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17th C. Jacket Project Trip
Jun. 2nd, 2009 06:33 pmI got back from my journey to MA last night, after losing my car keys, then finding out (after 3 hours of searching) that they'd fallen out of my purse and rolled far under the car seat (an unexpected dimensions of my keyless auto systems is having keys in the car, but out of pickup range).
As for the jacket project, I ended up starting on it at the final work session. It was rather awkward fitting into a project that had been underway for two years, but my work was needed, so I came out feeling accomplished. I started with sewing on spangles (or oes or pailettes, depending on who is speaking). At first, I felt very hesitant and worked slowly. Then I was switched to embroidering curliques on the golden stems. Real gold embroidery! I loved it! The need to make progress infiltrated my brain and soon I was cranking. At the end, they doubled us up for a time on frames and I went back to sewing spangles. Oddly, sharing a canvass gave me more confidence. I was cranking. My work was tidy. Then other folks left early, I got a frame to myself again and I started whipping those things on. I know I hit about 80 per hour, maybe more--I just managed to finish spangling the piece I was working on.
My take-away was a whole lot more confidence in my embroidery capabilities and a lot of creative inspiration for new items. I think I will try to make a coif inspired by--but not copying--the jacket (named "Faith"). I also am inspired by the 3-D design possibilities of stumpwork. A veteran stitcher from the project brought in an amazing stumpwork lamb that she'd sewn--seeing her effort left me thinking of designing my own creations. I'd love to make a sewing accoutrement like the needlelace thimble holders and needlebooks of the period. Only the design I have in mind is a bit fanciful...
Well, that is an idea for another day. Right now, I need to get cracking on my UFOs!
Meanwhile, thanks for all the comments from before. I wasn't able to respond, mostly since I never got online! Life was very busy, but very fun!
As for the jacket project, I ended up starting on it at the final work session. It was rather awkward fitting into a project that had been underway for two years, but my work was needed, so I came out feeling accomplished. I started with sewing on spangles (or oes or pailettes, depending on who is speaking). At first, I felt very hesitant and worked slowly. Then I was switched to embroidering curliques on the golden stems. Real gold embroidery! I loved it! The need to make progress infiltrated my brain and soon I was cranking. At the end, they doubled us up for a time on frames and I went back to sewing spangles. Oddly, sharing a canvass gave me more confidence. I was cranking. My work was tidy. Then other folks left early, I got a frame to myself again and I started whipping those things on. I know I hit about 80 per hour, maybe more--I just managed to finish spangling the piece I was working on.
My take-away was a whole lot more confidence in my embroidery capabilities and a lot of creative inspiration for new items. I think I will try to make a coif inspired by--but not copying--the jacket (named "Faith"). I also am inspired by the 3-D design possibilities of stumpwork. A veteran stitcher from the project brought in an amazing stumpwork lamb that she'd sewn--seeing her effort left me thinking of designing my own creations. I'd love to make a sewing accoutrement like the needlelace thimble holders and needlebooks of the period. Only the design I have in mind is a bit fanciful...
Well, that is an idea for another day. Right now, I need to get cracking on my UFOs!
Meanwhile, thanks for all the comments from before. I wasn't able to respond, mostly since I never got online! Life was very busy, but very fun!
