the real Frankenstitch lesson

Again, i apologize for the quality of yesterdays video! My camera has the capability of recording video but is not really a camcorder :} I'm trying one more time to do a wee one--if this doesn't work, well, then i'll just keep practicing----but i won't subject you to my pain until i've got it down pat (poor Pat). This one is "scripted", ie what i said is directly below the video in written form :} Using video is a real learning curve, but this ol' dogette will learn new tricks!

EDIT: i'm DAMN pleased with this one--even though i actually cut off the last thing i wanted to say!

Okay, you've made your fabric and thread choices, and may have already started without me. (DO NOT USE A HOOP. This is truly a hands only technique.) On the fabric sample i've been using there are areas that are more defined by the dye---i could choose to use those as the areas to stitch or define them more by framing them with stitch. (This is why i suggested a "mottled" fabric to start your adventure with.) You can build a design from the appearance of the fabric, or add stitch in a pattern of sorts to create a design. I find this technique is more of a background enhancer that an actual image in itself, though with some planning, i suppose that could be as well!

I'm not going to take you through basic stitches in this lesson--i'm assuming you already know how to embroider. If not, do a little research: there are tons of books in the library or look online for detailed photos and instructions.

The piece i used in the video is Beautiful Bones.

When using the backstitch so loosely and in large motions, make sure your tension is not so tight that you squinch the back as well--the stitches should hold the bulges but not flatten them. If you do have this problem, simply flip the piece over and pull gently on the "edges" to raise the front more.

Sometimes you will create more borgles and lumps with this technique than were there initially--this is okay, just use them also---in the end if there are many, start doing smaller stitches on smaller "pinches" of fabric to square up the piece. It's akin to creating darts that are visible to "flatten"! (On a side note, this technique is fabulous for creating 3 dimensional shapes as well as high relief on 2 dimensional projects.)

Now for what i call the "built in" stitch. This is areas that are started by using a large buttonhole or basic needlelace technique over a much wider expanse than normal. It pulls the fabric into valleys and spaces under the stitches. The top buttonholing can be gone over in random directions with other colours, thread weights or densities of the buttonhole, but leave some spaces open. Though fiddly, it is worth the effort and correct mouth position to then add stitches under the buttonholing. Beads and found objects also come into play here. The idea is not to flatten out this area but to allow the depth to happen. Use more of the Frankenstitch, spiderwebs, smaller bits of buttonhole, backstitch, whatever you like, in the dips and grooves. You can also use any other method of "threadwork"--there are bits here of needleweaving, crochet and raised buttonhole bars as well. Sky's the limit , but remember this technique shouldn't overshadow the main focal point!

Clear as mud now? Doing this is easier than explaining it! Breaking things down into steps is the way to learn and teach, but i'm not sure if i haven't just gotten too wordy about a very simple method! All you have to remember is to forget what you learned previously about precision, daintiness and tension! Now go play with it. I'd love to see some samples from you too, please!

Update on Wed, November 4, 2009 at 1:38PM by arlee

The top photo in this entry is the corner in the start of video of Beautiful Bones before i added the "built in" stitching.

Update on Sun, November 8, 2009 at 11:59AM by arlee

From my admin area, i notice this entry is being emailed around. I would really appreciate it if i got some feedback about trying it out and what you thought! And again, please let me know how and what you used it for :} Links and jpgs accepted!

Comments

[jackie]

Hey this is so interesting. Its good to see your work in context..the size is unexpected..and its good to hear you too.

[Nellie Durand]

I suspect this venture into live "broadcasting" took some bravery. Bravo! Interesting to see your work from this perspective and to hear you talking about it. Thank you.

[jude]

hey, i have been working on video ideas too but still holding back. i like that you have also included the text and followed that.... nice start. video is really the thing these days. so much more helpful....

[LOVE STITCHING RED]

I really enjoyed your inspiration video Arlee, nice to hear your thought process behind your piece

Carolyn

[dee]

This was great! It's another whole level of introduction to YOU, number one, to hear your voice.... Number two, YOU're FUNNY -- something I perhaps should have noticed by now, but hadn't -- and THREE, how instructive and helpful, esp. to a quilter who is wanting to expand her hand-stitching, surface-embellishing vocabulary!!

ANd, as a lover of words, I have to add, that I loved these : SQUINCH, "BORGLES & RIDGES"...

And, not surprisingly, there is a spiritual dimension, which I will take with me today -- 'ALLOW THE DEPTH TO HAPPEN"

Thanks, Arle!!

[dee]

OOps, ArLEE!

don't ask me why I'm using all these caps, I have no idea.

Dee

[arlee]

Thank you all :} Doing this was nerve wracking---HOW can a person have stage fright and an anxiety attack before turning on the camera is silly, but happens/happened! You have to remember no one will see it unless you post it :}
Having a script DOES make it easier, but with my camera, it took several attempts remembering to hold the button down, move the camera to the areas i was pointing to, read the "script", not get too close to unfocus, and RELAX while doing all these tense things--it's like learning to rub your belly while patting your head AND tapping your left foot in 3/4 time sideways:}

I'm planning to do more, but it WON'T be an everyday thing---2 minutes of video took 2 hours with all the fiddling and downloading and uploading!

[Mary Anne]

Ah, but it was 2 hours well spent! Seeing the video has inspired me to really give the Frankenstitch a go. Thanks Arlee!