Lesson two of our current mystery class, Sudden Realization by David Galchutt was this past weekend. There were so many fun details that it had to be two blog posts!  My favorite detail of the class is the stitch we used for the cape around her shoulders.  I love this stitch and how we can change it up.

We stitched the top of the cape in a pattern of Upright Crosses using 3 ply silk.  For me, that is fairly heavy coverage, but it is the outermost layer of her gown so needed to be heavy.  Once the Upright Crosses were complete, we added another layer.  What, more thread, even heavier?  Yep!  It’s true.  Here’s where the magic starts.  The second layer are the diagonal stitches that you can see in the photo.  Notice that in the bottom section of the cape they slant down to the right and in the upper section of the cape they slant down and to the left.  Everything else is exactly the same.  That tiny change was enough to make the fabric of the cape look like it has movement and is folded.  Magic!

We’re continuing to use the same thread and stitch in two other areas of the canvas.  The orange cape flows down her back and is stitched in the same stitch but with only 2 ply of silk and no over stitch.  It is softer and flowing and needs to sit behind the cape around her shoulders.

The bodice of her gown is also the same stitch and again 2 ply of silk but this time the over stitch is the same silk as the Upright Crosses instead of a contrasting thread.

Think about how you can change up stitches in your pieces for different areas.  Add a layer, subtract a layer, use less plies or a thinner thread.  Magic happens just by changing a tiny detail.

Last but not least is a pretty flower background that is Asian in feel and coordinates with the flowers on the canvas.  So many fun details.  What will the third lesson bring?  Its February 24th and sure to have some bling.

If you would like to join the fun stitching this gorgeous geisha, here’s the link.

xo
ruth