This cloth is the first in a series exploring the timeless marks found on ancient rocks. Circles, rings, spirals, and lines – all quite abstract but eternally symbolic and full of meaning.
I’ve used hand-dyed silk bourette yarn for couching the rings. It has a lovely soft texture and, unusually for silk, doesn’t have so much of a sheen. It looks and feels more like very soft wool.
The rings on the grey silk band are made with very fine silk tulle, which weighs almost nothing but has a strong will of its own and can be quite tricksy. You have to work very slowly with it and pin it down as you go, otherwise it tends to wriggle away and wander off. This is not a great photo but was only intended to show myself where the rings needed adjusting a little before committing to stitching them down.
A few stitches later, they’re sitting quite nicely.
It’s taking its time, and I’m sitting with each mark to see where it needs more. These plain running stitch circles may or may not be finished. The cloth in this section is textured silk, similar to silk noil but slightly heavier and thicker.
Taking time to make time. All the time is already there. It’s just a matter of finding it.
I just gifted myself some tiny applique pins, which are a bit more than half an inch long … I’m thinking you might find them useful for the fine work you do
What a kind thought Liz, thank you. I have some already, from when I used to make miniatures. I also have some ultra-fine silk pins, which I *should* have used for this tulle… Note to self – get All The Pins out instead of reaching for the nearest thing… 😊
Love ancient rock designs! and it’s already looking amazing 🤎
Thanks so much, Pam. I really like these simple but expressive shapes
Oh, yes, the “tricksy” fabrics. You seem to have wrangled these very successfully, but I know from experience how much muttering and grumbling sometimes goes into a successful result!
More surprised than grumbling, to be fair – who know such a tiny thing could creep so far away from where it was placed 😆 it’s a bit like silk velvet, just doesn’t want to go where it’s told. I think I beat it in the end 😁
Lovely project–silk takes dye so wonderfully. your circles are really a challenge—a little fabric glue???
Thanks Janet – no need for glue in the end, though that’s a good suggestion.
Thank you for describing your materials – they are lovely. I am learning how much pins are my friends.
They really are! So many different kinds too…
such a beautiful exploration of time!
Thanks so much, Mo. Just following the thread.
Love you ancient rock concept, the colors are simply beautiful as is your stitching. I have worked with spirals and labyrinths in my embroidery.
Thanks so much 😊 spirals and labyrinths are such lovely shapes
Looking lovely even with the work. You know how I love your old marks with my two iron age villages each side of my house. Very grounding.
I bet! Lucky you – it sounds magical.
Your work is a marvel!
Thanks so much, Bernie. Just me trying to find my way