Here Shadow Work is used in the swirly designs which surround other techniques. |
Made with the Herringbone Stitch (worked very close together) or the Double Back Stitch it can be worked on either the back or the front of the fabric and Italy's fantastic gauzy linen fabrics lend themselves nicely to the transparency which is an immediately recognizable characteristic of this technique.
Shadow Work is used here in the filling of the letter A. |
In coloured or white threads, it is usually combined with other traditional needlework techniques like padded satin stitch, pulled thread filling stitches and many others.
Shadow Work fills the hanging flowers in this monogram. |
Another recognizable characteristic is the bas-relief effect which can be rendered more dramatic with heavier threads and fabric. These images are from Punto Ombra by Carolina Maraini, N. Zanichelli, Bologna, 1924.
Front side of the work using heavier fabric and thread. |
Back side of the work using heavier fabric and thread. |
More can be learned about Carolina Maraini and her Shadow Work at the Tuttoricamo website. Click on the British Flag for the English pages, then "Techniques", then "Shadow Work". Make sure to click on the link to see a gorgeous coloured Shadow Work tea service tablecloth!
Thanks to Stefania for the use of her photos!
Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
nothing like your examples, of course, but still examples of thrift shop finds
ReplyDeletehttp://fabriquefantastique.blogspot.com/2011/01/shadow-work.html
grazie per aver visitato il nostro blog e per esserti registrata come sostenitrice. Non conoscevamo il tuo sito, è veramente una miniera di notizie sul ricamo italiano.
ReplyDeleteComplimenti per il lavoro che hai fatto, siamo onorate di averti tra i nostri sostenitori.
grazie
nunzia e cinzia
thank you for visiting our blog and signing up as a supporter. We did not know your site is truly a mine of information on Italian embroidery.
Congratulations for the work you've done, we are honored to have you among the supporters.
thanks
nunzia and cinzia
http://cosedilino.blogspot.com/
I'm from Québec, Canada, looking for someone near me, who wants to help me with my embroidery.
ReplyDeleteMy email: martlizot@hotmail.com
Thanks!
these are beautiful. thanks for sharing their work. I am visiting all kinds of blogs through Stitchin Fingers...I think I'll join that group. I love all the lovely things!
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