04/17/2014
Astrid....
I can't remember whether you have met Astrid before. I bought Astrid in Sweden, she is a tiny insect and her life story is contained in this gorgeous little children's book. I can't read it, I make it up as I go along, I look at pictures and make assumptions in the hope that my assumptions are just as valid and that they illustrate a gentle, calm, beautiful life for Astrid because she is very cute, adorable in fact.
Astrid, (the author is Maria Jonsson) has become a ledger. The pages you can see today are from my pillows and pages class. I am trying to leave as much of the original page as possible visible after I have added to it. I would hate Astrid to get lost amongst my scribbles.
Pillows and pages finished yesterday, ''4'' is ongoing. Alchemy begins at the start of May. Meantime it's a holiday weekend. I went to the supermarket this morning instead of tomorrow. Consequently I will spend all day today thinking that it's Friday.
Later I may start another pillow.....there is a demand. Who knew?
04/16/2014
gathering
Remember this? Although it was inspired by the blue and white happening in ''4'' it doesn't actually form part of that body of work. It's now joined, three pieces, still tiny but a valid sample. I laid it against blue and white from ''4'' this morning as things are moving on over there and I thought it may inform that process.
I was happy to see that despite the fact it doesn't have any blue, it fits, it lives happily with the other pieces. I'm not sure what will happen to it now. It may find its way into a ledger, it may become bigger, be added to.....
Thank you so much for the feedback on yesterdays pillow....wow. It went in a flash. When I go to London later this month I have a feeling I will be calling into Liberty.
04/15/2014
lace cloth, bullion knots and Liberty equals a pillow.
It's all the p's round at my place.....a pillow production line. This one's the fifth I think. One was a gift, two have been sold, I kept one for myself and this one is now in the shop......phew. I think this one is all about the titivations....the bullions, the points, the lace cloth, the bumpy bits, the prairie points and the Liberty prints. Pillows and pages finishes this week, time flies when you're having fun.
I am moving on with blue and white.....I can't wait.
I can guarantee there will be lace, there will be delicacy, there will be scraps and fragments and mending and fastening.....
meanwhile....a heads up. The registration for Alchemy 2014 will close on April 27. We don't begin until May 5 but I am going away for a few days on April 28...thought I'd best warn you. If you want to read more about Alchemy 2014 and see some of the amazing, diverse and unique work that was produced by last years extremely talented girls then just go here.
04/14/2014
last week
These images were taken over the course of last week with my phone.....a look at how I spend my days and an illustration of my almost permanent position at the ironing board or at the table. There are a couple from the sofa and my toes are visible in one or two as well!
My phone is actually in my hand more than my needle...what can I say, I'm an addict. I have a mini panic attack if at any point through the day I don't know where my phone is.
How many pillows could I have made if the smart phone hadn't been invented?
04/13/2014
brace yourselves
Yes, red and white and white and red. One very red pillow, one mostly white. I love them equally. Both finished, the white one spoken for the red one in the shop. This diversion has been a pleasure, pillows are everywhere. I have my pillows and pages group to thank for that. Who knew it could be so much fun?
Sunday has been good up to now. A quiet house, taking photographs and a little painting in ledgers and on paper......now I'm going to take five minutes and put the kettle on.
The red pillow measures approximately 16 x 9 inches (40 x 23 cm)
The mainly white pillow measures 14 x 9 inches (36 x 23 cm)
04/12/2014
reacquainted.....
I was between pillows last night, you know how it is, one finished quicker than a flash and the other damp stretching. By chance I happened upon this. It's been a long time. I hadn't realised how much I missed it, even though it's unfinished, but I fell in love with it all over again. I have therefore added more, more titivations, more bullion loops, more sections pinned and tacked. I'm not committing to finishing this as my next goal, there is quite a lot of other stuff going on but oh my it was wonderful to play with it again.
I have a question for all you English people.......is there anywhere that will spiral bind a book for me? It's a huge watercolour pad that would be so much easier to handle if it had a spiral binding. I can buy binder rings and do it myself but the perfect solution would be for it to be properly spiral bound. Bear in mind I live in Lacashire, we are low on useful resources here. Prontaprint has closed down, I've racked my brains and can't think of anywhere else.....help?
update.....I rang the library, they have given me a number.....
04/11/2014
blue and white
Yesterday was black and white, today is blue and white, tomorrow could well be red and white. Am I allowed to say I love the work on here today? I love yesterdays work and the day before and mostly (apart from occasions where things end up in the rubbish) I love all my work but this? It's like going home, back to my roots, where it all began.
This is what we are up to in ''4'', blue and white and historical baby stuff. Fragility mimicking functional. Beautiful representing utility, representing worn rags, aged cloth and the impoverished. My collection of samples and doodles for this particular theme is growing, more than I had realised but when you put it all together you get a truer sense of where the days have gone.
This morning I put a page of images from alchemy 2013. You can see that here....a round of applause for those girls please.
Now I wonder what the images from Alchemy 2014 will reveal? You will have to check back in 2015 for that.
04/10/2014
black and white...
These tiny white fragments of lace cloth were inspired by something that we are doing in ''4''. I can show you that tomorrow. Tiny samples which will be joined and most likely be mounted in doodle doo.
The background is old, very old. It's a page in a ledger from way back when. I'm sure you have seen it before in fact I think I need some new backgrounds, a variety of backgrounds. That has given me an idea for some doodling later today, we'll see.
04/09/2014
doodles and bumps
There are a few things on my table today. I have added bumpy bits to the piece which was in the hoop yesterday, Liberty bumpy bits. I've also added a few French knots around the edge of the lace area on there. That was damp stretched last night. I have doodle doo out along with a couple of other doodles on loose paper. They are hopefully going to lead to something marvellous for Alchemy. I'm hoping they will inspire, will spark something a little different, will lead me off in a direction to who knows where.
On the other side of the table, you can't see it, there are gorgeous things happening for ''4'', for their video this week and the back of a pillow, titivated and ready to be put together for pillows and pages. I think it's fair to say that it's a busy house today.
And...as if embroidery, doodles, videos and all isn't enought to keep me occupied there is cake to eat. It's my little boys birthday.
Happy Birthday James. We love you to the moon and back.
And...I know, I know...I never know when to shut up....I can't stop playing this.
04/08/2014
a pillow and a hoop
I'm sorry. What for? For making you jump with the red piece. I've gone subtle today, subdued, quiet. You can relax......having said that I do LOVE the red piece...I do. That is resting for a while, it will be back soon. It's exhausting being so loud and shouty so it's having a lie down in a darkened room.
This pillow, this quiet pillow is now in the shop. It's also having a relax.
(pillows and pages girls, there are new videos in class on the detail, demonstrating the completion of this pillow)
This morning I was reading, checking descriptions, intentions, overviews, appraising clarity or otherwise in response to several e mails I have recieved. I have added a paragraph to the Alchemy blurb. Perhaps it's a little vague? Basically.....I start you off, ideas on how to identify a theme, a starting point for creativity. That can be anything, a ledger page, a few ledger pages, a series of small pictures, a series of small pillows, a collection of tiny art pieces, a collection of huge art pieces, a ledger crammed with paper pieces. I then guide you, hold your hand throughout. The group will support you, encourage you, share ideas, make suggestions.......is that clearer?....let me know.
It is hoped that you will be inspired to create a finished piece of textile art OR a collection of samples to inform future work OR a ledger of process and technique OR a notebook of written thoughts and ideas, a record of learning. It is my wish that each person joining this group learns and grows in terms of how their own creative path develops. How starting points are identified, how fabrics are chosen, how colour choices are informed...it's about creating from your very first thought, idea and following that path for as long as you wish.
04/07/2014
it's still red....
It's red again....but it's different. There are now tabs, another row of cross stitch, a cross stitch seam and a large applique circle. The biggest news today though is that I am actually here, in the flesh. I'm nowhere near the M6 Motorway which is a true delight in my eyes. I swear my car could find it's own way to various points along that route. It feels like today is the first day of the rest of my life. Well technically it is anyway but the first day of the rest of my M6 free life...until the next time.
The biggest news of last week was the announcement of Alchemy 2014. Friday it was...you may have missed it. I had intended to list that today but impatience got the better of me, excitement took over. I do apologise...note to self, learn how to contain yourself girl!
To read more just go here....it's going to be amazing.
04/06/2014
this week from my phone
Another snapshot of my week through the images from my phone. These images give a true sense of my days, my house, this room. Things in progress on the table, some of them on the floor, image editing at the computer, leafing through ledgers and magazines to freshen my brain.
I'm not here again today...more family stuff. From tomorrow you will have my total and complete attention.....I promise.
Alchemy is back...I dithered, I was asked, I dithered some more. Why? I invest so much of myself into all my classes but somehow this one remains the most scary for me....however........I can't wait.
To read more. a lot more....and to register go here.
04/05/2014
04/04/2014
Red, white and the return of Alchemy
I am very taken with this piece...this red and white piece that almost shouts, almost screams ''look at me''. This one especially is far removed from my usual understated white, lace, off white combo. A change is as good as a rest they say and I have been looking at contrasts a lot lately, I would say we have a measure of that going on here if only with the colour. On this surface are bullion loops, cross stitches, and applique circles with some piping thrown in for good measure.
There are tabs made, at the ready to be added along a seam....tonight I hope.
Alchemy is back. It's almost a whole year since the first run. It has been requested, enquiries were made........
Alchemy 2014
Start date May 5 2014
The medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter, esp. that of base metals into gold.
***Please note....weeks 8 and 9 are free weeks. I will be away. By that time I think a break will be good for you too. A time for reflection perhaps. Because of this we have a timetable of 14 weeks, not 12.***
Aims and Content
Do you dream of creating that one special piece of embroidery, a piece of textile art, or of finishing a long neglected project, combining your ideas and developing them into that special piece of cloth? If so then Alchemy is the programme for you.
During the course of this 12 week self directed learning package you will produce a unique piece of embroidered art with inspiration, technique, process and final outcomes determined by you, the artist. Your art piece can be created using virtually any media such as cloth or paper. I will serve as mentor, guiding and advising you at each stage. Built into our twelve week timetable are regular visual critiques, using images of work in progress that you upload to our online forum.
(a video detailing the ''upload'' process will be forwarded to you shortly before Alchemy begins)
A knowledge of basic embroidery is required for this class.
Please do not be concerned if you are not comfortable with ledger work, drawing or painting. ''mark making'' is a process which evolves from many media including cloth and thread. Alongside suggestion for drawn and painted work will be alternative process for creating reference to colour and pattern using cloth and thread.
The early stages of this programme will reinforce the importance of drawing or ‘’mark making’’ and visual reference as a precursor to design for embroidery. Following initial investigations within a ledger concerning pattern, shape and colour it is envisaged that you will sample ideas with stitch as a means of identifying preferences regarding technique for use in your final piece.
This process will be critique led with any practical demonstration built into the 12 week programme as and when the need arises.
My Role
I will serve as mentor, guiding and advising you where appropriate, perhaps suggesting artists for you to study where I feel this is relevant to your own investigations. I will appraise your work in progress and advise on surface design and colour choices. This is not an exhaustive list, merely an indication of the commitment I will provide to you and your chosen path.
Ownership
Your personal connection to this project will be its driving force. This process belongs to you, is self driven and all creative investigations and final outcomes should speak of you.
You have a responsibility to source information yourself and to familiarise yourself with new creative technique that you may wish to use.
Demonstrations
Please note......this course is not a ''how to'' process in terms of embroidery technique.
Demonstration will be provided as and when required depending on the needs of the group and the individuals within the group. The requirements regarding the demonstration of specific process and technique will not be known initially but will become evident as the course progresses.
Forum
Video will be hosted on a dedicated, password protected blog. It will not be possible for video to be downloaded. All videos will have to be viewed through the medium of the class blog. This is to ensure my copyright is protected. I hope you understand the importance of that particular aspect of this class.
A dedicated flickr group will be available where it is hoped you will post images allowing me to assess your progress and appraise/advise. Due to the nature of this programme the flickr group will be private, accessible only to those invited to join the group...in essence only those who have paid for the course. I anticipate certain comments will contain content which should only be available to those who have paid to participate in the class. This will provide protection not only for my copyright but for you and the monies you have paid to participate in the group.
You are more than welcome to post images of your work on your own blogs etc without divulging any of the process provided as part of the class.
***to clarify.....Images within the group will remain private, hidden from the wider flickr community. This is to protect the privacy of any comments I may make on your work***
Prior to the commencement of class I will provide video instruction on how to upload images to flickr in private mode for those who are unsure of this process.
Starting Points
Prior to the
commencement of Alchemy begin to gather starting points for your work.
These items could take the form of postcards, images from magazines,
colour swatches from paint charts or similar. Collect images relating to
the work of other artists who inspire you....textile art, sculpture,
oil painting. This is a ''personal'' project, it centres around each
individual, their aesthetic and creative preferences.
If you are
struggling for starting points then I will assist you, guide you. You
are very well supported throughout this process and I am available as
little or as much as you need me.
Expected Outcomes
It is anticipated that by the end of our 12 week run you will have a greater appreciation of the design process which has led or will lead to the completion of your finished piece. In addition it is hoped that you will have created an informative reference in the form of a working ledger alongside a collection of embroidered samples.
Ledger
Your Ledger will document your progress throughout the course and is a crucial element in the creation of your finished piece. A record of your experience, the ledger may include sketches, thoughts, diagrams, notes, photographs, artist/designer images that inspire and influence you, computer generated imagery, printed fabric, embroidered samples. This is not an exhaustive list, you may add anything of your choosing to your ledger which connects you to the work.
Registration
Upon registration you will receive further information in e mail form containing a brief outline of our weekly plan along with a list of suggested equipment for the course.
Access to all resources is permanent. There are no deadlines. I will remain available to you after the conclusion of our 12 week period in an advisory, appraisal role...however...new video demonstrations will not be provided after the 12 week period has ended
04/03/2014
wrapped
Samples created for ''4'' are wrapping a finished piece from ''3''....that really excites me. Am I a bit too easily excited? I don't know. The fact that they live together, they compliment, they just fit. I suppose I shouldn't really be surprised as most of my work has the same starting point but for a few minutes this morning I was ecstatic that these two processes looked so good together.
The piece from ''3'' is now finished and mounted. The only delay there was the attic work, the dirt, the upheaval at home. The piece from ''4'' is only just beginning....I don't even know yet what it will be. I am enjoying the journey though.....
04/02/2014
adding lace cloth
Small patches of lace cloth have been added to the surface of the piece with Liberty points. I wanted contrast...not crisp as in points or flat as in silk but texture, interest. Each patch of lace cloth has been individually edged with buttonhole lace and tiny open areas within the lace cloth have been strengthened by edging, again with buttonhole lace.
The past couple of days have been a whirlwind and that is set to continue. I have a busy weekend planned, a trip to Scotland. (not a holiday, a family commitment) Meantime I have been making video almost non stop.......not a chore......you know how much I love the sound of my own voice. I have been taking zillions of photographs and embroidering so fast that my fingers are a mere blur. Alongside the creativity, the stitching, the waffling on camera I am compiling blurb for Alchemy....more on that next week. I can't even linger any longer (try saying that at speed...linger any longer...linger any longer.....) today because I have to go out on a Ledger hunt........most definitely not a chore! In view of this I now have a public service announcement.
SS3
SS4
Pillows and Pages
Stand by your computers girls...tomorrow you all get video.
04/01/2014
a new pillow....
Yesterday I had a new pouch, today I have a new pillow...yay!! This is the first of three I am making with my pillows and pages girls...I love it and yes, this one's for me too. Gingham, pretty, applique, bumps, bullion knots, rouleau loops, prairie points, beaky things.....my sofa is now full of things to look at...no spare seats for things which are human in my house anymore.
I'm running late...it's Tuesday...it's always feet related if I'm late on a Tuesday....
03/31/2014
the Liberty pouch
This one came together very quickly in the end...it almost overtook me. I now have a brand spanking new pouch, for me, for cloth.
So you could get a better look at this there is a very short video...2 minutes or thereabouts. I hope you like it.
03/30/2014
pouch, pillow, Liberty and loops....
Sometimes, of an evening, I am working on things for ''4'' or ''pillows and pages'' and I get to a point that needs to be finished on camera. When that happens it gets put to one side and something else, non group related gets picked up. When this happened last night my Liberty pouch....you are familiar with that......was picked up as it waiting for a ten minute final titivation and then required damp stretching. Check, done, ticked off the list. You can see that here, all that is left is for me to back it.
Rather than then sitting and practicing my thumb twiddling I got out more Liberty, a scrap of silk and a piece of cotton cloth. That's the piece with the pinks and the prairie points you can see here. Another pillow...cushion...whatever. I know. How many pillows do I need?
03/29/2014
gathering blue and white
Today is officially blue and white Saturday. I can do that, officially change the name of a day because it's Mothering Sunday tomorrow and I'm allowed.....OK?
I've gathered some old blue and white, silk embroidery, ruched, titvated with cutwork and French knots and laid it alongside blue and white from ''4''. The piece from 4, I hope, is the start of a design sheet which will inform and record...thoughts and ideas.
A quick word about alchemy...I left it hanging didn't I.....sorry about that. I have been asked what the difference is between Alchemy and Simply Stitch. Where do I start? They are worlds apart. Simply Stitch is about my work, my process, my inspirational sources, my creative path. Alchemy is about your work, your process, your inspiration and your path. I am a guide, a mentor, an assistant...use me.
I'm not even ready yet to go official with this. My pillow girls and my ''4'' girls need me at the moment. When I am ready you will be the first to know.....
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