The pattern shows the leather deer on a background of pale pink vermicelli sequins surrounded point-tiré leaves in silk rayon threads. The semicircular shape is filled with vermicelli pink and crystal beads. Relief is added with 3D leaves, a border of gold twisted cord and it is framed by a padded arch covered with diagonal rows of raspberry beads.
The point-tiré leaves were the first section to be added with the usual struggle of patience and frustration! A few beads were added to the centre of the deer and then the leather was stretched tightly over the shape using pins. The outline of the deer and the beads was traced in chain stitch using the sharper size 70 lunéville hook and then the remaining leather was carefully trimmed away. A few crystal beads were added between the relief created by the first layer of beads and a tiny coffee coloured eye was the final detail of the deer.
The padding was added using cotton thread that was folded into 20 strands of thickness. These were carefully held in place with tacking stitches and the idea was to keep the height and thickness uniform. Once this was completed, diagonal rows of raspberry beads were placed over the padding making sure that exactly the correct amount was added to each line to avoid crowding or spaces. Each row was held in place with a point-tiré stitch.
Next the pale pink vermicelli sequins were added , trying to fill all the negative space and hide the organza fabric underneath. It was tricky trying to fit the sequins between the leaves and the feet of the deer but eventually I did the best I could.
And finally the 3D leaves were added in the left hand corner of the section. Carefully placed tacking stitches are used to create volume by pulling the tiny leaf taut in places such as the base and the tips. They were made using the same technique and materials as the leaves in the first section:
Along the side of the design is the pattern for 14 different leaves. The ones with light blue satin stitch, grey sequins in a river and silver metallic stems are for this section. Once they are completed transfer glue is ironed onto the reverse and then they are cut out of the organza and the frame is re-mounted. Each leaf is cut with a 7 mm border and then cuts are made as close to the stitching and sequins as you dare. The paper is removed and the organza border is ironed onto the back using a very low heat. As each leaf is individual, it was necessary to keep them organised carefully so that there would be no confusion later.
The finishing touch was a sparkling Swarovski jewel in the centre of the leaves. I found three in my supplies so I added them all! Et voilà, a little dancing deer.
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.