First printed in Classic Stitches 1998 and describes the techniques that I use.

I use the simple technique of quilting. Applique allows a design to be built quickly and easily, and the quilted base gives a firm surface on which to add embroidery. As I offer a selection of templates to choose from an original design can be created. The templates have been designed in outline shape and proportion to complement each other. They will work together however they are used. The silk used for the kit has a full spectrum of colours allowing a choice for each motif.

I started using a cotton quilt base for the majority of projects. The colours I chose had to be a strong contrast to the silk in order to give definition to the shapes. They shouldn’t clash with the many colours in the silk. I found six dusky base colours. Burnt Gold, Turquoise, Dried Violets, Ink Blue, Rosy Red and Sage. I later realized that the colours I was using were similar to Chinese cloisone enamel work. With the various colours in the enamel they too had to choose backgrounds that would act as a harmonious contrast.

The silk I use is a satin weave. It has long threads on one side that gives it its characteristic sheen. The only way to cut intricate shapes from the silk is to use transfer adhesive, an iron on backing otherwise known by the brand name Bondaweb. The satin weave is heavy enough to take this backing with out it melting through to the surface as it does with Habotui and Pongee silk. The satin weave also further enhances the shimmering quality that silk naturally has, and reflects the changing colours on the surface with a jewel like opulence.

The shapes I chose to work with were animals, insects and flowers. I did a series of drawings at our local zoo and then reduced them to outline shapes with a few details to copy with embroidery or beads. I designed the templates so that they could be selected individually and would allow the composition of an original arrangement. It is quite easy to play around with the shapes while they have the Bondaweb paper backing on until a satisfactory design is achieved.

I have also added applique in velvet to the range. One of my customers ordered two metres of space dyed velvet to use with a fauvist interpretation that she was working on. I had to try some myself, and was very pleased with the result. The velvet has a thoroughly sumptuous quality when hand dyed and made a pleasing alternative to applique with silk. I like to mix textures and I want to try a mix of silk and velvet applique, embroidery, copper foil and beads.

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