Monday

Embroidery Brainstorming and Design

I have four of these huge ikea wardrobes and they are the best thing since sliced bread. Yes, the doors are almost always left open with drawers pulled out. I can't even show you my design table right now....really bad. Once I get my studio cleaned up...I'll give you a peak at everything. All of my embroidery supplies live in these wardrobes, along with the tools I use for other creating. So....this is where it really all begins...

Shiny Brite ornaments have been my current muse. In this case most of the design is easy, but I'm already trying to decide on how to make that center portion come to life in my embroidery design. I try to break the whole down into manageable design elements. I also simplify elements as much as I can so that the embroidery doesn't become too complicated.

Ideas run wild in my head. I look at something and my brain makes the leap to the colors and shapes that make up the item. I start thinking in terms of embroidery thread and what colors I will need and what stitches to use.

I may begin designing on paper with colored pencils, or I may begin on the computer. If I hand draw the design then I will transfer the image into my drawing program to refine and get to the measurement or size that I want the completed item to be.

Here's my color palette. Embroidery thread chart and my notes detailing the colors I think that I want to use. As I take needle to fabric the colors and types of stitches I want to use may change. (actually they often do)


It's time to choose the fabric. If I'm making a cuff I decide between linen, cotton, or felt to place the embroidery on. I also need to choose a backing. I love to find unusual fabrics and prefer designs made in linen for the lining. I look for specialized designs and love to use independent fabric designers. I think how a creation is finished is as important as the design.



Then the fun begins. I sit down in my favorite chair...surrounded by all of the tools, thread, buttons, fabric that I'll need. My favorite scissors and the best needles around...John James! I create a sample piece if it's a first time design. Sometimes the sample turns out exactly the way I want and I can use it for the final composition. However, in this case the piece didn't turn out the way I wanted so it sits in a box with other samples.

After some thinking and redesigning the final piece is mounted and finished. Ready for its photo shoot and listing to be sold!



21 reviews:

Jane Carlstrom said...

great overview. It is fun to see how others work. Jane

Wild Woman Jewelry said...

rose~ I so enjoyed reading this post! your studio looks amazingly organized (great wardrobes), i love your drawings and a glimpse into your creative process~ thank you for sharing!
karon :)

treasurefield said...

So glad to know I'm not the only one who leaves drawers and doors open when she's on a creative streak. ;)

How fun, reading about your process! And what great results you always have!

Sarah Knight said...

interesting process : )

Orion Designs said...

It's always great to have a glimpse into the creative process. Thanks for sharing.

steinschmuckdesign said...

WOW,
I am impressed to see your creating process,
there is so much behind Handmade then what we see :)
I know those Ikea Warderobes, giggles.

Lenox Knits said...

What a great post. I love seeing how the creative process works for others. I love the big wardrobes. perhaps if I had those I could create some order in my out of control craft room.

MAB from OtterCatHaus said...

What a great post. So interesting to see your process, and to lust after those cabinets!

betsy bensen said...

I can totally relate to a clutted workspace, and I'm fascinated to have this insite into your process Rose, thank you!

Waterrose said...

I like looking at others studios and process as well. Working on the studio today....then taking pics.

Anna said...

Loved seeing your studio and your creative process! The fabrics gave me some ideas for beaded cuffs! My problem right now is staying motivated on a project and finishing!

Heather Leavers said...

Fascinating glimpse, rose. Can I just say I want your scissors and your wardrobes? I'm like you - I see something and start thinking of stitches and patterns and how to achieve them.

alexkeller said...

so envious of your shelving! and thanks so much for sharing your work - it's beautiful :)

Valorie said...

Wow I love to see the creative processes of other artisans! I love your color palette and workroom!

Oh I also finally managed to subscribe to email posts so I never lose track of your blog!

Hi from Val! xoxo

woolies said...

I don't have a dedicated studio, so various shelves, cabinets, tables, closets - are all in use. It's out of control. HELP
I hope they don't put me on the show 'hoarders'. :)

Kendra Zvonik said...

what a great post, rose!
i would love to have some ikea wardrobes in my studio to help me stay organized--great idea. i really enjoyed this tour of your studio and having this opportunity to learn your process. thank you for sharing and keep up the wonderful work!

Reanaclaire said...

hi..very nice blog you have here.. very creative..

regards,
reanaclaire.com

Edna / HandmadeDiva said...

Great photos. Neat embroidery work.

Calicolaine said...

I still have to work on my embroidery skills to make my work neatly done. I know I can do it with a few more pratice.

Julia Robert said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Embroidery Digitizing said...

Wonderful job.. Love your Brainstorming of digitizing embroidery... and also love the designs you posted above. Great work. Thanks a lot.

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