03/11/2021
buttons
There's button making happening here.
It's so useful to have a stash of hand made buttons for future projects. These are rarely used as functional fastenings, they are mostly used for adornement.
You may see these on a seam or an edge at some point in the future.
03/09/2021
hand embroidery
I can't tell you how much I am enjoying just hand stitching into silk. It's so relaxing and meditative.
I'm hoping to have a huge stash of these samples before sewing circle draws to a close, also maybe a few pillows and pouches and a needlecase or two.
03/07/2021
four inch pages, an artist book
I finally finished this little artist book. The pages measure four inches square and are now crammed with embroidery, buttons, ribbons, patchwork, beads and pom poms.
It's now available to buy here.
Tomorrow my 'sewing circle' will get
together for the first time. I am more than excited at the prospect of
spending the next twelve weeks stitching and chatting with this group,
sharing ideas, inspiration and a love of hand stitch.
If you are
considering joining us it is not too late, not only can I guarantee you
will have the best time, you will also be supporting this small business
of mine.
Thank you to everyone who is already registered. It means a lot.
You can read more here.
03/06/2021
circles
Circles.....one unfinished, sorry. This is continuing sampling, getting to know my needle, practicing.
In the last image my sample is laid alongside the pieces I showed you last time. They were pinned then, they are now secured with hand stitch, no pins.
My sewing circle gets together for the first time on Monday. I will be putting this work away and concentrating on sample pieces begun in that gathering.
It's started already, the past week has been a whirl of video making and new samples.
It's not too late to join us. Go here to read more.
03/04/2021
binding raw edges
I'm in the process of securing the most vulnerable edges on these samples by binding them with ribbon.
Hopefully this will give some protection, prevent excess fraying until I find a permanent home for them.
There are two samples waiting in the wings to be damp stretched too, they will also get the ribbon treatment!
If you are joining my 'sewing circle' on Monday of next week, if you are registered, you should have received an email from me today.
If you haven't received that can you please let me know.
03/03/2021
practice
Practice? Well practice just means sampling which I'm still doing, which I will be doing for the foreseeable, for the twelve weeks of sewing circle anyway.
I'm playing with an alphabet idea here and some circular things which started off as the simplest doodles of a button....boy they have morphed into so much more. I could definitely become addicted to those.
Back to the lettering...I don't consider the 'B' to be a success but you know what I'm going to say don't you.....that's what sampling is for, to see what works and what doesn't.
03/01/2021
hand embroidered hexagons
The embroidered hexagons were first posted yesterday. Today they are posted again, as part of a sample.
I'm thinking I should have edged them with a lemon thread maybe but then that's what sampling is for, to sample, to test, to learn.
Doodling on cloth and sampling colour, stitches, placement and pattern is happening because it's fun! but also because this is what will be happening in my 'sewing circle' which begins next Monday. You can read more about that here and the following images are past pieces of doodled and embroidered cloth. Can you see the potential?
02/28/2021
embroidering hexies and couching gimp
Embroidered hexagons anyone? I'm hoping the next time you see these they will be joined together adorning one of my samples.
The main piece here has more gimp added, a flower centre.
I'm trying really hard not to get carried away with this sampling or there won't be anything left to do in class but I am enjoying this spell of purely hand embroidery so much that I can't seem to stop.
02/26/2021
a new piece with white thread and taking stock
A new sample, this one using just white thread and a quick stock take of where I am at with these pieces.
If you are joining my sewing circle in just over a week, if you are registered, these pieces are I hope going to get us off to a flying start.
My pattern ideas won't stop here. There is a lot more sampling for me to do and I am beginning to think I need an alphabet. These pieces are reminding me of traditional samplers and samplers generally equal alphabets don't they.
Please don't be scared of the pattern though, the hand drawn aspect of that. These are very, very basic shapes and we won't even attempt any pattern making at first. We are starting off gently sampling stitches. There is nothing to fear here.
Meanwhile I am absolutely having the best time just sitting and hand embroidering cloth. It is so restful and relaxing, it allows for thinking time, it's gentle and very satisfying.
02/25/2021
happy cloth
It seems like a long, long time since I concentrated on purely embroidery, no sewing machine, no paper, just my hands with needle, thread and cloth.
My upcoming sewing circle will allow for more of that, more hand stitch and traditional embroidery techniques.
You may have noticed a lot of sampling of hand stitch in my recent posts. (you have been bombarded)
That sampling has allowed me to reconnect with past work, past choices, colour, stitch and pattern.
That's what I have been doing this morning too, looking at this wrapping cloth, my happy cloth for inspiration.
(It's called my happy cloth because it makes me happy!)
02/24/2021
sample, sample sample.
I'm sampling my fingers to the bone here.
I doubt any of these samples will ever become finished pieces.
They will however be finished samples which will inform, which I will learn from.
The pattern placement, the colour choices, the stitch choices are all being stored in my grey matter in order to make more choices in the future.
02/23/2021
02/22/2021
a little chat
I had intended to post earlier today but you don't want to know about the two hours I just spent arguing with my image software do you.
A quick chat, on camera, a video and an idea of another use for doodled cloth.
02/21/2021
hand embroidery on silk
More embroidery has been added to both silk pieces here.
In the first image are two hand stitched paper 'wraps' I created for artist books which I am thinking of using as inspiration to move my pattern choices forward for the silk pieces.
I will of course let you know how that goes.
My aim for 'sewing circle' is to use purely hand stitch and hand embroidery techniques on cloth and create embellished surfaces using 'traditional' process.
For example, rather than use ribbon.....create a sense of ribbon with hand embroidery.
Instead of using lace....create a lace like surface with French knots perhaps.
Does that make sense?
Hopefully it will become clear as I develop this sampling further.
02/19/2021
sampling pattern
The pieces here are linked to this piece and also loosely linked to this.
I am sampling new work which is inspred by work from 2016, from patterns, doodles and embroidery techniques I worked on back then.
The patterns, the floral shapes have been hand drawn onto the silk before hand stich, patchwork and applique has been added.
I'm quite happy with the direction of this work but not happy with my colour choices in the blue piece.
It's not that they are 'wrong', they just don't appeal to me.
It's not a problem, that's what sampling is for after all, to help us make creative choices.
This work will feed into my 'sewing circle' experience which you can read more about here.
02/18/2021
embroidery school sewing circle
Do you want to learn how to embroider? the basics? hand stitches? applique? cutwork?
If you are a more experienced embroiderer would you like to develop your skills in a supportive and like minded group?
This may be just what you need.
Embroidery school sewing circle.
Embroidery school sewing circle, a gathering of those with a love of cloth and stitch.
12 weeks duration beginning Monday March 8.
Throughout my life as an embroidery teacher I have experienced the joy created when groups of women join together to share their creativity with needle and thread. Friendships are formed, bonds are created and the shared love of embroidery is spread far and wide.
Being a member of this sewing circle will allow for the learning of basic embroidery techniques for the beginner whilst providing an opportuntiy for the more experienced needlewoman to develop her own personal style.
Our twelve week gathering will begin with instruction and demonstration of basic embroidery stitches and techniques. We will then progress to creating simple designs which we can apply to cloth prior to embellishing our pieces with hand embroidery.
Your finished embroideries can be used to create hoop art, pillows, pockets, framed pieces or you may prefer to create a small collection of stitched pieces for an embroidered book. Instruction will be given on various finishing techniques.
Patterning for my own work will evolve from previous studies of simple embroidery transfers, the resources our Grandmothers would have used.
Final pattern outcomes for your work can be in the most simple form.
I am not an artist and always work with very basic shapes.
You may also use patterning I create should you wish to do so.
This will be provided in PDF form for you to download and print at home.
The transfer of design to fabric will also be demonstrated.
Joining our circle of stitchers will give you access to a private image sharing and discussion forum where you can interact with other members of the group, be inspired by the work of others, share tips, suppliers and receive encouragement with regard to your stitching progress.
My wish is for you to use this learning experience in the manner best suited to you, to learn in a way which makes you happy and furthers your individual creativity.
There are no deadlines, no set tasks.
Access to all resources is permanent, forever.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced embroiderer.
02/17/2021
a pocket
In my post yesterday I spoke about how the piece I am working on at the moment was inspired by designs from 'Swathed in Stitch', an online class which was live in 2016.
The piece today was created during that class. It's a tall, narrow pocket or pouch whichever you want to call it which is free standing.
(it is photographed on its side as it's very difficult to capture it properly without a lot of background distraction whilst it is upright)
Yesterday I also mentioned how I was hoping to develop more patterning with reference to 'Swathed in Stitch'. This piece seems a good starting point for that.
One thing I have noted is the lack of hexagons in these pieces from 2016.
This piece has tiny half circle pockets and tiny patch pockets added to the surface.
If I couple those ideas with hexagons and patchwork I may find a way forward.
02/16/2021
embroidery, silk and patchwork
This is new work inspsired by past work.
The inspiration for this comes from doodles I created during the online class 'swathed in stitch'.
There is a screenshot from one of the class posts at the end of this post for reference.
I still have all those doodles. It definitely pays to never throw things away.
These drawn papers were inspired by domesticity hence the ironing board in the screenshot and also pockets, pockets to keep things safe, pockets for protection.
At the moment I am playing with the patterns I have whilst thinking about more pocket shapes.
Hopefully I can mix and match what is here with new shapes through overlaying on my light box and a little bit of doodling.
The pattern on this piece was hand drawn onto the silk. As yet I'm not sure if this one is finished. It might be nice to leave a bit of the pen visible.
Whilst I decide I have started another piece, more hand drawn pattern on silk, patchwork and hand embroidery.
02/14/2021
a little book of needlework
It has been such a pleasure to create this little book. Twelve mini compositions, hand embroidery, hand finished, hand bound edges.
To be honest I can't put it down and will find it hard to part with.
It is however now in the shop here.
In other news.....I have started a new piece which I hope to show you in a couple of days if not sooner.
I am still embroidering onto silk dupion but on a slightly bigger scale.
So far there are hexagons and plenty of hand embroidery stitches.
02/12/2021
embroidered silk pages
More embroidery on silk. Silk pages for an embroidered silk book.
I'm almost there with this one and will be sorry when it's finished.
It's almost as if I have rediscovered my love of running needle and thread through silk dupion.
I'm going to stick my neck out and say you will definitely be seeing more embroidered silk on here.
02/11/2021
presentation
I've been collaging board with torn papers in an attempt to create new backgrounds for presentation but these aren't doing it for me.
I have an overwhelming urge to stitch the seams where the papers meet in the same way as the papers here but it's impossible to stitch through the boards.
They look unfinished to me like this.
If I could solve that little problem I could definitely work with these collaged pieces.
I have considered stitching the papers first and them collaging them down. Maybe I should try that.
02/10/2021
handwork
This little book is growing every day.
Are you bored with it now?
I do hope not. These things take time, many hours of measuring and hand stitching.
It's more than worth it though.
Each time I post about this I am showing you something new, a new page or new pages which are now joined with buttonhole stitch at the edges.
Simple embroidery for sure, but more than simple pleasure for me.
02/08/2021
02/06/2021
embroidered silk and hand made buttons
This is what I have been busy with, more hand made buttons and embroidery onto silk. The web stitch is making another appearance. In this post I spoke about how I could go on and on stitching these little things.
02/03/2021
hand stitched edges
My new wrapping cloth is finished. The final panel was added before the backing cloth was attached and each edge hand closed.
The last threee images show the final panel before it was attached to the body of the main cloth.
If you are registered for my new class, 'renewing the ledger', you should have received an email from me earlier today. Can you please get in touch if you didn't receive that. x
02/01/2021
adornments
I've been taking a little time to build my stash, to create buttons and other things which will be useful and hopefully perfect for future pieces of work.
The buttons could be used to adorn a page in an artist book or the edge of embroidered cloth.
The Suffolk puffs I think will find their way into my new wrapping cloth.
Renewing the ledger, online learning begins next monday. Read more here or watch this short video.
01/31/2021
stitched paper and lace like surfaces
As requested, a little more information about my new class which begins on Monday February 8. I hope the short video answers the (very few) questions I have been asked.
Meanwhile I continue to piece papers and play with lace like fabrics to determine how the two compliment each other.
I am having a very hard time restraining myself from taking this further before class begins.
If you are registered for 'renewing the ledger' you should have received an email from me today. Please let me know if that hasn't popped into your inbox.
Renewing the ledger.
01/29/2021
buttons
Today I will be making buttons.
01/28/2021
almost
Another panel for my wrapping cloth. When this one is attached I need one more before I can back this. (I said that last time....I miscalculated)
Progress on this piece has been regularly documented on here but if you missed it just go here and here to learn more.
And this is how it looks in relation to the rest of the cloth.
01/27/2021
piecing papers, stitching pages
Piecing papers and stitching pages, hand stitched seams, ovelapping weights of lace paper, patterned paper and soft tissues.
I'm hoping these pages will be the perfect resting place for my net samples, lace samples and investigations for my next project.
There are three pages here each measuring approximately eleven inches by eleven inches.
I need to make more of course and am hoping to stick to that size as far as I can.
01/25/2021
net, white, lace...
I've been sampling some more with net for the reasons I spoke of in this post.
It's photographed here laid on embroidered pieces as it's very difficult to get a good image without some kind of background.
There were plans to stitch a more structured piece, with a border perhaps but honestly......I went cross eyed trying to identify a straight line on this.
I am doodling too. I really have to push myself for that task. The pencil and I don't have an easy relationship but I am trying.
Stitching for me equals joy. Drawing equals a chore. Can't help it. Can't change.
In my next class I will be reworking a ledger that is concerned with lace, domestic cloth and patchwork. Hence the drawing but honestly, headache central.
There is always tracing? and if my new pages are fab and whoop de doo maybe that will 'lift' the tracing????
So now, yes now, I'm off to attempt to create those fab pages.
01/23/2021
embroidery
This week I feel like a proper embroiderer! It's just about stitch and cloth, no paper, no ledger, just needlework in the conventional way.
There is another panel here for my wrapping cloth and more embroidery on net. (the two grandmothers flower garden patchwork pieces)
The net embroidery is being worked in an attempt to build up my stash before the new class.
(if you are registered for class you won't be compelled to embroider on net but I will of course show you how I did this.)
My focus in class will be reworking a past ledger which is partly concerned with lace. Net...lace? Maybe.
Back to my wrapping cloth. I think I need one more panel after this one. I'm going to measure for that today.
01/21/2021
sampling with net
Yesterday I mentioned I wanted to take a couple of days to play with something, this is the 'something'.
I don't think I have ever embroidered on net before and it isn't quite as tricky as I imagined it would be.
Why am I doing it? Well, I'm trying to come up with new ways to represent lace and then to mix that lace with patchwork. (grandmothers flower garden to be precise)
The only way to feed ideas, to become inspired is to 'do', to sample.
So far I'm happy and there is another sample brewing.
01/20/2021
a flounced edge
I spoke yesterday about my plan to create a panel with a flounce at one edge for this wrapping cloth. Here it is pinned to the main piece.
You may notice an unevenness to the outside edges here. Some of those will be filled with more embroidered panels but I tend not to worry about that until it's time to add the backing.
This won't be put right sides facing, stitched on three sides and turned right way out. Instead I intend to place a plain backing on the table wrong side up, lay this on top right side up (both wrong sides will then be touching) and then hand close the cloth. Where there is unevenness at an edge prairie points, ball buttons and other embellishments will be added.
This cloth will be used. It will lay on my sofa and be permanently visible. It will most likely cover my feet when I get up in the morning so I guess you could call it toe wrap two.
(my feet won't be on the floor. I always sit with my feet on the sofa....don't worry, they're clean)
I won't be working on this now for a couple of days. I have something else I want to play with.
You may notice in the last photo that the cloth is hanging from the corner of my table.
That's because I will be thinking a lot about table coverings and other domestic cloth in my new class, 'renewing the ledger'.
The original ledger I will be working from was concerned with domestic cloth and lace so for the next day or so I am going to immerse myself in those things.
01/19/2021
prairie points and pom poms
I'm really happy with the progress I am making with this embroidered cloth. It's growing quite quickly.
You have seen it before here and here.
Today I'm showing you a new finished panel which now needs to be attached to the main body of the cloth.
Meanwhile I am measuring for what comes next. I fancy a flounce at one edge of the next piece so i'll play with that idea later today.
01/17/2021
turning pages
This is how my table looked a few days ago. I was speaking to the Alchemy group about artist books, suggesting ideas for covers and easier ways of working your little stitched pieces into these.
I never said it wouldn't be fiddly!
It was good to have these out just for 'me' too. I never tire of looking at them.
It was also a reminder of the few empty pages which still need work.
01/15/2021
embroidered panels
A couple of days ago in this post I spoke about creating a new wrapping cloth/coverlet for myself and showed you the early stages of that piece.
I have progressed it a little now and have a hankering for some pillow like areas within the embroidery.
Hopefully you can make those out in the images. I'm thinking it will give it a 'cosy' feel, add a nice weight.
I tried attaching the pillow pieces to some panels and figured out it's going to be best to stuff those once the whole thing is put together.
At the foot of this post is information about my new class which begins on February 8.
I am more grateful than I can say for the support I get from everyone who participates in my online learning programmes.
I want to especially thank the latest Alchemy group who have been more enthusaistic and innovative than I ever could have hoped for.
renewing the ledger
The ledger/sketchbook/design exploration shown in these images was created sixteen years ago. A lot has happened in those sixteen years. For one I am more experienced, at least I like to think so, I would certainly hope so.
Recently, in Alchmey, I spoke about how my 'old' design work might look if I were to do it today. Vastly different is my guess.
The disaster that befell my white ledger a couple of weeks ago proves that even after a short period of time ideas develop, improve.
With that in mind, I am going to rework this ledger.
This work will remain 'untouched'. It's role will be to lay in front of me and prompt new ways of expressing these ideas.
At least that's the plan.
Technically the hard work is done. The design work is here, on each of these pages. All I have to do is interpret these designs using 'fresh eyes'.
Famous last words.
If you would like to join me the listing is copied below.
A new feature with this online learning programme will be regular video feedback on any images you upload to our private image sharing group.
This will not take the form of a 'critique', an Alchemy critique but will hopefully be so much more than a few written comments.
Renewing the Ledger.
Begins Monday February 8 for 12 weeks.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced creative.
Ledgers, sketchbooks, journals and design works have been integral to my creative life for almost twenty years.
Over time my knowledge and experience of creating these pieces has grown and developed.
During the course of this twelve week online learning programme I will look at past works and 'renew' them with fresh eyes, more experience and new process.
Without altering the actual physical historical ledger, I will use that ledger as a starting point for renewal, examining each page and recreating that work, refreshing those pages.
The basic design ideas presented in the original ledger will be preserved, my concern will focus on elevating that work with a new approach to documenting that information.
You do not need to have a completed sketchbook or ledger to participate in this class. Process demonstrated can be carried out using a collection of found images or a favourite illustrated book. I will provide guidance on those choices should you wish.
Techniques used and demonstrated in this online learning programme will include a selection of the following,
hand embroidery stitches,
patchwork,
applique,
paper manipulation,
paper embellishment,
pin pricking,
tracing,
basic doodling.
There are no deadlines, no set tasks.
Video and images will be hosted on a private, password protected blog.
Access will be given to a private image sharing forum where discussion can be facilitated amongst group members and where I can view and appraise your works in progress.
***New***
Verbal, video feedback will be provided on works uploaded to our private image sharing group on a regular basis.
There are no compulsory requirements to my online learning programmes. If you prefer not to become involved in online discussion or image sharing that is O.K. My only wish for you is that you learn and have fun.
My online learning groups are a place of friendship amongst like minded people who share a love of cloth and thread.
Images here are details of the ledger I will be examining and renewing during this programme.
01/13/2021
thirty five wraps, a bullion loop.
Bullion knots, bullion loops, thirty five wraps.
A short show and tell video.
01/12/2021
beginning
In my post yesterday I spoke about starting a new project for myself, a new hand embroidered wrapping cloth.
This is how far I've got up to now.
These panels will be joined to more panels to create a cloth which measures approximately thirty six inches square.
As soon as I've finished here I am going to pin all those circles in place before deciding what to add to the white space on the other panel.
Please consider joining me for my new class, details below. I promise we'll have a ball.
renewing the ledger
The ledger/sketchbook/design exploration shown in these images was created sixteen years ago. A lot has happened in those sixteen years. For one I am more experienced, at least I like to think so, I would certainly hope so.
Recently, in Alchmey, I spoke about how my 'old' design work might look if I were to do it today. Vastly different is my guess.
The disaster that befell my white ledger a couple of weeks ago proves that even after a short period of time ideas develop, improve.
With that in mind, I am going to rework this ledger.
This work will remain 'untouched'. It's role will be to lay in front of me and prompt new ways of expressing these ideas.
At least that's the plan.
Technically the hard work is done. The design work is here, on each of these pages. All I have to do is interpret these designs using 'fresh eyes'.
Famous last words.
If you would like to join me the listing is copied below.
A new feature with this online learning programme will be regular video feedback on any images you upload to our private image sharing group.
This will not take the form of a 'critique', an Alchemy critique but will hopefully be so much more than a few written comments.
Renewing the Ledger.
Begins Monday February 8 for 12 weeks.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced creative.
Ledgers, sketchbooks, journals and design works have been integral to my creative life for almost twenty years.
Over time my knowledge and experience of creating these pieces has grown and developed.
During the course of this twelve week online learning programme I will look at past works and 'renew' them with fresh eyes, more experience and new process.
Without altering the actual physical historical ledger, I will use that ledger as a starting point for renewal, examining each page and recreating that work, refreshing those pages.
The basic design ideas presented in the original ledger will be preserved, my concern will focus on elevating that work with a new approach to documenting that information.
You do not need to have a completed sketchbook or ledger to participate in this class. Process demonstrated can be carried out using a collection of found images or a favourite illustrated book. I will provide guidance on those choices should you wish.
Techniques used and demonstrated in this online learning programme will include a selection of the following,
hand embroidery stitches,
patchwork,
applique,
paper manipulation,
paper embellishment,
pin pricking,
tracing,
basic doodling.
There are no deadlines, no set tasks.
Video and images will be hosted on a private, password protected blog.
Access will be given to a private image sharing forum where discussion can be facilitated amongst group members and where I can view and appraise your works in progress.
***New***
Verbal, video feedback will be provided on works uploaded to our private image sharing group on a regular basis.
There are no compulsory requirements to my online learning programmes. If you prefer not to become involved in online discussion or image sharing that is O.K. My only wish for you is that you learn and have fun.
My online learning groups are a place of friendship amongst like minded people who share a love of cloth and thread.
Images here are details of the ledger I will be examining and renewing during this programme.
01/11/2021
buttons, beads and patchwork
This little book has had more attention over the past couple of days. A tiny book, (only two pages) has been added to a page, a book within a book.
The patchwork is a sleeve to hold and protect this. It's becoming a struggle to get it over the piece now as the pages are becoming ever more crammed, the book expanding every time I add something new. Maybe I will have to make a bigger one. We'll see.
Ledgers, artist books will take a back seat for a week or so now as I have begun a new wrapping cloth.
It's for me, very simple, relaxing to work on. I hope to share some of that next time.
A new class was listed earlier this week. You can read about that here.
01/09/2021
renewing the ledger
The ledger/sketchbook/design exploration shown in these images was created sixteen years ago. A lot has happened in those sixteen years. For one I am more experienced, at least I like to think so, I would certainly hope so.
Recently, in Alchmey, I spoke about how my 'old' design work might look if I were to do it today. Vastly different is my guess.
The disaster that befell my white ledger a couple of weeks ago proves that even after a short period of time ideas develop, improve.
With that in mind, I am going to rework this ledger.
This work will remain 'untouched'. It's role will be to lay in front of me and prompt new ways of expressing these ideas.
At least that's the plan.
Technically the hard work is done. The design work is here, on each of these pages. All I have to do is interpret these designs using 'fresh eyes'.
Famous last words.
If you would like to join me the listing is copied below.
A new feature with this online learning programme will be regular video feedback on any images you upload to our private image sharing group.
This will not take the form of a 'critique', an Alchemy critique but will hopefully be so much more than a few written comments.
Renewing the Ledger.
Begins Monday February 8 for 12 weeks.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced creative.
Ledgers, sketchbooks, journals and design works have been integral to my creative life for almost twenty years.
Over time my knowledge and experience of creating these pieces has grown and developed.
During the course of this twelve week online learning programme I will look at past works and 'renew' them with fresh eyes, more experience and new process.
Without altering the actual physical historical ledger, I will use that ledger as a starting point for renewal, examining each page and recreating that work, refreshing those pages.
The basic design ideas presented in the original ledger will be preserved, my concern will focus on elevating that work with a new approach to documenting that information.
You do not need to have a completed sketchbook or ledger to participate in this class. Process demonstrated can be carried out using a collection of found images or a favourite illustrated book. I will provide guidance on those choices should you wish.
Techniques used and demonstrated in this online learning programme will include a selection of the following,
hand embroidery stitches,
patchwork,
applique,
paper manipulation,
paper embellishment,
pin pricking,
tracing,
basic doodling.
There are no deadlines, no set tasks.
Video and images will be hosted on a private, password protected blog.
Access will be given to a private image sharing forum where discussion can be facilitated amongst group members and where I can view and appraise your works in progress.
***New***
Verbal, video feedback will be provided on works uploaded to our private image sharing group on a regular basis.
There are no compulsory requirements to my online learning programmes. If you prefer not to become involved in online discussion or image sharing that is O.K. My only wish for you is that you learn and have fun.
My online learning groups are a place of friendship amongst like minded people who share a love of cloth and thread.
Images here are details of the ledger I will be examining and renewing during this programme.
01/07/2021
salvage
There was a little mishap with my ledger for Alchemy a couple of weeks ago.
I say mishap, that is down playing it. It was a disaster of epic proportions which I am not emotionally strong enough to go into ha ha.
Anyway, the rescue began last week and this is the result.
You can see pre disaster images here and here.
I actually prefer it now.
I am inspired all over again.
01/06/2021
pages
I'm playing the long game with this one, there are too many pages for it to be rushed.
That's entirely down to me, I did make the book after all.
Another double page spread is finished but there's a lot of thought going into the remaining page edges which I spoke about here.
The edges of pages are just as important to me as the work which fills the pages.
01/04/2021
a little book of embroidery
01/02/2021
wrapping
The act of wrapping something with cloth is very soothing, relaxing, satisfying.
The wraps shown today were created for a specific body of work, embroidered pages, a loosely put together artist book.
It's been used this week for demonstration in Alchemy to illustrate how the simple act of wrapping with cloth is perfect for protecting work, for recognising its importance, for acknowledging its status as something deserving of protection.
12/31/2020
white lace and an embroidered silk token
I'm continuing to work in the little book from this post. This double page spread has embroidered lace, a cigarette silk, some ribbon and a few embroidered flowers.
Last time I spoke about working the page edges in a different way to buttonhole stitch. This edge has tiny pompoms all around it.
Every page won't have pompoms or buttonhole stitch. Hopefully I can come up with more ideas.
My cloth book has been resting as I ran out of silk but my new stuff has arrived so I am on it.
12/29/2020
another to finish
Last time I was here I showed three pieces which need to be finished. Here's number four. There are other little notebooks which are unfinshed too so I guess you can add seven, eight and nine to that list.
I created this little book some time ago. I actually made two of these and one was sold. It's about time this one got more attention so I have begun to add to the pages and embellish the page edges.
Up to now I have added buttonhole stitch to two pages edges. I think I need to be more inventive going forward.
12/27/2020
three pieces to finish
Hi everyone, how've you been? I hope you all had a great few days.
I've been 'stocktaking' since I was last here, deciding which of my unfinished pieces are 'pressing'.
The answer? These three.
(there's a lot of basting on the paper piece hence the visible strands of cotton)
12/22/2020
web stitch
Progress, albeit slow with my cloth pages.
The latest one is crammed with tiny web stitches.
I love this one. I'm asking myself if I have it in me to stitch a whole yard of cloth with nothing but web stitches.
Having once embroidered three yards of silk with cross stitch I'm thinking why not.
If nothing else it would keep me out of trouble.
12/20/2020
cloth pages
I'm just losing myself in these simple little pages at the moment, no planning, no direction just 'mindless' stitching and drifting away with my thoughts.
No comments:
Post a Comment