Stitch to Translate

 

Ref 5.10.1

Ref 5.10.2

Taking the rubbings made in Chapter 9 it was apparent that the images showed up better if left medium size.  The rub taken directly from a stone shown in Chapter 3, ref 5.3.1d and then changed to a negative image gave a good result.

Ref 5.10.3

Looking at the rubbings the following stitches came to mind: variations of bullion knots, loop stitch, an exploration of buttonhole stitch and needle weaving. I also wanted to experiment with Cretan stitch and use broad chain stitch as a solid filling.
Before deciding on stitches to translate the marks the fabric was placed over paper shapes and rubbed with oil pastel. Purchasing a slightly coarse black cotton for this task I felt the weave would take the stitch detail and rub better than the smoother black cotton I had used for stitches in Chapter 9. Learning from my mistake of using too small a piece of fabric in the previous chapter a long strip was made.

Ref 5.10.4

 Photos were taken of each rubbing and pictures were turned to stimulate ideas for stitching.  A strip of black fabric became the playground and different threads were used to interpret the fabric rubbing. The same threads were used for each stitch sample except on sample 4a where boucle and tape were also used to do the Litch stitch.

Ref 5.10.4a

Ref 5.10.4b

For the 4a sample french knot, bullion and Litch stitch were used, thanks Sian for information on the Litch stitch - a great stitch for knobby, knotted threads... and it fills spaces quickly! For the 4b sample I started using Cretan stitch but it soon took a journey into herringbone stitch.

Ref 5.10.4c

Ref 5.10.4d

For sample 4c the twists and turns of buttonhole stitch.For sample 4d chain stitch and open stitch were used.

Ref 5.10.5a

Ref 5.10.5b

In stitching the fabric rubbed images the enjoyment came in filling the negative spaces and turning the images around. It gave a feeling of connecting with those who have carved runes and marks onto stone...using the stone to tell its story of wear and tear.

Ref.5.10.5c

Ref 5.10.5d

For the ease of cross reference I have compared the original sequences below.

Ref 5.10.6 a and b

and now rubbings of the stitched pieces

ref 5.10.7 a

Ref 5.10.7b