Block Pillow multi works in progress

 Block pillows are my favourite for many reasons. My first block pillow was donated to me years ago and it holds a special place in my heart as the one l learned all my laces on, hoping that the echo of the lacemaker who donated it was guiding my bobbins. 

I created several different shape blocks for different projects, my favourite being discs which l can turn as l work on small floral or tape laces without turning the pillow and disturbing my pin cushion etc. 

Putting aside one project to work on another always means having to store a pillow somewhere else, this is made so much easier by simply just removing the block with the work on, and replacing it for another project. 

This little video shows how l manage my work, and how you don't always need lots of pillows for different classes/projects being worked at the same time. 

https://youtu.be/yVlQSyDfe9k?si=dfLa8xXv2cUeur5d

Painted Adventurous Seahorse.

Experimenting with my pattern for the Adventurous Seahorse, I changed the thread to white 28wpc Egyptian Cotton and increased the number of pairs used in the body as well as working a plait and picot zigzag along the back.

I kept the pattern very plain so I could see how/if the Inktense block paint would run and blend.  My previous experiments using the Inktense blocks worked well, but I wanted to see if it could be used for a full piece, rather than just spot colour on a finished piece of lace. 

Made in white specifically for painting. 

I risked applying the paint while the lace was still on the pricking.  No colour was visible on the back of the pricking thank goodness, and the pins were wiped clean and dry as soon as possible.  

This time, I used a larger brush and loaded it up with more paint.  This resulted in quite a strong colour being taken, despite the dilution.  Strangely enough, despite the extra amount of paint, the colours didn't always penetrate the full thickness and at the back of the piece, some white thread was still visible and the colours were paler.

The finished piece is painted while still on the pricking/pillow

To dry the piece of lace, I laid it onto a piece of kitchen roll, covered it with more kitchen roll and then ironed it till dry.  This helped to fix the paint, and also to keep the lace in shape as it would have curled and warped left to dry on its own.

I have previously handwashed a piece of Honiton lace I made, using the same thread and it ironed dry a little paler, but still coloured.  This piece, with the delicate zigzags, may not appreciate being washed so I am not going to wash this one.  It is for decorative, rather than wearing purposes.

A touch of variegation.

I maybe didn't make the most of the colours, I had intended to use paler jades, turquoise and pinks in more splotchy areas but the paint seemed to grab very quickly.  I suspect a much more diluted mix is needed.  

The coloured stripes could have easily been created using coloured passive threads with more control, however, this piece was primarily an experiment and it does sit very nicely with the other Adventurous Aquarium pieces.

See my earlier posts for the free pattern for the Adventurous Seahorse and other Adventurous Aquarium patterns. 

Paint used is Derwent Inktense Block paints.