My Drawn Thread Forest

As promised, here's my work in progress. After the threads were taken out, the piece was painted with fabric paints (part of the class kit). The vertical threads were painted brown. I just realized that the second photo is the demo that Catherine used and not mine. This one shows a stream flowing through. I meant to do one but got so involved that everything went green. Maybe on the next one!!

For the tree foliage, I used one strand each of Bella Lusso 100% merino wool (from the class kit). I also used my own Valdani #8 variegated  pearl cotton M 19 and Valdani variegated 3 stranded floss # D528. All three were stitched together. It was my choice to use my own threads instead of the ones from the kit.
I put a large needle through the branches to show that they are only attached at the ends. It is very dimensional.

My embroidery stand clamps onto the table.  It was made by my husband a few years ago when I was doing a five level hand embroidery program. It works perfectly to hold my hoop, allowing me to have both hands free to work on the trees. I can turn my work at any angle by loosening one or two of the black knobs.

I also have another embroidery stand that sits on the floor. However, as I prefer to work standing up in my studio, the one pictured above is perfect. The table is a converted drafting table and is quite high (at least for me as I'm just 5 feet tall)!

This swing free magnifier light is perfect  for up close work.

Here's a close-up of the arm of my light. Not pretty but holds some of my tools and keeps them off the table. The donut shaped magnet is from an old computer that was taken apart years ago. It's very powerful and quite handy to have above my work table. Note the other hooks hanging there. Depending on the project, I can hang floss for quick reach, scissors, needle cases. pincushion (to the left). Note the blue & red clamps (magnets on back). These come in handy.

Catherine Jordan provided a comprehensive set of directions for this piece. It's great when a teacher goes to so much preparation. In many cases, there is a handout with the minimum of directions and you are sometime scratching your head, wondering what to do next. Thanks, Catherine!

My piece so far. I have not finished with this tree  yet. (Last night, after I finished writing, I did some more embroidery on the tree to the farthest left - you will see updates periodically so check back).

Enjoy!!

Class Photos from the Workshop on Contemporary Drawn Tree Forests

My stitching friends gave me permission to photograph and show their work. Of course, nothing is finished as there's still lots and lots of homework but you will see what was completed during the two day workshop! I forgot to photograph my piece but I will be showing you my progress tomorrow! Some of these had the desk top behind them while others had white paper. This makes a difference to the overall look.

As you can see, everyone worked at their own speed. The background colours are all so different. Beautiful job, ladies!! I can't wait to see the finished pieces.

Catherine Jordan

Today was the first day of a two day workshop with Catherine Jordan. I hope you take a minute or so to have a peek at her web site. Her work is amazing as is her teaching. She is very well prepared with a full kit of materials which includes a booklet of instructions, textile paints, linen, needles, ruler, embroidery floss, needle threader, paint brush, small water tray, and embroidery wool. All we had to provide was a hoop and sharp pointed embroidery scissors. Oh, yes, and lunch!

Today we set up the 'canvas' (hooped linen), pulled threads and wove the cut threads back into the linen to give a neat edge. Then we painted our fabric. I am looking forward to tomorrow as we are going to needle weave / wrap our trees and embroider the foreground.

Tomorrow I will follow up with a progression of my work.

Here's a few photos of Catherine's work samples:

Here's a peek at my morning's work! Doesn't look like much yet!!

Workshop

Tomorrow and Thursday, I will be attending a workshop sponsored by The St. John's Guild of Embroiderers (I'm a member). It's Contemporary Drawn Thread Forests by Catherine Jordan from the USA. This photo, from her class page, is a sample of the work we will be doing at the workshop. Please visit her site to see the other wonderful things she has made.



I have made similar trees in the past with drawn threads but mine were all in one colour. One such  piece was on exhibit in Chicago a few years ago. I thought I had a photo handy but it's among the thousands of photos that I have not yet tagged. Too many things to be done!!!

Enjoy!