Once we had decided on our design (butterfly or flower) we traced the outline and features using tracing paper and pencil and then traced these on to our calico fabric. A gold pen would have been used in the past but pencil, biro or even carbon paper is just as convenient as the lines are all covered with stitching. |
The stitched piece is outlined once again by couching a cake wire around the edge of the shape and then carefully buttonholed around the edge.
Several pieces of work from previous day schools were on display and time was also spent discussing and finalising our 60th Anniversary piece; details of which will be available at the February meeting along with the materials to get you started.
If making a butterfly the body needs to be made onto the fabric first before the wings are added. The petals and wings can then be arranged. Although we had made good progress with our stump work most would be finished at home. Hopefully we will see the results of our labours in February. | After lunch Sandie showed us how to complete our work to make it 3D. The shapes are cut out from the calico leaving about a half centimetre border, which is then trimmed close to the buttonhole stitch. Any edges of calico that might show can be coloured with felt tip pen to help them disappear and not detract from the embroidery. The ends of the cake wire are pushed through the background fabric. Sandie suggested to back the main fabric with calico and a small piece of felt to help support the shape. The wires are stitched down through the calico and another small piece of felt covers the wires once more. |
Keep stitching everyone- as one member said, “Busy hands keep you away from the biscuit tin!”
Finally remember to bring any finished work to the February meeting.