Rob & Jame: Week 16

Rob's update:

With just a few short weeks until The Bridge’s symposium, I focused on “illuminating” the cityscape embroidery.  My favorite embroidery technique involves blending the different colors of embroidery thread.  In each new piece of embroidery thread (or floss as it’s commonly called) a single strand is composed of 6 smaller strands.  For very thick lines, I embroider with all 6 strands.  However, more frequently, I divide the 6 pieces into 3 smaller strands, and combine them with floss from another color spool.  This effect allows me to incorporate more vibrant and varied color gradients.

Another technique which is critical to efficient embroidery is workspace organization!  Here are some of my favorite practices. When I get a brand new package of embroidery thread, I immediately cut the 9 yard strand into smaller (1 yard) pieces. Next, I wrap each bundle of embroidery floss around a plastic “spool.”  This method lets me quickly scan the entire color palette available, and simultaneously minimizes clutter.