Japanese Embroidery Phase 1 - part 3

On the second day, we started stitching with flat silk. The four small petals at the center of the iris are padded and then covered with flat silk. I found that it was easier to stitch with the flat silk. I was even able to stitch with one hand on top and one hand under the fabric for the first time ever. The only drawback, my left hand was at the top. In Japanese embroidery, you embroider the design from left to right, top to bottom with your right hand on top of the fabric and the left below. This means that your hands are never placed on stitched areas. It's still a step forward for me. Now I just have to figure out how to do the same with twisted silk.

Afterward we really started to jump around the piece. We learned how to stitch a chrysanthemum. This one has more padding and stitching with twisted thread. More diagonal stitches here.

We then moved onto the weft layer foundation technique. Sue gave us a tip on how to ensure that our lines are straight: stitch guide lines using couching thread beforehand. These stitches are left as they are and just covered over with silk. I found it such an excellent idea that can transfer to other types of embroidery.

Once I laid the guidelines, I had just enough time to do a little stitching before the day ended.

Here is my progress at the end of the second day.

Natalie was nice enough to take some pictures for me with her professional camera. She has an excellent micro zoom that takes gorgeous pictures. I just love how that yellow comes out. Doesn't it look like gold?