So, here I am, like a drone - going over tons of stitch information. Why you ask? Or, maybe not - but I wonder how many of us do this. Yes, on topic. And in the words of Monty Python "my brain hurts."
So, here's the deal - as some of you know I've decided to do the Master Teacher Program with ANG - assuming of course that my application portfolio is accepted (I'm pretty sure it will be). Though - this is no easy thing, and rightfully so, as I'd assume we all expect our instructors to know something - more or less. A bit different than doing the Master Craftsman programs in terms of the starting point - not more or less work to proceed along.
Anyhow, I'm working on an original design that has to be done, completed and submitted with many pages of stuff and stitch samples by Aug 1. Everything else - I'm almost done with (a lot of academic type stuff, sketches, stitch samples, photos of original designs, etc). But, this original piece has me a bit twisted. Which brings me to my topic question. Donna & I were chatting about this over tea & cappuccino this afternoon. Are we too obsessive in finding just the right thing - stitch, thread for an original design. I'm 95% done with my sketches for this - just going to lay down a colored pencil or watercolor of the design. Then I have to do the stitch diagram - which will no doubt be done many times - as I play with the stitches. So, I have no less than about 20 threads for this - which will likely use about 5 in the end. I'm playing with some gorgeous Trio silk/wool - yummy - in 3 shades for the deep blue section. Got some lovely shades of Silk Lame' in the lightest to go with. And a Frosty Rays (sheer tube with metallic inner thread). And, of course, have a few Kr 8, as well as some Threadworx Overdyed Kr 8 & 4. And Petite Sparkle Rays in white, pale blue. And some Fyrewerks (that I don't think I'll use). And a couple of different weight white/metal types - Cresta d'Oro, Nordic Gold, Tapestry Braid. Did I mention that for white (the actual Snow/ice of the glacier) I have Watercolours in Snow White, Trebizond silk in White, and Hint of Mint Watercolours. What else - some Soy Lustre Shadows in the cerulean (blue) shades. I think I've figured out my "eye in the glacier" - the blues - will be some series of a Jessica. Crescents, circular bargello. But, the snow/ice which radiates away - I'm really obsessing in stitch choices - to give that edgy feel of the ice surface. I've had some ideas - and am almost there - but I wonder - am I just making myself crazy? Right now, I'm thinking of doing some of the snow in a "bunger stitch" which is sort of an elongated stepped slanted stitch. And maybe some Milanese variation. I don't know.
So, the rest of you - do you find yourself agonizing over just the right thread, or just the right stitch?
Well, back to work.... I've been having a great time re-reading stitching references. Going through the wonderful Jean Hilton's books - then talking about it with Donna - points out again why so many of her projects are done as classes. I don't think these are really easy to follow. But, amazing the variations she thought of.
Happy stitchin' Ellice