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On March 18, 1998 I was able to start and complete a small project, a bookmark using the Pattern Darning technique. I had learned about it just the night before at my local EGA meeting. We were given a chart, some overdyed floss and a soft fabric to work on. I posted the information to the X-Stitch listserve in this way:
On Tues night we had an EGA meeting in which we learned "Pattern Darning". This is creating a geometric design where stitches are executed like a running stitch by using an "over and under" stitching method. You work back and forth across the design (or up and down, depending on the pattern). The thread running under the fabric creates a shadow which is an important part of the design.
No backing is needed, even on a bookmark, because the back of the piece has an interesting design, too, created by the running stitches.
So .... I was able to start and complete a bookmark yesterday using this technique. It was also the first time I used an overdyed fiber. The fabric I used was a mint green hardanger fabric (I think.... EGA supplied it ... might have been another evenweave because it was very soft fabric), and the floss was a pretty green overdyed with purple. Very pretty!
I used the same fiber to finish the edges with a Nun's Stitch, cutting close to the stitching on the sides, and fringing the ends about 1-1/2 inches. The design itself looks a little like a honeycomb:
Wildflowers Bookmark
designed by Ann Caswell
copyright 1992 by The Caron Collection
Designed and produced by Kaz Designs
This was a free chart that can be copied by shop owners and guilds for free distribution; but may not be sold.
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More examples of Pattern Darning:
[1]
page 137
[2] There's an image of Icelandic Altar Hanging on this site:
http://www.tiac.net/users/drbeer/joyce/emb/icealt/icealt.htm
There's even a stitch diagram on that site! :D
[3] Janet Perry .... the needlpoint guide at About.com, also has an article on this technique along with an excellent image of the front and back of the piece, so you can see what I mean by there being a pattern on the front and back using this technique
http://needlepoint.about.com/library/weekly/blpage2.htm
[4] The Techniques of Indian Embroidery
by Anne Morrell
Price: $18.95 (US)
144 pp, paper, color
ISBN: 188301008X
This book explores the history and culture of the fabric treasures of India--quilting, pattern darning, counted-thread work, mirror embroidery, metallic thread work, patchwork and appliqué.
(I've never seen this book, but found it on the web)
[5] Just Nan's Garden Party uses this technique
http://www.justnan.com/
[6] Canvas Embroidery Notebook: Backgrounds by Mindy English, spiral bound, '92, 212 pages with extremely clearly diagrammed charts. Stitches are recommended for both backgrounds completely covered and those partially exposed. Stitches are organized by families, pattern darning, pulled thread stitches, and blackwork type patterns. Hints are also given on mitering, and treatment of canvas-color washed, color sponged, dyeing canvas with dye or tea, computer use and bibliography.
$38.00 (15997)
(I haven't seen this book either. Found it on the web)
http://www.needleworkbooks.com/today.html
[7] Needlepoint News '82 July/Aug, zodiac signs charted, stitching mini rugs, plastic canvas, pattern darning on hot air balloons
$2.50 (9086)
(Apparently this is a magazine or leaflet
[8] The Embroiderers' Association of Canada, Inc. (sort of like the US EGA) has a Correspondence Course with this technique.
http://www.eac.ca/embroidery/course.html
[9] Rainbow Linen from Rainbow Gallery
An all-linen thread in a range of subtle and bright colors. The pale shades are excellent for pattern darning backgrounds.
http://www.rainbowgallery.com/
[10] A tidbit:
Viking and Celtic settlers in Iceland mostly used local materials and fabrics rather then the more common silks and velvets of Europe. Their techniques were mostly of couching, applique and pattern darning.
http://www.2busystitching.com/chapter6.htm
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