I have always been drawn to giraffes. Their grace and beauty is hard to resist. Elephants, recognized for demonstrating human-like emotions, are beloved and revered worldwide. The unique features of these animals made them perfect subjects for whimsical thread sketches. I hope you enjoy!
Starting From Sketch
It took several attempts to get a design that appealed to my sense (or lack of) balance. For changes too large to erase, I taped a new layer of paper over the area to be redrawn.
The picture (far right) shows a layer of water soluble stabilizer on top of the drawing.
I have started to trace the lines.
How much of the drawing is traced to the stabilizer is personal preference. I want freedom to develop the picture as I go along, but free motion stitches are not easily removed. For this picture, I was comfortable with these basic shapes.
New Canvas
These sketches were stitched on 10 oz. canvas painter's drop cloth. I found it in my stash, left over from a painting project. I love the texture and thought the weight would hold up to heavier stitching. I was not disappointed, but should warn that although heavier in weight, it still stretches. I applied Sulky Sticky+ self-adhesive, tear-away stabilizer to the fabric back. That was enough for these thread sketches, but a more densely stitched project might need additional or heavier stabilizer.
After the basic animal shapes were stitched, I stitched the background. Although I try to have vague plan for background design before stitching, most background elements are added as I go.
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| Elements can be auditioned on stabilizer before stitching. |
After the background is complete, I add detail to primary elements.
The stitched canvas was sewn to a piece of burlap and a sleeve added to the back for hanging. The final canvas size is about 11 x 15.
Elephant Stitches
I used the same process for the elephants. Layers of paper tell the tale of edits.
Squiggly lines of stitching were used to depict a wrinkled hide.
Finished thread sketch is about 11 x 15 inches.
New Ideas to try
Using the 10 oz. canvas made me think of perhaps embellishing a thread sketch with paint. And, a friend's generosity has inspired me to try sketching the prints of an African artist. Sew much thread, sew little time!
Thank you for visiting. I hope you will return.
