There were several sections of the design that involved these flowers with slight changes in the colour scheme of each. The salmon shapes in the pattern were to be filled with diagonal point-tiré in silk rayon threads. The red sections indicate tiny raspberry beads in diagonal rows and the darker red sections with CF indicate wrinkled leather. The pink and red contours denote outlines of beads added in irregular amounts. And the black line in the centre shows rows of jewels to be added à la puce, which translates to as a flea and maybe refers to how the jewels hop around when you try to secure them in place! The background is vermicelli or double vermicelli and the little purple shapes indicate changes in colour of the vermicelli. Lastly, the red circles with crosses are pink jewels.
The point-tiré in silk rayon thread is done first as this is flat. Depending on the direction of the diagonal lines I had to adjust my seat, in theory to make it easier to complete the stitches. I spent a lot of time shuffling around the frame convinced that it was my position that was causing the angry tangles, damp straggling threads, and frayed filaments. Eventually they were all completed and my struggles were evident in the finished work. However, when it was steamed all the frayed and broken filaments seemed to disappear and the thread glistened again!
Using the point-tiré, diagonal rows of tiny raspberry or pink beads were added. The number of beads to add to each row had to be estimated, checked and adjusted to exactly the right amount as too few would create empty spaces and loose beads and too many would create squished rows and bridges of beads.
The leather petals were cut slightly to large for each section, appliquéd in place with plenty of volume in the fabric. This was then manipulated into place using several anchoring stitches to create creases, folds and dimples in the leather.
The petals were outlined with discontinuous contours of pink and red beads. Working on the right side the jewels were added with the Lunéville hook and held in place with a tight chain stitch.
Vermicelli sequins in grey, light yellow or light turquoise were added to the background of each section. Small blossoms were included in some of the sections and these were outlined in tiny pink beads and filled with silver metallic thread using concentric circles of chain stitch. Lastly the sparkling red jewels were placed in the centre of the flowers and at the points of some of the petals. Combined with the jewels in the centre of each petal the flowers seemed to glisten and twinkle in the reflected light.
Textile Tours of Paris
Join Rebecca on a tour of Paris’ charming haberdasheries nestled deep in the winding streets of Le Sentier, the city’s historic textile and fashion district. Enjoy a Sunday morning with Rebecca on a Flea Market Tour as she guides you through the labyrinth alleys of Paris’ oldest marché-aux-puces to uncover hidden treasure troves filled with vintage lace, linen, passementerie, golden threads and gossamer lingerie. To find out more visit Textile Tours of Paris.