Sweatshop Girl

In truth, I do feel a bit like one (and now have even greater sympathy for the world's millions of sweatshop workers as a result).

You know that feeling? When you desperately want someone to be wrong about something. But really, you know they're right.

Damnation.

Below has taken about eight hours to do (two hours unpicking alone!) and was utterly horrible to do. But, yes, I admit, it does look great, and, against my others, has so much more impact.

Here you can see that the first needs to be worked into much more.

But it is going to take me a really long time, so I need to make the decision whether to carry on with developing these, and leave out some other elements, eg the floor model or the painting. As I do think these are so effective in their own right, I think it's the path I need to take. Although I do still really want to try and do the cardboard painting as well. But, worst case scenario, I'll still have two weeks when I finish these. So that should be ok.

I do really like the effect above - where there's a contrast of paper and see-through stitch. However, I know I need to stitch into them more, whatever I do, so I'll have another think about that in eight days time.

See you then...

More Stitching...

After many hours of stitching, i have finished my eight panels. I took them into college, and Chris suggested that I 'stitch some more'.

However, I feel very strongly that I don't want to do this. I realise that at present the paper is too hard against the organza and that it needs to be softened (the electric toothbrush and hot water would do this, or I might try linseed oil on the paper). But I do like the contrast of their solidity against the see-through background.

My other real worry is that some of them simply won't be 'readable' and therefore will lose considerable impact if I completely remove the backing. For instance, there are no definite lines left on the lady below, just dots. 

However, Chris is absolutely right when he says I have to experiment. So I'm going to take the time to fully stitch this man above. (I love its strength as a picture in itself and was wanting to use it in some way). BUT, and it's a big but. He's a lot clearer, and even if he works, I know some of the others won't, but I do still need to find a solution for them.

I know it's about experimentation. But it's also about listening to your inner voice, if it's crying out to you not to do something!