Finished piece and next steps

 I have finished the first of my two Baptism stoles. In my last post I included the design so now for some step-by-step photos.

This shows the organza layered up between two pieces of Romeo dis-solvable film. I used three wide strips as the base then layered up with strips and pieces of organza before a final piece to cover the whole thing. I shaded it from dark to light. The film holds the organza sandwich together and gives it more body thus making sewing easier and meaning there is no need to use an embroidery frame.

I then stitched across in "waves" again shading the threads from dark to light as I went up. I then washed away the film and let the piece dry flat. I had originally planned to cut into the top layer of the organza to reveal the layers beneath but I liked the way the colours blended into each other and that it had a real feel of water to it.  The next step was to cut the piece in half and use the stole pattern I had made to ensure I allowed both for the shape and for a seam allowance. 

The pins in this are there to hold the organza layer in place on the main fabric - a polyester dupion. I stitched across the top with a tight zig-zag to neaten it and to hold it in place. Once this was done I embellished it with beading - again shading these from dark to light.

One side of the completed stole - it is interlined with firm vilene and then lined with white cotton.
Here are a couple of other pictures.

I am pleased with how this has come out. It has also given me some new ideas for how I could organza to make a background for quilting!


Well I'm just keeping my fingers crossed at present - and not only because I've got to take my sewing machine in for repair. I have registered with the E17 Art Trail in my own right and I think I'm happy with what I've written as my "artist's statement" - very hard as I didn't want it too sound too over the top and become pretentious! Still I have got some time to edit it so I will probably send it to a friend or two who I can trust for constructive - but kind feedback! I have also entered three pieces into a local show "Soft" so it's fingers crossed to see if any/all get selected. Very scary as it's the first time my pieces will be "judged" by someone I don't know. Still with the month I've had so far I need something positive. 


My machine? Well I cleaned it, put in a new needle and started quilting Shirley's birthday quilt - feathers all going well when suddenly - the needle breaks. Not a disaster in itself but part of the needle seems to have lost inside the machine - so I really don't want to use it and risk doing damage! Next job - find a repair shop! - And then some hand projects!