New location

I've migrated this blog to a new location at katharinelawriestudio.tumblr.com. Adjust your bookmarks as necessary. :)

A frequently used process

Much of my work involves embroidered imagery drawn from photography. I thought I'd begin here with a little tour through a process I often use to turn a photograph into an embroidery pattern, using an older piece as a model.

To begin, I select an image in which the subject is clearly visible, such as this one:


I scan the image, resize as needed, adjust brightness and contrast, and print it out in black and white, like so:


Next I draw over the image, picking out lines and shapes I want to end up in the eventual embroidery pattern:


Once the line drawing is complete, I retrace the image on to the tracing paper I use as my pattern:


And so goes the process:


With the pattern ready, I can adhere it to my chosen cloth and stitch away, perforating the paper with my stitches so that it is easily removed when I am done. This is the finished embroidery of that piece:


It's a bit of a time consuming and labor intensive way to go about turning the image into the pattern, but then, most of my work is time consuming and labor intensive, and I rather enjoy it. I'm a time consuming/labor intensive appreciative kind of girl.

(The entire piece can be seen here!)

Introduction

Back in art school, I was surrounded by people willing and eager to see my progress and offer feedback.
Now, graduated and 3,000 miles away from my former studios, a responsive audience is much harder to capture. This blog will serve as a tool in that search.
Here you will find contemplations of ideas, progress shots and explanations, glimpses of finished products and links to inspirations. It's a door into my studio, accessible from any distance.
Come on in.