Boutis Gold

A sister project to "Boutis Blues", but with a brighter outlook, "Boutis Gold" represents hope and light. This project will require 8 - 10 of Medallion A, (see below)

Medallion A

and another 6 - 8 of Medallion B. (below)

To create boutis, two layers of a fine white Swiss cotton batiste are stitched together into channels and small closed shapes, and are later corded.

Medallion B

Although traditionally cotton thread is the thread of choice, my preference for detailed stitching like this has become a 50 weight silk thread. (I use Tire thread by Superior. It's available in Canada through Cindy's Threadworks. ) As well as being a pleasure to stitch with, the contrast of gold silk on a bright white background, adds a luminescence not possible with cotton thread.

The reverse side of Medallion B.

Most of this project is stitched with a tiny back-stitch, (point d'arriere), one of the most frequently used stitches in boutis. The background filler, which acts almost like a stipple stitch, is a tiny running stitch. It's purpose here is to add a golden hue to this piece.

Close-up of the stitches.

Below, the corded, finished medallion is held up against the light.  The negative space, (the stitched, but not corded areas) casts a golden luminosity to the piece.