401 - The Ribbon Dancer

Teacher: Dorothy Lesher
Class days: February 18-21, 2012 (Saturday-Tuesday)
Style: Canvas Embroidery
Skill level: Advanced Intermediate
Kit fee: US $140.00

A study of silk and metal on black Congress cloth to challenge. The design incorporates diaper patterns, satin stitching, geometric repeats and a flow of moving lines that is created with a couched twisted metal cord. A dancer for the emperor we see her here as she moves within the flowing lines of the ribbons she uses for her artistry.

The design incorporates pre-painted hands and a face where the lips and eyes are stitched to give emphasis and dimension. Satin stitched hair of black silk in a elaborate twisted hair fashion. Her flowing scarf adds a contrasting brilliance to the traditional red robe. Her neck piece and undergown of a diaper pattern are worked in silk and metallic braids of gold and red. The linings of the sleeves and gown are worked in a fine black/gold Accentuate that blends with the antique gold of the cord. The grounding is a partial fretwork pattern of gold cord. There are places in the gown where the black of the canvas is used to create part of the design itself rather than covering it all.

The flowing cord ribbons that surround the figure are a couched finely twisted cord of Renaissance Gold (an antique gold).

Design Size: 10" by 14"

Student will Supply:

The student will need to provide appropriate stretcher bars (16" by 18"), a supply of required needles, and magnification.

Kit contents

The material provided for this design will include all threads and metallics necessary to complete the piece, illustrated instructions and a marked and painted canvas.