A new year refreshes and brings with it enthusiasm and zeal. It’s a time to re-energize and re-organize what we do and how we do it.
So how can we support that throughout the year to accomplish something new and meaningful?
I’m going to share what I’m attempting.
100 Stitched Circles.
Each of these 4″ hooped embroideries is unique and the plan is to try something different each time, like a new stitch or stitch combination, because I’m seeing new techniques everywhere at the moment and if I don’t record and use them, I’ll forget them.
For instance, I recently saw a bullion stitch worked so that it stands upright on its own. I didn’t think it would work, but it’s beautiful. It’s fiddly but worth the effort. Now I see how I could apply that technique – and let’s not forget, nobody owns a technique, but you do have to make it yours, not copy someone else.
All the embroideries are worked on coloured silks stabilized by a felt backing, mostly worked in the hoop then cut and finished neatly on the reverse side with an inner circle of white felt.
I’m painting the hoops in gold acrylic paint – only because I feel it gives a warmer frame to the stitching but also because I dislike the silver screw fittings on the outer hoop. Fiddly I know, but in my opinion, well worth the effort. It’s only a subtle difference, but I know it’s there.
So that’s the rationale and execution. Learning and doing.
So far I’ve completed sixteen tiny hooped embroideries that combine bead and hand embroidery techniques and I have about six hooped and ready to go.
So why 100?
It’s to push myself and explore the complexity and simplicity of embroidery and its connectivity with the Elements and Principles of design and the materials I work with – all stitched within a 4″ circle.
There’s no real planning, I simply begin with fabric in a hoop. Then comes the choices – threads, beads and embellishments.
Colour is hugely important to me, so with fabric selection comes my colour-coded bags containing threads, beads and sequins – because that’s how I like to work, with all my options set out in front of me.
I’m working intuitively with the materials I have on hand.
The benefits are three-fold. Learning is one, the other is gaining confidence to make something work from nothing.
The third is that they are small. I can easily work an entire circle in a day or two depending on the design and the time I have available, plus they’re transportable. I have a tray with all my bits and pieces to work outside, inside or take it to the beach or travelling.
As I said, I have no plan, but that doesn’t mean I can’t make it work – and that’s the point. I’m gaining confidence in my ability to create something from nothing.
Some are more successful than others, but I relish using new ideas and techniques relying on my imagination and style.
No one owns a technique, so it’s how I use that particular technique in a different way that’s important.
I had a stash of silk fabrics, but I must confess to purchasing some sari-silk off-cuts from India and a few more beads and beautiful threads, so I’m supporting small businesses too.
Here are links to two of my favourite bead and thread suppliers. Colour Streams has an amazing variety of stunning sequins and threads and Katie’s Treasures has myriad irresistible beads. I’ve used them both several times and the service has been great.
So that’s my background plan for 2025 – I’ll still be designing and creating work for exhibition, but these little beauties will keep me busy in those downtimes or when I just want to stitch without any pressure.
After all, that’s what embroidery should be all about.
What’s your plan for 2025?
All views and opinions expressed are my own, except where acknowledged information is included from other sources.