Enlarging a design.  Firstly, a hexagon which is elongated.  It's interesting to see whether the shapes tessallate or what shapes are created if they don't.  Secondly, designs from Margaret Pascoe's book, "Blackwork Embroidery: desgn and Technique".  The right-hand image shows pattern repeats, the left-hand the pattern being enlarged (with some imperfections in the copying).

The same design, the left-hand image showing regular disintegration, the right where it's happening in a more fragmented way.

I used 16 Count White Aida for the samples below.  I chose the paper design that reminded me of fish scales: the small squares could be worked in metallic thread to create highlights.

In Margaret Pascoe's book she discusses those who work straight onto fabric and those who need to draw their design on paper first. Thank goodness for squared paper!  I found this disconcertingly complex and it took many attempts before I could really see what was happening.  It is lovely in a very formal way and the continuous running stitch gives the appearance of the stitches being embedded in the fabric.  I also like the strong sense of directionality.



I find this pattern very appealing.  I used single stitches instead of continuous running stitch and as a result the threads seem to float above the fabric and increase the 3D feel of the design.

Having scaled up shapes on graph paper I thought it would be interesting to layer different sized hexagons using different thicknesses of thread.  The hexagon shape reminded me of fish scales and the wedding dress fabric I used for September's drawing project.  The fine and thick threads work, but the medium weight thread needs to be a little heavier.  I also think I needed to work the stitching more densely to see whether the idea has any merit!

Fish Shop Inspirations

Holt is the small Georgian town three miles from where we live.  It's where The North Norfolk Fishing Company has its shop.  The displays are wonderful -- fresh and inviting, ice packed around the newly caught sea-food.  I find it inspirational and so have found myself buying, drawing, photographing and eating my way through mackerel, herring and rainbow trout.  Their varied markings and gleaming skins are quite stunning.