The ceiling at Union Station in Chicago inspired this design. Areas recede or progress based on texture in a monochromatic color palette.
Teaching objectives:
- Explore different techniques for padding areas
- Use of texture in a monochromatic design
- Examine the structure of stitches to promote an ease and confidence with stitches that diminishes reliance on stitch diagram
Deceptively simple, the use of texture for defining areas is the main emphasis of this project. Padding certain elements brings them to the fore, while smooth textures cause other areas to recede.
In addition to the original ecru/gold palette, students may choose from Blue Topaz (pale blue and white threads on French blue canvas); Pewter (gray threads on Pewter canvas) or Ruby (red and gold threads on Victorian Red canvas)
Stitches include Jessicas, french knots, Rhodes, satin stitch, detached buttonhole, alternating nobuko, alternating oblong cross, ashley, beaded scotch square, oblong criss cross, cashmere, diagonal long armed cross, diagonal mosaic, double woven, double Parisian, F106, escalator, balloon satin, flemish bond, flying cross, spring rectangle, horizontal milanese, hungarian diamond, knotted stitch, milanese, medallion, double brick, patterned threes, scotch, smyrna, square log cabin, victorian step, and wild goose chase.
| Duration | 3 or 4 day class, for advanced intermediate stitchers |
| Kit Materials | DMC cotton floss, #8 and #12 pearl cottons; Kreinik #8 braid; Rainbow Gallery Petite Treasure Braid, Neon Rays, Entice, Silk Lame’ Braid, Petite Frosty Rays, Petite Very Velvet |
| Size | 8″ x 8″ on 18 ct. canvas, 144 x 144 |
| Student supplies | 2 pairs 14″ stretcher bars; scissors, laying tool; magnification and lighting if needed |