/** Google Analytics script below */ /** end Google Analytics script */

Monday, February 7, 2011

Ocean Waves: Beginning with the Border

Before I go too far in describing the stitching on Ocean Waves, I’d like to thank Judy Souliotis, for graciously granting me permission to share my progress of her lovely design here.

In starting to stitch Ocean Waves, I was looking forward to learning the advanced techniques in the center wave motif. I was surprised when, with the very first stitches, I was learning something already. I discovered how elegant a simple couched border could be.

Isn’t it gorgeous in its simplicity? This is just two strands of Japanese red-gold metallic thread couched with black Kreinik #4 braid, using a plain ol’ cross stitch. The next time I have a piece that just needs a little something, I’ll have to remember this.

Of course, this isn’t the entire border. There are several additional rows of Japanese metallic, also couched in various stitches using black Kreinik. After a few more rows are added outside the first, the simple beginning becomes a bit more complex, but no less elegant.

Have you ever used couched threads as a border on a project? What threads did you use? How did it turn out?

6 comments:

The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure said...

SharonG does these sorts of borders all the time. Here are two of her Kreinik couched borders from the ANG website.

http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/2005/oct.php

http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/2005/mar.php

I used the same technique on my O'jishi piece last year. I couched down silk with metallic. Here's a photo.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MmTgipoavYU/TJtpWI38dvI/AAAAAAAAFPw/0IGoFS-2ANc/s1600/Leigh's+Ojishi+DONE.jpg

It works great, doesn't it?

Wendy said...

Wow, the border is stunning! I have never done any couching, but this seems like inspiration to give it a try

Rachel said...

I've done some couching, usually because I was very keen to use a thread that was far too heavy to stitch with! It's a great way to take advantage of the perfect thread in its' entirety!

Edy said...

Actually yes...Very Berry Sampler uses a couched border. Once you get the rhythm, it goes very smoothly.

Yours is very elegant!

Elizabeth Braun said...

What a lucious border!

Karoline said...

The border is stunning, I've done some couching but not in a border