Cut two circles, one twice as big across as the other (these are 5 and 10 inches) Oakshott cotton again
Cut a small slit in the centre of the smaller one, and crease to mark the quarters on both
Using a doubled thread, gather the quarters so that the larger circle matches the smaller, (use a matching thread, I have used a contrast for the sample)
All the way round... Pin between the quarters and distribute the gathers evenly
Sew all around by machine
Like so... (matchy, matchy, please...)
Turn out through the hole like so... Now go downstairs/to your armchair and sit in front of the fire, with a cup of tea and some chocolate (this is a very important part of the process)
With your doubled thread as before, start in the middle with a back-stitch or two to secure the start..
Turn the piece over and push the top fabric with your thumb to make a small pleat. Stitch up from the back, through the top layer and back down.
Turn a little and repeat..
And again..
And so on
Keep working round in a spiral, pushing the fabric inwards and working out towards the edge as you go. Make the top match the back for size
Back will look like this
Front... More stitches will mean a flatter result
Make 12 of these
Trim, turn out and press. Sew into a ring, then add the centre
Add beads if desired (do this last, or they disappear under the folds)
Nicely 3D
One in cream, also with beads
Rusted linen, silk, quilted ground...
Sleep well...
LOVE
ReplyDeleteI love the way you use all these techniques of traditional sewing to create such interesting pieces. I am really enjoying the month.
ReplyDeleteJo
Very clever. I love the texture.
ReplyDeleteI tried this with a hand dyed fabric in lovely (so I thought) fuchsia, mauve and grey. Imagine my dismay when mid-way through the final hand stitching stage, it looked more like brain surgery gone horribly wrong. Perhaps a solid is a better idea.... Also might I suggest that you might like to take something considerably stronger than a cup of tea. I found that last step very challenging. I couldn't make myself finish either the one from the hand dye or the sample made from the solid. I seem to be missing something....
ReplyDeleteApologies for not liking gin, but I come from a long line of Disastrous Drinkers... If too convoluted, you aren't making your pleats deep enough, or stitching too much, perhaps? Feel free to email me with an image for critique/help
ReplyDeletehelen@raindropkites.co.uk
Wow!! Talk about manipulating fabric. You're working with some amazing techniques!
ReplyDelete