With the 11 alphabets in my hands and a theory of 77 illustrations, I have started to compile the charts of the padded stitch in practice, which would like to set the curious traveller on a path that starts out gentle, without slopes and with a stable ground, and then gradually becomes more impervious, suitable for those who have forged endurance on the first stretch. Specifically, Alphabet 1 proposes simple lines on which to practise the less complex aspects of the three phases of padded stitch, i.e. preparation, padding and covering, perhaps by testing different sizes and yarns. Alphabet 2 suggests taking more care with the fine movements of covering and suggests greasing the line. He also throws in a dot. The third introduces thin thicknesses: preparation, padding and covering become more complicated. The fourth increases thicknesses and charms us with amusing surface ornamentation. The fifth conspicuously intertwines, makes us think about its rounded ends and then suddenly offers us a change of perspective, transforming the thicknesses into lines filled with knots. The sixth dresses itself in flowers and invites us to review what we have learnt, while the seventh returns to focus on lines, with the elegance of an alphabet belonging to a style of the past. The eighth whispers to us to abandon our beliefs and simplify our padding, while the ninth and tenth require us to be very careful in our preparation. I see the eleventh as a fun exercise in putting a little bit of everything together.

As I write, I realise that it would be interesting to retrace my steps and embroider a few letters of each alphabet, using different colours and thinking better about their use. Writing brings out dangerous ideas in me…