Cord Vessels

Tall, small and in between, these cord vessels are made with either cotton cord or in combination with paper cord. The tightly twisted cotton cord has a light sheen due to an integrated corn starch finish. Each vessel is sewn with one continuous cord, on an industrial sewing machine, using a zigzag stitch. It starts with a coil at the bottom; when the flat section is complete the vessel is shaped upwards by hand to form the sides, with the sewing machine running. The form is determined by the pressure expended - gentle, and it is more rounded; firm, and the sides are straighter. Some pieces have contrasting features: a painted top edge, inserts of linen thread or silk strips, sprays of paint. More complex to make are the “twofold vessels” which are sewn, painted, completely ripped back to a rope, and resewn with the threads dangling.