This week in the stitch workshop the students started the process of thinking about there own interpretations and how they are going to work. It was an interesting session as they are all working in totally different styles, that's the great thing about this type of course which isn't project based. Having to make the decisions yourself is intimidating and a bit scary at first but ultimately a more satisfying process.
Fabric collage. Layering fabric together as a starting point for stitch. Zen garden maybe?
Exploring the surface of a hand dyed fabric with knots. Great texture.
Both of these examples are starting points and the germ of an idea, they have the potential to be developed into interesting pieces of work.
Exploring little stuffed buttons for surface embellishment.
These little 'buttons' are a delightful experimental example of a simple technique. The white ones with the red stitching have a Scandinavian or Christmas feel to them for me and the spotty ones remind me of sea anemones. To make these just cut a circle of cloth and stitch around the edge with small running stitches. Place a small amount of stuffing in the center, draw the thread closed and cast off, you can then have fun embroidering the surface in any way that pleases you.
Imagination is the beginning of creation.
You imagine what you desire,
you will what you imagine,and
at last you create what you will.
George Bernard Shaw.
