Tuesday, November 11, 2008

New Fibers


OK people...Squiggee has been into a new thing the last two weeks.....she has actually worked up some canvases , to be samples....I think I have done pretty well, not having to work any samples... or for that matter , a canvas ,for the last 15-20 years.....the new fibers are a real eye opener....amazing how much the world can change when you aren't looking....
around six months ago ,I asked the DC shop to send me a little snip of some of the new fibers ,so I could see ,what everyone was talking about...I get so many questions about colors and fibers....
two years ago I bought the DMC color chart just so I could see what colors
are available....
I have also printed color charts off sites....to see what colors other fibers offered..color no problem...but the actual fibers...that is another world...considering I was trained on wool...that is tuff and also doesn't have all the little quirks ,that some of these very precious new fibers do....in the last two weeks I have worked with a variety of fibers ...and it is amazing how quickly you discover what you like and don't like... I have always been a mixed medium artist.....so it only is fair to say , I like the mixing of fibers...it has been wild ,and my first canvas ,the little crabbie above ,almost sent me to the mental ward....fuss and bother ,compared to wool..but you soon get the hang...and since the canvas is so much a part of my life , stitching is not a problem...but no way relaxing.. I stitch , like I paint ...like a machine...a mad woman just doing it...how you stitchers , get realization from this task ,is beyond me... I knit, and do any hand craft the same way..like someone posessed...anyway...the rollie and the crabby have flown to Maine to be transformed into finished needlepoint.... I am now doing more of my birds ,to add to the ones that ,Pat Miller worked....... I like 13st...and because , I paint so precise...fibers seem to cover even ,though they are meant for 18st...basketwaeave is the ticket...it makes such a smooth pattern and covers so well...and I never pay any attention to what people say ,about what fits what.... I always march to my own tune...lol...so my stitch guides , will be unique and a little bazaar.....just like me....
during this whole process ,Judy Harper has been a rock...advising me about fibers...she is a pro...I am not ...and to my surprise...my favorite new fiber is the snow.......... by Caron Collection ..... I even bought a range of fibers , that just arrived...they sparkle and shine and are just the ticket for some of Squiggee.....and for some reason , I have a large stash of DMC cotton floss , that , I have been using...I have no idea what I bought this stuff for...maybe at one time ,I was tempted to work on things and the floss was on sale...lol..the moment passed... I am hoping that ,becoming a little familiar with the new fibers ,will help me make a little more sense ,when asked a question.... I will try to keep my opinion ,of what I love and what I don't to myself....some fibers are just wonderful...and some are , a punishment for some sin , have not be punished for....lol
I do like to keep Squiggee Designs moving along......no sense in sticking my head in the sand...
and the little Squiggee Designs are perfect for me...large vast expanses of background....I am so not there.... I do not and will never use a frame..... I like rolling the canvas in my hands....and am only working small pieces.....and the confines of a frame is not my thing....some old dogs ......you just can't teach new tricks...lol...wooof woof

5 comments:

M&Co. said...

Man Gail, for someone who hasn't done any stitching for 10-15 years, you rock as a stitcher!

The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure said...

Way to go, Gail! Congratulations on the exploration you are doing. I'm not surprised you like Snow. It really is easy to stitch with, especially on the larger sizes of canvas. Try Vineland silks. They have a line that has metallic woven in with the silk as well as some that looks like tweed and some regular. It's all a tapestry wool-looking silk except with shine. Sort of. Can you tell I'm no good with explanations?!

Happy stitching. I find it very relaxing but I'm not stitching like a mad woman....

Jane, not the mad woman of CH

Possibilities, Etc. said...

Vineyard Silk is a dream also - but fits 18 mesh. I'm glad I sent you that Snow, as I don't care for it. LOL I'll raid my stash and see what else is there that doesn't like me. You are becoming a stash junkie like the rest of us!

Possibilities, Etc. said...

P.S. I have never used a frame either, and never intend to - not necessary if you learned proper basketweave.

NCPat said...

These are great and welcome to the world of fiberholics!!! LOL