Pandagirl’s 2017 3rd Quarter Challenge Part 2
This challenge became more of a challenge than I expected. If you missed part 1, you can see it here: https://feltingandfiberstudio.com/2017/09/01/pandagirls-2017-3rd-quarter-challenge-part-1/
I had intended to use a combination of free motion and hand embroidery to add details to finish it. However, when I tried to use the sewing machine the felt was too thick and the stitches were just buried and I couldn’t control the machine. So, after an hour or more ripping out teeny stitches, I started the hand embroidery.
Embroidery is not my strong suit. My goal was to give an impression of ruffled petals and a hint of stamens. After looking at pictures of Sakura, I decided to keep it simple.
I made stars in the center of flowers with a knot in the middle on some. I didn’t want them to all look alike. Here I was getting started.
At first I tried using the stem stitch for the flower petal, but that proved to be hard to do in the felt and it really didn’t give it a ruffled look. so, I settled on a satin stitch. I varied the tightness depending on how close or far away it was. Then added some stem and back stitches to show differences.
Here are some closeups.
Another goal was to keep it subtle as if it was a 17th century scroll or painting that had faded over time. I originally had wanted to give it a scroll texture, but I had purposely didn’t felt it hard and it was thick so that wasn’t going to work. Best laid plans, right?
I also varied the color of the floss sometimes using white, pink or a strand of each to vary the depth. I also didn’t want all the flowers to look the same. I loved the dimension, colors and texture of the merino/silk scraps I used for the branches.
After I finished and wove in the threads, I steamed it to try to get the lumps out. I tried.
I know everyone had a an idea of how to position it. I liked Leonor’s idea to change it up occasionally so the same pictures looks different. Thanks Leonor!
Have you finished your challenge piece yet?
16 thoughts on “Pandagirl’s 2017 3rd Quarter Challenge Part 2”
I think it’s lucky that machine stitching wasn’t possible because your hand stitching adds a delicacy to the flowers.
It’s lovely!
Thanks Lyn! That’s what I was hoping for.
Lovely and delicate
Thanks Pippa!
It is difficult to create lightness and subtlety in art work, but you have succeeded in your depiction of sakura blossoms. Love it! I finished my challenge piece last night and will be posting soon!
Thanks Cathy! I look forward to seeing your challenge piece!
Looks wonderful. My challenge piece is not behaving itself. Tried another direction which didn’t work.
Thanks Ruth! I’m sorry to hear that. I never expected it would be as hard as it turned out to be. I have another idea, but want to finish something else in between. 🙂
I like the threads! They do add a bit of subtle shine to the petals and make them look more delicate. Glad I helped with the multi-positioning 😀
Thanks Leonor! I wasn’t sure the pictures would do it justice there’s only a hint of sheen in the thread, but I guess it’s doing its job. 🙂
Your blossom is lovely and you’ve certainly captured the essence of the period. I know you said it’s thick but it actually looks very delicate.
Thanks Karen! It’s very soft. I probably didn’t need the base. But I’m pleased with how it turned out,
You did a wonderful Job of the stitching it looks very 3 dimensional. I am thinking of doing a persimmon tree.
Thanks Ann! I think a persimmon tree would be wonderful. I look forward to seeing it.
That is really nice, Marilyn 🙂
Thanks Zed!