Section A – Tonal column using counted thread stitch on canvas with black and white wool threads
Section B – Blackwork tonal columns stitched by using:-
Pattern development
Spacing of stitches
Thickness of thread
Section A – Tonal column using counted thread stitch on canvas with black and white wool threads
Section B – Blackwork tonal columns stitched by using:-
Pattern development
Spacing of stitches
Thickness of thread
Zebra forehead/blaze markings
Snake skin markings
Angel fish markings with ‘false eye’
Tree frog leg markings
Samples A, B, C, and D
A- straight stitching: B – zig zag : C – various stitch patterns + changing stitch length. D – zig zag + variations in stitch length and density
E, F
E – automatic ‘darning stitch: F – wavy stitch + variations in stitch length and width
G, H
G – Whip stitch, bottom tension loosened, various automatic stitches. White bobbin thread pulled to top on outside lines of stitching.
H – zig zag whip stitch with black bottom thread pulled to top
Reverse sides of above samples G and H
I and J – more whipped stitches, variations of stitch length and width - right and reverse sides
Cable Stitch – my rather old Elna sewing machine ‘refused ‘ to sew with a thicker thread on the bobbin even with reduced tension. The bobbin case is not removable. I just spent ages undoing a tangle.
Stitched Strips
I have chosen some of the built in and ‘Elna disc’ stitches on my machine that I feel create animal markings when machined in strips.
K, L, M and N
O, P, Q, and R
I particularly like samples M, N, O, and P
Some personal thoughts on animal patterns produced by stitching.
When I was at teacher training college many years I wrote and embroidered a dissertation on Blackwork embroidery. I have always been fascinated by the way simples lines created innumerable patterns on a even weave fabric. I thought Blackwork patterns could create wonderful animal patterns. I have made a modern interpretation of a Blackwork Sampler using a soft, plain white Portuguese tea towel with a raised, woven square pattern.
My Blackwork Animal Pattern Sampler
Making tonal columns
1a- Charcol pencils 1b-Wet able graphic pencils
1c-Graphic pencils 3b+6b 1d- Water colour pencils
1e- Sponge print acrylic paint 1f- Brushed Acrylic paint
1g- Sponge print 1h- Magazine photograph
1i- Newspaper print 1j- Photocopied flyer cut into pieces
Mixed media using - felt tip, charcoal, wet able graphic pencil, 3B pencil, magazine print, newsprint and Vilene
I enjoyed this chapter, it taught me to notice and appreciate changes in tone.
Photographs –
Zebra
Jaguar Tropical angel fish
Sea gull feathers found on beach – Collage of animal markings
Tiger Sylvie our cat
Leopard print Collage- Big cat skin markings
Tree frog
Snake skin markings
Snake skin markings and associated words:- slippery, slide, slink, slither, smooth, sinuous, sensuous, scaly, supple, subtle, long, fearsome, fangs, mesmerising eyes, venomous,
Beautiful patterns – checks, diamonds, stripes, circles, spots, squares, ovals, repeat and graduated patterns
Articles made from snake skin - shoes, belts, handbags
Random marks related to my words above:-
slither, slink, slide, slither, subtle, spots
I have always loved animal markings/patterns with their incredible colour combinations, so I am sure I will enjoy this Module.