Last night I ripped out the left side of O'jishi's jaw and restitched it in my Gloriana silk (Lacquered Gold) so I could see if stitching the entire Noh mask in light coverage gold silk would tie the whole piece together. The photo above shows the difference in using the gold silk and in matching the jaw colors to various silks. I got as much of the face in the photo as I could. In person, the painted canvas under the light coverage stitches shows better than it does in the photograph but covering paint with another color of thread does mute the effect.
I used Brenda Hart's balloon stitch on the left side of the jaw. Balloon stitch isn't in any of Brenda's books (although she has larger versions). I saw the stitch diagrammed in an interview Janet Perry did with Brenda years ago for the About.com needlepoint site and it's become a favorite of mine because it is so pretty, can be enhanced with metallic stitches between the round shapes, and because it is so small in scale. It comes in handy in tiny spaces and is easily compensated.
Here's how it is done.
Just work a straight stitch over two threads, then two straight stitches over four threads, then do a straight stitch over two threads again. Note how the shorter stitches bookend the larger ones. I worked my first row in red, then worked the second row in white. On the right side of the red row you see the next white row all stitched. On the left side of the red row you just see how you put the small stitch of the new row between the small stitches of the previous row. Ordinarily I like to work this stitch diagonally, working a "red" stitch, then moving to the right and doing a "white" stitch on the SE diagonal. But O'jishi's jaw is quite narrow so I just did vertical rows of stitches as diagrammed above.
I think balloon stitch works well with the large unnamed round stitch on O'jishi's center forehead and nose and also with the smaller old gold coins stitches elsewhere on his face. What do you think? Should I change colors to all gold? Should I stick with the original stitch and colors? My instinct is to stitch the right side of O'jishi's jaw in gold balloon stitches but I am interested in your opinion.
Almost forgot: In the above photograph O'jishi's other eye is stitched. I'm debating whether to add some thin gold metallic on top of the stem stitches. I am a bit afraid that will detract from the glitter of his beaded black pupil, however. Any thoughts on that?
Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow
6 comments:
I wouldn't have thought it would make such a difference, but I like the balloon stitch in Gloriana much better. This from a stitcher who HATES to frog stitch!
Nancy
The gold-vs- jaw matching thread question depends on the effect you're going for. When I look at the painted canvas, I get the impression, from the use of orange/red on the forehead and jaw area, that the mask is warm/glowing. The light coverage stitch treatment with Lacquered Gold really mutes that effect. Of course, we don't know what you'll do with your additional layers of embellishment and beading that might emphasize that red-hot glowing look. If you want a somewhat softer, less fierce looking mask, go Lacquered Gold. If you want to retain the drama, go with the original orange-red jaw colors. The other issue is balancing the "hot" colors on the mask, and where you want our eyes to land, and then where you want them to move to.
Jane, greatly appreciate your work and willingness to share! I learn so much reading your blog. Theresa
I like the gold better, but after reading what Theresa says I can see a completely different mask. Thanks for the insight (from someone who ripits far too much).
I liked the contrast of the color offsetting his jaw....the gold tones that down a lot so he becomes less intense/fierce. Also since you will be further embellishing his face, you may want to wait to try the metallic on the stem stitches until you have more of that in. You may find you do want a line or several in there, and either way it is not going to detract from the pupils--which look great!!
I concur with Theresa's assessment that the color choice for the jaw area depends on the ultimate effect you want. And, that we don't know what the additional layers will bring.
Personally, I like the lacquered gold - Jack is still a fearsome fellow. His glittery black eyes are so wonderful, I'd leave them and not add gold metallic thread. What would a few strategically placed gold beads do?
Looking forward to the next installment . . .
Meg
I like the way the gold ties the whole mask together - but looking back at the original canvas piece, I miss the rust/orange/red colors. I think the multiple colors added dimension that is missing when its one color. Hoping you find some way to add those colors back in when you do more layers.
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