We'll always have Paris

Free Motion Machine Embroidery

After the success of 2014, and the developing of new designs, I decided to use my new found love of Free Motion Embroidery.  I decided that 2015, would be the year I try to develop, what was lingering in my head.

Sketching, with Thread

After a surprise trip to Paris 2 years ago with my husband for a special birthday, I was inspired, as most people are, by The Eiffel Tower.  I knew I wanted to create something with textiles, I just couldn't decide what or how.  But as my love of the Free Motion Machine Embroidery progressed, I hatched a plan!

We'll always have Paris

 Here's how I did it

I began, by looking at the pictures and postcards we brought back from our trip, and the photographs we took.  I drew inspiration from these, and chose a specific photo.  I traced the outline loosely, and played with it, so that I had an idea of the size I was wanting my final piece to be, and then began to add my own interpretation of the details within and around the Tower.

Once I was happy with my sketch, I used a Light Box to trace the outline onto the fabric, again just loosely, using a water soluble pen.

Sketching the outline

It was now time to start to 'sketch with thread', so I began by drawing the outline

Adding details

Once my basic shape was established, I placed my original pencil sketch beside my machine, and began to fill in the gaps as and how I felt it best with the needle and thread.

It was so enjoyable and quite therapeutic, I found that I just couldn't stop!

More details developing 

As the detailing developed, I found myself really moving freely and creating more details here, and less there, as and where I felt necessary.

The Eiffel Tower

Before long, the stitching was complete, and I had before me something that resembled The Eiffel Tower.  I rinsed off the pen, and left the fabric to dry.

Hand Embroidered Appliqué Hearts

I decided, that as the picture was to remember our trip to Paris, I would add 2 hearts (I used 2 different Tilda fabrics) to represent my husband and I, so I hand embroidered them, with a lovely metallic embroidery silk.

The Final Touches

I wanted some wording on the picture, but found it hard to decide what, so I turned to Google to find French phrases, poems and quotes.  There were some really lovely ones, but the one that stood out for me the most was 'We'll always have Paris' this phrase is taken from one of my favourite films - Casablanca, so I found it just perfect, and of course, as it is nearly Valentines Day, and Paris is the most Romantic City in the world, 'Je t'aime' had to be included!

Framed to perfection

Finally, a lace border was added, before the finished piece was set into the beautiful frame.

I am incredibly proud of my creation, and aim to do more and I hope that you like it as much as my husband (Mr C) and I do.

Please visit my Facebook page to see more of my makes

Michelle Corbin Design maker of all things to treasure

Thank you for reading
Happy Stitching

Michelle xx

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