Losing the thread

More phrenology, stitched on the sewing machine, from the back, with the thick wool thread in the bobbin. A very different effect from the hand stitching.

Once the threads were pulled to the back for tying off, I decided I liked this effect, so may keep it like this and call it " Losing the thread" or even " Loosing the thread". As there have been a few blogs discussing the correct use of "lose" and "loose" perhaps it needs a dual title.

Phremininology

I found a female head at dsharp's blog. Increasing this in size and using the transfer pen led to this version.

I really like the delicacy of the features in this one and have stitched some words for my niece.

Phrenalico

Another head, this time stitched on calico, with the heavy wool thread for the outline and features and then the words and dividing lines in a lovely variegated brown/ orange thread. I did some false trapunto under the head and left the rest of the front of the cushion as plain calico.

The wool on the back left a ridge at the seam allowance that looked unsightly, so I stitched around the inner edge of this to give a better finish. Another "design solution" to an unexpected problem.

Phrenorelations

It is truly becoming an obsession. This one is for my younger son, with his favourite thoughts in his head.


I hope no family psychologists are reading as there is no section in there for any thoughts about his brother or parents.

I'm running out of pieces of blanket, so I will need to go charity shop trawling soon.

Phrenorticulture

Another phrenology head, this time as a raffle prize for a fundraiser for my son's school.

Appropriate gardening words added, so hopefully someone will want this enough to buy lots of tickets.

Phrenolobsession

It's becoming an obesssion! This one is a partner for the first large one, so faces the other way. Sewn on the train up ( and down) to London to visit Tate Modern to see the current installation by Miroslaw Balka.

Definitely thought provoking, particularly for someone who is claustrophobic.

Phrenolobby again- place, pastime, people

The phrenolobby idea is taking hold in a big way. These ones are stitched on a double layer of calico ( 2 tab top calico curtains, 48 x 92 inches for £3.00 in a charity shop) with two different threads. This whole piece is about 16 x 6 inches.

I was going to call this "Me, myself, I " with apologies to Joan Armatrading, but I've now decided on a more general title of " 3P - place, pastimes, people" as reflected in the words in each head.

Phrenolobby

I have always liked china phrenology heads and have had a project bubbling in my head for a few months, combining: phrenology; hobbies of individuals; an art project my children did when at junior school where they had to draw their thoughts on to a print of an empty head.

This is the first prototype. A copyright-free phrenology head image, traced over with a Sulky iron-on transfer pen, stitched on to piece of vintage wool blanket with 50% wool thread. I started stitching this in a hoop,. but found it was easier to control the stitching, particularly of the words if I just held it. This one is for a family member ( who might be reading, hope you like it!)