In yesterday’s post, Jen talked in general about experimentation and creativity in needlework. Today she will talk about ways to use your stash to spark those creative ideas.
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My goal this month is to get Amy and anyone else who’s interested take a step toward experimenting with embroidery. This is a trick for experimenting, and I admit it’s largely untested. It’s a trick writers use to generate ideas, a trick camp counselors use to have campers create original skits, and I am confident it will help us craft needlework
experiments to expand our horizons and creativity–and entertain us endlessly!
We’re going to make lists. You can use the lists I provide here or make your own. Push the limits of your lists. Write as many items as you can, then force out three more. Sometimes, it’s in digging deep and reaching that we find the most interesting ideas.
List 1: Fibers
Write the fibers you have available or would like to use in your experiment.
- 6-strand cotton
- 6-strand silk
- variegated thread
- pearl cotton
- assorted ribbon
- metallics
- rayon
- wool
- over-dyed
- satin
- fine sock yarn
- chunky yarn
- Fuzzy Stuff (from Rainbow Gallery)
- fine wire
- twine
- shoelace
Embroider with twine?! Why not? Who knows what ideas twine will inspire.
List 2: Ground Materials
Write the ground materials you have available, would like to
try, or think utterly impossible to use in needlework.
- card stock
- 14-ct. aida
- 28-ct. linen
- congress cloth
- 18 mesh mono canvas
- 14 mesh interlock canvas
- denim
- twill
- felt
- perforated paper
- silk gauze
- burlap
- netting
- knit t-shirt
- sock
List 3: Techniques or stitches
Write some techniques and stitches you know or would like to
learn. Be specific and don’t be afraid to reach.
- cross stitch
- hemstitching
- Hardanger
- blackwork
- pulled thread
- goldwork
- couching
- crescent stitches
- knots
- stitches that form circles
- shisha
- fly stitches
- blanket stitches (attached and detached)
- wound or wrapped stitches
- bargello
List 4: Embellishments
Go on, go nuts here: shells, coins, sequins, mirrors, beads, buttons, toothpick, aluminum foil, origami animal, wire, rings, scrap fabrics, paperclip, ribbon, piece of jewelry.
Optional List 5: Themes and Subjects
These aren’t required, but may provide additional inspiration
or challenge.
-
shapes: circle, square, triangle, octagon, star, spiral,
- flowers
- leaves
- body parts: hand, foot, ear, eyes, vascular system
- clothes: flip-flop, hat, purse
- things found in the kitchen: teacup, timer, fork
- food: cupcakes, deviled eggs, sushi
- monsters
- space: planets, stars, constellations
- books (well, du-uh!)
- animals: footprints, tails, skin and fur patterns
- water: waterfall, stream, raindrops
- cars
- moods
- sounds
teardrop, paisley
Write items from each list on individual bits of paper and put each group in a baggie or teacup. When you’re ready to experiment, draw one slip from each cup. Create a piece of needlework that incorporates all four or five slips of paper. Give yourself a time limit, maybe one hour, to produce something, anything. If you like where the experiment is going at the end of the hour, give yourself more time or return to the project another day.
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