Carded Yarn Clippings with Hand Stitching

I really like to find something to do using left over scraps. I think that it is a good idea to cultivate this mentality in order to value resources, and also it’s good fun to stretch the imagination, while finding an application for them.

In this case I was experimenting with some crochet in various yarns and once I had darned in all the ends I was left with snippets of different types of wool.

I decided to card them in order to separate the fibres out and alter the character from pieces of yarn to fibrous material. I really wanted to retain the ‘floaty’ character while somehow joining it together, I also liked the idea of small stitching so I decided to use hand stitching to hold the material together. I used watersoluble fabric to help as in places there is virtually no fibre to stitch through.

The result is an extremely light and fragile material where the different quality of fibres as well as the various inclusions from some of the more novelty yarns combine, giving a variety of texures and colours.

Wool Yarn with Stitches

I used a 1 ply wool yarn with machine stitches, to create this openwork and unruly lace. A very different feel is achieved when using wool rather than cotton or polyester thread. I always think that wool creates an even more pronounced ‘home-made’ appearance and a more ‘folky’ character. This 1 ply, which I picked up for next-to-nothing, is one of my favourite materials because of it’s behaviour. I love how it kinks and twists! Sometimes the most unlikely materials are the most fascinating and whatever it is that intrigues us, is instrumental in creating our own personal style. However, that being said for this current work, I won’t actually be using the wool as I am pursuing a more delicate look.

As a project evolves, the senses attune more and more sensitivity to the qualities being created, and the result becomes more and more refined, as perfection is aimed for. This elevates the work. In the experimental stage I am not fussy about colours, exact textures and composition, but rather I am deliberately open-minded to allow room for those vital ‘happy accidents’ to occur.

I am now starting to become more discriminate in my choices with the goal of more precision in expressing my vision. This ‘vision’ is unknown even to me as it makes itself known little bit by little and unfurls gradually.

Often I feel lost and I have to go forward even when I hate what I am doing; so much of creating is about faith in something growing invisibly, something initially intangible. It can be lonely and feel disillusioning, but then the light breaks through and then it is exhilarating!

Threads, Organza and Machine Embroidery

Small snippets of organza add a subtle addition to the tangled appearance of threads with machine embroidery.

Stitching with Threads, Satin, Velvet and Organza Snippets

Another experiment exploring combinations of fabrics, threads and stitches. At this stage I am focussing on the subtle qualities of different materials and how they combine.

A Mixture of Threads, Synthetic Fibres and Fabric Snippets

The cotton threads create tangles and the fabric pieces appear as if caught or trapped. A subtle sparkle is added with the small inclusions of metallic fabric.

The soft, synthetic fibres are used in a very small quantity and I think that I prefer them used sparingly as otherwise they can look too woolly.

Frayed Fibres, Threads, Stitching and Merino Fibres

This experiment was an exercise in combining fibres of different qualities with stitching. One of my favourite types of fibre to work with at the moment is synthetic fibre. It has been extracted by fraying from cheap lining fabric, of all things! They are actually very silky and fine and I love the delicate texture they contribute.

The above sample consists of this synthetic fibre, with cotton threads and the lime yellow fibre is merino wool.

The fibres have a very soft character whereas the stitching is sharper and more defined in appearance.

Threads with Stitch

By stitching on top of threads, a complexity is created that is very organic in quality.

The stitching can create more density, allowing for a variation of thickness. In the first example, the threads used are the same as the stitching thread, whereas the other 2 have used a 1 ply wool yarn. The choice of thread very much determines the character of the finished fabric.

Imbolc Colour Scheme – Faery Purse

I have changed the colours I have been working with recently, to what I call the ‘Imbolc Colour Scheme’. This range of colours evolved from some work I did some years ago now, when I was thinking of the symbolism of the pagan festival of Imbolc. This celebration acknowledges the very first whispers of springtime, where snowdrops start to emerge, and the days are starting to gradually grow in light. I like to use predominantly pale blues and silver, with a hint of green to illustrate the first stirrings of spring. It is still very cold at this time, and snow is still a possibility, so the use of white, blue and silver speaks of this.

The leaf shape was used to make a small (measuring 11cm x 8cm) purse.

I typically use melting to add texture to the fabric of these purses, and in this case the fabric has also singed, which has given the green merino a more yellowy tinge. Therefore the appearance of being burnt, as well as melted, is present.

Leaf for Faery Purse

My usual layered approach, where organza layers enclose fabric scraps, and sometimes fibres. Sandwiched together with machine embroidery, to create a large leaf shape, ready for folding and sewing into a purse.

I decided on a subtle colour scheme of olive greens and browns.

The jagged machine embroidery has evolved from sketchbook work, exploring pattern potential inspired from leaves, combined with mark-making experiments. Often these patterns ‘like’ to come through in my drawings.

Hanging Leaf Ornaments Inspiration

The details created by the machine embroidery are brought into focus when the leaves are hung in front of a window. They were made with long ribbons made from rouleau tubes, to be hung anywhere where an organic element is desirable.

These decorations were inspired by the idea of wishing trees. People tie ribbons or scraps of fabric to the branches, with their personal requests for healing or blessings, to the spirits of place residing in the sacred location. I wrote more about this subject here – https://lourdestextiles.wordpress.com/2022/11/09/ties-and-ribbons/

I plan to photograph a group of these hanging leaves in the garden soon, but it is hard to find a still enough day at the moment. However this has been great for videos! It has been pleasing to capture them moving in the breezy winter air. If you would like to see this please check out my tiktok account at https://www.tiktok.com/@lourdeslowetextiles?lang=en

Thank you for reading X