Chapter 4 – Patterns from Animal Markings

I’m afraid I had a bit of a wine accident and spilt a glass over one of my pages.  Sorry about that…  Drawing isn’t my strong point but I did have a bash.

So starting off with this lizardy-iguana-type chap (Image 1).  He had heaps of pattern all over him:

The tactile person within couldn’t resist doing some contour interpretation (Image 2) – I tried to take a rubbing of the pattern but it wasn’t very successful:

Image 3 – Lazy cheetah:

Image 4 – Giraffe:

Image 5 - Zebra

Image 6 – Something lizardy!:

Image 7 – Tiger:

Image 8 – Some kind of bird that I saw at the Rare Breeds Centre in Totnes:

Gorilla Glue

“For the toughest jobs on planet Earth” the packaging claims.  It’s mighty strong stuff!

 Instructions for Use

1. Lightly dampen one surface
2. Spread a thin layer of Gorilla Glue onto the surface
3. Clamp for 1-2 hours (at 20-54 degrees centigrade)
4. Gorilla Glue will foam 3-4 times its volume which is why clamping is important for a good bond
5. Working time is up to 10-15 minutes
6. Cure time is approximately 80% in 1 hour, 100% in 24 hours
7. Best used at room temperature

Caution

This product is harmful by inhalation and may cause irritation to eyes, the respiratory system and skin.  There is a possibility of a carcinogenic effect. 

Do not breath vapour – use suitable protective clothing and gloves!

In case of accident seek medical assistance immediately.  Individuals with chronic asthmatic conditions should consult a physician prior to using this product.

Further health and safety notes can be found on the product website:

http://uk.gorillaglue.com/eng/glues/glue-list/1/8/gorilla-glue-original.html

Storage Instructions

Wipe nozzle clean after use using a dry cloth.  Squeeze all air from the bottle and then replace the lid while still squeezing.

Information taken from the product packaging and website.

Chapter 3 – Tonal Effects in Machine Stitchery (c)

I stitched six strips of fabric which had a thin Vilene on the reverse to provide support.  (To view the images close up please click on them and they will take you to the source image). 

Image 1 – Fabric strips:

Image 2 – Straight stitch with zigzags introduced along the length:

Image 3 – As above but with a second line of stitching mirroring the first:

Image 4 – Good old basic zigzags:

Image 5 – Straight stitch with zigzag introduced (as in image 2) but with a change of needle position and no gradual change of zigzag stitch width:

Image 6 – A decorative stitch (honeycomb?), this seemed to take forever to complete!:

Image 7 – Straight stitch in three directions:

Chapter 3 – Tonal Effects in Machine Stitchery (b)

Image 1 – Straight stitch, this gives teeny tiny little loops:

Image 2 – Zigzag stitch, the little ‘loops’ are a more elongated with the zigzag:

Image 3 – Varying zigzag stitch, gives different sized ‘loops’', I quite like this haphazard look:

Image 4 – This is absolutely my favourite!  Black thread on both sides with zigzag stitch and some pulling at the top thread to give little (unsupported) loops.  You’d have to bond the back of this to stop the little loops unravelling but I really like the effect this gives:

Image 5 – Black embroidery floss wound onto the bobbin, finding my feet with simple stitching:

Image 6 – Black embroidery floss wound onto the bobbin, far more haphazard:

Image 7 – Black embroidery floss wound onto the bobbin, zigzag stitch:

Image 8 – Black embroidery floss wound onto the bobbin, straight stitch with varying length.  Of all of the ‘cable stitch’ samples this is my favourite because of the little nobbles of thread:

Chapter 3 – Tonal Effects in Machine Stitchery (a)

I’m going to log Chapter 3 with three blog entries:

1. Using the basic stitches on the machine
2. Creating whip and cable stitch effects
3. Machine stitched strips

So first off here are the straight stitch samples.

Image 1 – Stretch blind hem:

Image 2 – Zigzag stitch (varying width):

Image 3 – Straight stitch (varying space between lines):

Image 4 – Zigzag stitch (varying width between stitch lines):

Image 5 – Straight stitch:

Image 6 – Zigzag stitch (running the stitch in different positions on the fabric to create voids):

Image 7 – Zigzag stitch (varying length and width of stitch):

Image 8 – Zigzag stitch (varying length of stitch)

Image 9 – A decorative (honeycomb?) stitch (this is actually my favourite):

Image 10 – Zigzag stitch (varying stitch length and width):

Image 11 – A decorative (honeycomb?) stitch from the front of the fabric:

Image 12 – A decorative (honeycomb?) stitch from the back of the fabric: