Cord making

Collecting together the hand dyed threads and fabrics along side a collection of purchased pieces the task began to not only consider colour and texture but how the finished cords would be used, as decoration or utility.

3.5.1From left to right: 
a) red organza silky thread oversew
b) gimp and embroidery thread, oversew as a)
c) thread encased in french knitted linen and hand dyed
d) threads as in c) oversewn
e) hand dyed calico oversewn
f) wool thread and acetate thread oversewn
g) ombre organza oversewn


3.5.2 From left to right:
a) ribbon and embroidery threads oversewn
                                                                        b) wool, gimp and lurex thread oversewn
                                                                        c) wool oversewn
                                                                        d) hand dyed fabric cut as in 3.5.6, oversewn
                                                                        e)  as b, different shade
                                                                        f)  sari yarns oversewn                                     

3.5.3 From left to right: All yarns twisted

a) organza and oliver twist silky stranded gimp

b) embroidery thread and perle thread

c)  thread as 3.5.1c and embroidery thread

d) embroidery thread and lurex thread

e) wool and embroidery thread

f) embroidery thread and ribbon

g) and h0 embroidery threads

3.5.4 From left to right: All yarns twisted

a) embroidery thread and gimp

b) various shades of hemp

c) embroidery thread and tissue paper

d) as  a)

e)  garden twine, ribbon and  space dyed wool      

f) various thicknesses and colours of gimp

3.5.5 From left to right: All yarns twisted

 a) sari ribbon

b)  and c) sari yarns and organza

c) as a)

d) tapestry wool and hand dyed paper yarn

e) calico and wire twisted and hand dyed

This 3.5.6 image right shows how a long length of fabric can be made from a small piece of fabric

Taking a combinations of cords a series of kumihimo, overhand  and half hitch knotting, braids and a variety of stranded plaiting  were used to make a bulkier texture selection left in 3.5.7
and finer texture in right 3.5.8

More complex knots have been included to show some jewellery  ideas inspired by Suzen Millodot in her books, Chinese Knots and Celtic Knots for Beaded Jewellery.

Ref 3.5.9a                                                                                                                                                                  Ref 3.5.9b

The first spiral I had photographed at the beginning this Module had been my cast! I felt it could make an interesting display for the cords showing decorative and useful options.  3.5.10 left, shows initial work which makes me think waiting until the tassel chapter is completed will be a good idea, so watch this space... here is a preview of what I will be working on.  Cutting off the cast thanks to Huntly Hospital and hole making thanks to Mike.