More on density

SharonB's lesson 4 has me thinking about density. On this 4x6 I learned new variations of the buttonhole and Cretan stitch, made a long-tailed French knot and tried the cloud stitch. All aimed toward the use of density in embroidery. By the time I was finishing up I was also striving to consider a way to convey distance and what part density has to play in that. These two considerations have forced me to think about the color, luster and thickness of the threads I use.

SharonB's lesson 2

This is some of the lesson 2 work with many thanks to Shay for all the wonderful new threads that I've been using here. She sent me a lovely packet of threads, ribbons, trims. She really loaded me up with such a variety in thread thickness and shine that I've been like a kid and getting into everything. Another result of Shay's generosity is that I've been having several "first time to use" experiences.

I've never done work with ribbons; if ribbons were used it was for finishing not stitching. I found that I enjoyed working with ribbons for the french knots. I tried them for the berry and crown stitches, too. I'm not sure if I have the tension right. I would welcome any suggestion about that.

I'd never noticed rayon threads before. I love the shine. However, I found that I need practice before I have any skill with them. I think all that I managed to do on this tiny sampler was to thread them through the rows of moss stitching. I've been practicing on another page for points and shapes. I'm not sure if I will be posting that or not. It is still such a mess. There are a grand total of 3 rayon flowers I've not ripped out!