Layered and Cut

I had a pause between chapter 6 and chapter 7 but finally got re-started again recently. This chapter requires 6 samples but I must be honest and confess to only creating 5... I guess I just want to crack on to the next chapter really! I enjoyed the technique but feel like I restricted myself a little - I look at my samples and all I can think is "too many neat edges!". So it's not suprising that my favourite sample is rather frayed. Anyway, let me show you my samples in order of creation:

Sample 1

This was my first attempt and is pretty basic on the layering.  I've mainly used chain stitch.  The scan doesn't show the gold pattern on the greenish fabric in the center.  Overall I feel that this sample is pretty dull to be honest.  I moved swiftly on.

Sample 2

This sample is slightly more interesting.  I used chain stitch (again!) and embroidery threads (2 strands).    The blue fabric is nylon and frays very easily.  It seems much more pleasing to the eye than sample 1.

Sample 3

This sample uses nylon dress-lining and netting on cotton.  Much of the stitiching is elongated cross stitch in yellow.  I think that the contrast of the netting against the strong blue is interesting but I don't much like the sample.  I think it's boring.


Sample 4

This is my favourite sample but unfortunately the image doesn't do it much justice.  The top layer is chiffon (I think) which alters between blue and purple.  Underneath that is a layer of some kind of craft paper/material with gold stars on it.  This is all sewn to a background of blue cotton.  The stitches on the sample are running stitch (by hand).  The top layer is cut away with the edges remaining frayed to give some interesting texture. 


Sample 5

The final sample is the only one with machine stitching on it.  Unfortunately I've only got a rubbish mini-sewing machine in Belfast (my decent machine is back in England!) but I had a bash anyway.  The only stitch on the machine is running stitch!  And you can't free-embroider with it either so I was pretty limited in my choice of stitch!  Again the image doesn't do the front justice - in real-life it is far prettier!!!

I've just realised that haven't twisted shapes around in any of my samples, they're all still symmetrical!  How utterly dull!  I tried in sample 2 because the first shape-layer isn't straight on the fabric... but then I clearly forgot what I was doing and then lined the second shape with the first!