Textile Postcard Project Week # 22

Week #22
February 25th - March 3rd

Running stitch  or slow stitch

 For the next few weeks I plan to focus on using felt remnants. This week I have chosen a piece of commercial felt. Using a variegated cotton thread, I have stitched in straight lines. It could be called running stitch, quilting stitch or the new name of 'slow' stitch. It all means the same and is simple and effective to decorate any item with. The Slow Movement has been applied to many things, but all look at slowing the pace of life. I enjoy the art of using the simple running stitch it can be a mindless activity or a thoughtful time for the artist. The finished item is enhanced by the threads that have been used and the regular or irregular size of the stitches.
I recommend the beautiful book 'Slow Stitch' written by Claire Wellesley- Smith. It is proving to be a modern and valuable addition to my small library of textile books.

A detailed view of 'slow stitch'

Textile Postcard Project Week # 21

Week #21
February 18th - 24th 2018

Flowers through 'rock' lines

The colour of this card is a rich red/maroon. Unfortunately it does not show up clearly. Originally I dyed the fabric with procian dyes. After this I discharged some colour with bleach on a flower image/stamp which I had made myself. That is the reason the flower appears less stereotyped. The rock lines were made with free machine stitching using variegated rayon thread.

Detailed image of stitching and printing

Textile Postcard Project Week #20

 February 11th - 17th, 2018

Woven Ribbon design

This was a fun postcard to make. I wove a remnant of decorative ribbon, then attached it to the card with variegated thread using cross stitch. This is a great stitch which can be used in many designs.

Detailed view of ribbon pattern

Textile Postcard Project Week #19

Week #19
February 4th- 10th,  2018

'Obi Silk' Postcard Week #19

I have used pre-loved Japanese silk for this postcard. The silk was originally part of an Obi or sash which is worn with a traditional Japanese costume. Obi silk is quite heavy and eco dyes most successfully. I used the leaves of corumbia citriodora, commonly known as lemon scented gum tree.

A treasured piece of a pre-loved Japanese Obi