Exploring Gimp - the Challenges and Beauty of Stitching with Gimp!

[@smac3662]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your informative videos. Even with books; the simple act of seeing it done and the things to watch for to get it right saves invaluable time and eases many frustrations. Bless you and for sharing your skills and knowledge with others; so this beautiful art won't be lost.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thank you so much for reaching out. I'm so glad these little videos of mine have been helpful! 💕

[@julieheudebourck]

I love the textured effect of gimp.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Isn’t it great! I love it too. ❤️

[@julieheudebourck]

Hi, I love to watch how you do the stitches, I am a visual learner. Great explanations on everything you show. Thank you from Belfast Northern Ireland.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thx so much Julie. I’m so glad you thought so!

[@paigemckelvey8781]

I watched, after the fact, the "stitch and giggle session".... Loved that you tried it all for us so we can think of other stitches to do with gimp, or not! it is such a fun looking thread on the spool.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

I'm going to keep trying and see if I can figure out a way to work with the crinkly silk gimp.

[@paigemckelvey8781]

@@ArianeZurcher212 Maybe a drizzle would look cool. Have fun trying stitches.

[@joanremaley702]

This is a true meet and greet!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Haha! ❤️

[@suewaddy7390]

John James in UK do all sorts of needles including milliners and chenille. Hope this helps , also Tulip needles are from Japan. Thank you for your brilliant tutorials

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Great information, thx. ❤️

[@dianecaust2425]

fabulous way to demonstrate Dorset button weaving!!!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

❤️💕❤️

[@lindalienhard7738]

Ariane, I’m watching this a few months after the original taped date. Trying to catch up, if that’s even possible... I’ve used the gimp in both the weights you’re using. The green gimp & the silk. Since it’s a cord with wrapped threads around it, it can be a problem threading. I think it’s great you tried using it the way you did with your followers also wanting to see how the stitches worked out using gimp. You’re very cool to do this!! I was thinking your base fabric was expected to be wool, or canvas, which would have been firmer. Someone suggested another layer... Yes, we all agree it’s a mess - a very fun stitching event! Lol! Totally with you! The texture with the gimp, the bullion stitches & knots were great! I agree adding in other threads & stitches will give it an awesome look! Thanks for this!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thx Linda. Gimp is fun to play with and certainly can be challenging. It’s not a thread I use a lot, but it can be very striking and is great to have around just in case the moment comes when it can be used to good effect. ❤️💕❤️

[@minkaf4243]

The whipped woven looks like a very complex Celtic knot.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

❤️

[@livingacreativelife1719]

Amazing... who knew gimp would produce such an enticing effect. Thank you, Ariane!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Ha! Love Gimp. Another one of those threads/cords that is often overlooked. ❤️

[@lauremeaney7883]

Thank you and I giggled away enjoyed that so much! actually it's really good for my heart to see that even you struggle sometimes! So I'll keep practising and try not to beat myself up when things go terribly wrong... I've certainly learnt to beware of gimp! And I will also say that I loved what you did with it in fact, the variegated bullions are particularly lovely, and I'll give those a go.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thx so much Laure. Gimp can be really dramatic and adds a lot to a piece. ❤️

[@jeanmansfield1138]

I've rarely used gimp threads to stitch with just a variety of thick threads and quickly learnt to use large eyed needles for the hole in the fabric to allow the thread to be pulled through but watching you with the silk gimp well, sometimes life's too short Ariana! Your sampler piece looked very effective and beautiful so worth the effort and I wish my stitching did. Thanks for adding inspiration.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Jean Mansfield haha! I’m determined to master the crinkly silk gimp and am going to keep trying to work with it! ❤️

[@jeanmansfield1138]

@@ArianeZurcher212 Well done you. Hopefully it will work more smoothly for you off camera! I had similar problems doing a piece of crazy patchwork years ago and didn't use enough variety of needles to pull my choices of threads for the silks, velvets and damask materials I was trying to stitch. I had no needle grabbers or help and really hurt my fingers. Lesson learned the hard way (before arthritis began!). I had the 12" piece framed - each piece is embroidered on or embellished - and I'm happy with it now.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@jeanmansfield1138 Thx Jean! 💕

[@minkaf4243]

The whipped woven looks like a complex Celtic knot.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Ha! ❤️

[@rankinstudios5342]

I love the bullions and the weave with gimpe so much that I ordered the thicker Painter's Thread like you used!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Oh wonderful. I just love Painter's Threads. They have lovely colors as well.

[@lindaprior3824]

Great help in understanding the product of Gimp! Thanks for your time and effort!🌻🦔NZ

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Linda Prior I’m so glad you thought so! ❤️

[@vickievaristo7447]

Thanks for the laughs and giggles. Learned one thing today that I dont think I will invest in the gimp. It was kind of gimpy🙄🤪

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Oh no!! 🤣💕🤣 This video was not supposed to be the anti- gimp video!! Oh well. ❤️

[@geraldinebobnar3368]

I love the gimp whip woven spider with legs(lol) Tx for doing it with gimp

[@ArianeZurcher212]

I’m so glad! ❤️💕❤️

[@lgene7232]

Japanese embroidery centre in Atlanta carries Japanese handmade needles

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thx for letting me know. I believe I googled them but could not find the double eye needle.

[@susanhamilton1822]

Braided and stitched down the way one person said I think would look gorgeous. It's frustrating coming at this a year later. lol

[@ArianeZurcher212]

❤️

[@marlenemaise5351]

So so beautiful

[@ArianeZurcher212]

❤️

[@marlenemaise5351]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mandysmith1646]

I enjoyed your video & chat.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thanks so much Mandy. ❤️

[@carolbogden2322]

Purchased 2 of Sue's books thanks

[@ArianeZurcher212]

❤️💕❤️

[@jojojo8835]

I always thought gimps are passive, like a couching thread or something, so I’m surprised you tried to work it with a needle. Looks nice!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

haha! Well it is, but I'm always up for a challenge and seeing what else I can do with different threads!

[@cathyhedberg4502]

You commented you had to buy more peril cotton because you didn't have that particular color. It makes me think of my dad (a wonderful wood worker); he will come home from the hardware store and tell me he found something he didn't know he needed. Either that, or I spent part of your inheritance today! I tell him to enjoy life; you can't take it with you.!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

That’s very funny! I so get that. ❤️💕❤️

[@annemassart2770]

C’est super j’ai adoré. Merci Ariane ❤️❤️❤️

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Merci Anne! Avez-vous pu utiliser des sous-titres?💕💕

[@annemassart2770]

Non je n’ai pas vu de sous titres , mais peut-être que je dois faire quelque chose aussi . Je vais me renseigner . Merciiii

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@annemassart2770 J'espérais peut-être que vous auriez trouvé un moyen, mais quand j'ai fait des recherches, je n'ai pas trouvé de moyen de les ajouter. SI seulement je pouvais.😟

[@minkaf4243]

This IS funny! Just call it Live Scream! 😱 But I want to try it. I wonder if the trellis would be easier with a crochet hook.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Give it a try and tell me how it goes!

[@susanhamilton1822]

I watched the video of the girl making the lichen from t-shirts and she used watered down acrylic paint to die her fabric. People mentioned alcohol inks in the live stream and I have to tell you that alcohol inks are very intense, saturated colour so they would have to be mixed with a lot of alcohol to make them light enough. I would go with the watered down acrylics or hand dyed fabric.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Yes the alcohol inks are intense. I prefer Caran d’Ache Neo color water soluble pastels.

[@susanhamilton1822]

@@ArianeZurcher212 I use those as well. I combine them with GAC 900 from Golden to make them permanent and washable. Fun stuff eh girl? :) I've even made my Distress Inks from Tim Holtz permanent with that stuff.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@susanhamilton1822 ❤️

[@conniesimonich2327]

I love my wool mat and since it’s a natural fiber cats n dogs love it. My cats love mine also

[@ArianeZurcher212]

ha! That's right they do love wool, don't they? So funny. 💕

[@janettranter4909]

Hi love to watch you your work is lovely I'm here in Worcestershire England

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Janet Tranter - hi Janet! I’m so glad to see you here!

[@joditraub6827]

I love gimp , but it is tricky to work with. I like the loose bullion with the gimp. Q- do you dye your own cheesecloth? I love that green.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Hi Jodi, I have dyed my own cheesecloth, I've also bought it from others who hand dye it. I'm not picky, I like using both!

[@debradecrane7670]

Good job

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Debra De Crane thx Debra. Sorry to have missed you. 💕

[@debradecrane7670]

I like the legs exposed on last motif.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Debra De Crane me too. I’m leaving them exposed.

[@geraldinebobnar3368]

Cream trellis with beige gimp looks good for a birds nest which is what I want

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Wonderful!!

[@juliecoons3702]

I found you while doing my many searches for gimp. Gimp was also used to crochet purses back in the 40’s. I’m really struggling to find anyone who makes it anymore. I found the last mill that manufactured it in the US, but sadly they stopped 2 years ago and won’t make it again. The painters gimp is beautiful but it’s way too expensive to use to crochet purses. Either I’m going to find a source to buy some spooled gimp or figure out a way to make it myself. I found Mary’s website and sent her an email. Thanks for any help you can offer. Julie

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Hi Julie, I was going to suggest asking Mary as she seems to be so knowledgable about this sort of thing. As I don't crochet, I haven't a good suggestion. 😟 Good luck and I hope you're able to find it at a reasonable price. ❤️

[@juliecoons3702]

Thank you, Ariane!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@juliecoons3702 ❤️

[@carolbogden2322]

Connecting threads has Sues needle pack

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thx so much Carol. 💕

[@debradecrane7670]

Enjoyed the video.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Debra De Crane I’m so glad!

[@lgene7232]

Sue Daley needle on Etsy sells 15 Milner needles

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thx. I think they are quite small. The numbering system for Milliner's needles is bizarre!! ❤️

[@huisuk]

Thanks for info. 😊

[@joycebreeden2453]

When working with gimp in the rock project, was it the same struggle on linen?

[@ArianeZurcher212]

❤️💕❤️

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@joycebreeden2453 No I didn't have any trouble, but I only used the crinkly cream colored one for couching. I also found, today, as I was playing with it some more, that using a #15 Milliners Needle helps a lot as it makes a larger hole in the fabric and so the gimp slides through without bunching up. I was even able to do a bullion knot and a couple of french knots.

[@robynreid3027]

Dear me, I did enjoy you stitching here all those years ago now, especially as I have only couched gimp so far. I'm curious to know why you don't use an embroiderer's awl to ease the way through the fabric, not to cut its fibers but to remake a hole?

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@robynreid3027 because until I read your comment, it never occurred to me!! That’s brilliant. Will definitely try when I get back to my studio. And thank you! ☺️💕

[@pamfrank3962]

How did you get your cheesecloth the olive and the other color? Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Hi Pam, I used the same method of dyeing the cheesecloth as I did for my old t-shirt: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4mlmWxshNCnnpo

[@debradecrane7670]

Maybe Japanese embroidery Center has needles.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Debra De Crane I looked but couldn’t find

[@cacaualbert]

Interesting❤

[@ArianeZurcher212]

😊

[@bethfred6360]

I'm watching after the fact. Check Thistle Threads. She had gimp too. She is a teacher and may have an idea about the needle. Or contact Mary Corbett. She is good about answering.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Beth Fred thank you so much Beth. I will do that. Appreciate the suggestion. ❤️

[@pamelaballard2348]

The link to your ETSY shop is broken. Love your work.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thank you so much Pamela for letting me know. I just edited all the information reflecting my website where all of my designs are available for purchasing. If you like you can go there directly to purchase: arianezurcher.com/shop/

[@rfinnie1]

Hi, Ruth from idaho

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@rfinnie1 Hi Ruth! ❤️💕❤️

[@louannwilde6381]

What is Gimp Thread.....where can I purchase it?????

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@louannwilde6381 it’s really a cord. Stef Francis (link below in the description) has really beautiful gimp. ❤️

[@marlenewilson7696]

Hi it's Marlene. I'm in Ohio

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Hi Marlene in Ohio. It's nice seeing you here. ❤️

[@TheresaREAberilla]

Why I can't get to chat!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@TheresaREAberilla ah, because this was a livestream from years ago. But I see your message now even tho years later. Hi there! One of these days I’ll do another livestream, and if you’re subscribed you’ll see when I schedule it. Where are you in the world? Sometimes the time difference makes it hard to join, but if you’re able to join, I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for you. ❤️

[@TheresaREAberilla]

@@ArianeZurcher212 Hi, from Belgium here! Never mind, I'll just watch them at my own phase!!Your artworks are ahmazingggg!!!!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@TheresaREAberilla Aw... thanks so much! ❤

[@marlenewilson7696]

Omg

[@ArianeZurcher212]

❤️😂❤️

[@debradecrane7670]

I'm watching it after the fact

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Debra De Crane we had fun, as I’m guessing you can tell. ❤️💕❤️

[@nadines111]

Is it really necessary to greet everyone that’s joining in to watch? I think an initial hello is sufficient. It just distracts and is wasting time when I want to learn the stitching. You do a great job, I just don’t think stopping every few seconds to say hello to someone AND where they are from, is necessary….good grief. How about at the end you can thank everyone who joined in, so those of us who don’t want to listen to EVERY SINGLE NAME can stop watching.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

So let me get this straight… you are watching this video for free, it literally costs you nothing, yet you feel so annoyed that you aren’t getting what you want, when and how you want it, that you feel compelled to take the time and energy to write this comment? Here’s a thought - instead of being critical, how about being grateful that you have access to so much content! You also can choose not to watch any livestreams. And the unsubscribe button is right beneath this video. There are so many wonderful options available to you!

[@nadines111]

@@ArianeZurcher212 Ohh…. It’s costing me…. mental torment, haha.

[@lgene7232]

The hand hammered Japanese needle ...I don’t think it is made anymore...I just read the last fella that made them has passed

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Yes, I read that too.

[@jshepard56]

I watched after this was live. I was distracted by all the stops and starts saying hi to people. It just seemed like a frazzled recording although I liked the topic and will check out the links. I liked the tip about needle size.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Julia - as you dislike the livestreams, I suggest you watch the hundreds of other videos that are not live-streamed. That way you won’t feel so frustrated. ❤️

[@jshepard56]

@@ArianeZurcher212 Thank you for this idea as I am new to your videos. I was actually so interested which was why anything delaying your sharing was hard. But of course that has a place too so I will go visit your other videos. Thanks for replying. Sorry it came off unkind.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@jshepard56 I understand. Some people love the livestreams and others not so much. The majority of my videos are not live however, so hopefully you’ll find some that you can enjoy! And welcome. I’m glad you’re here. ❤️