Jun 20, 2010
Embroidering my art
I needed some twill tape earlier this week, so my daughters and I took a trip to the fabric store. As I was getting 8 yards of twill tape measured, my youngest daughter was checking out the array of embroidery floss nearby. I could see her softly touching some of the brightly colored thread as if to say "I would choose this one." So, after my twill tape was cut, I asked her if she wanted to help me pick out a few colors. That few quickly became a dozen.
In recent months, I have had an urge to use embroidery thread in my work, especially after seeing the works of this artist. My embroidery floss stayed packed away until I printed out this design on fabric a few days ago.
The design is based on my drawing "Pods." I liked how the center of the design turned out and thought that a monogram would fit nicely in the space. Instead of a person's initials, I decided to use "PDX," which is another name for Portland. After cross stitching the letters, I accented some of the details in the work, which totaled over six hours of work. (I'm sure an expert embroiderer could've completed the task in a third of the time!) I still have a few more hours of embroidery ahead of me to finish the piece, but I anticipate that the most challenging part of this project will be the framing. The finished work will measure 8" x 8", and I'm thinking that I would like to make a frame for it. Hmm, did I just say that?
Fun! I love embroidering! It looks so pretty!
ReplyDeleteI've been admiring Takashi Iwasaki's work since I first learned about it. Your picture on top is fantastic; looking at the colors of embroidery thread always inspiring. Love the embroidery on your drawing!
ReplyDeletewonderful idea! the embroidery gives your drawing another dimension, a haptic surface. i really like it!
ReplyDeleteKiller! Lovely idea and execution. Love the colors and repeated patterns in your work. I saw your post about embroidering on hanbok remnants, too...totally fuel for my embroidery fire.
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