Mabel's RSN Certificate - goldwork

[rcperryls]

Is it worse or is it at the point when it looks worse because it's not all completed and you are looking at a half or quarter done vs what was there? And is it not okay to follow the tutor's recommendation if you really aren't happy with it? Do you know why she made the suggestion she did? Can you contact her between scheduled sessions to discuss with her what is concerning you? I love what you had done, but I don't know what gold work really entails so I can only judge what I like and don't like. I know you won't give up on it but I hate to hear you feel that way, but I think it is understandable. And remember that is what tutors do. If you can accomplish your task without them, then they don't have anything to do.

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

And remember that is what tutors do. If you can accomplish your task without them, then they don't have anything to do.

Carole, that is the wisest and most reassuring thing you could have said, thank you.

My last class was a week ago, and I had done some of the "repairs" recommended by the tutor while I was at the class. And I could see why she said what she did. What happened was that I tried to "fix" a part of the loose stitches from the back, and because the stitching is so dense it is hard to see which stitch at the back covers which bit of gold at the front, so however careful I was at times I pulled the wrong thing. At that point I wil admit I nearly cried. I definitely made disconcerting noises which woke Lexi who was sleeping on the chair next to me!

Once I realised the from-the-back approach was't working, I tried to think how I could fix it from the front, and I did come up with a method which eventually made it look OK again. I even made some progress beyond the point where I was before all the unpicking, so I am now moderately optimistic again. A cup of tea also helped

[Mabel Figworthy]

Today I practiced couching a circular (well, closed) shape so that the join is invisible. It isn't quite, but for a first go I'm not at all dissatisfied!

[Squirrel]

If the arrow wasn't there I would not have seen the join. You are really amazing Mabel and Bruce is coming to life ever so gloriously

[Serinde]

Don't suppose you are allowed to start at the join and work around...? But as a first attempt, this is pretty good. Did you breathe at all while stitching?

[Mabel Figworthy]

Don't suppose you are allowed to start at the join and work around...? But as a first attempt, this is pretty good.

You mean fit the ends together, stitch them down and then stitch the rest down? Well, they couldn't really tell if you did, but it would be very very tricky to cut it to the right length for the rest of the shape (which has to cover the paint lines exactly, or in Bruce's case fit a pre-existing gap exactly). You stretch the pearl purl slightly to make it workable, then cut it to length when you reach your end point, with additional trimming if needed. I'm not sure you could get that accuracy if you had to pre-cut it.

Did you breathe at all while stitching?

During the middle section, yes - not so much at the start and the finish

[Serinde]

Fair enough -- obviously I'm totally unfamiliar with gold work materials and techniques, but I do find them fascinating. (Glad you didn't turn blue.)

[rcperryls]

If the arrow wasn't there I would not have seen the join. You are really amazing Mabel and Bruce is coming to life ever so gloriously

I agree completely. And am also glad that you didn't turn blue while stitching it.

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

Got a nice run at Bruce today, did the circular couching for real and finished filling the sun with sparklies

[rcperryls]

Carole

[Squirrel]

He is coming together very well indeed.

[Podolyanka]

Pure perfection. I cant help marvelling at your skills. Thank you for sharing the process. It makes one want to do the same.

[Serinde]

Bruce is turning into a very handsome beast. And your sun is very sparkly, isn't it?!

[wendywombat]

Well now!! I cannot see the join on Bruce's flank!

Bruce is turning into a very handsome beast. And your sun is very sparkly, isn't it?!

Have to agree with that!

[Mabel Figworthy]

To put my quest for a stiff drink at the S&G in perspective, this is what I was dealing with :





And another overview - not quite the latest (it doesn't show the front leg completed) but I chose it because I photographed it in the sun and I love the way it just sparkles all over

[Podolyanka]

Your work seems to be even harder than I imagined. I somehow did not think that you deal with all that mess before it turns into beauty. But the result is worth the time and effort. And patience

[Serinde]

Lots of plunging in a small space! Looking wonderful.

[wendywombat]

The gold thread ends look very stiff and spiky, not at all like 'normal' floss so I can now I can see why the 'stiff' drink was needed!

Bruce is coming on so well!

[rcperryls]

Your work seems to be even harder than I imagined. I somehow did not think that you deal with all that mess before it turns into beauty. But the result is worth the time and effort. And patience

I agree! I am in awe of your patience and perseverance and how you are able to turn what looks like total confusion into a piece of beautiful art. I love how Bruce looks in the sunshine.

Carole

[Mabel Figworthy]

For those hardy souls who would like the whole detailed report the latest is now on FoF