module 2 Chapter 3

A traditionalist I am not.

The task for this chapter was underside couching, hmmm!

My first trial sample was on the velvet used for the previous couched samples, and although I wasn't very proficient, I was quite pleased with the result, having used a thick multi-stranded Madeira, couched down with a silk thread.


2/3/1

However the real challenge came when I tried a sample using silk backed with linen, with Kreinik metallic thread. It was very hard work pulling the metallic through to the other side, although I did learn the feel of the technique on this sample. As you can see I started with yellow silk and blue couching thread just to see where I was going.
The next challenge was to try making a pattern with the couching threads, I have to admit I gave up after the fist repeat as I knew this was definitely a technique that I was not going to master in a decade!


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The underside.

Moving on to a bigger tapestry canvas using metallic like Goldfinger yarn was much easier. I painted the BG in shades of orange similar to those used on the Syon Cope. I then printed the BG with a curved window shape of the period. The maroon area was worked using double strands.


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The underside.

Next up was experimenting with the sewing machine to produce an underside couching effect with whip stitch.

I looked at some of the border patterns on the Syon Cope and worked the next 2 samples with embroidery thread on the top and Kreinik thread in the bobbin. I worked the motifs with alternate small and large stitches, which gave a really nice effect in the light, especially on the silver sample. I then reinforced the pattern with a straight stitch and on the silver sample I used a pattern stitch to outilne it.


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Both samples were worked on a single layer of calico. I would definitely return to this technique as I really like the play of light on the silver sample.

This sample was worked using two different machine patterns, with Coats Diadem in the bobbin of the zig-zag pattern and DMC Fil or clair in the bobbin of the other pattern. Again Calico was used as the base fabric and embroidery thread was used in the top.


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This sample is worked by changing the start point on each row. I used a darning stitch and DMC Fil or clair in the bobbin, with embroidery thread on the top.


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The last sample for this chapter was worked using Coats Diadem in the bobbin and embroidery thread on the top, changing the width of the stitch while stitching.