Lesson on using Crinkle Chiffon

A lesson from Robyn Alexander of Colour Streams on how she works with her beautiful crinkle chiffon.

Preparing crinkle silk chiffon for ruching.
Most times I zigzag the edge of the chiffon with a metallic
thread in the bobbin and regular contrasting coloured machine thread on top. Tear a strip of chiffon across the crinkles. Set your machine to '3' stitch width and just under '1' stitch length. Do not set it to satin stitch as it will all go down the hole in the presser plate. Allow the the feed dogs (teeth) of the machine to draw the chiffon out of your fingers. The stitching will entrap the edge in a very fine zigzag and begin to flute the edge. If you want to use the chiffon as in the samples above repeat to the other edge. To apply to your project thread up a crewel needle with a matching colour sewing thread. Bring the thread up through your project gather a little of the edge chiffon onto the needle and take the needle to the back of the project. Bring the needle up again through the project and the chiffon and gather a little more and take the needle back down through your work. Continue in this way meandering across your work. The chiffon should automatically twist and turn creating a fantastic place to nestle those embroidered flowers, beads and more.

Sample pieces by Laraine
 These are some of the pieces I have worked using the Gellato threads ruched on a cord and nestled in and around the gathered chiffon. I have torn the chiffon across the crinkles and left it raw. You can pull out any stray threads from the edges. This sample was worked on Artist Trading Card with a variety of threads in a cross stitch theme then Gellato thread chiffon , beads and sequins. It was then applied to a co-ordinating hand dyed Wool Felt book cover.
The second sample is from a crazy patchwork picture with a similar treatment.
There are lots of beads, pearls and tiny sequins meshing the whole work together.

This chiffon is available in over-dyed colours that match the Colour Streams Silk Velvet, Wool Felt and Organza and bring a marvellous colour play to your work.  Look under Hand Dyed Fabrics for Stitch on my Website                              www.larainesoncapri.com.au

Crazy Patchwork

I like to use plain silks or subtly printed fabrics for the background of my crazy patchwork because I want the embellishments to be the main feature. It is best if the fabrics are of the same density in colour - as too much contrast will draw the eye away from the work as a whole.

The background fabrics in the sample, (in the top picture) were antique dusty beige/pinks and I chose the colours for the embellishments from a Mokuba flower tape. The rich lime, purple, green and magenta colours lifted away from the background and gave more drama to the fabrics and lots of inspiration for the added textures. Hand dyed ribbons and threads can also give you wonderful colour suggestions that you may not have thought of.

I usually work the base stitches (which meander over the seams) in a heavier thread than the decorative stitches, so I like to use Colour Streams Ophir - a hand dyed perle silk thread.

 I then looked again at the colours in the flower tape and chose the threads for the embellishing stitches from the Au Ver A Soie perlee range which is my favourite. On the website I have organized these in colour cominations to help with your sellection. They are French and come on charming little wooden reels.

I love to ruch ribbons to build up the texture so next was the hand dyed silk ribbon. This also echoed the Mokuba flower tape. Sometimes it is best if it doesn't match exactly as that can become boring or too much colour change. You may choose one or two single colour ribbons instead.

Nestle beads, crystals, charms, ribbon flowers and lace into the ruched ribbons to add some zing. 

Ash me any questions and I'll try to help you.

Special Event

                                                   I have great news this month!

Our open day will be Saturday May 21st. at the Anglican Church hall on the Isle of Capri. The Church is just down the road from the old shop (on Salerno St.) so it is easy to find and there is plenty of parking. I'm looking forward to catching up with you all. Bring along a friend - everyone is welcome. There will be lots of your favourite bibs and bobs, many new ideas, demonstrations and sale items. We will open at 10.00am. until 2.00pm. and it will be cash only.

There will be specials on the Website during May for those of you who live too far away to participate.

Fresh, Fragrant Lavender

I have just received a delivery of the most fragrant, fresh lavender - harvested this month. The farm had an amazing crop this year after all the rain and the lavender is plump and bountiful. It's a distinctive and engagingly scented modern lavender with a captivating perfume. I am packaging it into 100gm packs.
The little Lavender Puffs pictured are from my kit range and will have some of the new lavender in each pack. They're made of  lavender/grey dupion silk embellished with silk velvet puffs, beads and French  crinkle ribbon leaves.These little puffs make beautiful gifts and Mothers day is not too far away.

More Progress

At last the centre block is finished and I've started designing and cutting out the shapes for the smaller blocks. Pictured is the block for the top centre. It's just pinned in place at the moment as I'm still trying out the colours to see how it looks.

Hare - Block of the Month

The flower on the left is still waiting for leaves and maybe a vine and the hare needs more definition so the centre piece is almost finished. I've been a bit slow making stitch decisions as its a bit like crazy patchwork - you'll have an idea but its not until you've actually worked each piece that you're sure its going to be OK. The stitching is quite fast and if I wasn't designing as I go, it would have been finished by now. Its really fun to do and the wool is very forgiving in the way it takes the thread.

Crazy Patchwork Passion.

I thought I would share with you some of my favourite trims, ribbons and threads.
Mokuba trims are of such quality and are so beautiful to use, they are impossible to pass over for cheaper varieties and of course there is nothing as elegant as the French ribbons and braids. I love to work on crazy patchwork just to have an excuse to use little snips.
Along with the trims, ribbons, silk fabrics and bead embellishments are the Au Ver A Soie perlee threads. They have such gorgeous antique colours and they slide through the fabric like butter. They come on little wooden reels and you'll be hooked once you try them.

Exotic Flower Trim

I've just finished the black felted wool pouch and its now available as a kit. It's called Carnivale Flower Pouch after the vibrant Colour Streams felt, organza and thread used. I'm ready to make up the pastel version but my machine is sending me little electrical tingles so I better take notice and get it serviced!

They have been fun, easy and a great pleasure to make. You can see how much I love the different textures. The flowers could be used as a brooch too. They began life as an inspiration from the trims on my Forest Rose bag and they just grew. They are quite dramatic. Hope you like them as much as I do!

New Applique Quilt

I'm really excited about doing this Block of the Month as I can use all the fabrics, hand dyed silk velvets, felts, felted wool, beads and lots of wonderful textured threads that I love. I think it will be similar to working with crazy patchwork but with a more earthy feel.
The background has been pieced using the foundation method as I didn't want it to be too formal and the colour selection is neutral, combining some of the French General fabrics. My friend Jen Pezaro has helped with the piecing.

The hills are felted wool and wool felt and will be embellished with some of the threads and trims I have chosen.
Next I have to design the flowers which will grow on either side of the hare. I think they will include some silk velvet, ribbon, trims and beads to add a touch of zing. Maybe some silk chenille berries would be a good idea. It will be fun to play.
Keep watching my progress.

Merry Christmas

Do you have old gold scissors that no longer snip your threads? Why not hang them on your Christmas tree or make a wreath of sewing tools.
I hope you and your families have a joyful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Thank you for all your support this year and look forward to hearing from you in 2011.
Laraine

Inspirations for 2011

A parcel from Weeks Dye Works arrived today with the most beautiful hand dyed felted wool fabrics in gorgeous colours. I had a hard time selecting the ones I wanted and I sure there will be more colours to come.
I'll be spending the New Year working with them and some of my special threads and beads. I hope it will become my first Block of the Month design with wonderful applique and embroidery. Something for everyone!

Timeless Gifts.

I've gathered all the special keepsakes we have that will last forever as timeless treasures. You will bring lots of joy to your daughters, mothers, grandmothers and friends alike with these expressive and thoughtful stitching gifts.
I am happy to gift wrap and send parcels on to your family so just fill in the posting address and place a note in the comments box with your special message. This service is Free and available all year round.
Have a wonderful and safe Festive Season and a happy New Year. Thank you for your support in 2010.
Merry Christmas,

Laraine