TONAL EFFECTS IN MACHINE STITCHERY
I followed the suggestions set out in the Chapter.
My samples are worked on white cotton fabric which makes it difficult to see the edge of the fabric in some samples but the stitching is clear enough. I have used a sewing machine since I was a young child but I have to admit that this stretched me and challenged my skills. I have never previously fiddled with the width or length of the stitches as I sewed. My sewing machine is a 30 year old Pfaff and it will allow me to alter the length and width only to certain limits.
Page 2.3.1
Three examples using different stitches with increase in distance between rows as well as stitch size and the other one (top right) extending the length of the zigzag stitch in each row.
Page 2.3.2
Using various embroidery stitches. In the example on the left the stitch length and width was varied to obtain the effect. Similarly in the top piece the stitch size was varied. The example on the right has some stitch size variation but relies mainly on stitch spacing.
Page 2.3.3
I first did this sample in straight stitching and then experimented with an embroidery stitch in which I varied the stitch spacing as I moved across the fabric as well. I thought this was a simple way to obtain a very effective change in tone.
Simple straight stitching using the spacing of the rows to achieve the tonal effect, and using an embroidery stitch more densely on the left and more openly on the right.
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WHIP STITCH EFFECT
Whip stitch done in zigzag and straight stitch in white and black thread. Again a challenge to change the tension on the machine, but it worked well and I can see how this could be used effectively to achieve tonal effects.
Whip stitch done with zigzag, changing the tension in each row in the top sample and the stitch length in the bottom sample.
Sample worked in non parallel lines with black thread in the bobbin and white in the top with loose tension.
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CABLE STITCH EFFECT
I have never previously used a thicker thread in the bobbin, so again a steep learning curve, but I was very impressed with the results.
White perle thread in the bobbin and black in the top.
Navy perle thread in the bobbin and white in the top.
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MAKING MACHINE STITCHED STRIPS
Animal marking as inspiration
I did some rows of embroidery stitches which reflected markings on my selected animal, the frill neck lizard. The top row pyramids made me think of the points on the edge of the frill, and some of the other stitches were indicative of the scales on the skin.
Page 2.3.8
I did these two samples using various stitches on my machine but I am limited in how much I can adjust the length and width of the set stitches, so in some of them I increased the length and/or the width as I stitched the row to see what the effect would be. I also some overlapping to see how that would look. If I plan to use these types of markings on my final piece I will need to do further experimentation. But I will wait and see what my thoughts are in relation to that in due course.
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