I am using this blog to chart my journey as I get involved with stitched textiles again after a gap of twenty odd years. I've tried once or twice recently to get started, but time - the lack of it - got in my way. Now seems right though, and this online diary will be my reminder not to let it slip through my fingers again.
Wish me luck.

Thursday 18 March 2010

Needlepoint no, canvaswork yes

Not another stitch has been put in since Monday. The day job has got a bit more demanding.
But I've just taken a break and had a look around the web for blogs concerning working on canvas.
The result has been what I expected really, and seems to underline a slight concern I've had for working on my security blanket of canvas.
Needlepoint is really not what I'm about. Although I used to teach the serried rows of bargello type stitches and patterns, the geometric precision and the gaudy colours, it has never been of any interest to me artistically.
And yet I've always found that a canvaswork of some description appeared in my work. It could be a base of canvas with fabrics quilted and appliqued on top, or in contrast a patch of canvas appliqued on to cloth.
This allowed for highly textured stitchery on a smooth background, but not needlepoint.
Is anyone else doing work along these lines? I'd love to know.
Well, I'll continue for the time being. I think there is a lot to explore yet.

3 comments:

  1. have you thought about using waste canvas? You apply it to any fabric and cross stitch in top of it then withdraw the threads when you've finished leaving just the design.

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  2. Do you know, I had forgotten all about waste canvas. I have used it, a long time ago and it might well be worth having another go. Thanks for the comment. I appreciate the feedback.
    ( And I see you love french knots as much as I do!)

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  3. Marion, I love the way your work looks. I have recently picked up my tapestry needle. I have always worked on painted canvases however would like to try something new. Would you mind shareing how you bond your lame to the canvas? Zandra gypsyneedle@hotmail.com

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