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3 t h o u g h t s . . .
Whilst preparing the cyber class sessions of my "Flight of Fancy" for Ruth Schmuff's website: Bedecked and Beadazzled,
I have been able to focus on all kinds of aspects of ways of working, expressing and sharing how I approach things. |
1 - surprise yourself . . .
I like to do the unexpected, though I appreciate that 'expected' repeats work well in a geometric piece where you need to know what will happen next. A geometric works so beautifully well if the rhythm is symmetrical everywhere, but my challenge is to somehow incorporate a 'surprise'!
A canvas with a ‘story’ also works well if there is a 'surprise'. The viewer pauses to look and stays a while when looking at the unexpected.
Repetition is easy on the mind but it’s not always a 'feast' for the eyes.
Variety without meaning can at times seem somewhat chaotic.
One of my teachers taught us: “Work some, play some”. The planning takes some effort and work . . . but then following the plan is the play.
2 - stitching for effect . . .
I’m learning to lighten up on my threads. I used to stitch with more strands than I do now. I’m not ready to do ‘light’ stitches of one strand only, but I am feeling that too much thread can make a messy look.
Threads from various sources are not consistent. Some give more or less coverage. Also, even within a group of same threads, different dyes absorb differently. It's good to realize that every thread we use needs to be evaluated for the stitch and the coverage needed. One strand more or less will add to the beauty of the result. I'm learning that less is more!
I like to use 4 strands of Needlepoint Inc for Basketweave.
Some other threads look better with 3 strands for Basketweave.
When I’m doing a pattern stitch that requires the threads to lie flat, I
use fewer strands.
Nabuko looked best with 3 strands.
3 - perfection or not? . . .
As artists we are creating a mood or feeling. That’s why I try not to focus on the perfect stitch or the exact stitch placement. I do that, but I don’t obsess about it as much as I used to. If I do get too picky, I remind myself that even the famous colorists and stitchers have published images of their work with obvious missing stitches that our 'eagle eyes' can spot!
Focus on the feeling and the rest will follow.
The amazing Jean Hilton advised her students: "When you read stitching instructions, absorb what you like and discard the rest."
I often say to myself . . . "start with what you know"
 Finally, here are some photos posted by "maryjule" one of our wonderful cyberclass students, on the 'webshots' site, showing her progress with stitching her "Flight of Fancy"!
. . . Also on the "Creative Stitching" blogspot of HAED (Sexy Fairy) from the Netherlands, see pictures of Haed's beautiful progress with her "Flight of Fancy".
More next time . . . until then,
 Email: Rosalyn
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