January 15, 2012

Angela: TAST Week 2 ~ Buttonhole Stitch

I used a buttonhole stitch with a varied length for the horizon line back-stitching for the derrick in 6 strand floss and both buttonhole and back-stitching for the oil spurting up. 
 For the oil and the words I used 1 strand of black and one strand of brown Balger blending filament as it has a sheen and a copper color running through it.  You probably can't see it in the photos as it is very subtle.
You might see some reddish lines, they were from the dressmaker's transfer paper I tried using to mark the design.  It does not work on Aida cloth as its too bumpy.  I ended up using the old-fashioned method of rubbing the back of the design with pencil and tracing it, using clear packing tape over the paper so it would not shred as I had to press down fairly hard.  The red will wash out.
More on why I chose this design on my blog.

9 comments:

Debra Dixon said...

L-O-V-E -- of course oil has much significance in my life too!

Great use of the stitch this week, Angela!

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

I think it is great that you incorporate a bit of history into your work. This is a great use of the buttonhole stitch.

Suztats said...

Very nice using a design to feature the buttonhole stitch! Off to check your blog post.

Judy S. said...

Fun! I love the way the blending filament adds some sparkle to the oil. Nice lettering, too! How big is your piece of Aida cloth? It looks like you've divided it into sections? Are you going to make one large piece or eventually divide it up? Bring on the history; it's very informative!

Susan said...

I love this one, and not just because my family lived in Beaumont 80 years ago! That is such a creative use of the stitch. I can see an occasional glimmer of the copper in the up-close picture. This is truly wonderful.

jenclair said...

What a great way to incorporate state history! Our family has a long connection with Texas oil. My dad worked for Houston Oil when we were little, and we lived in Beeville, TX. Great piece!

Peacock said...

Angela, you stitch so beautifully! I can see the little sparkles in the closeup. It must be really lovely in person!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE your use of the stitch! Great piece. What is this all going into again?

Barbara C said...

Beautiful design! Really wonderful!