Thursday, January 31, 2013

Module 6 Chapter 7, Quillwork

Some samples using quillwork techniques with different materials, mounted on one of the pieces of canvas from chapter 3 painted with gesso, egg tempera and spices (still smells luscious).

I have used little offcuts of metal from earlier coursework as 'quills' in some of these - they were easy to cut and bend but I snagged my fingers on the edges; next time I will wear thimbles.  I also found it was easy to cut the stitches by accident when feeding the strips through. They make interesting patterns with the different colours on front and back.

Key

1 Single 'quill' over 2 lines of stitching, top is tomato puree tube (heated, painted and pierced), bottom is a thin copper shim.
2 Again over two lines of stitching.  Top is single piece of raffia, bottom is a strip of copper shim and one from a drinks can (heated).
3. A single strip over one line of stitching - from a thicker piece of metal.
4. Curved line made over two rows of stitching, this time using both ends of a single strip simultaneously to make the braid (joining strips in as needed).  Strips were cut from one of the envelopes made into leathery surfaces in chapter 3, which has colour on both sides where it has soaked through.  Being crumpled and waxed made the paper strips soft so they bend well, but also made them  prone to being damaged by the threads which caused them to tear.
5. Oval shape using both ends of one strip of dyed fabric, tucking loose ends underneath to join a new piece.  This gives a slightly raised fabric motif with a clearly defined edge which I rather like - much more fun to do than turned edge applique.  I think this would very effective over some padding.

1 comment:

Heather said...

Sounds dangerous. Blood and sweat but hopefully no tears! I love the oval piece.