The barkcloth was first rubbed gently with some markhal sticks and treasure gold to modify the colour but also accentuate the lovely texture of this material. Some areas were also lightly brushed with Jacquard Lumiere fabric paints in shades of green and a bit of blue. The bottom photo show the reverse of the fabric so you can see how much difference this made to the colour.
The individual motifs were applied with machine stitching and some hand - some background continuous stitching was also added in rambling swirl and leaf shapes. A number of beautiful motifs were made which had a lovely 3d quality, so rather than spoil them by flattening to apply them to the cloth they have been attached them to some machine cords made from strips of the barkcloth - these can be used as decorative ties for the shoes when made up.
Hopefully shoe designer Janet Middleton will have time to make at least a pair of shoes from our cloth, and all the shoes will be exhibited at the Fashion, Embroidery & Stitch show at the NEC on 20-23 March. Sister group Itchy Fingers are organising a trip to this exhibition on Fri 21 March for their members, but there may be an opportunity to bag a place if they have any left over.
