Nothing but prep work

In preparation for working on the stamping I rough out my field -- the same process is used for large scale embroideries versus where the next will be positioned working on a left to right premise, this does sometimes have to change depending on the needs of the project or whether you're left or right handed.

Here I establish where the central motif which is smaller and intersects the larger motifs and decide on the size of that in reference to the overall scale. My next step is to determine where the next row of patterns go and the distance between the individual motifs.

The peculiar "L" shaped block is my pattern and guide in rough for the oil-card I'll be cutting. This card has my positioning guides clearly marked on it so it can be easily matched up with the motifs above it which have already been stamped or embroidered on the ground fabric. The cut out section is my guide for the positioning of the motif I'll be working up next. Edge to edge on two sides.

The added bonus in this instance is that the oil-card which has a dreadful smell repels paint. The Dylon Fabric Paint being water based will be easily wiped off, the card won't warp due to any moisture and protects the surface of the virgin fabric while I'm work, reducing smears and mistakes of dropped paint in the areas yet to be worked on.

A more complex grid can always be developed to zoom along where you measure out several rows at once from top to bottom and cut your grid in a series of steps like an inverted ziggurat.

On this piece of fabric I will make another grid which will measure the central point between the motifs "arms" and manually indicate with a dot where the round motif will intersperse the field. After the bigger motif has been finished and set.

In order to simplify the project borders such as the typical ends of the fabric in a contrasting colour will be marked off with Scotch tape or masking tape on both sides and carefully painted in situ. (Once dry the tape is carefully removed and the painted area ironed to set it.) Additional borders will be both stamped or again taped off and painted. Doing this gives a precise area of work for the commencement of the embellishment of the field.