Stitching the tapestries

So…all three tapestries are printed, based to wool backings, and being stitched. I am sewing all of them simultaneously, going back and forth from one to the other. Why? because I want the stitching to help define the meaning on each one. Just like a typeface can be matched to the subject (for example, a post about Gothic architecture should probably avoid using  Comic Sans MS type), I’m trying to match my stitching to the images. Take a look: 

On Fairy Tales # 1 (FT1) Snow White has simply embroidered hair. On FT2, I took a variety of different threads, braided them, and then stitched the braid on to her head.

On FT1, Mother Goose is outlined in plain cotton floss. On FT2, her shawl is constructed with a combination of cotton and wool threads. There’s some Jewish law about not wearing cloth that combines different materials - here, by obviously combining them, I hope to show that FT2 is fuller, more complex than FT1. 

Above: now I’ve got her sweater, skirt and fibers finished. The skirt is cut from a Ukrainian embroidery, appliqued onto the image.  

On FT3, the all-white center has white running stitches outlining the figures. The outside will be a riot of materials and methods: beading, applique, stumpwork: silk, sequins, burlap. The red mask (above) is printed silk heat-bonded to felt, so it really is an actual mask, with cut eye openings. Right now, it’s just based in place. 

On the left is Red Riding hood on FT2, with a nicely woven basket and fully embroidered cape. Plus, the little mouse next to her now has a tiny bunny friend sipping a cup of tea (which is only outline-stitched because they are just too small). 

The Rapunzel on FT1 has outlined hair. On FT2, her hair is a complex braid of many different threads, and the witch it more heavily stitched. Below, Beauty and the Beast FT2:

On FT2, Beauty and her beast are more heavily stitched than the ones on FT1 (below), and they have a better mix of threads. 

Oh, and I added the gold thread on FT1 to connect Mother Goose with the weavers and spinners on the outer edge (below):

On FT3, I’m experimenting with sequins on the dragon:

That’s it. I’ve been doing a lot of sewing ( I found that sitting in a window seat on the right side of the plane gives me enough elbow room to pull stitches without poking anyone).Next week, we get back to some actual research. Contact me at Dianesavona@aol.com