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!
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.
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing me what you are doing with the Piper silks, it may help me to take the plunge!
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!
DeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteYes, 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!
DeleteSo sweet! I loved this embroidery.
ReplyDeleteThank you Eliana, I'm glad you like it!
DeleteAgain, 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks 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!
DeleteYour 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
ReplyDeleteWith two recommendations for the Petit Pointers... I may have to join after all!
DeleteGorgeous embroiderywork, nice pattern. I have learnt now what silk to use.
ReplyDeleteKind regards, Ilona
Thanks Ilona!
DeleteAwesome. Thanks so much for the link to the silk floss, gonna check that out!
ReplyDeleteCheers! Check them out, I am slightly addicted already!
DeleteI 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?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for being able to do anything exept collapse after your days with twins!!!
Regards Janine
minworks.blogspot.com
Hi Janine,
Deleteno, 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!