Applique with Janet

In yesterday's workshop Janet suggested needle turning onto a stabiliser backing. This way I can make several items and decide on placing later on, which is a good way of working for me.

It's also the first time I've experimented with needle writing, which I found very difficult but rewarding. Earlier this year I saw Rosalind Wyatt demonstrating at Art in Action and, as I watched her stitching old letters onto cloth, I was struck by how she managed to retain the character of the original handwriting...I think I'm going to be stuck at the printing stage for a while!

Regular Pattern vs Random Marks

We experimented with different printing methods in the last class with Janet. One of my more effective efforts was the potato print above, using ordinary printing ink onto an onion-skin-dyed hanky. But... It hasn't inspired me to add any stitching.

I used another piece of onion-dyed calico to clean the potato block between colours and mop up any mess with the result that it inspired lots of machine stitching: 

I added a couple of squares of potato printed linen on the bottom right to add texture, used a piece of old blouse for stability and really enjoyed letting my machine wander at will. I then applied it to the old table cloth, with a further layer of very fine tea-dyed hanky, fusing it all down kantha style. I like the contrast between the rough feel of the machine stitching and the softer, more flowing hand stitching.

I had another go at printing in a regular pattern with better stitching success:

Shop bought stamp on the last remnant of an old linen skirt, free-machine stitched. I still prefer the more chaotic effect though...

Pulling it Together

Had an inspirational day at the Journey workshop this week. Janet helped us think about how to use our samples as a route to a finished piece. She gently encouraged me not to get too attached to what I have done so far, but to incorporate the techniques from the pieces I like into a new design.

Due to Janet's vast store of ideas, I've changed direction slightly and have now got 2 paths to follow: a sort of family-story-cloth starting with some gifted linen...

...which will be gradually added to over time.

I've made a start by dipping it in coffee and sewing an archway...

...and may put this in the middle

 - stitched by my daughter -

cut out but kept ragged edged.

The second idea stays with the 'Garden of Forking Paths' but involves making a series of holey stacking bowls or vessels that can be turned and swapped around. So the challenge now is to make something that has a drapey feel while being stiff enough to hold its shape...