Tempus Fugit Silver Sampler

This term in embroidery class, I really wanted to learn some of the more advanced Goldwork techniques. I assembled a lovely selection of silk threads...

Silver metalwork threads and other goodies...

I looked through my reference books and came up with a list of all the techniques I wanted to learn...

I drew out a careful plan for my sampler...

and then completely changed my mind once class had started lol! I decided that the flower motif would look really nice as a standalone design, and that as this was to be a learning piece, I could have some more fun with it. I bought a design for the centre from Urban Threads  (they have some really nice line drawings for embroidery etc for US$1) This one is "Tempus Fugit" -"Time Flies" which seemed apt as it always seems to when I am stitching!

I also decided that the green cotton I had originally chosen for the background, would detract from the stitching and the coloured silks. I had a piece of beautiful 55ct white linen and so decided to use that backed with a cotton instead. After four weeks of classes this is where I am at...

I appliquéd some circles of silver kid leather and suede...

This section is laid work - a variegated silk laid down on the linen and then a silver passing thread was couched down to hold the silks in place; I outlined the rectangle with some over stretched pearl purl wrapped with silk. I think in future I will mark the placement of the laid stitches, it bothers me that they are not really evenly spaced.

This section is two different kinds of silver plate: The top section is silver broad plate over three layer of felt padding; the bottom section is silver whipped plate over hard string padding. I really love the way plate catches the light - definitely a technique I will use again in future.

My favourite technique however has to be this basketweave,  pairs of silver jap thread are couched down between alternate pieces of hard string. It is very easy to do and very effective, although I am not looking forward to plunging all those ends!

We have a break for half term next week when I hope to get some more of the padding and ground work done, and then four more lessons before term ends. I am really enjoying Goldwork and am so glad I chose to work a sampler, it gives so many options for trying new combinations of stitches etc. Next up is to complete the centre piece, I have lots of ideas for it!