LibQuilters
Slow Spectrum
This is my first attempt with rhythmic large scale hand stithing, sometimes referred to as: Big Stitch. I decided to use a block/composition and use slow stitch in colorful thread. Combining vivid colors together create expressive and dynamic compositions. I want to experiment with slow stitch to learn how to integrate it into my (colorful) work.
Most of the slow cloth I have seen so far is done with natural fabrics and tones; I like this as well. Having very little color or a few colors brings the slow/stitching to the forefront. I have a composition prepared that has natural linen, painted organza, painted lace (in shades of tobacco/eggplant) and a few other accent pieces. I like it already and I haven’t done any stitching yet.
What I like the most about slow stitch is the simplicity of the look. A huge benefit to slow stitch is the ZEN that comes over me. The even pace is rhythmical and akin to meditation. It is very peaceful and pleasant to do.
Spectrum (detail)
I am pleased with the results of this piece. I am thinking about adding some red/pink bugle beads as an accent. Otherwise, it is finished.
Textile Art to Own
Debbie–this piece is wonderful! It really speaks to me. I think you’re onto something–keep at it! How will you present it? Mounted, framed or just as is?
Thanks! I haven’t thought about the presentation yet. It is about 12×15″. Hanging sleeve or attached to white mat board are my first thoughts. Some of my work is mounted to stretched painted canvas but this piece stands on its own.
Debbie, I just love the way the the colored stitching transforms the “face” of the fabric. The arches or circles adds movements that looks like swirls and the straight lines makes the fabric “ripple and flow”. The little bit of “pow factor” with the white and black leads my eyes back into the center of the quilt. The stitching and color choices makes the eyes want to “swim” in slow motion all around the piece. I LOVE it! It is a exciting little quilt.
Diana Bracy – http://www.dianabracy.com
Debbie- This is a really lovely piece. I did a lot of hand stitching in my “Discected” piece on the borders. It was my first attempt as well. And, like you, I found the process to be very zen like.
I love that you chose the contrasting colors to make those stitches really stand out and be the focus of the piece.
Ah – glad to see people rediscovering the joys of hand embroidery – the running stitch is one of the most potentially expressive stitches I know.
I like all the colors, and how the stitches go in different directions, straight or curved…It keeps your eye moving. But there’s something relaxing about it, too.
Really like this. Colours, texture from the running stitches and the contrast of the dark frame.
Absolutely stunning! I must try this technique.
I LOVE it! The hand stitching looks fabulous and adds so much dimension to the piece!
Love it, especially the stitching in the black border. It is very striking and lovely to look at.
I’ve never heard hand stitched cloth referred to as “slow cloth” before, but I like the name. And the results. The light stitches against the black border are especially effective.
It was new to me too. That made me curious and prompted me to learn about it. I found quite a few other terms that are associated such as: Kantha Stitch, Origin: Africa,
Waggas, origin: Australia. Good to hear from you.
Yes, isn’t that an interesting “push/pull”?? thanks for your comment.
I think this piece would look best simply attached to a piece of white mat board. Thanks for your comment.
Deb,
This is a stinning piece. I too love working “slow.” What technique. will you use to attach your piece to the mat ?
To attach to a mat board Sew by hand with quilting thread (strong). Use a large strong needle to poke holes thru the board. Sew at strategic places, like the corners and (for this size twice in between along the sides. In needed add a few stitches in the center. These should not show on the front. Tape the loose ends on the back with good tape. Not masking tape. I don’t like to use glue. Do the same for attaching to a wrapped canvas.
I love the colours and the quilting in this piece, Thank you for sharing.
best wishes,
jane C
Your slow stitch peice is wonderful. Can you please help me with how to start one of these.? I have so many old cloths from family and would love to start one but cant find any starting info.
Thank you so please email,
Linda
video
It is hard to describe how I start my pieces. Mostly they evolve. I begin with a machine pieced composition and then choose colors of embroidery floss to accent the colors of the fabric. I just start sewing! I do have one in progress now, I should show more images of different stages. Good idea. For now, check out this Video, the artist is Jude Hill. She is quite inspirational. This is her first video and she is working on a large piece. You can at least see how she goes about the stitching.
Check out her blog after. There are really good links and resources there.
Let me know how you get along.
Hello, Sorry it’s taken me a few days to Thank-you for this. I watched and it looks like she uses a base peice for all of her blocksWill be going to the thrift and yard sales and start on some of my favorit cloths peices. Since were snowed in for this winter here this will be so much fun. Please do but more pictures up because written words for me are okay but I;m a visual person and this will help alot. The dying you do are there any books for me to look at?
I knoe I’m asking alot but its so much thankful for.
Have a great day and I will ceck back soon,
New slow cloth,
Linda
Fantastic posting! I totally consent with you.