Recreating the cutwork edge

One of my greatest passions is collecting antique linens. If there is an antique store anywhere that I am traveling….chances are that I will be stopping and usually I drive away with some little treasure. Most of the linens are extremely delicate and in excellent condition but there are also some that are past their prime and in literally throw away stage. It is those that I treasure the most as some of their designs and techniques are so very unusual and precious. For some while I had been toying with the idea of recreating the designs but using my own artistic rendition. The doily on the side is about ten inches in diameter created using one design stitched out four times. Variegated thread was used to give it the antique look.  Btw, the project for the doily is going to be taught at Attic Treasures in Virginia this September in a hands on class. Friends on the East coast may want to check out http://www.seweasysewing.com/ to see if they can register for the hands on classes.

Usually cutwork edges are created with heavy satin stitches which hide and protect the cut away edge of fabric giving it a smooth and interesting look. In the Vintage Borders I collection, which is almost finished….the look of the cutwork is quite different. I wanted the edges to be flat yet created in such a way that the most lightest weight fabric could be used to stitch them out. Usually with light weight fabrics, satin stitch edges are quite bulky and often tear away from the edge especially when the item is washed several times. The Vintage Borders are created for light weight fabrics like Batiste, silks, voile, chiffon etc using a specialty stitch which doubles upon itself and creates an interesting rope like edge. Also as the final stitching is an outline created motif, the stitch count and density is quite low making it a fast stitching collection of designs. What fascinated me was the fact that one need not be so extremely neat about trimming away the edge fabric before the final stitching as the stitches tend to roll the fabric therefore eliminating any pokies from showing.

Not only is the edge an interesting creation but the method of joining designs to create continuous borders is also improved upon where one needs absolutely no special markers or mathematical placements. No special hoops are required either. The designs are primarily for the 4×4 and the 5×7 hoops in the first collection. Moreover, all designs use one color therefore one can decorate home decor or garments according to taste. I was impressed using the variegated thread in stitching out the designs, totally different look.

The placemat above used ten 4×4 hoopings to create it. With the small scallops the same design can be used on children’s heirloom clothing as well. The same design was used on the edge of a purchase pillowcase and using a tone on tone color gives off a totally different look. What I really like about the designs is that they stitch out fast and without any bulk therefore one could use the designs on silks and satins and yet maintain the drape of the fabric. The designs are also created in a low stitch count and density playing with a lot of self created motifs to give a dimensional feel to the designs. So far I have used all types of threads and love the feel of cotton serger thread used on linen fabric as that definitely gives an antique look to the item. As for the designs,there are quite a lot created yet again…when will I learn to stop? The first collection in the series is almost ready and I hope to release it within the next week.