Resurrecting Silk Paper Bowl
Last month I wrote about doing more experiments with UFOs and my silk paper bowl disaster. https://feltingandfiberstudio.com/2016/06/20/more-experiments-with-ufos/
Fortunately, Lyn suggested I try Ruth’s Felt Scrap Bowl method. https://feltingandfiberstudio.com/2011/12/11/felt-scrap-bowl-tutorial/
I was hesitant at first because it required free motion stitching. Something I haven’t mastered. But I needed the practice, so this was a good opportunity to do just that.
The first thing I did was to tear it apart.
Then I laid it out in a round shape.
I could have left it plain, but decided I had some hand dyed yarns that would add some texture and interest and complimented the silk.
I proceeded to cover it on both sides with the Sulky water soluble stabilizer on top before pinning and stitching. I know I should have put down the Sulky before designing, but I’m getting good at flipping projects.
Then came the fun part — stitching it. I had a lot of trouble with the thread breaking, the tension being picky and a lot of stops and starts but I finally got it finished. Although I didn’t use fancy designs, it’s pretty much straight lines up and down and around.
Following Ruth’s directions, I wet down the package leaving it a little sticky and draping it over a jar then adding folds.
It looks a little droopy and sad. I let it dry overnight and was surprised in the morning to find a very pretty textured and dimensional vase.
While it’s not strong enough to hold anything, I could put in a glass or clear plastic to be able to set something inside. I even toyed with getting a small battery type light and making it a little lamp. There are plenty of holes and it’s very thin. It might work. If I can find such a light, I’ll post pictures on the forum.
Thanks Lyn and Ruth! I’m pleased with the results and the fact I was able to reuse the silk. Oh, I have some left but not enough for a vase. I’ll have to find something else to make with it and get more free motion practice.