Couching

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The workshop today went ahead in two parts. This morning we concentrated on investigating the various ways of couching. My rather insignificant looking sample is in the centre above. I worked with several different weights of thread and touched on filling a shape. I think I've ended up with a Christmas tree! You will see that we used two styles of couching stitch, the Bukhara method which involves a short upright stitch and the Romanian method which involves a diagonal stitch. It's surprising how long these little samples take and the design possibilities are endless. I can see how texture could be achieved by combining layers of this style of stitching in thick and fine thread.

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After lunch we explored the possibilities of using the suzani designs as inspiration for applique work. Jane had provided some patterns for speed and I have to confess I took this route to save time. The green piece above is the start of my sample. I have used dupion silk throughout and am couching a perle variegated thread around the edge of each piece. This time a fine thread is being used to couch the thicker thread down.
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Both the Bukhara and Romanian couching methods offer endless design possibilities and the action of stitching is very relaxing and meditative. A very pleasant way to spend a Sunday.