A variety of edgings

For the applique component of the Diploma we have to cover a minimum of four different types of edging. So far I have used turned (the tunic of one of the defendants), corded (around the arches and along the edge of the tower), embroidered (stem stitch around the men and the small colonnade) and now I am putting on a couched edge around the doorway. I am not sure if I will use any additional edgings - I will just see what is needed as I go along.

I added detail to the two shields using a coloured smooth purl, but it has got damaged. That was vaguely inevitable I suppose. Anyway, I have taken it out and will put some fresh on right at the last moment.

Slow progress.

This all takes longer than you would think. Slowly deciding on the order of layers, choosing the right fabric, stabilising and cutting out those tiny pieces, using fine silk thread to stitch the pieces in place ....................... It's all enjoyable, but you won't see an enormous amount of progress between posts. I suspect that, like canvas work, it is one of these techniques that comes together suddenly at the end.
I am pleased with the middle tower. I like the contrast in the little colonnade.

Re-starting after Christmas

I was back in Durham with Tracy yesterday, and so I getting back in gear to motor on with this piece. It may not look very different but ..................

The imposts are in place. I had to look that term up - they are the white bits of stone at the top of the pillars. The bricking is almost finished - I have left a gap in the middle because there is going to be a horse and rider there. The balustrade on the tower is in place and the cording almost in place. The cording cost a bit of effort, we broke the huge needle that we used and a piece of the eye stuck in the fabric. no-one thinks that embroiderers need pliers and wire cutters in their kit, but they do!

I'm pleased with it at the moment, it is looking quite lively.

Catastrophes or catastrophies?

People keep telling me that I have spelled my blog name incorrectly. Well I haven't! Catastrophy is merely the old-fashioned spelling of catastrophe. Which would yield plurals of catastrophies or catastrophes.

I like the -y and  -ies, so I'm keeping them!

When the holiday is over I will get back to stitching - honestly.

Starting applique

I am slightly anxious about applique. I have used applique as part of quilting and never particularly enjoyed doing it, so to do an entire project is a bit daunting. 

As ever, choosing the right image is a large part of the challenge. I have chosen an image that I found in Spain after walking the Camino de Santiago. It is complex but rustic. (I may need the emphasis on "rustic" as I go on!)

I am using silk fabrics throughout and predominantly silk threads also. Thank heavens for The Silk Route - a wonderful shop, so many colours, weights and textures of silk. I end up like a kid in a sweet shop! Working in silk adds it's own difficulties however - the tiny pieces tend to fray. The silk pieces are stitched on to, and completely cover, a background of calico. Then the layers are built up using a variety of paddings to give depth and texture. There is a fair amount of stitching to give detail and depth also. the shields are leather with coloured purl applied. The spears will, eventually, be cocktail sticks I think.

There is masses to do yet, not least of all figuring out how to do two horses and riders!

My horse revisited

My horse (whitework) returned to me last week, so here is the final, mounted image. I used pale green silk behind the piece.

The RSN may not like him, but I do!

Grumpy Old Man

And here he is at last! My finished, mounted blackwork. The RSN didn't think much of him, but I have become quite attached to his battle-weary face. The scar on his lip adds character I think (OK, so I'm weird!)