Thursday, August 18, 2011

Sumptuous Surfaces Monotone Assignment





For the last three weeks I have been thoroughly immersed in an online class being conducted by Sharon Boggon

In the first half of the course, we have been working a project in monotone, and as I have stated previously, I'd chosen greys.  It was a difficult colour choice for me, but in the end I settled on using our Australian gumnuts as my theme.  

Of course, I won't go into all the details of our class brief, but much of the work is done using quite heavily textured stitching.  I really enjoyed this part of the exercise, and must admit to perhaps packing far too many knots into my chosen areas.  I also think I should have used a little more variety in threads, and types of stitches - a lesson for the future no doubt.







This close-up may give you an idea of some of the pulled thread areas that have been worked, some of which have been made up as I went along.  It has been wonderful to see the way others have approached this assignment, and I am honoured to be part of such a creative group of stitchers.

I had always intended to use this as the front adornment for a journal cover.  I have so many little ring binders, and I don't know how they have found their way into my house.  They just seem to look so much more exciting 'wearing' a stitched cover.  I did not buy the fabrics for this, but have used pieces from my cupboard.  The inside has been lined with a quite busy, marbled print, but I have used a much more sedate piece for the outside.  

Before I finish this post I have to give a big thank you to a friend and fellow blogger, Shirley  During this assignment, Shirley has been so very helpful, sending me little 'grey' treasures, as well as offering me advice on a few aspects that were worrying me.  Shirley has a great gift for seeing the right line and light, but without doubt, her greatest gift is the willingness to share and encourage.  Thank you again Shirley, your kindness is very much appreciated.

15 comments:

Anney said...

Fabulous !! So rich in texture..I want to touch!!

shirley said...

Thank you for your kind words Linda, who would not want to help such a treasured friend as you.

DIAN said...

Oh wow Linda, this has turned out so well. Of course it would!!
I love the fact that you had a use for it in mind. The folder cover is a great way to make use of such a lovely piece.

In my opinion you have used just he right amount of knots and stitches and it shows the gum nuts so clearly.

Anonymous said...

Its beautiful! I love that you have used the gumnuts as a subject and I could see them before reading about them. Your stitching is always amazing and Shirley must be one talented lady too. - Katherine

Anonymous said...

Absolutely lovely, lovely, lovely. Wonderful to see - you are really talented. Thank you for this lovely post.
Anneliese

Frances Leate said...

Absolutely fabulous Linda and what an interesting exercise to have chosen grey and personally I don't think you can have too many knots when creating texture. Before I became a serious quilter I use to engage a lot more in this type of embroidery and it was a very good idea to make a cover for the folder. Wonderful inspiration. Take care.

Jensters said...

Oh my Linda this is wonderful...just up my street....must send you and email x

Jenny said...

Yummo! Just love all the pulled work and the combination of knots, beads & buttons make it so tactile. Fabulous work.

Robin Mac said...

You are such a clever stitcher - that will make a super folder cover. The grey combination is really interesting. Sometimes I think it is good to be taken out of your comfort zone. Cheers

Radka said...

It is beautiful, Linda!!! It is quite amazing the effect you can get using shades of one colour. I don't think at all that you have "overdone" it, it looks just right to me, very, very good. But I would not expect any less from you :)
And well done Shirley! A very good friend :)

Karyn said...

Linda, once again you have done it; exactly what you set out to do and the result is awesome!!! I do like that you have made it into something you can use and enjoy. The grey looks so pretty done like this. I can't wait to see the next piece you do for the class. I am glad you are enjoying it.

N. Maria said...

Linda, you are more talented than you think.....beautiful work!
Shirley is, indeed, the most unselfish person I know.

Anonymous said...

this is absolutely wonderful Linda

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