Monday 24 March 2014

Thread-doodling

Sometimes I know I need to loosen up and let go of things.
Here's an idea to get your embroidery Muse dancing and clapping - and  help use up all those bits of  leftover thread.

Take a small, simple shape.

Here's a bunny, 'cos it's spring! Transfer it to your fabric. (If you're a new stitcher, check out the hints tab to find how to do this.)



Gather together a range of threads- whatever colours you like. Mine were are a mix of Anchor and DMC stranded cottons from my odds and ends box -  I fancied very bright and cheery. 

Thread up some needles, (I used 2 strands of thread and size 7 or 8 needle in a 5" hoop) - and doodle away! Just  stitch as if you are scribbling on your phone pad,  make squiggles if you  like! It doesn't need to  be at all precise and the stitch length can vary -  just  have fun!

I started with back stitch,  making spiral 'roses' in  pinks and greens, literally splodged around the shape, and a few yellow lazy daisies. Then I filled in wherever I felt like it, with chain stitch, Chinese and bullion knots, and kept adding different colours. 
  
Use it as a 'pick up and put down' project.

You could do any stitches you know and enjoy; the idea is to just to free yourself up - no pressure.


I finally added a bit of text for fun. 

 I found this  exercise really theraputic - just like playing with art supplies. Hope some of you  find it useful too. Now - I need to  go and do the same thing for my painting:) x

19 comments:

  1. Jules, that is just sooooo totally cool! I love it!

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  2. This is fun, colorful and just COOL! Very Unique.

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  3. Jules, what a wonderful idea, thread doodling! I never would have thought to do it and your finished piece is absolutely beautiful.

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  4. love your bunny, I will have a go at this, hand embroidery I have been neglectful of late since finding quilting

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  5. That is lovely, I think I will give it a try

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  6. That's a great idea for when the Muse has gone on strike - which we all know she does...!

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  7. Ooooo, terrific! I love this. what a great idea to get one through the creative doldrums and it looks absolutely fantastic!

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  8. How fun , when I first started to read your post I thought it was going to be machine doodling ,interesting that it is hand embroidery , the bunny looks so cute!

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  9. Like it very much as it appears to be a great way to take away the stresses of design - a relax and go with flow approach which is really worth remembering as some people take embroidery very seriously indeed and it is supposed to be fun!

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  10. It's cute and a lovely way to record stitches.

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  11. I love thread doodling! Your bunny is gorgeous!

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  12. Your thread doodling is beautiful. I didn't know that one could doodle with thread. What a brilliant idea.

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  13. Wonderful idea and I love your result! So colorful. I am going to try this, I have quite a bit of leftover floss :)

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  14. Brilliant idea, Jules, especially when one is wrestling with a difficult piece of quilting!

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  15. This is pure Bunny Bliss. I adore how you have stitched all over. Creative Stitching Bliss...

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  16. Just saw the link for this on stitchin' fingers. What a great exercise!

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