On Saturday I took a break from wrapping the edges of Stone Pathways
to take a dot drawing workshop at University Sainte Anne
with John Browning.
Learning how other artists approach their work
and how they view the world around them
enriches my world.
By the way this 'drawing' is teeny tiny!
I found this way of drawing to be very meditative
and really enjoyed getting lost in the process.
Just like stitching
On Sunday I tested another background filler
with one of my old favourites....
....row upon irregular row of stab stitch.
Too busy for this particular piece.
Us stitchers use dots too!
I tested row upon row of lumpy dots
using the backstitch as opposed to running stitch.
I like how the backstitch sits proud of the fabric layers
as opposed to running stitch
which sinks in.
That's more like it
now, when I run my fingers over the cloth, I feel tiny little bumps
just like gravel on a pathway.
I think I have decided how to stitch the background
but, boy oh boy, that is a lot of stitching!
I found that wrapping the edge of each pathway
takes three hours.
Many, many more hours to go!
that is a lot of stitching! the class you took looked like fun, love the picture
ReplyDeleteLike the dots, perhaps something to get lost in one day. Really like your background stitching, one day perhaps I can settle to it again.
ReplyDeleteinteresting about how you decide on which stitch...
ReplyDeleteI love dots, whether they be stitched, drawn, painted or whatever!
ReplyDeleteMany peaceful, meditative hours!
ReplyDeleteWonderful and creative use of the backstitch. It gives the background a 'quiet' importance. Are you using a pearl cotton (sz 5)?
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ReplyDeleteLOVE your work! discovering about dots drawing is beautiful, I made this kind of drawing back on Art school years...a lot of work like stitching, and so meditative too! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the difference on how the two stitches appear on fabric. I have a large slow stitching project and I'm going to try back stitch to see the difference in person.
ReplyDeletexx, Carol
I think you use of backstitch is going to work well. I enjoy doing dot pictures, like yours they can be very effective. xx
ReplyDeleteLove those bumpy, lumpy stitches. I can just feel the texture in my mind. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteKetchup time....I read the days forward, so I would suggest that you try a variegated thread in sand, dry grass, colors. Maybe even pale green for the summer months. Pale blue for sea stones. [not baby pale, earthy pale. Maybe 'grunge' would fit the color description? well, it works in my head...]
ReplyDeleteAnd then....there you are working with a sandy color, ta da. I do like the running stitch, jogging around the stones. Although I do see your point.
Backstitch!!! yes it does lay different, and the thread looks different too ! Not to mention it doesn't distract like the running stitch....Ok, you win. {smiley face}
I think you have the best idea for connecting with your 2-pack!
Edging the rocks....so 3 hours on each stone, or on a whole string of stones? [there's an oxymoron...string and stones, soft and hard, flora and fauna]
Love hearng about your process. And your right, I think...it sounds like a lot of stitches!
ReplyDeleteThe hours don't matter when you're doing something like this....the result definitely justifies the work. Putting an entire year into the creation of the stones themselves should mean that the finishing can't be rushed.
ReplyDeleteI love the backstitch for seeding, lines, and solid lines then wrapped---precise and delicate, but can be very strong as well!
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