Saturday 17 September 2011

Techniques ~ Using Lutrador with Free Machine Embroidery

I have recently been revisiting some flower motifs that I designed at University about 16 years ago. At the time, I did not actually use the motifs as I did not know what to do with them, hence, I filed them away for a rainy day. That day arrived last week as I needed to produce some samples to demonstrate the art of free machine embroidery to my GCSE students, so I sifted through my old art files. I picked out the following example to use:



Free machining allows the user of the sewing machine to control the fabric by hand, and thus alter the direction and path of the needle and stitching. To free machine, one requires an embroidery foot for the sewing machine (sometimes called a darning foot) this can be seen in some of the following photos. The 'dog feet' on the sewing machine must be lowered too, as they usually control the fabric on it's way through the machine. Refer to the manual of the particular sewing machine, on my Bernina there is a dial which must be set to the hash sign.

Lowering the 'dog feet'
I decided to show the students free machine embroidery on Lutrador, additionally enabling the demonstration of using a heat gun. Lutrador is a non-woven bonded fabric (similar construction to Vilene fusible interfacing), the fibres are random and bonded to set in position and produce the fabric, as opposed to being woven or knitted into a fabric.

Lutrador in original state

Lutrador can be machined on in it's original state. However, colour can be added by a variety of methods. I have used spray paint (particularly for metallic colours), painted or sponged acrylic paint on the surface, and used Indian inks and dyes. It looks very effective when colours are layered. The application of paint can be used as a masking fluid is used in watercolour painting, i.e. sponge the paint on thinly where the Lutrador is required to dissolve, but put the paint on more thickly to protect areas of the design that need to remain.

Lutrador sprayed gold
Lutrador sprayed gold, and sponged with acrylic














After applying colour to the Lutrador, I placed the Lutrador over my motif and traced the design onto it. If it is light application of colour, it should be easy to see through. However, if there is access to a light box this may help. I traced the design using a pencil.

Lutrador with motif design outlined
To prepare the Lutrador for free machine embroidery it is safer and much easier to control if it is placed in an embroidery hoop. It is sometimes difficult to get the hoop under the embroidery presser foot, if this happens, remove the presser foot, position the hoop and replace the presser foot. If you choose this method remember, when removing the hoop, you will have to remove the presser foot first to get it off again.

Lutrador inserted into embroidery hoop


Machine threads: I have used spun polyester machine thread for the basic colours, and highlighted areas with a metallic thread. Metallic thread can be exceedingly frustrating to machine with, because some types break easily. Refer to your machine's manual for advice on using metallic threads, and you can try investing in metallic thread machine needles which have a larger needle eye (however, I do not find them any more effective than a basic needle). Guterman metallic thread is thicker and more reliable.

Metallic thread and spun polyester thread
The next process is the fun bit, the free machining. Everyone has their own technique, I sometimes use free machine embroidery as a base for another design so in that case I free machine very randomly. However, the nature of the motif I chose required me to 'draw' using the machine. It is best to not have any preconceptions regarding the outcome, just a basic plan. Sometimes my students expect the result to be perfect when it is likely to be very sketchy and can look more effective with several lines of machining as opposed to a single line. I find when 'drawing' with the machine it is best to run the machine fast (I floor the foot pedal), and move the hoop very slowly. For my motif, I decided to outline in a dark purple, then fill in sections in a lilac and pastel green.
Outlining: See the embroidery foot or 'darning foot'
Filling in the sections in lilac.

Filling in sections in green, and highlighting with metallic thread

Once the free machine embroidery is completed, remove the Lutrador from the embroidery hoop. The applied paint and the machine embroidery will both act as masks to protect the Lutrador. Next, I used a heat gun to 'burn away' areas of the Lutrador. I purchased my heat gun from Hobbycraft and it was about £26. (I did search online for a cheaper one, but they were all a similar price). Please be careful, the heat gun burns away fibres, so do not point it at your clothing or hair!

Heat Gun
The heat gun will burn away as much or little as you want it to, leaving areas that have been free machine embroidered, or where the paint is thicker. It is important to have a design that connects, otherwise you may find that the segments fall apart.

The finished sample.

My example has gained a 'shabby-chic' or antiqued effect. This could be layered with other fabrics or Lutrador surfaces to inject more colour, texture and depth.

Thursday 1 September 2011

Folksy Friday!

Tiger's Eye Rivers Bag by Ritzy Swish
http://www.folksy.com/items/1945473-Tiger-s-Eye-Rivers-Bag?shop=yes
Handmade ceramic buttons - large orange ivy leaves by mimsical ceramics
http://www.folksy.com/items/1520597
Autumn Amber, Unique Handcrafted Choker by La Glitterata
http://www.folksy.com/items/1745665
Emerald Rivers Bag by Ritzy Swish
http://www.folksy.com/items/1699157-Emerald-Rivers-Bag?shop=yes
Autumn spray floral baby skirt by Little Trinket Boutique
http://www.folksy.com/items/2113905
Autumn Leaves Button Necklace by Planet Button Designs
http://www.folksy.com/items/2064809
Copper Rivers Bag by Ritzy Swish
http://www.folksy.com/items/1697113-Copper-Rivers-Bag?shop=yes
Shades of Autumn hand Crocheted Bulb Style Purse by NOfkants Curios
http://www.folksy.com/items/2218601
Autumn Trees Print From Original by illustrati
http://www.folksy.com/items/1558581
Autumn Leaf Cuff by 'by sally'
http://www.folksy.com/items/1789105
Autumn Leaves Handspun Yarn by Family Handspun
http://www.folksy.com/items/1582701

Shades of Autumn Cushion by Sewflair
http://www.folksy.com/items/1804669
Celtic Autumn by AMITOLA JEWELLERY
http://www.folksy.com/items/2023937
Autumn Leaves by Angeldust Images
http://www.folksy.com/items/1488301

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Folksy Friday!

SUMMER HOLIDAY!
Moda Butterfly Wristlet Purse/Glasses case by Girl of the Sixties
http://www.folksy.com/items/1966697-Moda-Butterfly-Wristlet-Purse-Glasses-case

Pearl Bikini by Little Beach Swimwear
http://www.folksy.com/items/1507953-Pearl-Bikini
Large Hand-Painted Silk Scarf by Ciesse Textiles
http://www.folksy.com/items/1714005-Large-Hand-Painted-Silk-Scarf

Hand crafted Raffia Summer Hat by Karens Hat Collection
http://www.folksy.com/items/1538321-Hand-crafted-Raffia-Summer-Hat-
Mermaid Necklace by it's the little things
http://www.folksy.com/items/1740605-Mermaid-Necklace
Wash Bag 'Blue Bubbles' by Ritzy Swish
http://www.folksy.com/items/1743653-Wash-Bag-Blue-Bubbles?shop=yes

Beach Bag featuring beach huts and rope handles by LifeCovers
http://www.folksy.com/items/1733949-Beach-Bag-featuring-beach-huts-and-rope-handles


Tuesday 14 June 2011

Belated Folksy Friday!

'These are a few of my favourite things...'

I missed my Folksy Friday last week due to severe and crippling landline and Internet connection problems. So, I've added a belated Folksy Friday collection of products that I have genuinely favourited for myself! Now, please don't go and buy them, because when I win the lottery I intend to buy the lot and a yacht...
Blue Glass Pearl Wire Wrap Memory Bracelet
http://www.folksy.com/items/1679813-Blue-Glass-Pearl-Wire-Wrap-Memory-Bracelet
Mermaid Necklace
http://www.folksy.com/items/1740605-Mermaid-Necklace

Silver Moss & Crystal Ring Necklace
http://www.folksy.com/items/1719757-Silver-Moss-Crystal-Ring-Necklace
'At Sea'
http://www.folksy.com/items/1764809-At-Sea

tutti fruitti~freshwater pearl bracelet
http://www.folksy.com/items/1767933-tutti-fruitti-freshwater-pearl-bracelet
Tiny Silver Trinity Pendant
http://www.folksy.com/items/1694185-Tiny-Silver-Trinity-Pendant
Red Glass Hurricane Lamp
http://www.folksy.com/items/1786966-Red-Glass-Hurricane-Lamp

Mocha and Topaz Three Strand Bracelet
http://www.folksy.com/items/1799265-Mocha-and-Topaz-Three-Strand-Bracelet

Set of 4 Floral Cards - Blank
http://www.folksy.com/items/1802105-Set-of-4-Floral-Cards-Blank

Shell Pendant
http://www.folksy.com/items/1731925-shell-pendant

Purple Paradise Shell Necklace *Special Offer*
http://www.folksy.com/items/1849205-Purple-Paradise-Shell-Necklace-Special-Offer-