Master's Submission
In 2009, I submitted for COE Handspinning, Master's level II. I did not pass but I wanted to include this on the website anyway.
Handspinning for Needlework: History and Construction took the full 2 years to complete.....and that included many MANY nights spent working through till sun up. The lack of local and internet reference material added additional expense. The cost for this study ended up a little over $2000. I completed every personal objective I set for myself regarding this study:
- handspinning a usable needlework thread
- natural dyeing the thread
- using the thread in reproduction patterns
- learning in-depth history regarding thread constructions, preparations, and usage
- learning in-depth history regarding fiber preparation
I am glad I completed the study and I'm grateful for the amount I learned. It brought together my two favorite hobbies--handspinning & needlework. There were, however, definitely things I could have done better. Even though there are no guidelines for minimum weights on submitted samples, in retrospect I should have adhered to the Level I skein rules and standardized the weights. I included the threads that I had left over from stitching the projects. Those should have been standardized in some manner as well. I also should not have included anything about modern embroidery threads. It just confused things. On the recommendations of the reviewers I stuck closely to my project outline. During the judging phase this worked against me. (The judges are not the same people who review the proposals and outlines. )
I do not intend to resubmit this study. I don't have anymore time to invest in it. Life moves on. I am thrilled with my project pieces and intend on displaying them at home.
Linen Project: 17th century reproduction sampler.
Wool Project: 18th century reproduction pocket book with
silk lining.
Silk Project: 18th century reproduction silk
sampler.
Cotton Project: 19th century redwork pattern
pillow.
Rayon Project: 20th century cross stitch bookmark.