All the complicated patterns I'm adding to this piece have started me thinking about the "include some tent stitch to rest the eyes" rule for stitching embellished needlepoint canvas. Even the navy bands on the sleeves are done in Dotted Swiss, although it is difficult to tell because of the mix of textures in the two threads I used there (Caron's Snow and Splendor silk). Toss in the patterns on the kimono, the split pavilion in the background, and of course the areas I have not stitched yet, and this is a very busy piece.
Does this mean I should use plain old tent stitch on the dark golden brown areas of the design where the hem of the kimono and the tunic turn up to reveal the inside? Maybe. Maybe not.
After all, the mix of pattern is very Japanese. Head over here and watch this geisha dress in what are at least ten kimonos, each layered on top of the next so that a tantalizing piece of each is visible.
http://kakitutei.gozaru.jp/kyoto08may/19/teikan2-3.html
Perhaps Too Much is in the eye (and the culture) of the beholder? Perhaps I'll agree with Mae West that "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow
5 comments:
YES! Jane quoted Mae West. I knew I was getting to her. I love it. Back to the subject, as you know I believe too much is too much.
I vote for some tent stitch
Jane - To me, your background stitch - although "decorative" - reads as a "flat" stitch, so I don't think of it as overwhelming when combined with the choices you've made for the rabbit.
What are you planning for those light blue/gold sleeves? That might be the place for something a little more calming, instead of something that is bumpy or nubbly.
Beautiful piece!! And I can't wait until you get that background stitched and I can stop worrying about how it will cover the burned part!!! Liz
Interesting comment, Liz. I guess you are right--split pavilion is rather flat in feel and the rabbit's face does seem more prominent against it.
For the fan decorative on the sleeves, right now I'm thinking long stitches separated by couched thread. But that might change. The sleeve decoration is one of the last things I'll stitch so I have a ways before I have to tackle it. I might change my mind about stitches for that.
I guess I should get busy on that background, huh? LOL
Oh, I'm glad my comment posted - I got an error message so I wasn't sure it went through.
I'm also glad to see that you are thinking about couching those gold lines - I just learned to do this and I'm now "seeing" it in all sorts of places!!!
It would be really pretty if you used some sort of stranded thread and laid it vertically in the direction of each of those individual segments, then couched around with gold. Liz
Lovely kimono dressing! I don't think you have gotten too "busy" at this point, and I too like the idea of couching a thread on those sleeves!
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