Module one, Chapter seven

To start this chapter, which is all about translating layered designs into embroidery, I produced a stitch sampler featuring a mixture of hand a machine embroidery. Seeing the stitches presented in this way was very useful later on when deciding on the most appropriate approach for my chapter main samples. I am lucky to have a sewing machine that has a wide variety of stitch selections but I resisted temptation in trying all of them and just chose to try ones that I thought might work well if used with the shapes I was starting to develop.



1/7/1: Stitch sampler

The next stage was to carefully plan ahead for the samples I wished to create. Up to this stage I had produced a wide variety of shapes, colour combinations and textures so it was important to think carefully about what had worked well for me so far in order to generate a successful sample. The following image shows my planning process including the documenting of each layer as I produced each sample.



1/7/2: Planning the samples

The following image presents my six samples for this chapter. The shape in the fourth sample has been repeated twice in sample five and three times in sample six. I found it fascinating how the sample shape could look so different when presented like this, especially when produced with different colour combinations. My personal favourite sample is the third one as I like the way the bonded fabric contrasts with the sheer green chiffon on top and the dark red underneath to create an illusion of depth that the other samples do not quite have. My least favourite sample is the first one as I think my hand embroidery stitches distract from rather than harmonise or accentuate the shapes. In the samples where I used the machine embroidery I was particularly taken with the fact the machine embroidery softens the edges, maybe this is an effect that I can play on more later on with the resolved sample. Please note that for some reason the photos appear slightly 'faded' in contrast with the actual samples which are much bolder and more vibrant in colour. Also to note that after the photos were taken the edges were neatened off more for a more polished finish.

1/7/3: sample one

1/7/4: sample two

1/7/5: sample three

1/7/6: sample four

1/7/6: sample five

1/7/7: sample six