Friday, April 15, 2011

Magazine Projects


I have been clearing out some photographs, and found these pulled thread projects I did a few years ago, which were published in our Australian magazine, Embroidery & Cross Stitch.  I made a large table centre and two small side table mats using the same design.  These were done for my daughter in law.  Most of you will recognize the technique as pulled thread, as opposed to 'drawn' thread. 

Pulled thread work requires the stitches to be worked firmly in order to pull together the threads in the fabric.  It's an extremely sturdy form of counted work I feel, despite it's open appearance.


The large mat design was based on the favourite nine patch setting used by patchwork enthusiasts, as you can see in this shot.  This mat was approximately 35cm square, with just about all of it stitched, ie very little background fabric is evident.  

The fabric I used was Permin 'Cherub' 28ct linen, with the stitching done using two strands of my favourite DMC pink #225.  Unfortunately, I don't have a computer graphing program, and my hand drawn graphs weren't quite as nice 'in print' as I'd hoped.  I feel they are quite clear, but one does need very high resolution images to submit to magazines.  It's a long time from sending in your work, to having it appear in print, to finally having your work returned.  I don't think I'd bother with it again, I'm rather possessive of my projects and don't like them being away with 'strangers' for so long..........

 

8 comments:

DIAN said...

Linda, I was not aware of the fact that pulled thread work was different to drawn thread work. Does that mean that there is no cutting of threads etc?
I do not do counted thread work but I must say I am beginning to move toward black work lately.

Juliettecherry said...

That pulled thread work looks lovely, sturdy, as you say. I tremble at the thought of drawn thread work, nervous about any cutting (especially Hardanger).

I just love that Embroidery and Cross stitch magazine, picked up some delightful ideas from old ones bought at the op shop.

Frances Leate said...

Absolutely lovely work Linda and it reminds me that deep in a cupboard I have a project (also from an Embroidery & Cross Stitch Magazine) which is a counted thread sampler and one day I will get back to it. Take care

Iceni UK said...

Linda, you are an exceptional embroiderer, your work is always a joy to see. Thank you for sharing your design pictures, it makes my day to see them.
Wishing you a happy weekend.

Linda said...

Thank you everyone for always supporting my work. Dian, that is correct, pulled thread work does not involve the cutting and taking out of threads [well some people withdraw one or two threads for their four-sided picot type edging]. There is another technique called 'drawn threadwork', and that is the one where the threads are cut and taken away. I find the pulled thread extremely strong.

Karyn said...

Linda, your work is always so lovely. This must have taken ages to do. It is so intricate. Maybe one day i will work up the courage to have a go. :-)

Radka said...

Beautiful work, Linda! I also like the soft shades you were using:)
I will come back to read your last post, I am a bit behind with blog reading at the moment :(

shirley said...

Linda your work is always exquisite and this is no exception. I love pulled thread work as well as schwalm work and they are very satisfying techniques.