vessels

As promised via my Facebook and Instagram posts, here is an explanation about how I made stitched vessels using my eco dyed scraps.

Materials:

scraps of fabric, yarn, threads and/or lace

soluble stabiliser, eg Solvy

sewing machine

machine sewing thread in desired colour

hoop designed for machine sewing

scissors

small bowl for mould

Method:

Place the outer section of the hoop on a flat surface with one square of stabiliser centred on top which has been cut larger than the hoop.

Scatter your scraps onto the stabiliser, snipping them into smaller pieces as you go. Leave some gaps to achieve a lacy effect.

Then centre the second piece of stabiliser over everything, trimmed to the same size as the first piece. Secure the layers with the inner part of the hoop.

Using your free motion or darning foot, and with the feed dogs down, machine stitch all over the surface, as close as you can get to the inner edge of the hoop. I did loops, swirls, stippling and spirals. The stitching should connect and cross over itself otherwise the scraps won’t hold together later. It can be very random and unplanned, which makes it fun!

Next, remove the finished piece from the hoop and rinse it in cold water. It will feel soapy; you need this viscosity to help your vessel keep its shape, so only rinse it just enough for the stabiliser to disappear. Squeeze out the excess liquid and drape it (wrong side out) on the outside of a small bowl.

Allow it to dry completely, then gently peel it off the bowl.

Your vessel is now complete!

Tip:

If you don’t have a suitable hoop, pin the layers together before stitching.