out about 6 birdhouses hoping for some nests. If I show him yours, it will put him right over the edge. LOL!!

Can't wait to see the QOV!! it looks fabulous. thanks again for quilting it!

Amy Munson said...

Great piece, I really like the colors and the design.

Dionne said...

Wow, what a beautiful piece of artwork!
Cheers,
Dionne

Quilt Rat said...

WOW! Incredible work.........I LOVE seeing how it has evolved, thank you so much for sharing this.

Unknown said...

Threadwork at the end....good grief! I sometimes have so many threads to do! Thanks for the tip..I also have been using a self threader but this sounds better! I'll give it a try and keep watching you! Great blog!
Eileen