04/30/2017
a soft lower edge
A soft scrim and cotton lower edge, minimal embroidery , embellished with hand knotted gimp. If you look at the edges here, the ones completed, they give an idea of the number of edges I still need to embellish before these swatches can be considered finished. If you add in the fact I would like to titivate the reverse of these like I did here then it seems I will be stitching edges for quite some time. (sides also count as edges....add those in too)
It excites me thinking about edges, planning edges, Suffolk puffs, beads, points, layers.....I want to start with a piece of embroidered cloth to drape behind this soft lower edge....a double edge, a layered edge.
04/29/2017
pockets on a swatch
Pocket.....a piece of fabric attached onto or inside something which can be used to carry items.
Pockets on a swatch. The lemon and white one is evident, the flowery one? the pleats, three pleats which by the act of pleating create pockets. You can never have enough pockets, useable or otherwise.
I wondered if I was heading for circle overload on this one but I think I can fit more straight lines in here if I try hard enough.
The cloth background I have used for this one is a chalky creamy colour. It looks much better ''in the flesh''.
Today is my little girls birthday.
Happy birthday Helen. We love you to the moon and back.
04/28/2017
beads, books and Liberty
It's been a week of stitched swatches and artist books, samples for class and creating new surfaces for my next cloth swatch book. I've had boxes opened rummaging for that one thing you can never find when you need it, I've had beads auditioning for space on embroidered cloth and my ironing board doesn't know whether it's coming or going it's up and down so much. (I sometimes work on my ironing board as opposed to my table. it's a much better height for me, no stooping)
The last image? A gift of Liberty cloth AND a Liberty gift voucher......I'm speechless.
04/27/2017
a corded strip for an edge
The double cord on silk with lemon bullion loops securing, that has been made for an edge. Trouble is I can't decide which edge. I initially created it for the piece with the folded hankie, now I'm not sure. It doesn't matter, I don't have to attach it yet, I can think, consider and change my mind every five minutes for a few days. I will just create another edge and they can fight it out between them.
I quite like a puzzle, a little pile of pieces that would all live easily with each other when I decide to make up my mind.
I was so tempted to bead this corded piece, to bling it up with sequins and shiny things but I restrained myself. I don't want to be known as the boring stitcher who has no other skill aside from bling. The bullion loops are enough, I like it, it's understated however be warned.....I may have to channel my inner bling on the next one.
04/26/2017
beaded edges, folded cloth
Edges, the edges of embroidered fabric swatches. Earlier in the week I was speaking about more folded hankie edges. They will still happen at some stage but for now I have resisted. For now we have folded cloth on one edge and beads and buttonhole stitch on another. On this one I have gone the extra mile, beading the seam edge on the reverse of the hem, the tiny gold beads. I don't know why I haven't thought of that before, after all the way I intend to mount these pieces means the reverse will be visible.
Embellished reverses may well become the new normal here. Just imagine how much potential for extra embroidery that creates. What's not to love?
04/25/2017
gimp and buttons
You last saw this piece here, it was untouched by hand stitch, naked....not any more. I haven't added a lot to the surface yet but it has definitely been brought to life with the addition of three buttons, three gimp knots and five bullion loops.
I am in ''artist book'' mode, not only because of class but because of the waiting list I have of people wanting an ''artist book'' of their own. I can't rush them, they wouldn't be the same, they need to be considered, taken slowly, allowed to develop naturally. This piece is the first piece of embroidered cloth for that process.
There are several post concerning ''artist books'' in this link.
I'm early today.....I am needed elsewhere. See you tomorrow.
04/24/2017
cross stitch and a folded hankie
Yesterday I said I would show you embroidery on this lace piece today.....sorry, I got too excited about my third swatch which is now finished and wanted to share that with you instead.
There is now a row of cross stitch alongside the vintage strip and a folded hankie which has a tiny pom pom decorating one fold with sequins along one edge. I now have three finished swatches, number four is being planned I just need to find a piece of plain cloth which excites me as a surface for all things titivate. At some point over the next couple of days I will be gathering my three finished swatches, laying them side by side, thinking, using them to spark ideas for number four and five, to inspire.
04/23/2017
Saturday lace
Saturday, lace day....just this week, I'm not saying this is how I spend all my Saturdays. There are two very different pieces here. I prefer the one in the first hoop image but that could be because I worked on that a little more than the other one. Embroidery has been added to my favourite of these two (I will show you that tomorrow).....gimp knots, buttons and other things. It's coming along very nicely.
Later today I want to think about edges for my ''stitched swatches'' , (if you follow that link please scroll down as there is more than one post). I am hankering after folded hankies or folded cloth....if it turns out I can't resist be prepared to be bored by repetitive edge treatments!!
04/22/2017
a very old fastening strip
This in number three swatch of five, I decided I want five swatches in my next bound, cloth swatch book. I found a very, very old blouse which was gifted to me some time ago. It's made from the finest lace, aged and worn with heavy staining in places which despite my best efforts will not budge. I don't really mind that to be honest, I like to see the history in cloth, to see the marks made before. Anyway.....I cut away a section of the front binding from the blouse where it meets to fasten. I am completely in love with that scrap of pink and the remnant of the fastening you can see here. The vintage piece was attached simply, stab stitch and running stitch. I think it lives well with the padded octagon and the small medallion like cutwork.
There is a tiny cross stitch heart here too. I want more of those but I ran out of time before ''lights out'' last night.
04/21/2017
Stitch swatch number 2
Stitch swatch number two and three have now been joined to become a new number two. I chopped a bit off I wasn't happy with, joining the two pieces with a white and pink French knot seam. It's better, I'm happy. A greyish, silverish piece of silk has been added in the form of a ''bumpy bit'' along with a strip of floral print which has a beaded loop edge.
It's a delight to work on these unplanned pieces, to just add whatever I want in whatever cloth, colour, technique I want. Number three has been started too.....think cross stitch, vintage scraps and octagons......
04/20/2017
paper
As my days are now all about ''artist books'', all things stitched paper, playing with paper and titivating pages I've been searching the archives again for anything which may be useful but has slipped my mind. It's amazing what you forget, which process, which tiny adornment, which combination of paper, cloth and stitch you forget. I swear I have forgotten more than I know.
The pages in the last image are from my ''foundation degree'' final assessment portfolio FOURTEEN years ago! I told you I never throw anything away.
04/19/2017
stitched swatches, embroidery samples......a video
As promised, my finished swatch book, my collection of stitched samples, embroidered cloth, embellished edges and stitched headers. This piece is getting handled to death, always picked up, pored over hourly. It's my library, my go to item for inspiration. I wonder how many swatch books is too many? I've already begun my second, there could well be a third....
The completion of this piece marks the end of ''embroidery school''. I shall miss it.
(the video has no sound.......I don't utter a single word)
04/18/2017
extending swatches
As you can see I am still in swatch mode. The latest one, last nights endeavours, cutwork with ruched cloth, beads, chain stitch, bullion loops. When I laid it next to the one I showed you yesterday I concluded I'm on the right track.
You may have spotted part of this one here. I decided to add it to the cutwork piece. They seem happier together.
Tomorrow I will have a short video for you....my finished piece from Embroidery School.
04/17/2017
the next swatch
Swatches are my new obsession.....I blame embroidery school. I adore, love...love!! the swatch collection I created in that class, so much so I have started another one. This morning I made two videos for embroidery school demonstrating the finishing of my piece. I will share that piece on here just as soon as the girls have seen it. (embroidery school will probably see those tomorrow so it should be on here on Wednesday)
This is the second swatch of my new collection and I will put the third together later today.
Embroidery School has now been listed as a ''work on your own'' class.
A memory popped up on my Facebook wall this morning which reminded me it's a whole year since I was here, teaching and exhibiting. In some ways it feels like yesterday yet when I think of everything which has happened since I feel it should be longer than a year. I have such happy memories from the whole experience and would love to go again next year as a visitor, no pressure, to browse and enjoy.
Meanwhile, ''artist books'' started this morning. If you are registered for that you should have received a mail notifying you that our first post is now live. Invitations to our private Flickr group will be sent later this afternoon.
04/16/2017
contrasts
You wouldn't think this would work but it does. Silk Dupion and silver purl mixed with vintage cloth and aged hankies, a little new pattern thrown in, a few spots and a Liberty print....this is a proper pick and mix. It's not finished. I still need to come up with something striking for the lower edge . The left hand side however will be simple, running stitch most likely. (as I was typing that I was thinking bullion loops, being distracted by the possibilities of those) I'm ignoring myself....running stitch it is.
The past couple of weeks have been very weird here. Lots happening, good things mostly, remarkable recoveries from major surgery (not me) , (wish I could high five you all) lots of disruption, distraction, requirements to leave the house regularly, (as you know I don't like to leave the house). We survived and tomorrow is the start of a calmer phase hopefully. Tomorrow should be the start of me keeping up with e mails, answering comments, creating huge amounts of loveliness. Thanks for hanging in with me.....I will see you tomorrow at the start of a bright, new, perfect rest of year.
04/15/2017
embroidery school edges
Embroidery school was about much more than samples, surface embroidery, practising stitch and technique........there was a considered focus on edges too. I laid them out this morning, just to look. I like to look, to remind myself I haven't been idle, to remind myself of the possibilities. I've also been looking in order to inspire the next sample swatch book I have in progress, to learn from the first one, change things around a little and create another one, a variation......
I'm so happy I made it today. I missed you yesterday.
Don't forget....Artist Books starts on Monday.....bright and early, so put down your Easter chocolate and sharpen your pencils.
04/13/2017
stitching a paper surface, a video
Although I am still very much wrapped up in finishing work from ''embroidery school'' I am also getting my head in paper, artist book, scrap, composition mode for the new class. With that in mind I added two gorgeous silver beads to this surface yesterday, on camera.
Things are a bit upside down here at the moment and the forecast is for more disarray over the coming days. With that in mind I may temporarily disappear. The shop will remain open however if you want to sign up for ''Artist Books''.
04/12/2017
Suffolk puffs
More ''finishing off'' from embroidery school, an edge of oversized Suffolk puffs.
These Suffolk puffs are very soft, created using a lovely soft cotton with padded applique decoration added at one edge. Of course this sample will look different again when it forms part of the swatch book that is yet to be put together. I'm thinking the end of next week, by then I should be able to show you the finished article.
There was a very unexpected response to my post yesterday where I showed work from an old class, sampling for stitch. There was a request for this to be listed again as a ''work on your own'' class which I have now done, you can read about that here.
If you are registered for ''artist books'' you should have received an e mail from me this morning with sign in details for our private blog. If you haven't received that mail can you please let me know.
04/11/2017
sampling for stitch
This collection was laid on my table this morning, my samples, my work, my design sheets from ''sampling for stitch''. With the new class beginning next week I was looking for little sparks, little ideas to jot down, reminding myself of process for design work which will come in useful when creating tiny stitched scraps for ''artist books''. Aside from the inspiration aspect, I love looking at past work, often discovering things I had completely forgotten about. Whilst searching for these images I also came across this one.....I included it here because it made me happy.
(embroidery school.....pay attention, you have videos coming very soon!)
04/10/2017
embroidery school, finishing touches, the last pieces of the puzzle
Embroidery school finished last week....oops, no it didn't. It didn't finish because I'm not finished, lagging behind as usual and if the teacher is lagging behind have some sympathy for the poor, long suffering students. I'm not lagging behind, dragging my heels in a negligent way, no.................I am dragging my heels in an excited, distracted, getting carried away, don't know when to stop kind of way. But, here is the evidence I am almost there. Only these two piece to finish and I shall finally be able to put my sample/swatch/book/ thingy together.
Have you noticed the pockets? the folded pockets? in the header? If there's a space for a pocket I will find it. Spaces, pockets, magnets.....
04/09/2017
Sunday
I am otherwise engaged today. Yes, I am most likely eating cake. Yes, I am most likely sitting around not doing much at all. I've got a cold, a sore throat and there's a party of sorts to be had. I will struggle through.
Happy Birthday to the best boy I am proud to call my son. We love you James.
04/08/2017
the first swatch
This is the first swatch of my second ''sample embroidery swatch book''.....the first swatch book is coming together in ''embroidery school'' and is almost finished. This one, the second one is being informed by that one, inspired by that one. I am taking ideas forward, altering pattern and placement, moving edges around, swapping fabrics and embellishments.
There is more surface embroidery needed on this but so far we have a double bullion loop seam, one row of bullion loops has added sequins, (no surprise there then). There is a row of cross stitch hearts, a little paper and lace cloth scrap and a lovely lace hankie corner. Next up for this is an ABC.
(Videos are almost ready for embroidery school. Stand by your computers girls!)
04/07/2017
edge adornments
You may remember these little things from here. They have been added to the edge of this sample which is now finished and ready to be placed into my sample, swatch, book thingy. I am hoping to have the swatch/book/sample piece finished later next week and I have already started another one because this one makes me so happy. The coloured sequins you can see on this edge were a gift. They are the most beautiful little things. You won't be surprised to hear I am using them on the first piece I have begun for the next swatch collection. You will see that very soon....
The sample/swatch/book piece is being created in ''embroidery school'' which finishes next week. I will be listing that as a ''work on your own'' class in the next few weeks but if you register now you will also get access to the private Flickr group. That access is not included in the ''work on your own'' class. You can read more about ''embroidery school'' here and see some of the work I have created during class demonstrations by following this link.
A reminder too about my new class ''Artist Books'' which begins in just over one week. You can read more about that here.
I have happy stitching plans for my weekend....I hope you do too.
04/06/2017
ten of each
You might remember that I had a few days away from here last week, partly due to family stuff but also because I taught a workshop in London last Saturday. I thought i'd let you see what was in the workshop packs for that day. There were stitched papers, stitched cloth with added paper and scraps of fabric both vintage and new. A few days before I left for London I collaged huge sheets of white papers...(third image) and a piece of that was included in each pack too.
I think it was a successful day.........there were many beautiful pieces of work created, a lot of coffee consumed and lots of cake eaten....perfect.
(there are two short videos here and here on my Instagram feed taken during the workshop)
04/05/2017
for an edge
These little pieces of embroidered and folded cloth measure no more than 3 inches in height, one of them is a mere inch and a half. They are adornments, titivation's for an edge. They will run down the side of one of the pages of my sample, swatch, book thingy....the one I spoke about yesterday. I will show you when that is done.
Later today I am going to gather some cloth and create the first page of my next swatch book, stitch seams, embellish and most likely get carried away with sequins.
04/04/2017
three pockets
There are three embroidered pockets available for sale. I haven't put them in the shop because I thought I would give you first dibs. If you're interested drop me a mail. (contemporaryembroideryathotmaildotcom) The first one, the pinky one with sequins and Suffolk puffs measures approximately 9 x 6 1/2 inches. The one with cabbages (gimp ball buttons) the second one, measures approximately 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches and the one with toggles and hankies, 8 x 6 1/2 inches. All hand stitched by moi.....and a pleasure to create from start to finish.
Plans? Plans for what to make next? I don't have any. I am working on things for ''embroidery school'', hoping to finish my ''sample swatch book thingy''. I have a hankering to work with tiny scraps for ''artist books'' but am trying to restrain myself until class begins. I am so in love with my''sample swatch book thingy'' that I might start another one.
04/03/2017
continuing embroidery school
My schoolwork, embroidery school....I don't think you have seen the piece with the zip fastening for a while and if and when you did see it last it definitely didn't look like this. It now has one edge bound with Liberty fabric , a header of vintage cloth with bells attached (I am fast falling in love with bells) and it has a lace cloth edge with sequins and beads. The other piece was started just as something to mindlessly stitch, a sample of sorts with no connection to class. I have decided now though that it will live happily with my other class work and next up for that one is a header. (you last saw it here, there has been much more added since then)
Technically''embroidery school'' finishes this week but you won't be surprised to hear that we will be carrying on because yours truly is behind with her work. If you want to sign up now it still isn't too late. You will get access to everything from day one along with access to our group forum over on Flickr. The Flickr option will not be available when class finishes. Go here to read more.
Registration has also reopened for my new class ''artist books'' which begins on April 17. You can read more about that here.
Finally I would like to say thank you to Susan, Alison, Barbara, Judith, Janice, Lesley, Christine, Jillayne and Liza for a wonderful weekend, you're amazing.
03/28/2017
bells, beads, hooks and eyes, sequins, edges,
The white piece you saw here. It only had bells and sequins then, now it has pearl like beads too. The other piece is from ''embroidery school'', a finished piece. The white piece may well find it's way into my school work too, that will be a surprise for the girls....keep them on their toes.
I am taking a few days....I will be back early next week. My shop will close on Friday until Monday so if you want to get in on the exciting finale of ''embroidery school'' or sign up for the new class, ''artist books'' before I disappear completely just go here.
03/27/2017
royal blue sequins with bullion knots
The next page of the A3 sketchbook, ledger, journal is taking shape. This one has an edge of bullion knots with royal blue sequins. All I can say is it's a good thing I like ''fiddly''. Personally, I think ''fiddly'' is always worth the effort.
I tried to get a couple of images of the sketchbook, leaf through the book images, they're not too bad but there are two other pages you can't see here. perhaps I will need to turn these pages on camera in the near future.
03/26/2017
mounting samples
I'm still working with all things book related, samples, little stitched bits although these ''bits'' are a lot bigger than the pieces in my ''artist book'' which you saw yesterday. These samples are being mounted in an A3 ledger, these are my working samples, my reference pieces for all things ''design''. This book will be added to until it's full...which may take quite some time but I am in no hurry. Having said that, there are three or four more pieces I would like to place in here before London next weekend.
If I make any progress with those later today I will show you tomorrow.....
03/25/2017
the third ''Artist Book''.
As promised, the third ''artist book'', a show and tell, a video. I won't say too much here, the video is quite descriptive, gives a good overview of this piece. You can also see short videos of the first two ''artist books'' here and here.
''Artist Book'' online learning, April 17. (click here for details.)
And!!! Drum roll.....my work, in a book, a real book, a proper book.....
03/24/2017
the final pieces of the third ''artist book'' puzzle.
Three little stitched scraps, silk, lace, paper, embroidered knots, beads, running stitch, gimp, a safety pin and a paperclip. Variety is the spice of life they say.....the safety pin is staying, the paper clip isn't. (that was used purely for photographic purposes). These are the final three pieces which will be mounted on the remaining three empty pages of my third ''artist book''. There is also some collaged, fine white paper I will use too, a little extra titivation but I forgot to take a photo of that. I hope you can see (more evident in the top image).....I hope you can see the little stacks of tiny white seed beads on the piece on the right hand side, I particularly like those.
Tomorrow if all goes to plan I will show you the finished artist book....
(Artist Book class begins April 17. Read more here)
03/23/2017
sequins, bells, and tiny tassels
I don't have any end product in mind with this, I just wanted to create something using all things pretty with a little bit of shiny thrown in. Sequins, (on the bullion knots over piping cord) , silver bells and tiny hand made tassels. Call it escapism, happy titivating, embroidery which required no great brain work, no taxing creative thoughts.....just lose yourself while you stitch. Try it. I can recommend it.
03/22/2017
it's all about paper
There's paper everywhere at the moment. Stitched paper, torn paper, collaged paper. Yesterday I stitched the pages into my latest Artist book. They aren't finished but stitching them in gives me a clearer sense of what I still need to do. I can figure out which sample lives best where, which scrap of collage works as an overlay on which page.
Then there are my larger stitched pieces which you can see in the last two images. Those pieces are being mounted into A3 sketchbooks, hopefully before London but I'm not so sure I will meet that particular deadline.
(we will be creating pieces similar to these in my Artist Book class which begins in April. You can read more here)
03/21/2017
strips
Playing with toggles, cutting strips of cloth before joining them and rolling them. I have stitched three of these, one only partially, the one with the ''dogs dinner'' seam. I'm not going to say which one that is. I will let you search for it, a little challenge for you. I'm undecided, the jury is out. These are very fat and squishy, a lot bigger than I visualised. That is most likely down to the velvet. At the moment they remind me of overgrown slugs, not that I am averse to slugs I just never envisaged incorporating them into my embroidery. These will hopefully find their way onto a seam or an edge at some point, providing I grow to love them.
03/20/2017
piles of creativity and stitched papers
I succumbed.....the piece from yesterday.....I cut it, or ripped it to be more precise. It wasn't as painful as I had expected. I think it works, I think it depends on what you put next to it, how you place it on the page and which other stitched piece you lay alongside it.
The first four images are how my table looked this morning. The other two images are papers I have been combining, (to tear up). There will be more of that later today and pages may also get stitched together bringing the third Artist Book nearer to completion.
You may have noticed I changed my blog layout back again. You get bigger pictures this way.
03/19/2017
layers of tissue, strips of cloth
This piece is quite small, you can see it here in a 7 inch hoop. My intention was to create a cloth and paper collage which I could then stitch into, tear up and add to my latest Artist Book. Thing is, I don't know if I can bring myself to do that now or whether I will be tempted to keep it purely as a collaged sheet of embroidery stitches for future reference, for future inspiration. Having said that....If I feel that way about any more of these pieces I will never fill my little book in time for London. I will give myself a good talking to and see what comes from that.
This one has a base of tissue papers, (several layers) and cloth strips were added before I began to stitch. A few beads managed to sneak their way into the French knots and I was going to say there's not a sequin in sight but there is...a solitary sequin on the lace overlay. What can I say, I have no self control. The images today are a good illustration of things we will be working with in my new class which begins on April 17. You can read more about that here.
Finally, I am so far behind on answering comments, saying thank you, responding in general. I am so, so sorry. I know we all have many demands on our time, I'm just useless at time management that's all. Please bear with me, I am more grateful than you will ever know for every single comment, note, visit......
03/18/2017
classwork....
Embroidery school and a collection of samples. I have three here, there are two more in progress. It's the headers on these three which have been getting a little attention this week. One has colourful bullion loops binding it, another has a row of pretty sequined loops, (the pink check one) whilst the plain white header has yet to be titivated. I'm dithering a little with that one.
It's a true pleasure to handle these, to feel the weight of the stitches, the beads, the buttons, the sequins and to appreciate how the different fabrics live together. There is silk, printed cotton, Broderie Anglaise, Liberty lawn and some old, old hankies.....
It won't be long until my five pieces are completed and bound together.
03/17/2017
paper and stitch (and you won't be surprised to see a few sequins)
Yesterday afternoon....frantically putting work together for London in two weeks.......and doing a little bit more for me, just because I could. These are the results. Stitch paper, stitch cloth to paper, rip it up and let the embroidery begin. Last night I added beads, embroidery, tassels and sequins to scraps torn from the pieces in the first two images. These are for the artist book I showed you the beginning of here. Also, each of these images is a perfect illustration of what we will be doing in my new class which begins on April 17. You can read about that here.
My weekend will be more paper, more London prep and a little embroidery on my samples for embroidery school. I love how those are coming together and I hope to show you some progress from that class tomorrow.
03/16/2017
sequin pocket....
Nine by six and a half inches.....several seams, lots of sequins, lots of bullion knots, quite a few Suffolk puffs and a little bit of gimp. There, that's your recipe for a pocket if you would like to make one. This one has a pocket on a pocket which is filled with tiny Suffolk puffs. There are Suffolk puffs on the reverse and inside, on the lining. I know I have said it before but I mean it this time...I think....this will be the last one for a while. Artist books will be my focus for the next few days along with my work for ''embroidery School''. There is also the small matter of workshop packs which still need to be finished......time to make a brew and crack on.
03/15/2017
pulling it all together
In this video I showed you the first little samples I had created for my next ''artist book''. Some of those have now found their way onto freshly cut pages along with others, new pieces, I'm rocking the white and silver today and loving how they react when placed together, when laid side by side. I had a difficult task this morning sorting out images, deciding which ones to leave out.
This will be my third artist book in this series. Experience tells me it won't be finished any time soon although I would like it to be finished within the next two weeks. I'm determined not to rush though....time isn't the most important factor here, inspiration and creativity are.
03/14/2017
sequins and Suffolk puffs
Sequins and seams, the focus for me over the past three or four evenings. This is the first time I have ever used sequins in my embroidery and I am addicted, completely and utterly smitten. This piece will be the front of a small pocket, (I know I was unsure last week if there would be more pockets at the moment but hey, here's your answer and I bet you aren't surprised)
On this pocket front is .....a pocket.....a little turned over area which is now filled with little hand made Suffolk puffs. The reverse of this piece is pinned together waiting to be embellished....there will be more sequins, brace yourselves.
We are using sequins in ''embroidery school'' now which is still running and to which you would have access forever....and a day...... should you choose to sign up. You can read more here.
And a reminder about my new class beginning on April 17....all things ''Artist Book''. You can read about that one here.
03/13/2017
chat
I made you a video today....an explanation of what's going on with all the stuff you can see in the images. It's easier to say it than write it.
03/12/2017
embroidery school
These are my embroidered samples from class. I have more but these are the two nearest to completion or they would be if I didn't keep thinking of things to add to them. I was supposed to be finishing them, edging them, adding neat edges and hems and headers but I couldn't resist adding a little more stitching here and there. I have had a word with myself....we shall see if it works.
A little reminder about my new class which begins in early April. You can read more here.
03/11/2017
an incomplete seam and a new class
An incomplete seam on a new piece put together yesterday, a diversion, a new challenge. This one has sequins. I don't think I have ever used sequins before. It also has extra fat loops....one of which appears to have come alive overnight. I'm loving all the added titivation's appearing in my work recently, the beads, now sequins. Who knew? Allegedly I used to be afraid of colour.
The unruly loop will be corrected, I have to. It spoils the neatness of the line. (it's the fourth one from the left in the top image)
I changed my layout, did you spot that? Is it better? If not better is it ok? is it a non disaster?
Also.....just in case you missed it..... a new class.....
Artist Books
Begins Monday April 17 for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
Join me whilst I create pages of stitch
and collage using cloth, embroidered scraps, beads, buttons, lace,
pattern and paper. My pages will, at the end of our 8 weeks, be combined
in order to create an Artist Book, an Artist Book bursting with samples
and inspiration.
Your pages can be added to any book you wish, make
your own ledger with fine paper, with hand made paper, with patterned
paper or use a special sketchbook, maybe even a story book. These things
will be discussed and considered during our 8 weeks of creativity.
***please note. I have only basic book making skills. This is not a book making class in terms of the creation of finely bound sketchbooks, journals or ledgers. My own book will be very basic and simple. I am happy for you to be more experimental and adventurous with your own books. I encourage the pushing of boundaries, the exploration of idea and thought.***
My role will be to demonstrate the creation of large collaged sheets of paper, cloth and embroidery, to illustrate the creation, from those sheets of stitched scraps for your pages and to then share how a page can be adorned in order to enhance the presentation of your sampling.
In addition I will make large sheets of stitched cloth and paper which will ''stand alone'' and not be added to my little Artist book''.
This is not an ''art'' class as you may imagine. There almost certainly will not be paint, pen, drawing, sketching.....my little book will be enhanced purely through the use of stitch.
Images of my own ''Artist Books'' can be seen here. From viewing these images you will gain an appreciation of what can be achieved during our 8 week programme and beyond.
http://karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/artist-books/
Please note, certain tasks within this programme require the use of a sewing machine.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
You do not need to have participated in any of my previous online learning programmes to take part in this class.
03/10/2017
Artist Books. Collage, paper, cloth and stitch.
I've been asked....and asked again.....so here it is, a new class...artist books and collage, paper, cloth, embroidery, beads, buttons, titivation's.......
Artist Books
Begins Monday April 17 for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
Join me whilst I create pages of stitch
and collage using cloth, embroidered scraps, beads, buttons, lace,
pattern and paper. My pages will, at the end of our 8 weeks, be combined
in order to create an Artist Book, an Artist Book bursting with samples
and inspiration.
Your pages can be added to any book you wish, make
your own ledger with fine paper, with hand made paper, with patterned
paper or use a special sketchbook, maybe even a story book. These things
will be discussed and considered during our 8 weeks of creativity.
***please note. I have only basic book making skills. This is not a book making class in terms of the creation of finely bound sketchbooks, journals or ledgers. My own book will be very basic and simple. I am happy for you to be more experimental and adventurous with your own books. I encourage the pushing of boundaries, the exploration of idea and thought.***
My role will be to demonstrate the creation of large collaged sheets of paper, cloth and embroidery, to illustrate the creation, from those sheets of stitched scraps for your pages and to then share how a page can be adorned in order to enhance the presentation of your sampling.
In addition I will make large sheets of stitched cloth and paper which will ''stand alone'' and not be added to my little Artist book''.
This is not an ''art'' class as you may imagine. There almost certainly will not be paint, pen, drawing, sketching.....my little book will be enhanced purely through the use of stitch.
Images of my own ''Artist Books'' can be seen here. From viewing these images you will gain an appreciation of what can be achieved during our 8 week programme and beyond.
http://karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/artist-books/
Please note, certain tasks within this programme require the use of a sewing machine.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
You do not need to have participated in any of my previous online learning programmes to take part in this class.
03/09/2017
this and that
New fabric, new cloth, gifts of beads and paper and purl along with stitched paper, lace cloth, embroidery, titivating. It's been a busy and exciting few days. I'm not here today, I am here...drinking coffee whilst my other half takes photographs. Normal service will be resumed tomorrow. Behave yourselves whilst I am gone.
03/08/2017
five pockets, fronts and backs.
I can't decide, can't choose, can't pick a favourite. Five pockets, varied sizes with one that is teeny tiny. I just decided to get them all out and look for a while. Fronts, backs, insides...all embroidered. I have a feeling I will be doing this a lot, just looking, wondering which I like best and which way to go with the next one, if there is a next one.
I'll be giving that some thought later today. To make another one or not to make another one. Artist books are demanding my attention, (a good thing, a pleasure...always) so is there time for cloth on any scale, an exclusively cloth piece, a lining and extra adornments.
Back to Artist Books. The almost finished one you saw yesterday is now finished. You can see a brief video of it here....
03/07/2017
embellished fragments, collage scraps
Collage sheets are fast becoming an addiction, as if I need another one. This one you saw the other day has now been torn up and stitches have been added here and there along with beads and other titivation's to create little fragments to finish the second artist book of this series. (I was asked a few times whether the copper in that piece was ribbon. No it isn't, it's embossed on the surface of some paper I bought and tore up to use in the collage)
Also here, some scraps of graph paper with cloth and stitch which you haven't sen before.....
Yesterday I created another cloth and paper collage and I am embroidering into it, treating it like a piece of cloth. The possibilities are endless and it's such a beautiful surface to work into, to handle. I will share that on here when I have worked on it some more.
03/06/2017
details.....
This has now become this you see today. There is an embroidered lining along with a beaded seam. The lower and upper edges are hand finished with running stitch. I feel I can say the fiddling was worth it. This little pocket measures six and a half by seven inches if you include the lace edge. There are 112 bullion loops on two seams, 28 beaded bullion loops, 17 seed beads at the inner edge along with 14 applique ''flowers'' and 15 Suffolk puffs. Phew.....that doesn't include the beads, bullion's and puffs on the lining. (4 bullion knots, 5 beaded bullion knots and three Suffolk puffs in case you were wondering)
It's ''recipe'' like....ingredients and method for a tiny pocket.
No comments:
Post a Comment