How small can you go?


  I use Guttermann silk thread to do my miniature embroideries, but there is a limit to how small the motifs could be, as the thread is twisted.  This means that there is a relief texture.  I recently found a supplier of silk floss, Pipers Silks.  It didn't take me long to order from them!  They have a good range, and it is really reasonably priced, plus (one of the most important things for me), the postage is fantastically low.  I immediately started practicing...


  The embroidery hoop is 4"/10cm diam, and the material is duchesse silk satin.

  



  A pencil for scale!


   The tiniest feathered leaves.

  I need to start practicing shading, to give the motifs more depth, and then I can start on my new project!

Comments

  1. I want, I want, I want!! ;-) Gorgeous silks and embroidery! It is something I haven't tried yet but have been wanting to for quite a while now. Ordering the silks is one of the things holding me back. I would love to do some embroidery on silk (which I have already bought) as upholstery for some furniture. I look forward to seeing what your project will be.
    Thanks for showing me what you are doing with the Piper silks, it may help me to take the plunge!

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    1. DO take the plunge, they are great - although I find the floss very different from twist, and had to practice a little. Also, have some hand cream to hand, as any dry skin snags the thread. Unfortunately for me, it is gardening season again, so my hands are quite rough!

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  2. Your embroidery is gorgeous, so far I have used the Pipers silk only for petit point, but I definitely want to try some other techniques with it. Do you know about the petit pointer group on Yahoo, there is a link on my blog, they are one of the friendliest groups around, always ready with advice and cheering on one's efforts in mini embroidery.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I think I saw the link on your blog - is it a group just for petit point, or for miniature embroidery in general? I need some tips on finishing!

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  3. So sweet! I loved this embroidery.

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  4. Again, very beautiful, I know nothing about embroidery, does it work in the same way as a tapestry? I bought a kit to make a miniature pole screen tapestry a few years back, it took a long time and I was pleased with the results, but this embroidery looks different, I love the effect of it!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Andy, no it isn't like tapestry, where the holes are 'ready made' - it is more like painting with a needle and thread. I draw out a design, and use different sttches to create different effects. Maybe I'll do a tutorial sometime!

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  5. Your samples with Piper's silk look nice. You can go very small with it. I am also a Petitpointer's Yahoo group member. They discuss and share any ideas and techniques in miniature needlework field. Mini hugs, Natalia

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    1. With two recommendations for the Petit Pointers... I may have to join after all!

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  6. Gorgeous embroiderywork, nice pattern. I have learnt now what silk to use.
    Kind regards, Ilona

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  7. Awesome. Thanks so much for the link to the silk floss, gonna check that out!

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    1. Cheers! Check them out, I am slightly addicted already!

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  8. I do admire that you are able to work in such fine scale. The reticule is wonderful. Just to clarify - do you count threads in the silk fabric to create the pattern?
    Congratulations for being able to do anything exept collapse after your days with twins!!!
    Regards Janine
    minworks.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi Janine,

      no, it is not counted thread work, but surface embroidery. I draw a pattern and transfer it to the fabric. Then I use different stitches to 'fill in' the design, like back stitch, chain stitch, whipped running stitch etc. I'm thinking of doing a mini tutorial...

      And I know what you mean about twins!

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