I hope you've already read my previous post in which I explained the applique process Louise used to make her sensational Light and Shadow vests.
In this post, I'll show you photos of her second vest. They'll give you more ideas. Then I'll explain how she created her faux sashiko stitching. First, the pieces of the vest with applique and stitching.
Here's the Right Front. Louise used a black and white print, cutting it to show various motifs. She also used a yellow print.
And the Left Front. Note that there's no applique where the Left Front will slide under the Right Front.
Two close-up photos to show you details:
Now I'll explain the steps to achieve the faux sashiko stitching. First, you'll need thread. Louise used 6 strands of DMC embroidery thread. She did not separate the strands at all, but used them just as they were. She advises using a crewel or tapestry needle, since those are sharp and have large eyes to accommodate the 6 strands.
Prepare the vest pieces for the stitching. On each piece, consider how lines of stitching will help the appliques relate to each other. Use a straight and/or fashion ruler to mark straight or curved lines, using her vest for inspiration. Use white chalk (from a Chalkoner) as your marker. (Colored chalk may not all come off your fabric.)
Next, thread your machine with typical white thread. Using a 6.0 stitch length, stitch along your chalked lines. Be sure to use this stitch length, as it will help you with your sashiko. Again, consult the photos. Louise also stitched over some appliques. Look carefully--she changed colors where she stitched over an applique. She really considers the details!
You're ready for sashiko. Thread your crewel or tapestry needle with a length of the DMC 6-strand thread. Knot the end. Bring your needle up from the wrong side at the end of a line of machine basting. Let the DMC remain on the right side of the fabric for the length of 1 white basting stitch. Take your needle down to the wrong side, skip the length of the next white basting stitch, and come up again to repeat. So your sashiko will show beside every other basting stitch. At the end of the line, make a knot on the back. Have fun!
Be careful to avoid catching the white machine basting. When your sashiko is complete, remove the basting. The white thread will not leave any marks on your fabric.
Here are the front and back of this second Light and Shadow vest.
We hope you'll give this project a try. You'll have a piece of art when you're done, and you can try designing other projects using the same techniques. Other sewers will be amazed!
