FABRIC PICTURES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20587, 28 November 1936, Page 11 (Supplement)

FABRIC PICTURES

THE VOGUE FOR FELT APPLIQUE Felt applique work is one of the later forms of needlecraft in which embroidery plays an important part, it appeals to modern needlewomen because it is a bright and colourful decoration that is worked quickly and looks effective when finished.

In these embroideries gay splashes of colour are introduced by means of cut-outs in fine smooth-surfaced felt fixed into position with a series of simple embroidery stitches. The work is done on a felt ground backed with linen, usually in a frame in order to keep the surfaces perfectly flat. For large pieces of work—curtain ends, screens or wall pictures —the designs are well drawn; this direct treatment in design is also used for cushion covers, table runners, tea cosies, and many other items of home decoration suited to this type of work.

There is plenty of artistic scope in the choice of colour schemes, and in ths varied embroidery stitches used. Tracings for the decorative cut-outs, and a traced design for placing the appliqued felt, make this work one of the simplest yet most effective forms of embroidery suitable for modem rooms. Choice of Subject Russian ballet dancers and other figures, in groups which have a lively vigour in form and colour, prove excellent subjects; landscape and flower designs can be happily reproduced. There is little difficulty in originating a design of one’s own, always a fascinating project for those gifted with creative ability in sketching out forms that are decorative, and in devising harmonious colour contrasts. The felt material can be bought in a variety of artistic tints,

I either by the yard or cut into small pieces suited to the size of the design chosen. I Fabric embroidery is used for many varieties of decorative needlecraft since the vogue of the fabric picture, "painted” in silks, satins, velvet and chiffons has been so successful in modernist rooms. Luxurious odds and ends of these materials when cleverly arranged in a good design on a silk or satin ground can often be adapted to different kinds of applique embroidery on the i lines of Asissi or Punch work. The background can be adorned with embroidery stitches, chosen with due regard to the subject in hand, and the applique materials in flower or some other decorative shapes left on their beauty with a plain surface, except for the actual applique stitches. Sometimes the applique work is slightly padded and outlined with gold thread or tiny metal braid. The embroidery stitches chosen may be simple or elaborate. This type of work is typical of ths embroidery in vogue to-day and in I keeping with the general richness of I effect in colour, design and materials.