Monday, June 09, 2014

Alabama Chanin: Golden Ferns


I don't see the "Ferns" stencil from Alabama Chanin used very much, and I understand why--it is a pain to cut out! But it's very graceful and makes a great straightforward base for embroidery.


I used a mix of two fabric paints from Hobby Lobby--one part French Roast to two parts Pond Scum--for a kind of neutral sparkle, then chose a cool non-metallic golden floss for my modified satin stitch embellishment. I'm going back over the fern fronds adding a golden bead here and there. Soon I'll stitch it all together and it will be an elbow-sleeved bolero.

7 comments:

seashoreknits said...

Just. Absolute. Love.

Carolyn said...

Beautiful! I've been skimming your blog this weekend and and you have so inspired me in so many ways .. creatively, spiritually, in homemaking and baking. Thank you for being such a blessing to me.

Anonymous said...

I usually don't comment--love your blog--but had a real chuckle over the "pond scum" moniker for one of the paints! But whatever the color, it is turning out beautiful! Susan

Lisa said...

What do you get when you cross French roast with pond scum? Why, golden ferns, of course! :D

It's beautiful! I've seen it on their site, but didn't understand how it was used because it looks so different. But it still isn't clear to me and it's hard to tell from the photos - it looks like you've embroidered on top of your fabric, not like you've cut out anything there. So, wouldn't it be easier to just embroider on your fabric, instead of all that other work? (obviously I'm not getting something here)

Lisateresa

Anna said...

Lisa, all I've done is to satin stitch over the stencilling (which is done directly on my garment), using it for a guide for my stitches. A little of the paint shows through, because the stitches are spaced slightly apart. There isn't any cutting or appliqueing, just straightforward stitching. The sewing part is very easy, just watch the tension as it wants to pucker.

Lisa said...

Thanks. But I think you need to make an evening gown with this gorgeous design on it!

Wendi said...

Well, isn't that beautiful? You never stop inspiring!
I made a bolero, as you suggested (cap sleeves), to go with my task dress. Works wonderfully, especially for this weather. In cooler weather, I used the ruffle front cardi, from the A. Chanin line, which seems to go with everything, but the long sleeves are too hot for me at this time of year.

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