CASK4: Comely Catfish
Course Description:This original design was developed for the 1987 ANG National Seminar in New Orleans. It was entitled Cajun Catfish to give it a regional flavor, but the fish has gained popularity throughout the United States today as a gourmet delight whether blackened, fried or more simply prepared. The design here is an elegant version of a somewhat homely scavenger. The interpretation is also somewhat Oriental since most of the fillings are original couching patterns developed for this fish. Such patterns maneuver well in unusual shapes and compensate easily so they were an ideal choice to embellish this design.This design uses both one-way and two-way trame' or laidwork foundations in several of the composite stitch fillings. One pattern uses a ribbon tramE', and the water pattern uses reversible blackwork rows of waves to couch down the vertical metallic tramE's. In the large stomach area another reversible blackwork pattern is used to tie down or secure a sheer iridescent fabric that was first applied to the canvas with a back stitch outline along the edges. The entire design is outlined in synthetic Japanese gold to hide the drawn outline as well, and the barbs are outlined in couched jaceron. The eye of the fish is an amber glass button backed with a layer of gold kid to stabilize it. The border also incorporates couching techniques, and the side areas are beaded as well.
A variety of threads are used in addition to these novelty materials. These include both DMC floss and pearl cotton, some Au Ver a Soie silk, Marlitt, Natesh rayon (optional), and both Kreinik and Coronet braided metallics. Some class time will be spent on discussing methods of developing original couching patterns and proper tracking sequences for these composite patterns whether they are open or solid fillings.
COLOR CHOICE: Color choices for the project include an appropriate grass green combination, as shown, and a brown arrangement, but those who prefer a more fanciful treatment may choose the teal option. The water colors are also flexible and may be chosen in class from large spools of Natesh in suitable colors.
PREWORK: None
GOALS OF THIS CLASS:
1. To introduce students to a variety of couching techniques used for both decorative laidwork patterns and attachments.
2. To discuss ways to develop appropriate borders and backgrounds for designs.
3. To discuss stitch variations and how to derive interesting stitch treatments for a design.
4. To discuss ways to develop "atmosphere" in a piece - underwater scene here.
5. To demonstrate proper laying of plied threads and other ways to refine canvas skills in some of the stitch treatments used.
6. To introduce kid applique' and other three dimensional effects.
7. To introduce sheer fabrics as a way to add background color to an open pattern.
TEACHER PROVIDES: Complete kit that includes all threads needed to execute the design, the stretcher frame, the mounted canvas, comprehensive instruction booklet, and colored photograph of the model.
STUDENT PROVIDES: Two HiLiter pens, laying tool, embroidery scissors, old scissors for cutting metal threads, a clamp or weight to secure the frame to a table, lamp and/or magnifier, if needed, along with an extension cord.
TEACHER'S CLASSROOM NEEDS: Blackboard, eraser, and chalk preferred (marker board acceptable alternative). U-shape arrangement for student tables if possible. Need large table somewhere for exhibit of visual aids. Small table in front near board for teacher's notebook and stitched model.
SUGGESTED FINISHING OF DESIGN: Framed piece
A variety of threads are used in addition to these novelty materials. These include both DMC floss and pearl cotton, some Au Ver a Soie silk, Marlitt, Natesh rayon (optional), and both Kreinik and Coronet braided metallics. Some class time will be spent on discussing methods of developing original couching patterns and proper tracking sequences for these composite patterns whether they are open or solid fillings.
COLOR CHOICE: Color choices for the project include an appropriate grass green combination, as shown, and a brown arrangement, but those who prefer a more fanciful treatment may choose the teal option. The water colors are also flexible and may be chosen in class from large spools of Natesh in suitable colors.
PREWORK: None
GOALS OF THIS CLASS:
1. To introduce students to a variety of couching techniques used for both decorative laidwork patterns and attachments.
2. To discuss ways to develop appropriate borders and backgrounds for designs.
3. To discuss stitch variations and how to derive interesting stitch treatments for a design.
4. To discuss ways to develop "atmosphere" in a piece - underwater scene here.
5. To demonstrate proper laying of plied threads and other ways to refine canvas skills in some of the stitch treatments used.
6. To introduce kid applique' and other three dimensional effects.
7. To introduce sheer fabrics as a way to add background color to an open pattern.
TEACHER PROVIDES: Complete kit that includes all threads needed to execute the design, the stretcher frame, the mounted canvas, comprehensive instruction booklet, and colored photograph of the model.
STUDENT PROVIDES: Two HiLiter pens, laying tool, embroidery scissors, old scissors for cutting metal threads, a clamp or weight to secure the frame to a table, lamp and/or magnifier, if needed, along with an extension cord.
TEACHER'S CLASSROOM NEEDS: Blackboard, eraser, and chalk preferred (marker board acceptable alternative). U-shape arrangement for student tables if possible. Need large table somewhere for exhibit of visual aids. Small table in front near board for teacher's notebook and stitched model.
SUGGESTED FINISHING OF DESIGN: Framed piece