Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Tutorial, part the fifth

And a good Wednesday morning to everyone!

Continuing with the piece. Overcast stitch the center padding (like satin stitch, just not angled) I used two strands of DMC floss. Doing this, gives your area of turkey stitch a nice border, and keeps the edges clean.
Next we start the Turkey stitch Mary Corbett has a wonderful video tutorial and description of the stitch, at the link.
I'm working with three strands of DMC you can work with more, of course, but I find this to be more manageable, and trims up nicely. I'm using a toothpick to keep the loops, more or less, even. It makes the trimming go a lot smoother, if you use a gauge like that. For smaller sections, I'll use a thick wire.

As you finish each row, trim your loops. You'll find that it's a lot easier to get all the loops trimmed if you cut them as you go. If you wait to the end, you'll find that you've got uncut loops, and they reflect the light differently. (you may like the effect. I really don't)

For this one, use the heavier needle, you will want the extra length, and sturdiness to grab onto. (this is from the file of lessons learned the hard way. don't be like me)

Also, the denser the stitch is worked, the more full the pile is. And it just looks better.

MOST IMPORTANT: Do NOT, I repeat DO NOT attempt to trim and shape the fluff until the whole area is finished. Also, do not start trimming and shaping on one day, and come back the next to finish it. You will find a ridge, or line forms, and you will never get rid of it, unless you pull it out and start all over. (Once again, don't be like me)

Trim and shape the fluff. Work methodically from the outer edges to the inner section. This will give the fluff a nice domed shape. As you're going, stop and fluff the fluff with an eyebrow brush. Really work the bristles in, since that's what separates the floss strands and makes it look like lush carpeting.

That's all for today. Tomorrow we'll add the beads/pearls.

Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Tutorial, part 4

Hi folks!
Since I wasn't sure what colors I wanted to use, I used a random number generator to pick my DMC floss colors, for the base, and then the accent colors. It's an interesting combination, I kind of like it.

I'm filling the body of the brooch with long and short split stitches, so that there's a shading from light in the center, to dark at the outer edge. It's a nice effect, and can really glow in the right light. First I establish the direction of stitching with long stitches. I'm not worried about the long carry of thread on the back, since that's all going to get anchored, with the future stitching. I'm also using two strands of floss, and the Milliner's needle, since that's going to be rugged enough to stitch through any glue that might have gotten into the middle section (there will be glue in the middle section, there always is) As a note, do remember to separate your strands of floss, it will give you better coverage, and look better.

here's the random long and short stitching. I'm running the dark thread almost down to the center section. It's what I consider the dominant color, and I want it to show through the whole piece.

Continue with the second color, occasionally hitting the inner edge. Make sure to come up at the outer area, and come down close to the center. That helps with the directionality of the stitching. Also, I encourage you to split the previous color's stitches, that will help with the blending effect.

Finally, put in the lightest color, occasionally going out to edge of the shape. This is a highlight, and it just looks more luminous if you occasionally carry the highlight right into the darkest sections.

The main section is done (before embellishing, there will be embellishments of course) Go have another cookie.

Happy stitching!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Tutorial, part 3

Happy Monday, folks! (Yes, I know it's tax day, these things happen) Continuing with the tutorial, here we go...
After you've attached the wire, mix up some Elmer's glue (or similar goop) equal parts glue and water and brush it into the fabric around the shape, make sure to saturate the fabric well. Turn the piece over and repeat. I then dry the fabric with a hair dryer on a low setting, it takes a few minutes, and it's all nice and dry. You can also let the glue dry overnight, if you don't have a handy hair dryer. (a tip, try not to soak into the middle section, you can still stitch through the glued fabric, but it's easier if you don't have to do that.)

Pad the center outline, just like you did for the outer outline. (two strands of floss, worked in split stitch)

Okay, you've just finished the preparation phase of the project! Reward yourself, and go have a cookie.

Happy stitching!