| Threads of Distinction |
MARINDA STEWART |
Dazzle your friends with an artistic stole made to coordinate with your holiday dress. |
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| Create this stole by stitching together ribbons, trims and fabric scraps temporarily held together with water-soluble stabilizer. Each stole is unique and will be the envy of everyone in the room. When selecting the ribbons and trims for the stole, choose items that are washable and colorfast. There will be some shrinkage when the stabilizer is removed from the finished piece. For ease of assembly, a long uninterrupted work surface is desirable. |  |
Cover the work surface with plain newsprint or a drop cloth. Lay out the stabilizer, overlapping edges as necessary to create a rectangle measuring 20"x81". Lightly mist the overlapped areas with repositionable basting spray to secure pieces together; let dry. Remove the stabilizer rectangle and reserve it for the top layer.
Repeat the process to create another 20"x81" rectangle for the bottom layer, leaving this one spread out. Lightly spray the entire surface with the basting spray. The surface should be tacky to the touch, but not saturated. Spray several light layers instead of one heavy coat.
Using one continuous 7mm silk ribbon (piece if necessary), outline the stole perimeter on the stabilizer, folding the ribbon at the corners and creating a 19"x80" rectangle. Finger-press the ribbon onto the stabilizer--don't stretch the fibers when applying.
With the remaining silk ribbon, position two rows the length of the stole, about 5" in from each long edge.
Lay an 81" length of the 1"-wide organza ribbon lengthwise down the stole center, and lay three 20" lengths crosswise--one in the center and one 1 1/2" from each end. Note: The ribbon ends will extend 1/2" beyond the perimeter ribbon.
Lay out assorted fibers lengthwise and crosswise along the stole as desired, extending the ends beyond the perimeter.
Using the remaining yarns, fill the stole with random free-form designs.
From the dress fabric and organza, cut odd-shaped pieces and randomly distribute them throughout the stole.
Spray the remaining 20"x81" stabilizer piece with basting spray and carefully position it, sprayed side down, over the stole, sandwiching the fibers. Align the stabilizer outer edges as closely as possible. Hand press the layers together for stitching. If necessary, pin together the stabilizer areas that are separated by fabric pieces.
Set the machine for a short stitch length and use the matching rayon embroidery thread in the needle and bobbin. Stitch around the entire stole perimeter.
Next, stitch lengthwise rows 1/2" to 5/8" apart. Be sure to sew across the perimeter stitching with each line of stitching, backstitching at the beginning and end.
Sew across the stole every 1/2" to 5/8". To save time, stitch in a ladder pattern (1). Note: The closer the stitching rows, the stronger the lace will be. Trim all excess thread from the edges.
Following the manufacturer's instructions, submerge the stole to dissolve the stabilizer. Allow the stole to remain in the water for at least an hour. If residue from the stabilizer remains, soak again in water with Murphy's Oil Soap for one hour; rinse.
Blot out excess moisture with a terry cloth towel. To block the lace, press dry with a medium iron.
From decorative rayon thread, make four 4"-long tassels. Sew one to each corner to finish.
Marinda Stewart is a designer, writer and teacher. Her accomplishments include a pattern line, magazine and book contributions, television appearances, several embellishment books, and museum and gallery exhibitions.
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CREDIT
K1C2 LLC provided the Red/Violet 10120 Adornments Fiber for the stole. These are available in a four-card package (enough to make the stole) for $29.95, postpaid (a $6.00 savings) in Red/Violet as shown. Four-card packages are also available in Black and Blue/Green. Mail to K1C2 LLC, Dept. SN, 2220 Eastman Ave., #105, Ventura, CA 93003. Or call (800) 874-4115. Please allow four weeks for delivery. SOURCE Sulky Solvy water-soluble stabilizer, threads and spray adhesives are available at sewing and quilt stores nationwide. They are also available from Speed Stitch, (800) 874-4115 ext. 1, or www.speedstitch.com. For a special offer on the Simplicity 9324 dress pattern, see "Write On!" on page 92 of our November Issue. |
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