#Threads Archives - Page 3 of 15

11th May 201530th June 2018

Hand Embroidery Samples 8 ….. Bullion Knots

I am loving the challenges this embroidery course is unearthing – experimenting with stitches I already know and some I have have yet to discover. Bullion Knots were a new stitch to me. I always thought they were way too complicated to achieve, but the one thing I have discovered is that practice makes perfect. The samples on wool plaid below were the first ones I have ever done. The following sample on Irish Linen was made for my Posh Sample Book, and is bullion knots graded from one to 6 strands of DMC cotton embroidery thread.

This experimental sample was created on 100% wool plaid upholstery fabric using DMC stranded embroidery thread, creating the variegation in density of stitch by using 1 – 6 strands. The sample has French Knots and Bullion Knots. I love the contrast of the sheen of the thread against the softness of the wool.

Just from the small amount of experimenting I have done with Bullion Knots and French Knots, I have discovered that I can create a huge amount of variegation in my work just by changing the size of stitch (number of strands used), the density if stitches on the fabric and the contrast of thread against the fabric. Have a go yourself ! Happy experimenting.

2nd May 201530th June 2018

Hand Embroidery Samples 7….. French Knots

This is another stitch I have used many, many times in my own work, but had always stitched it using two strands of DMC and not thought about the difference it would make just by varying its size and density – so it was therapeutic to set time aside to experiment with it. This sample was created on Irish Linen fabric and using DMC cotton thread working with one strand and building up to six.

This experimental sample was created on 100% wool plaid upholstery fabric using DMC stranded embroidery thread, creating the variegation in stitch by using 1 – 6 strands. The sample has French Knots and Bullion Knots. I love the contrast in textures from the softness of the wool with the sheen of the stitch.

I hope you are inspired to have a play with thread yourself.

17th April 201528th October 2020

Game of Thrones – The Embroidery of Michele Carragher

I’ve been a fan of HBO’s Game of Thrones for many years and have taken a keen interest in the show’s costumes. I knew very little about the creative mind behind them until I stumbled upon an opportunity to meet London based Michele Carragher, the Embroiderer on a Game of Thrones.

Specialising in hand embroidery and surface design, her work is breath taking. She layers detail on detail, bead work, fabric painting, brocade, thread, applique and then adds textile manipulation to create exquisite pieces of art.

Michele Carragher

Game of Thrones – House Stark

Michele’s embroidery is incorporated into garments, cloaks in addition to the iconic collars from Game of Thrones.

A large piece of cloth is stitched with lots of hand embroidery before being cut away and assembled into a finished collar.

Each collar has it’s own emblem. The Fish Crest from House Stark is embellished on this piece.

Markmaking

Michele’s work also utilises techniques and skills gained whist working in textile restoration.

The starting point for the following designs is lightweight organza and muslin fabrics. Hand drawn lines mark the way ready for the application of embroidery and bead work. The finished garment is then layered and appliqued with the cut away designs.

This embroidery appears on the dress of Myrcella Baratheon in Season 5

Embroidery Short Cuts

Patterned and pre-embellished fabrics, lace and brocades are used as a starting point for some of her pieces. Michele explained that this is sometimes taken as a shortcut for selected garments which are unlikely be seen up close on camera. Each fabric is further embellished with even more bead work and embroidery.

Daenerys Targaryen

Each character has garments themed around their own personality. This includes the choice of colour and the type of technique used to create the design. This piece was made for Daenerys Targaryen and includes her iconic Dragon scales.