Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Wendy Week Day 3: An Excerpt from the Book (Plus another giveaway!)
Welcome to Day 3 of Wendy Week here at the Sew Beautiful blog! With the release of designer Wendy Schoen’s new book Mastering Shadow Work Embroidery, we’re honoring the renowned artist and teacher with a week of special promotions and giveaways. Join us on the blog every day this week for exclusive book previews, an interview with Wendy, and our awesome giveaway contests - a different one each day!
Today we are giving away an entire year of lessons from Wendy Schoen's Embroidery Club (2004), a current retail value of $105.00! Details follow the stitch instructions below.
Not quite sure what shadow work embroidery is or how it works? Today's post is for you. We are excited to share a short excerpt with you from the introductory portion of Mastering Shadow Work Embroidery, including a brief introduction to shadow work and a few of the "must-know" stitches you'll need to get started. Enjoy!
What is Shadowwork?
This lovely, delicate embroidery technique is most often found in white work and Broderie Anglaise embroideries dating back to the 18th Century. The technique is believed to be of Indian origin and until the 19th Century was worked exclusively in white on white fabric. Technically known as closed herringbone stitch and traditionally worked from the wrong side of the fabric, the stitch is worked over the finger in a sewing motion.
Herringbone stitch is worked along two parallel boundaries alternately, having one stitch placed on the first boundary, and the next on the second boundary. The stitches are always taken in back-stitch motion and worked from one boundary to the other alternately. They are aligned so each stitch shares the hole of the previous stitch on respective boundaries.
Once the work is completed, it is turned over to the right side to reveal a continuous row of backstitches along the outline of the design. Between the boundaries, a band of color shows through the semi-transparent fabric in a shadow-like effect, which results from the dragging of the threads from one boundary to the other. Because of this, the technique is most commonly referred to as shadow work and the stitch is called shadow stitch.
Used as a fill-in stitch, the work is brilliant for stitching flower petals, ribbons and bow shapes. Beautiful swirling shapes and long linear shapes look feminine and romantic, making the technique the perfect complement to baby wear and lingerie. Worked with broader shapes, such as those found in nature, shadow work leaves and flowers work up quickly and are quite attractive, especially for household linens.
Currently, it is more common to see shadow work with colored threads. The introduction of colored threads has changed the character of the technique immensely and the shapes have become more complicated to stitch, therefore working from the right side is the easiest method of stitching. This method of closed herringbone is most often referred to as shadow work.
Contrary to shadow stitch embroidery from yesteryear, the technique of shadow work is a bit different. Small motifs take shape and beautiful pastels are the norm in this new way of stitching the shadow designs. The technique has made enormous strides in the past several years and has evolved into a technique unique to itself. No longer worked from the wrong side of the fabric, the back-stitch is best when worked in an embroidery hoop.
As you will notice, almost without exception, the motifs in this book were designed for embellishing infants and children’s garments. This glorious technique is perfect for adding just a little embellishment to tiny garments, without fear of over-powering the delicate nature of its intended use.
For more information on shadow work embroidery and for many more detailed stitch instructions, designs, tips and patterns, get your hands on a copy of Mastering Shadow Work Embroidery (20% off all week!) and get stitching! For now, here is a short exerpt from the book showing a few of the must-know stitches for getting started with shadow work.
CLOSED HERRINGBONE STITCH
Shadow Work (Closed Herringbone), simply said, is basically a Backstitch. The backstitch is taken alternately from one boundary point to another. The stitches are lined up head to toe with every two stitches sharing a common hole. Usually the stitches are very short, less than 1/16” long, and it is important that they be stitched carefully so as not to “jump the track” of the stitching line. The stitches look pretty when they are placed exactly on the drawn line so take extra care to trace your design exactly.
BACKSTITCH
Working along the design line with one strand of floss, tie on with a split-backstitch directly on the design line. Take a short stitch from A to B and out at C, a stitch length away from B, covering the tie-on stitch. Each stitch should be placed head to toe, each sharing a hole with the previous stitch.
PIGGYBACKING
This term applies to the technique of stitching over an existing stitch. This is only done when two shapes share a common wall. The stitch is taken into the exact two A-B points as the previous section. If the two shapes are the same color, the stitches lay on top of each other. If they are different, they lay side by side, but are still sharing the same holes.
TODAY'S GIVEAWAY
Today we are giving away an entire year of lessons from Wendy Schoen's Embroidery Club (2004), a current retail value of $105.00! (Learn more about Wendy's Embroidery Club on her website.)
To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this blog post below. Be sure you include an email address or contact information so that we can contact you if you're a winner. Entries will remain open through the rest of Wendy Week and the winners will be drawn at random and announced next Monday, March 14, 2011.
If you are a Sew Beautiful fan, make sure you've "liked" our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to keep up with Wendy Week events (and more). Don't forget that Martha Pullen Company is also on Facebook and Twitter – you definitely don't want to miss out on this week's special deals. While all Wendy Schoen merchandise is on sale in our online store for 20% off all week, MPC will be featuring additional, deeper daily discounts on certain Wendy Schoen products!
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Wendy Schoen is the best!
ReplyDeleteI remember doing this for my daughters little dresses when they were small. Now I have a grand-daughter I can do this for. Great pics and how-too! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a painted picture. Just lovely.
ReplyDeletetattingchris@gmail.com
Beautiful! Thanks for the intro...I believe I will have to try this at least once, perhaps get hooked!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice prize today!
ReplyDeleteniener987@comcast.net
great instructions
ReplyDeleteDianne
dianneholmes@att.net
what a great prize!
ReplyDeleteKaren
sew mommy @windstream.net
I need to know this stuff!
ReplyDeleteDiayoung@sbcglobal.net
What a wonderful giveaway! I would really enjoy this.
ReplyDeletejoy8257@bellsouth.net
Love Wendy's work. I have done some hand embroidery for my granddaughters when they were little.
ReplyDeletesewgirl@elmore.rr.com
I have enjoyed the year or two that I had joined the embroidery club.
ReplyDeletebethsews@emerytelcom.net
I would love to learn!!
ReplyDeleteMakemineelegante@hotmail.com
Nana kristi
What a great giveaway! I'd love to be the lucky winner!!
ReplyDeleteJackie
3young@bellsouth.net
I am so excited about these great giveaways! Pick me, pick me!
ReplyDeleteRenae
salsathebugs1@yahoo.com
I love shadowwork embroidery. Odd shapes are difficult, but worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the photo of the shadow work at the beginning of this blog post--it's truly exquisite! rcedson@embarqmail.com
ReplyDeleteWow! Please choose me! Wendy's work has taken shadow work to a whole new level.
ReplyDeleteCarol
carol@pclnet.net
this could tempt me back to hand embroidery again, it is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMary
maire48@att.net
How wonderful to be able to win this! I did a little bit of shadow work when my daughter was young. Tried to pick it up again and made a mess :( I need this giveaway!
ReplyDeletetheresalensmyer@gmail.com
Yeah Wendy!
ReplyDeleteimabsktldy@comcast.net
Wendy, you're instructions are the best! Would love to win these lessons!!
ReplyDeletegrannysuesue@yahoo.com
Love Wendys work.
ReplyDeletethecabbageleaf@yahoo.com
I've never seen shadow work look like this from the back-Wendy is amazing!
ReplyDeletelove this type of hand stitching! I will have to unpack my 'stuff' and get 'stitchin' again!
ReplyDeleteruthheath10@comcast.net
The giveaways get better every day. Thank you.
ReplyDeletedesignsmck@gmail.com
I have always wanted to do shadow work, but have been a little scared to try. The lessons would be a blessing!
ReplyDeleteWendy's work is always beautiful and I especially love doing shadow work embroidery.
ReplyDeleteteelafalgoust@bellsouth.net
Another great day of information regarding shadow work embroidery. I have to learn this embroidery technique. bharms@centurytel.net
ReplyDeleteOh! It is beautiful!!!! Wendy's work is inspirational! I would love to learn to stitch like her!
ReplyDeleteblessedwith5@hot.rr.com
This is such a lovely giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWendy is an inspiring teacher.
ReplyDeletelhyink at mac dot com
I can't get enough of Wendy's things!!
ReplyDeletealicat314@yahoo.com
What a wonderful giveaway! Can't get enough of Wendy!
ReplyDeletecyndimanson (at) gmail (dot) com
It would be great to enjoy Wendy Schöen's Embroidery Club at home.
ReplyDeleteartesaniasherencia@gmail.com
I love shadow work and I would LOVE to win this giveaway!
ReplyDeletelynnpoulin@gmail.com
I attended the Wendy Schoen Baby School a few years ago and am hooked.
ReplyDeletelinda12452@yahoo.com
I've always wanted one of the club collections. Please enter me in the contest.
ReplyDeleteI would love this!!!! I have heard great things about Wendy's Embroidery Club!!!
ReplyDeletesewblessed at mchsi dot com
Thanks for a wonderful week. Please enter me in the contest. jleona@frontiernet.net
ReplyDeleteWhat an artist. I took a class from her, and she was awesome.
ReplyDeleteI want to learn how to do this!
ReplyDeleteKaren
kclongogirl@bellsouth.net
This looks so beautiful...sebmcfarland@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am so getting excited to try this out soon.
ReplyDeleteI am so interested in this method of embroidery. I'd love to become a member of Wendy's club. Please enter me into the giveaway.
ReplyDeletethomisonc1@cox.net
I love shadow work and Wendy's instructions are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteMarcy
bloombunchmama at yahoo dot com
Ooh, this is the Best! I Love shadow work!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
smith8two@msn.com
I'd love to win these lessons!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tutorial & fantastic giveaway. I love this blog!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Thanks for reminding us of the basics!
ReplyDeleteMyra
chestnutstreetdesigns@verizon.net
Thank you for the wonderful giveaways and for giving us the history of Wendy's business! Shadow work is so delicately beautiful.
ReplyDeleteDonna
3dears at gmail dot com
Great article!
ReplyDeletecynypr-sews@yahoo.com
This would be great incentive for me!
ReplyDeletesenavista@yahoo.com
Beautiful...would love to give it a try.
ReplyDeletepatbassham@hotmail.com
Love, Love, Love this book and ALL Wendy's work!
ReplyDeleteKaren Simons in Columbia, La.
tksimons@bellsouth.net
i would loved to learn to do shadow work, wendy is one of the best. jo hume
ReplyDeleteI would love to have the year of embroidery lessons with Wendy. Her work is beautiful! I love her new book.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Denise Norris
denisenorris@bellsouth.net
I would love to try this. I am a little bit intimidated by it. Would love to win this great gift so I can get started learning this beautiful technique.
ReplyDeleteJanice
jewagner01@yahoo.com
I am enjoying "Wendy Week!" Such beautiful work she does.
ReplyDeleteacarp@swbell.net
What clear illustrations and directions! Wendy makes it all seem to easy. I would love to win this gift so I can start learning.
ReplyDeletekguillot@gmail.com
Love It! Want It! Nuff said! Kathy Scruggs kewscruggs@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a special giveaway! Count me in! Bunnypep at wildblue dot net.
ReplyDeleteShadow embroidery is my favorite heirloom technique! And Wendy has always been my hero! Wonderful giveaway! Thanks
ReplyDeleteVincie Walzl
vinciew@gmail.com
WOW, what a prize! Sign me up! jean at roadq dot com
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! Thanks Wendy!
ReplyDeleteLaurie
l@jandle.com
Wendy's work is perfect!
ReplyDeleteNancy
awyatt@twlakes.net
What a terrific idea for a give a way!
ReplyDeletedaycdoo@bellsouth.net
I have wondered about that herringbone stitch for a long time. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. Looks like this book has great lessons!
ReplyDeletegasew7@gmail.com
Wonderful work! Wonderful giveaway!
ReplyDeletedh_davis@bellsouth.net
Just love this! O how I need to win this!
ReplyDeleteSue Lavell
I love this. Man,, I need to win.
ReplyDeleteSusan VH gmasuz1215 at yahoo.com
How exciting! I must have this!
ReplyDeletelindakholder@yahoo.com
This is a great prize!
ReplyDeleteHope I win!
Wendy
wendy@n7gtj.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSign me up! Forgot to let you know that I can be reached at firstpeter1v3@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThese prizes are great! Hope to win one! Must get this book!
ReplyDeletebmckay3tee@cableone.net
Wendy , thank you so much for sharing your work with us. Sharon H. monie_57@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteOooh, I NEED to win this! It's one of the few years that I don't have.
ReplyDeletegiftsandoccupations at yahoo dot com
A beautiful book! A must have for everyone who loves needle work.
ReplyDeleteDebrm@hotmail.com
Wow, what an awesome giveaway! I love to learn new things, and shadow work is something I've wanted to try.
ReplyDeletethatkellygirl@yahoo.com
OMG!! This is incredible. I can't believe someone will get the opportunity to win an entire year of lessons!!! I sure hope it's me.... midnightsewin@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteKelly
This would be a fun project!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Chelsea
michal_c1984@hotmail.com
I just love Wendy's Embroidery Club and am so sad that she is discontinuing it. I've made many beautiful items from it and have so many backlog projects that it will keep me busy for several more years!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a year of Wendy's Embroidery Club! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteWendy's designs are exquisite! Thank you for focusing on her work this week!
ReplyDeletesewing@capreol.us
Wendy's work is beautiful. I have often admired shadow work but never knew how to do it. The stitches are intreguing.Gail Aucoin
ReplyDeletelenandgail@xplornet.com
Wendy does such beautiful work. I love the little shadow work strawberries.
ReplyDeleteI would love to learn more about shadow work. This is beautiful Laurie Guidry
ReplyDeleteljg923@msn.com
I wish I could learn to do what Wendy does!
ReplyDeleteSherri
I have three classes of girls that I am teaching right now. We are working on cross stitch, but I am always looking for other things that they might love doing. I have 5 young girls, 5 middle girls, and 5 teenagers. These projects would put smiles on their faces. Thanks for giving these lessons.
ReplyDelete(ginger.consford@gmail.com)
What great prizes. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully helpful introduction. The description of the stitches are clear, and the illustrations further help.
ReplyDeleteLaura C.
hellokitten42@hotmail.com
WOW! such detail~lovely
ReplyDeleteSoph
tx93sparkl@yahoo.com
Drool over this club.... would LOVE to win. Thanks
ReplyDeleteilvtoys(at)aol(dot)com
Wendy Week! What a wonderful way to celebrate Wendy's exquisite work! Carol
ReplyDeletebobbygable@bellsouth.net
Oh wow Wendy!! I need this!! I really need help with my embroidery and these lessons would be just fabulous!! Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteSivjegoose@sbcglobal.net
I would love to have this book and to win a year of Wendy's Embroidery Club! The details in the book are wonderful.
ReplyDeletesusan.meyers@hotmail.com
Very delightful reading. And ahh that shadow embroidery is so pretty. I would love to be part of the embroidery club!!
ReplyDeletemy email is mrss.bryan@yahoo.com . Love to be in the embroidery club.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome giveaway! I already have the book and I would love to have a year of Wendy's embroidery club! I can't wait for the new patterns that are from the book are released! Please hurry!
ReplyDeletecindy_sews@hotmail.com
Amazing post. Thank you for doing the giveaway! Hallie at letter.to.memphis at hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove Wendy's designs.
ReplyDeletegarygore@intrstar.net
this give-away is an amazing opportunity to study with the best, a true passionate expert in hand embroidery. WOW!
ReplyDeleteSharon
sjmailbox2009-disp@yahoo.com
I would love these lessons! jktait25@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYes, lessons would be great.
ReplyDeleterltejkl@msn.com
Wendy is truly the best!
ReplyDeleteKathryn
kcashner@hotmail.com
wow!! I have done so many of Wendy's projects and have several of her books and CD's but have never joined her club.
ReplyDeletedkerbes@comcast.net
Beautiful!
ReplyDeletestevea3481 at aol dot com
Wow - what a great giveaway! Thank you.
ReplyDeletesusan.byerly@comcast.net
OH WOW!!!! AWESOME Lisa
ReplyDeleteThe book looks wonderful
ReplyDeletecarol-groebe@kc.rr.com
I love shadow work, the lesssons will help me prefect my technique. Sharon H. monie_57@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful work. I have always wondered what shadow work was and with this book I will be able to master this exquisite stitch. mcraig@bellsouth.net
ReplyDelete