Shadow Worked Bird with Looped Bullions

If you are at all familiar with my embroidery designs, you’ve probably come to the conclusion that shadow work is my all-time favorite technique. I began working on perfecting my technique of the art sometime in the mid-1990s. The basic love of the technique grew into an obsession which later resulted in the publishing of my fifth book, “Perfecting the Art of Shadow Work,” published by F+W Media.

The project with which I am demonstrating the technique is from my long ago ceased Wendy’s Embroidery Club. Although the Embroidery Club is no longer being published, the individual projects are still available by email request.

Shadow stitching animal shapes can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, anyone can master it. The little flowers add dimension and enhance the shadow work images.
Shadow stitching animal shapes can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, anyone can master it. The little flowers add dimension and enhance the shadow work images.
I usually provide a color key in my project directions to provide a visual of the completed design.
I usually provide a color key in my project directions to provide a visual of the completed design.

stitching-the-bird

 

looped-bullion-flower

The dress pattern includes a matching bonnet and features sizes 6 months, 1, 2, and 3.
The dress pattern includes a matching bonnet and features sizes 6 months, 1, 2, and 3.

The featured Embroidery Club project, (Volume 5; Number 1) is available via email to wendschoen@aol.com for $18.00 plus $2.00 shipping. The enclosed pattern includes sizes 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 and is tissue printed. Wendy’s Mastering Shadow Work is only available from Wendy’s Sewing Studio  in limited quantities for $25.00 plus shipping. Please inquire.

French Knot Clusters

I’m often asked about my embroidered French Knot stitched clusters. Sometimes it’s difficult to recognize the stitch due to the fact that I make my stitches using only one thread, usually Floche (a luxury embroidery cotton), and with only one wrap over the needle. I always outline the area to be stitched with short stem stitches in the same color as the knots inside the area. The knots are purposely crammed together with only enough space to allow for the size of the knot. If possible, I avoid placing the knots in an aligned pattern, but instead choosing to place them randomly. The result is almost sculptural and quite interesting.

A very tight closeup of the stitched berry.
A very tight closeup of the stitched berry.
The cute baby romper project was featured in Wendy's Embroidery Club. The pattern is only available in Size 2.
The cute baby romper project was featured in Wendy’s Embroidery Club. The pattern is only available in Size 2.
Shoulder detail showing actual size ratio of embroidery to garment.
Shoulder detail showing actual size ratio of embroidery to garment.

French Knot Clusters 1

French Knot Clusters 2step 3

French Knot Clusters4
If you are interested in obtaining a pattern for this project, please contact me at wendschoen@aol.com. The complete pattern and detailed handout costs $20 including shipping. Please reference Embroidery Club, Volume 7, Number 1, Passion Posies.