Pages

▼

Sunday, 1 December 2013

Stitching Sundays 13

 I think I have finally decided on my next Stitching Sunday project (although I do need to make some winter decorations for my seasonal tree as well).  It all started with the photo above which I thought would make a good felt piece with some embroidered grasses and seed heads.
 I made the felted background, incorporating lots of interesting bits and pieces to add texture and depth, including silk, tweed, yarn and randomly placed threads.  So far, so good, I thought.
 Then, as the tutor from my art course had taught me (she'd be pleased with me!), I started to jot down ideas and make little drawings to find the right design for the embroidery.
I carried on doodling and sketching and couldn't quite decide what I wanted to do.
I made notes when I saw images in shops or in adverts.  Then, I started to get nervous.  My embroidery skills weren't terribly advanced and I was worried I would ruin the felt. How could I get the image to look right?  Perhaps I should just think about it a bit more.  That was in 2010!  I did think about it, in 2011 and 2012, but somehow, no progress was made. So, I am feeling brave and now I think I must get it done.  I am more confident about my skills and if it doesn't look right, I can always unpick it and have another go.  So, this is going to be my next project and it may take me a few weeks to get it done (it has waited this long, so I don't think it will matter if it takes me a few weeks!)
Wish me luck and I'll post my progress.
at

11 comments:

  1. Joy1 December 2013 at 23:03

    Oh Ellie, I certainly do wish you the very best with this project, and I also know you have the talent and ability to carry it through to a beautiful completion. I found it so interesting looking at your notes of thoughts and ideas - the whole process is very intriguing. Thank you for sharing this! Hugs, Joy x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster2 December 2013 at 10:34

      Thanks, Joy. My tutor would have been pleased with the design ideas and sketches, although I'm not so sure she would approve of the length of time it has taken me! You know what it's like - other projects have a habit of getting in the way!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  2. joy2 December 2013 at 06:16

    Good luck with your project, Ellie, what you've done so far looks great, Joy x x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster2 December 2013 at 10:35

      Thanks, Joy. I am hoping that the embroidery will really add to the depth of the piece and am looking forward to getting started on it.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  3. Hannapat2 December 2013 at 11:10

    A fascinating post Ellie and it was really interesting for me to see how you have made preparations for getting the project in motion. I love your attention to detail and knowing your skill and ability I have no doubt in my mind that this is going to be another stunner. Enjoy your week xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster2 December 2013 at 13:31

      Thanks, Hannapat. This has been a rather more long-term project than I originally thought, but I am feeling confident that I will get it finished now. I use my sketchbooks for inspiration and design ideas and have various ones lying around, including a jewellery making one, as well as a felt making one. I do refer back to them quite often so I find them a useful tool.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  4. Stins2 December 2013 at 16:15

    So brave of you to pick up this project and carry on after three years!
    At least it's not done in a rush... ;-) With the felt background you already made you have a good start for the rest of the picture; should be stunning with some light colors in the foreground!
    So nice to have a peek in your sketch/idea book :).
    Love from Mirjam.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster2 December 2013 at 18:17

      Thanks, Mirjam. I hadn't realised just how long ago I had started this project but I am determined to finish it now. I certainly haven't rushed it! I am hoping to embroider some foreground and middle ground details. My sketch book does get used quite often, mainly to record ideas and inspiration - it is really helpful to be able to refer to it.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  5. Unknown2 December 2013 at 22:55

    This is going to be an amazing piece of art! I'm really excited to see your ideas develop, your stitch and colour choices, the building up of textures...please take lots of pics at each stage! And don't be too nervous, remember: it is just a needle and a bit of thread! ;) Chrissie x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster3 December 2013 at 11:53

      Thanks, Chrissie. I shall indeed take lots of photos. It is exciting to finally feel ready to work on this piece. I am feeling much more confident than I did, so now I need to make a start.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

      Delete
  6. Mari26 February 2014 at 22:08

    So fun to see your process!

    ReplyDelete