03/03/2019
the wrap
It could be a long one today.
I pieced this cloth together on camera, with you a few weeks ago. This will be a wrap for a small artist book I am making for myself. The book holds samples of stitch, of edges, of process. The wrap is mimicking that, the stitch, the process and the edges (edges will follow when it's lined). You can see the video of the initial pieceing process here. A few days ago I made a very short video for you just to show the progress I had made to that point following on from piecing the cloth.. You can see that video here.
Today I am sharing more progress and a new piece, the fourth piece which I think will be the final piece needed to make this wrap large enough to wrap around my artist book.
In the short video today I am indicating new areas of embellishment by pointing.......yes I know it's rude to point but some times you just have to.
Also, most of you probably know that I moved house recently. In my new place there is room for a studio, an artist studio. It needed work, window, door, plaster, cement....that is all done now and it's in the process of being painted. I am beyond excited. In addition to embroidery I am doing this.......the finish line is getting closer.
03/02/2019
a little stitched book
Do you remember this post? I was speaking about creating another little stitched book of embroidery. Two of the pages for that are finished now and I have been looking at other stitched, cloth books I've made to generate ideas for moving this forward. There is no deadline for this and today I will be working on the wrap from yesterday but I thought if I at least looked at my options for the little cloth book I could give them some thought whilst I'm stitching on my wrap.
I'm already inclined to make more of those little pink embroidered ball buttons.....something else for the list.
03/01/2019
wrapping pages
Visuals for you today of page wrapping following on from the video
yesterday. (I have put the video at the end of this post too)
I love this, really love it.
Ledger girls.....I will be posting your next videos later today.
02/28/2019
the third piece of pieced cloth
Following on from this post I am continuing to piece cloth for a wrap for an artist book. Today I pin the three unfinished pieces together so I can get an idea of how much progress I am making size wise. As you will see in the video I need at least one more piece.
02/25/2019
pinning
Pinning these two together, standing back, looking again, thinking.
02/23/2019
Beads and French knots for a seam.
So far I have two pieces which will form part of the wrap for my artist book. I have spoken about this work and the artist book here in case you missed it and haven't a clue what I am talking about. These two pieces on their own won't be big enough, I will need to piece more but meanwhile I couldn't resist joining them. I love to embroider a fresh seam, the temptation here was too great.
This one has French Knots with tiny seed beads randonly scattered. I am actually very disappointed it's finished as I could have gone on forever.
02/21/2019
inspired
The colour and pattern I have been using recently have inspired me to create another little cloth book of stitches and embroidery tecniques.
There are three pages almost finished......
Don't forget, you can sign up to either of my current classes anytime and not miss out on anything that has been posted up to now.
In 'stitch along' we are working on this little dress among other things.
In 'ledgers a record of stitch' we are creating an inspirational record of colour, pattern and stitch reference.
Meanwhile I am hoping to finish my new pin pillow later today and begin another page for the little cloth book of embroidery.
02/19/2019
fiddling with a pin pillow
Remember these from the other day
I've been desperate to use those little thread wrapped beads so decided to make a little pin pillow.
It still needs to be stuffed and the edges will be hand embroidered but so far so good.
02/18/2019
Ledgers, a record of stitch.
I'm late....there was a leak.....don't ask.
Anyway...as promised yesterday a glimpse for you of progress in my ledger from class. You saw this page very recently and since then more has been added.... namely tiny woven samples. It's my aim to cram this page with inspiration and although I have started my second page I will definitely be coming back to this one.
02/17/2019
The baby dress
I have been asked a few times very recently about my teaching schedule this year. As I have recently moved house there won't be a London workshop this year, sorry. However, my new place has space for a dedicated studio which is in the process of being upgraded and I am hoping to host an open studio some time in the summer in addition to holding small embroidery workshops (maximum 2 people in addition to myself).
If you are interested in either of those things, the open studio and the small embroidery workshops can you please let me know as I hope to create a mailing list with regard to those once my studio is up and running.
Meanwhile I do have two online embroidery workshops, each lasting a full year which are in their very early stages. It is possible to sign up for those and gain access to all video demonstrations from day one.
The baby dress here is from one of those classes, 'stitch along'. We recently created an extra long embellished sash for the little dress which is yet to be sewn onto this garment....that will happen in our next videos. The baby dress was purchased from a vintage seller and we are exploring methods of enhancing its surface, using the dress as a vehicle to hold and display our embroidered works. Mostly the dress is being adorned with little embroidered pockets. You can never have too many pockets!
My other current class, 'ledgers, a record of stitch' centres upon the creation of an embroiderers ledger/sketchbook/journal where we record colour, pattern, texture and stitch references. You can see some of the current work from that class here and I will be able to show you new ledger images later this week.
Back to the dress. Up to now there are two pockets on here, one of which is very long and falls from the inner seam of the front bodice. A very short sash runs partially around one side and the overly long sash you can see today will fall from one of the shoulders. This piece hangs in my work area, I glance at it often and am inspired each time. It's a very lovely thing to have within your line of vision....
02/16/2019
embellishing pieced cloth
The cloth I pieced in this video is now partially embellished. There will be more beads, more toggles and there are still a few seams which require a little attention. This one here will be joined to this in order to progress the wrap for my artist book.
I suspect the joining of these two pieces will happen before either of them is finished in terms of surface embroidery. It won't matter, it's possible to join them and continue with embellishemnt on each of them. It's just I get impatient to see how they will look together and I get excited about the seam where they meet, how I might adorn that area.
02/15/2019
stash building
Although my little workshop isn't quite finished I am getting very excited and am buying things to fill little jars which will then be used to fill little cupboards. These tiny pom poms and gold coloured thread beads are my latest indulgence. The threads were ordered as I was running out of those....any excuse.
A few of the tiny gold thread beads will be used imminently to embellish a little pin pillow I am putting together. I don't want to get too carried away with these though otherwise I won't have any for my jar. Then again......I could just buy more.
If you saw my video earlier this week where I pieced cloth I wanted to let you know I have begun to embroider on that piece. I just want to make a little more progress before I show you and in case you missed the video I have put here at the end of this post.
(it's a long one....15 minutes.)
02/14/2019
pinning
I'm not twiddling my thumbs whilst I wait for workmen, wait for the weather, whilst I just wait....I started more sorting out today and came across two pieces of embroidered cloth which I thought might look good pinned together. Definitely a distraction from the task at hand but I couldn't resist.
As for the 'sorting out'. In truth I think I'm just moving disorganised piles from one place to another and I still can't find anything when I need it.
02/13/2019
threads
Work on my workshop has been delayed for a couple of days.....never
mind. (weather apparently although to be honest I've been glad of a
couple of days of peace and quiet)
Meantime.....even though I am unpacked I am far from organised so the big sort out has begun starting with threads.
The little book was made in 1999 as part of my City and Guilds. That seems like a lifetime ago, someone elses life.
02/12/2019
piecing cloth
As promised yesterday, a video. Piecing cloth.
02/11/2019
embroiderers ledger
You've seen this before but not in its current form, more has been added. This is my first page from 'Ledgers, a record of stitch'. There's plenty more to add on here over the coming weeks.....my first page is going to be time consuming (in the best possible way).
I can't say too much else about this as it's class sensitive but I hope you are enjoying seeing my progress from time to time.
Yesterday I made quite a long video for you, for my public blog which I am going to share with you one day this week. I think it's around 15 minutes long so you best pull up a chair when that appears on here.
02/10/2019
for the cover
This little piece measures 10 x 10 inches although once the seams are taken into consideration it will be smaller. I'm thinking ahead to a cover for when my artist book book is finally put together. (the book you have been seeing pages for in the past few posts)
I'm hoping for a sturdy, acrylic paper cover which I can then wrap with a long piece of embroiderd cloth. Initially I cut a very long piece of cloth to embellish, to add layers to, to add toggles, pom poms and tassels but it was overfacing so I cut it down to this size, a more manageable piece and a good size for appreciating progress as it happens. One embellished section on a vast expanse of white cloth is daunting, with the smaller piece it's much easier to see your progress in terms of surface embellishment.
So now the plan is to make several of these smaller pieces and join them to form my wrap. I'm not sure how many I will need at this stage, I will join them as each one is finished and measure as I go along.
02/09/2019
gathering pages
I've started to play with placement of all these pages. This placement will change I'm sure as more pages are created, more inserts finished. I'm loving working with the ribbon especially. Who knew I would become a ribbon addict?
Things are still a little topsy turvy here, workmen, mess, drilling. It will be going on for a while longer I guess. I will just have to keep trying to work round it all. They have been working on my new workshop this week and I'm hoping they'll be finished by Wednesday and I can start to move my stuff in there. Keep everything crossed for me.
You can see a picture of how that's progressing on my Instagram feed here.
This morning I made you a very short video, a closer look at this work.
02/06/2019
colour and contrasts, stitching when I can
There are lots of pictures today. I have been snatching stitching time in between all the goings on. These are more additions for the little artist book I am making for myself and the pieces I am showing you today will be joined to these when the little book is finally put together.
Stitching for both my classes is on hold until peace descends at the weekend. There's too much drilling going on here and I can't concentrate.
02/03/2019
two classes and a little self indulgence
This past week has been such a joy. I think it's the first full week I have had since we moved here where I haven't had any disruption, no workmen, no excess noise or dirt. I've been relaxed, progressing work for both my classes and indulging myself with pages for a little artist book.
The work we are doing in both classes really does give me tummy flips and even more so when I think about what's to come. The lace piece here, the strip, that's a new sash for my baby dress which we are titivating in stitch along. You have seen the ledger earlier this week, that's from our first couple of days in ledgers, a record of stitch. The other pages, the stand alone pages as you know are my little gift to mysef, a little artist book.
You will remember how I was undecided, dithering about overlays for that one. I have decided I won't have overlays, I will try something else.....inserts. I will keep you posted.
Tomorrow the workmen are back. There shouldn't be a lot of mess (famous last words). There are a couple of internal doors to fit upstairs and then work to do on the building outside which will become my studio. I may go quiet for a couple of days but it's all for the greater good. (I repeat that to myself hourly)
Meanwhile, both classes are still open for registration. Both are 52 week classes and your access to them lasts forever. You can see them both here in my little shop.
02/02/2019
three
I have three pages now. Three pages for my new.....gift to me......artist book.
As yet there aren't any overlays. I do have an idea for those though.
I will work on the overlays a little just as soon as I can stop picking these up and looking.
Ledgers girls.....stand by your computers, there's another set of videos coming very soon.
02/01/2019
tassels
I said I might put it in the shop?
If I didn't get too attached?
Well guess what?
It's not even half finished and already I am too attached. It's a keeper.....you were right Jillayne.
The embroidered piece today is sample number three. The page for this one is well underway.
I can imagine you all thinking, 'isn't she too busy for this?'. She has two classes on the go and more builders than is good for her sanity. Well...the builders have had a week off and I have had a week long stitching party. I have made pages for ledgers, sashes for stitch along and still had time to indulge myself with these pages for a new artist book.
It won't last. The builders return on Monday, I'm going to make the most of my weekend.
01/31/2019
Ledgers, a record of stitch.
Monday was the first day of my new class, 'Ledgers, a record of stitch'. We tackled that fear of the blank white page, we overcame it.
Judging by the way our private Flickr group is filling up with images I would guess most of us are now fearless.
There will be a lot more information, pattern and colour added to this page as we progress.
That will include thread choice reference and perhaps a little embroidery stitch...or two.
It's not too late if you want to join us. We aren't going anywhere. We are going to be playing with this for a whole year.
01/29/2019
pages
If you were here the other day you will remember this.
This is what happened afterwards.
There are two pages now, titvated with beads and embroidery waiting for me to decide if there will be overlays or not.
(there has to be overlays doesn't there? Has to be....a crammed book is better than a flat book, a bare book, a thin book isn't it?)
One thing I have decided, there will be more pages.
01/28/2019
this morning
This morning I retrieved my little dress from it's safe place and worked on it a little in embroidery school. More adornments were put together. They are just pinned for now and I hope to share those with you once the girls in class have seen them. Between now and then I'm hoping the pins will disappear as I embroider the surface and add little titvations.
If you are registered for 'ledgers, a record of stitch' you should have received all the sign in information early today for our private class blog. If you didn't receive that please let me know.
01/27/2019
a new artist book?
What started as an idea for adding a pocket to a page, (here) has grown into an idea for a large paper based artist book. The unmounted piece here will form the basis of the second page. I'm considering creating this one for the shop but that's dependant on me not getting too attached to it as I progress and then if I want overlays that will make it cost prohibitive.
(can you tell I spend almost all of my waking hours being indecisive and debating with myself? It's a curse)
For now I'm focusing on creating the pages. Overlay issues will come later.....something to look forward to?
Don't forget...tomorrow....Ledgers, a record of stitch. I hope you've got your needles threaded and don't forget to wash your hands. (you might also need a brew, or two, or more.)
01/26/2019
absence
I've been absent, MIA, a no show, elsewhere. Well I haven't actually been 'elsewhere', I have been here surrounded by dust again and messy workmen. I've been making endless cups of tea and dispensing with more biscuits than I ever thought possible.
The good news....they are gone for a whole week. I won't miss them, not in the slightest.
Meanwhile I have been missing my embroidery more than I can say. This coming week will be 100 percent stitch along, ledger class, videos and this little blog.
Fortunately I was aware of the disruption this past week would cause and made my videos for the new class in advance of the work beginning. Consequently I have been itching to progress that ledger work and my mind is brimming with ideas. Then there's stitch along....my little dress is tucked safely away and I am aiming to retrieve that later today, to look, to consider our next lesson in 'stitch along' and maybe to drool.
The new class begins on Monday. My first page is well underway. If you would like to read more about Ledgers and recording your ideas for embroidery go here.
01/21/2019
piped silk
You have seen the edging of this piece many times but it's changing, being altered, something we are working on in embroidery school.
It now lays along the edge of a silk panel which is being embellished with piping cord inserts. It looks very sculptural in these images, sleeve like.....it's not going to be a sleeve however. I won't tell you what it's going to be, I will keep you guessing for now.
Meanwhile....I have around 80 more bullion loops to add to this in order to secure each strip of piping cord. I best crack on.
(if you are registered for my new class, 'ledgers, a record of stitch' you should have received an email from me today. If you haven't received that can you please let me know.)
01/17/2019
planning, playing
Over the past couple of days I have been mentally planning the first videos for my new class, 'ledgers, a record of stitch'.
A little sampling has happened too, some of which is already in the
'dogs dinner' pile and some of which will be carried forward into class.
I was lucky enough this morning to take these plans further, to
play with ideas a little more. (I'm not giving anything away in these
images, there was stuff everywhere!)
The main thing is however that I now have a concrete plan and the first video made! Happy dance here! Also today I worked a little on something we are making in 'embroidery school'. I can show you that at the weekend. Think baby dress and oversized Suffolk puffs.
01/15/2019
a gathered edge
The frilly, lace drawstring edge with the pink ribbon was put together in embroidery school before Christmas.....that seems like such a long time ago now, so much has happened since then. It edges a large piece of cotton and silk mix cloth which is now a page on which to display the embroidered piece.
There hasn't been a lot of embroidery happening here recently and I am itching to get going again. I have a head full of ideas and not enought time. I need to prioritise. Do I make more huge Suffolk puffs? Do I play a little with lettering to start my project for 'Ledgers'...maybe a little of both? Oh dear. Now is not a good time to be indecisive Karen.
I am in the process of retrieving all my work from wrapping and boxes and trying to get most of it put away. More box unpacking and unwrapping took place yesterday and this morning but I think I have gotten as far as I can for now. There is a short video at the end of this post, an overview of the current state of play here....please ignore the carpet and the wallpaper!! Their days are numbered, they were inherited. There's aslo a couple of images from Instagram, documentation of my sorting out progress....
01/13/2019
hi......
Yes I know it's late in the day but I have just emerged from a cloud of dust. I was warned. I was told that rewiring the house would create unimaginable amounts of dust. I believed it yet underestimated. The past 9 days have been challenging to say the least but the worst is over and looking at 'the bigger picture' I know it's worth it or at least it will be worth it when the plastering is finished followed by the decorating, folowed by the floors.
My precious things escaped unscathed, my cloth, my embroidery, my threads and the million other things I have here related to my creativity. They were wrapped and wrapped some more and stored in my car (the only clean place available) (I won't talk about the fact it broke down last week when I was miles from home) Some things were also stored in a very small room I have here which didn't need any work and which after the door was shut was sealed with tape all the way round.
Normaility is within reach. I will be checking up on my Flickr groups tomorrow. (I hope you've all behaved yourselves whilst I have been AWOL)
It feels good to be over the worst. I am smiling a lot today.
Not long now until this one either....Ledgers, a record of Stitch
A Ledger. 'a record'.
Begins Monday 28 January 2019.
Duration 52 weeks.
Video posts fortnightly.
Private password protected blog.
Private online forum for discussion and image presentation.
No deadlines.
No set tasks.
Lifetime access.
Learner location not an issue.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced.
No hidden 'extra' charges.
Welcome mail including suggested supply list sent upon registration.
Ledgers and embroidery. Why? How?
The why.
Record your ideas for stitch on beautifully composed and presented pages within a bound ledger, or other presentation method of your choice, creating a record, a resource which will become your 'go to' library of stitch and design ideas in which you will have catalogued preferred thread colours, favourite fabric choices and ideas for pattern and surface design.
The how.
Using video demonstration I will show you how (using your chosen imagery) pattern and stitch ideas can be developed through the study of colour, shape and texture. This sampling and investigating will be recorded in our ledgers where we will also examine exciting and innovative presentation ideas for stitch and embroidery samples.
During the early stages of our online learning programme I will guide you with regard to your imagery choice. This 'starting point' could be a favourite scrap of cloth, a postcard or an appealing image from a favourite book. There is no hard and fast rule for this, each of us is inspired in a unique manner with favourite patterns and colours which are personal to us.
Using our chosen imagery we will examine colour and record our discoveries by wrapping thread cards, snipping cloth and creating stitched scraps.
Paint and pencil?
I feel I need to address this. I am paint
and pencil phobic. I avoid their use at all costs. There are many ways
to create a colour study without their use. If there is a non
pencil/paint method I will find it.
That does not mean you can't use
paint or pencil. Instruction will be given on where that may be
appropriate should you wish to utilise those.
Following initial investigations into colour we will progress to pattern examination, again using stitch and embroidery process to record our discoveries.
Through the duration of this online learning programme we will 'create and record', whilst always paying detailed attention to the presentation of our studies and samples.
Sampling in this manner often gives rise to ideas for finished pieces, inspires new work and informs the design process. Guidance with regard to this aspect will be given, you will be encouraged and supported throughout.
This is not a book making class. I will be working in a bought ledger/sketchbook during this online programme however you are free to present your pieces in any way you choose. That may be in a bought ledger/sketchbook, you may wish to make your own ledger, you may wish to mount your pieces simply, on sheets of paper or cloth. Guidance will be provided with regard to this apsect of the presentation process throughout.
Finally, no tasks/sampling are compulsory. You can choose to follow me diligently or you can take inspiration from video demonstrations and adapt those to suit your own creative needs. The most important thing as far as I am concerned is that this class brings you pleasure, that you have fun and that you feel at ease as part of a wonderfully creative community.
To register go here.
01/03/2019
a pocket on a page
Just a little something I worked on over the holidays which was easy to pick up and put down depending on the room service demands of my numerous visitors. I said in an earlier post how I was anxious to try and create a page with an added pocket so I played with the idea and this is the result. I like it. It makes me happy. There will be more of these and when I have a few I will start to think about how I can bind them, make some kind of sample/artist book. It may take some time so please don't expect an update any time soon.
I may be absent for a few days or even a week from this point. My new house is being rewired from tomorrow. I'm already stressed out...the dirt, the noise. It'll be worth it in the end but meanwhile I need to find safe spaces for my work. Has anyone got a spare room? It is a worry, what to do with the cloth, the threads and the million other things you collect when you spend your life being creative. I'm guessing it would be the same for all of you too.
Stitch along girls.....your posts will be uninterrupted. Class is ready for tomorrow and I have started to prepare the one after that. The evidence is here...my Thursday morning playtime. (this work is not tomorrow....it's next time)
12/31/2018
Ledgers
Tomorrow is Tuesday. Yes I know it's New Year and all that but personally I want the best for everyone whatever day it is. So this is me wishing you happy days every day.
I'm more excited about my teaching schedule for 2019 than fireworks and alcohol.
Stitch along will continue with more titvation of baby dresses, more hand created drawstrings, more pockets, more time spent with needle and thread. And then there's ledgers, an opportuntity to record in beautifully presented ledger format those things about our creativity which inspire us and drive us forward, colour, pattern and stitch.
I will post details of Ledgers class at the end of this post but for those of you who have signed up already I hope you haven't bought your ledger yet??? I am going to make you a video discussing your options for that later this week. Hang on in there just a little bit longer.
As you must know by now I recently moved house. By Spring time I am hoping to have my own little workshop/shed/outhouse finished and ready to use. I am considering options for personal embroidery tuition once that is up and running so watch this space. Like I said....my teaching schedule excites me more than Tuesday.
A Ledger. 'a record'.
Begins Monday 28 January 2019.
Duration 52 weeks.
Video posts fortnightly.
Private password protected blog.
Private online forum for discussion and image presentation.
No deadlines.
No set tasks.
Lifetime access.
Learner location not an issue.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced.
No hidden 'extra' charges.
Welcome mail including suggested supply list sent upon registration.
Ledgers and embroidery. Why? How?
The why.
Record your ideas for stitch on beautifully composed and presented pages within a bound ledger, or other presentation method of your choice, creating a record, a resource which will become your 'go to' library of stitch and design ideas in which you will have catalogued preferred thread colours, favourite fabric choices and ideas for pattern and surface design.
The how.
Using video demonstration I will show you how (using your chosen imagery) pattern and stitch ideas can be developed through the study of colour, shape and texture. This sampling and investigating will be recorded in our ledgers where we will also examine exciting and innovative presentation ideas for stitch and embroidery samples.
During the early stages of our online learning programme I will guide you with regard to your imagery choice. This 'starting point' could be a favourite scrap of cloth, a postcard or an appealing image from a favourite book. There is no hard and fast rule for this, each of us is inspired in a unique manner with favourite patterns and colours which are personal to us.
Using our chosen imagery we will examine colour and record our discoveries by wrapping thread cards, snipping cloth and creating stitched scraps.
Paint and pencil?
I feel I need to address this. I am paint
and pencil phobic. I avoid their use at all costs. There are many ways
to create a colour study without their use. If there is a non
pencil/paint method I will find it.
That does not mean you can't use
paint or pencil. Instruction will be given on where that may be
appropriate should you wish to utilise those.
Following initial investigations into colour we will progress to pattern examination, again using stitch and embroidery process to record our discoveries.
Through the duration of this online learning programme we will 'create and record', whilst always paying detailed attention to the presentation of our studies and samples.
Sampling in this manner often gives rise to ideas for finished pieces, inspires new work and informs the design process. Guidance with regard to this aspect will be given, you will be encouraged and supported throughout.
This is not a book making class. I will be working in a bought ledger/sketchbook during this online programme however you are free to present your pieces in any way you choose. That may be in a bought ledger/sketchbook, you may wish to make your own ledger, you may wish to mount your pieces simply, on sheets of paper or cloth. Guidance will be provided with regard to this apsect of the presentation process throughout.
Finally, no tasks/sampling are compulsory. You can choose to follow me diligently or you can take inspiration from video demonstrations and adapt those to suit your own creative needs. The most important thing as far as I am concerned is that this class brings you pleasure, that you have fun and that you feel at ease as part of a wonderfully creative community.
To register go here.
If you have any questions about anything I Ihave mentioned today please mail me. I'll see you on the other side.
xxxx
12/30/2018
new embroidery thread
I was lucky enough to get a full set of new threads for Christmas, these ones all pretty and beautifully presented in their own tin. There hasn't been a lot of time for embroidery with visitors and me playing domestic goddess but I have managed to use them, to briefly test them on this little piece.
My verdict so far? I'm not sure? I don't think I have sampled enough. They are very fine and I have found they break easily but that could just be me being too heavy handed. I do like the little sparkle they add when used as a highlight but I'm not too sure about how they respond when used on a bigger area. Don't take my word for it though, as I said, I haven't sampled very much yet and I'm not getting paid for this review...these are my initial observations.
I have the rest of my life to try them out so I'll let you know how I get on as and when I use them.
(They have been used here across the top of the Suffolk puffs and for French knots which are dotted randomly at the upper edge of the cutwork circle.)
12/28/2018
two edges
The edge with the green ribbon you saw last week. Following on from that one I was inspired to make another. These two won't necessarily live together but at the moment I don't really have plans for either except they have made me wonder how they might look in miniature, narrower ribbon or narrower cord perhaps for the edge of a page? I might just try that later.
I hope you all had a wonderful few days. I did and it continues...I have a revolving door of visitors. That will continue into next week but I'm going to try my hardest to come back on Sunday,
Meanwhile, registration is open for my 2019 class. You can read about that here.
12/24/2018
paper
I've been doodling again, only as a means to enable stitching on paper but doodling all the same. I guess this recent paper play is a warm up exercise for the new ledgers class I'm starting in January. Although I hate to admit it I enjoyed this. I'm going to extend it, maybe make a couple of mini pieces which compliment this one.
There's something happening tomorrow I think. I won't be missing for long because I can't keep away. My trifle is made, my sprouts are peeled, all that's left for me to do is wish you all the best, the very, very best whatever it is you are doing over the next couple of days.
12/22/2018
decorative
A decorative edge. I've made two more since this one. We made this in embroidery school and it inspired to to make lots more.
I was thinking how I sample and sample and don't really make anything conventionally 'useful'. I decided samples are my 'useful'. My pleasure comes from the playing, the testing...the sampling. I then get pleasure taking these things out, looking and being inspired all over again.
A reminder, new for 2019. Ledgers, a record of stitch.
I am going to spend a whole year sampling and recording. Recording colour, pattern and design ideas in a new class.
You can read more here.
12/19/2018
doodling
Don't faint.
I picked up a pencil this morning and doodled.
Actually, I enjoyed it.
I'm about to say I should do it more often but I won't.
I'm averse to pens, pencils and paint.
I'm as surprisd as you are that this actiually happened.
12/18/2018
blue and white
These pieces are work which has been left 'hanging' due to 12 months of artists books coming to an end. There are more pieces in this collection and those pieces along with the ones shown here will become an oversized artist book with 'extra special' overlays. I had all this out this morning, thinking, assessing, trying to formulate a plan, make a list. As I progress this work I will pop back to my 12 month artist book group in order to keep them updated.
12/16/2018
this morning
Today is the first day for quite a while that I have been able to devote to me, just me and I am making the most of it. So far I have made a video for embroidery school, a short video for artist books (yes I know.....you thought you had seen the last of me. It will be with you shortly) I've also made a video for you whilst I have been toying with page ideas following on from yesterdays post.
Yesterday I got new pins. It's a measure of how much the little things mean that I was compelled to take a picture of them and whilst I was doing that I just had to take a picture of a little pile of cloth which was close to hand. Maybe for the rest of the day I should walk round with my eyes shut so as not to be distracted.
12/15/2018
cloth page
A new project, a project with no deadline, a work in progress. It could go on forever, it probably will. You may remember my stitch ledger. This is the same idea but with embroidered samples. Cloth pages with complimentary and sympathetic embellishment which will at some point be bound together.
I feel this place has been a little neglected. I'm really sorry. I was in London for a few days and it's been hectic since I got back. We had some major work carried out on the house on Thursday and I had visitors yesterday and this morning. All is quiet now but there are chores to do and most importantly there is fabric to cut and mark, more pages to plan.
There was wonderful feedback from my last post, the baby dress project. That work is happening in my twelve month embroidery class which hasn't been running for very long. You can read about that here. I'm also going to put information about my next class at the foot of this post, a ledger class, a design led exploration of colour, pattern and stitch.
A Ledger. 'a record'.
Begins Monday 28 January 2019.
Duration 52 weeks.
Video posts fortnightly.
Private password protected blog.
Private online forum for discussion and image presentation.
No deadlines.
No set tasks.
Lifetime access.
Learner location not an issue.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced.
No hidden 'extra' charges.
Welcome mail including suggested supply list sent upon registration.
Ledgers and embroidery. Why? How?
The why.
Record your ideas for stitch on beautifully composed and presented pages within a bound ledger, or other presentation method of your choice, creating a record, a resource which will become your 'go to' library of stitch and design ideas in which you will have catalogued preferred thread colours, favourite fabric choices and ideas for pattern and surface design.
The how.
Using video demonstration I will show you how (using your chosen imagery) pattern and stitch ideas can be developed through the study of colour, shape and texture. This sampling and investigating will be recorded in our ledgers where we will also examine exciting and innovative presentation ideas for stitch and embroidery samples.
During the early stages of our online learning programme I will guide you with regard to your imagery choice. This 'starting point' could be a favourite scrap of cloth, a postcard or an appealing image from a favourite book. There is no hard and fast rule for this, each of us is inspired in a unique manner with favourite patterns and colours which are personal to us.
Using our chosen imagery we will examine colour and record our discoveries by wrapping thread cards, snipping cloth and creating stitched scraps.
Paint and pencil?
I feel I need to address this. I am paint
and pencil phobic. I avoid their use at all costs. There are many ways
to create a colour study without their use. If there is a non
pencil/paint method I will find it.
That does not mean you can't use
paint or pencil. Instruction will be given on where that may be
appropriate should you wish to utilise those.
Early stages
Following initial investigations into colour we will progress to pattern examination, again using stitch and embroidery process to record our discoveries.
Through the duration of this online learning programme we will 'create and record', whilst always paying detailed attention to the presentation of our studies and samples.
Sampling in this manner often gives rise to ideas for finished pieces, inspires new work and informs the design process. Guidance with regard to this aspect will be given, you will be encouraged and supported throughout.
This is not a book making class. I will be working in a bought ledger/sketchbook during this online programme however you are free to present your pieces in any way you choose. That may be in a bought ledger/sketchbook, you may wish to make your own ledger, you may wish to mount your pieces simply, on sheets of paper or cloth. Guidance will be provided with regard to this apsect of the presentation process throughout.
Finally, no tasks/sampling are compulsory. You can choose to follow me diligently or you can take inspiration from video demonstrations and adapt those to suit your own creative needs. The most important thing as far as I am concerned is that this class brings you pleasure, that you have fun and that you feel at ease as part of a wonderfully creative community.
There are several posts on this blog which give a good indication of what can be achieved during a Ledgers class. Those links are below....
12/08/2018
stitch along
It's a baby dress, a vintage baby dress. We are playing with this in embroidery school, adding pockets and titivations. It's nowhere near finished and could well keep us busy for the rest of class. So far I have created two pockets, one of which hangs on the outside and another which is attached inside the dress but hangs below the hem. There is a sash in progress and after that who knows, it depends in what form inspiration strikes.
New for 2019. Ledgers, a record of stitch.
A Ledger. 'a record'.
Begins Monday 28 January 2019.
Duration 52 weeks.
Video posts fortnightly.
Private password protected blog.
Private online forum for discussion and image presentation.
No deadlines.
No set tasks.
Lifetime access.
Learner location not an issue.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced.
No hidden 'extra' charges.
Welcome mail including suggested supply list sent upon registration.
Ledgers and embroidery. Why? How?
The why.
Record your ideas for stitch on beautifully composed and presented pages within a bound ledger, or other presentation method of your choice, creating a record, a resource which will become your 'go to' library of stitch and design ideas in which you will have catalogued preferred thread colours, favourite fabric choices and ideas for pattern and surface design.
The how.
Using video demonstration I will show you how (using your chosen imagery) pattern and stitch ideas can be developed through the study of colour, shape and texture. This sampling and investigating will be recorded in our ledgers where we will also examine exciting and innovative presentation ideas for stitch and embroidery samples.
During the early stages of our online learning programme I will guide you with regard to your imagery choice. This 'starting point' could be a favourite scrap of cloth, a postcard or an appealing image from a favourite book. There is no hard and fast rule for this, each of us is inspired in a unique manner with favourite patterns and colours which are personal to us.
Using our chosen imagery we will examine colour and record our discoveries by wrapping thread cards, snipping cloth and creating stitched scraps.
Paint and pencil?
I feel I need to address this. I am paint
and pencil phobic. I avoid their use at all costs. There are many ways
to create a colour study without their use. If there is a non
pencil/paint method I will find it.
That does not mean you can't use
paint or pencil. Instruction will be given on where that may be
appropriate should you wish to utilise those.
Early stages
Following initial investigations into colour we will progress to pattern examination, again using stitch and embroidery process to record our discoveries.
Through the duration of this online learning programme we will 'create and record', whilst always paying detailed attention to the presentation of our studies and samples.
Sampling in this manner often gives rise to ideas for finished pieces, inspires new work and informs the design process. Guidance with regard to this aspect will be given, you will be encouraged and supported throughout.
This is not a book making class. I will be working in a bought ledger/sketchbook during this online programme however you are free to present your pieces in any way you choose. That may be in a bought ledger/sketchbook, you may wish to make your own ledger, you may wish to mount your pieces simply, on sheets of paper or cloth. Guidance will be provided with regard to this apsect of the presentation process throughout.
Finally, no tasks/sampling are compulsory. You can choose to follow me diligently or you can take inspiration from video demonstrations and adapt those to suit your own creative needs. The most important thing as far as I am concerned is that this class brings you pleasure, that you have fun and that you feel at ease as part of a wonderfully creative community.
There are several posts on this blog which give a good indication of what can be achieved during a Ledgers class. Those links are below....
12/06/2018
still joining
My current obsession , (or one of them...there are many) the most current however, as in yesterday (and earlier this week) is to join random embroidered pieces together thereby creating a seam to embellish. These two were never intended to be put together but they were in my line of vision so there was no way I couldn't do it. I spent a few happy hours last night adding pink beads and silver sequins to the joining seam here along with turkey work, more sequins and more beads along one edge. What's not to love?
Just in case you missed it yesterday there's a new adventure planned for 2019, yes.....the whole year.
Ledgers, a record of stitch.
A Ledger. 'a record'.
Begins Monday 28 January 2019.
Duration 52 weeks.
Video posts fortnightly.
Private password protected blog.
Private online forum for discussion and image presentation.
No deadlines.
No set tasks.
Lifetime access.
Learner location not an issue.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced.
No hidden 'extra' charges.
Welcome mail including suggested supply list sent upon registration.
Ledgers and embroidery. Why? How?
The why.
Record your ideas for stitch on beautifully composed and presented pages within a bound ledger, or other presentation method of your choice, creating a record, a resource which will become your 'go to' library of stitch and design ideas in which you will have catalogued preferred thread colours, favourite fabric choices and ideas for pattern and surface design.
The how.
Using video demonstration I will show you how (using your chosen imagery) pattern and stitch ideas can be developed through the study of colour, shape and texture. This sampling and investigating will be recorded in our ledgers where we will also examine exciting and innovative presentation ideas for stitch and embroidery samples.
During the early stages of our online learning programme I will guide you with regard to your imagery choice. This 'starting point' could be a favourite scrap of cloth, a postcard or an appealing image from a favourite book. There is no hard and fast rule for this, each of us is inspired in a unique manner with favourite patterns and colours which are personal to us.
Using our chosen imagery we will examine colour and record our discoveries by wrapping thread cards, snipping cloth and creating stitched scraps.
Paint and pencil?
I feel I need to address this. I am paint
and pencil phobic. I avoid their use at all costs. There are many ways
to create a colour study without their use. If there is a non
pencil/paint method I will find it.
That does not mean you can't use
paint or pencil. Instruction will be given on where that may be
appropriate should you wish to utilise those.
Early stages
Following initial investigations into colour we will progress to pattern examination, again using stitch and embroidery process to record our discoveries.
Through the duration of this online learning programme we will 'create and record', whilst always paying detailed attention to the presentation of our studies and samples.
Sampling in this manner often gives rise to ideas for finished pieces, inspires new work and informs the design process. Guidance with regard to this aspect will be given, you will be encouraged and supported throughout.
This is not a book making class. I will be working in a bought ledger/sketchbook during this online programme however you are free to present your pieces in any way you choose. That may be in a bought ledger/sketchbook, you may wish to make your own ledger, you may wish to mount your pieces simply, on sheets of paper or cloth. Guidance will be provided with regard to this apsect of the presentation process throughout.
Finally, no tasks/sampling are compulsory. You can choose to follow me diligently or you can take inspiration from video demonstrations and adapt those to suit your own creative needs. The most important thing as far as I am concerned is that this class brings you pleasure, that you have fun and that you feel at ease as part of a wonderfully creative community.
There are several posts on this blog which give a good indication of what can be achieved during a Ledgers class. Those links are below....
Registration is open now but will be taken down on Saturday for a few days as I am going to London. (Christmas shopping allegedly but I may accidentaly wander into a fabric shop too)
12/05/2018
Ledgers, a record of stitch.
It would appear that some people want to create records, records of colour, thread, cloth and pattern. This class has always been popular. I like to think that's because the resulting pieces, the ledgers are invaluable tools which inform far into the future, always there to refer back to, a unique resource of your own preferences regarding all things embroidery.
This morning I made the final videos for my 15 month artist book class. (it's ok girls, I did say I'd be back in short bursts next year and I will). As I have begun to wrap up that class today seems like a good time to publicise the new one, a year long opportunity to build a personal library of design reference.
There are several posts on this blog which give a good indication of what can be achieved during a Ledgers class. Those links are below....
Registration is open now but will be taken down on Saturday for a few days as I am going to London. (Christmas shopping allegedly but I may accidentaly wander into a fabric shop too)
Ledgers, a record of stitch.
A Ledger. 'a record'.
Begins Monday 28 January 2019.
Duration 52 weeks.
Video posts fortnightly.
Private password protected blog.
Private online forum for discussion and image presentation.
No deadlines.
No set tasks.
Lifetime access.
Learner location not an issue.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced.
No hidden 'extra' charges.
Welcome mail including suggested supply list sent upon registration.
Ledgers and embroidery. Why? How?
The why.
Record your ideas for stitch on beautifully composed and presented pages within a bound ledger, or other presentation method of your choice, creating a record, a resource which will become your 'go to' library of stitch and design ideas in which you will have catalogued preferred thread colours, favourite fabric choices and ideas for pattern and surface design.
The how.
Using video demonstration I will show you how (using your chosen imagery) pattern and stitch ideas can be developed through the study of colour, shape and texture. This sampling and investigating will be recorded in our ledgers where we will also examine exciting and innovative presentation ideas for stitch and embroidery samples.
During the early stages of our online learning programme I will guide you with regard to your imagery choice. This 'starting point' could be a favourite scrap of cloth, a postcard or an appealing image from a favourite book. There is no hard and fast rule for this, each of us is inspired in a unique manner with favourite patterns and colours which are personal to us.
Using our chosen imagery we will examine colour and record our discoveries by wrapping thread cards, snipping cloth and creating stitched scraps.
Paint and pencil?
I feel I need to address this. I am paint
and pencil phobic. I avoid their use at all costs. There are many ways
to create a colour study without their use. If there is a non
pencil/paint method I will find it.
That does not mean you can't use
paint or pencil. Instruction will be given on where that may be
appropriate should you wish to utilise those.
Early stages
Following initial investigations into colour we will progress to pattern examination, again using stitch and embroidery process to record our discoveries.
Through the duration of this online learning programme we will 'create and record', whilst always paying detailed attention to the presentation of our studies and samples.
Sampling in this manner often gives rise to ideas for finished pieces, inspires new work and informs the design process. Guidance with regard to this aspect will be given, you will be encouraged and supported throughout.
This is not a book making class. I will be working in a bought ledger/sketchbook during this online programme however you are free to present your pieces in any way you choose. That may be in a bought ledger/sketchbook, you may wish to make your own ledger, you may wish to mount your pieces simply, on sheets of paper or cloth. Guidance will be provided with regard to this apsect of the presentation process throughout.
Finally, no tasks/sampling are compulsory. You can choose to follow me diligently or you can take inspiration from video demonstrations and adapt those to suit your own creative needs. The most important thing as far as I am concerned is that this class brings you pleasure, that you have fun and that you feel at ease as part of a wonderfully creative community.
12/03/2018
a glimpse
This is what's keeping me busy, work from embroidery school and artist books. These pieces have had a lot of attention over the past couple of days and I've made tons of progress, been inspired, made lists of new ideas which have formed whilst working on this embroidery. I'm not giving anything away here, new work for class is hidden under folds and under cloth but I just had to take these photos, this table makes me very happy indeed.
12/02/2018
Sunday morning stitching
Sunday has been good to me so far, embroidery, cloth, titvations, all things stitch.
Mostly I have been creating work for my 'stitch along' group but I took a little time out from that to have a chat with you too.
11/30/2018
join 'to connect or fasten things together'
I love a seam. I love creating a seam, not to secure anything or finish anything but purely as another area for embellishment, to add more stitch and titivations. I've been working on these two separately, you have seen them before. Yesterday it dawned on me...they could be joined, a seam, happy days.
The plan for these was some kind of book or 'roll' where they would all be combined, (there are more). No worries, either option is still possible.
11/29/2018
how to finish?
Our 12 month artist book marathon which grew to be a 15 month artist book marathon is coming to an end. I'm at a loss as to how to say goodbye. There are unfinished projects and too many ideas. How do I finish? What do I do to wind this all up? In four weeks time it will be over and I have to say the past year and a bit has flown by. I guess it will just stop, things will be hanging in the air unfinished and unsaid. I do take some comfort however from knowing how accomplished this group is, how they will all manage perfectly fine without me.
(will I manage without them though.....?)
11/27/2018
little pink circles
This piece needed 'something' on the wide, plain sections. I dithered for a while and came up with holes, cutwork holes which remain open (as opposed to having cloth or lace laid behind them) and which were then embellished with little sequins. This is a fun piece, a happy piece, bright and fresh. I think the pink sequins add to that, enhance that theme.
Initially I bagan this piece and other similar pieces for use as overlays. Now I think I may combine them all into some kind of artist book, a reference of surface design ideas which I can look at in the future for inspiration.
11/23/2018
a little added pink
Ribbons, I love a bit of ribbon. There's been a little added titivation to this white piece. The channel which the wide pink ribbon runs through is vintage, taken from a nightgown. The cloth which now forms an overlay and where the multi coloured ribbon falls from is also vintage. I only have tiny scraps of that cloth so I use it sparingly. I couldn't even begin to tell you how much I love that fabric.......
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