05/22/2013
sorry....
Sorry...yes, sorry. I was going to apologise because all my planned pin pillows have been taken, reserved. I was mailed and asked by several people and as there really never is a guarantee that anything will sell I feel as if I can't turn down a concrete request....ever. But then I had a panic attack.....I get like this at times. What if someone didn't ask in time? Am I being unfair? I don't know. You decide. So because of that I have decided that the two here will not go to a reservee but will go in the shop.....later today...in around half an hour...If nobody wants them they won't languish.....a reservee will get theirs a little bit quicker.
If you are a reservee.....and you know who you are....don't buy one of these as I am going to start yours tonight. After that I won't mention pin pillows again. (well not for a couple of weeks anyway!) Phew....I feel a little less heavy in the conscience department now, I will sleep soundly tonight.
Tomorrow I am having a day off. I am being wined and dined and given cake. Tomorrow is my birthday. Behave yourselves whilst I am gone....see you Friday....x
05/21/2013
considering.....
Proof that there is more going on here than pin pillows. I have been examining old work. sparking ideas centred on going back to basics for simply stitch. (don't panic if you are registered for that. You don't need to do any of this. This is merely what I do when I plan on a change of direction)
Simply stitch is for me to re connect, to go back to my inspiration in its most basic form and that was....and still is...domesticity (my own) wrapped up with my Grandmothers, the women of the past, utility stitching, traditional stitching. That is ever present in my work now, be it pin pillows or wrapping cloths. It is the patterning that has changed not the motivation. Now I want to alter the patterning, the technique...hence this exercise.
By coincidence Fiber Art Now highlighted a piece of my work yesterday..... that piece is here, 5th image down and can also been seen in some of today's other pictures. The significance of this work is the ironing board, (domesticity....or slavery depending on your point of view!!) specifically my own examination of the ironing board in previous work. This morning I have been looking back at that and combining that previous design work with familiar patterning and older patterning.
Are you keeping up? I hope so.....because remember the other day when I said I saw hexagons in my future? Well there are a few of those here too and see those viewers....the rectangular card things? I also see some of those in my future....except they will be hexagonal ones.
Aside from playing and reminiscing I went out this morning to buy essentials for my holiday. I say essentials....I mean clothes. They are pretty essential I suppose but to me clothes shopping is akin to being banned from embroidery for a year. I detest it. I don't like shiny.I don't like sequins. I don't like huge prints or sugary ribbony girly things. Basically it's white and various shades of black. Actually give me a sack....that will do. Anyway.....I returned after two hours torture with.....four packets of envelopes, two packets of white tissue paper and some toothbrush caps. Successful? You decide.
Please don't panic on my behalf however. I can assure you that all my important bits are well covered.......with tat!
05/20/2013
a little white and a new jar....
05/19/2013
Sunday....
This mornings activity at Ruane Towers and a tissue count of only three....yes three. Things are drying up which is surely a good sign. I have been looking back at my blog this week and I am surprised you aren't all asleep or yawning at the very least. This is all you have seen since time began. I do apologise......but....I am on a mission to complete this batch of pillows and then consign them to the far reaches of my memory. I have other plans, pressing plans but fear that if I leave these they will never get done. Bear with me.....it will pass.....sooner rather than later.
Two weeks tomorrow I will be off here...on an aeroplane....in the sky....I am trying a little psychology here, preparing myself. I'm not a big fan of the metal bird doing it only as a means to an end and mostly in a state of stupefied fear. If I begin to confront it now it may be easier come the hour. These little pillows definitely have to be finished by then.
05/18/2013
sandwiches and tabs
I'm a little late today. That's because I am doing everything in slow motion, my attempt at taking it easy. I am still getting through more tissues than I ever thought humanly possible so less of that and I would have an abundance of time. I haven't even been to school today. It could be mayhem over there as they have been left unsupervised for so long. Actually....I daren't look. What have you been up to?
Gentle embroidery on pin pillows is how I spent yesterday evening, when I wasn't nodding off in the chair. Two are now sandwiches ready to be finished. One of them is already spoken for and the other? well I got a bit carried away with that one It's huge....I am not listing anyway until they are all finished. I can't give you a day yet it depends on the tissue, blowing, nose situation. I also made tabs....I love those, tiny little things, very cute.
I also have hexagons on my mind, a plan, a plan for part of simply stitch. It is taking all my strength to control myself and not rush headlong into that one. Honestly....I am bursting with excitement, itching to do something with it....maybe a doodle. But then I couldn't share. I would have to become a recluse...........
05/17/2013
more human....
I
am feeling a little more human today although I still can't stray too
far away from the tissues. Yesterday I slept again.....so much sleep.
Does that mean I will be able to stay awake for days now? We shall see.
The dreaded supermarket was tackled this morning, with help. Phew. Now
it's a weekend of not very much except embroidery.
The lace girls got their last two videos this morning. The piece you can see here that isn't in the hoop is from one of those videos. It pains me to say that they are making so much more progress with their lace work than I am. I am a little green at all the amazingly gorgeous things they are making. My focus is on pin pillows at the moment, one in particular....TB...your pillow so I can send your pouch. You must think you are never going to get them. I am on it honestly.
Aside from embroidery I plan to do some internet surfing at the weekend. I may well stop by your place so make sure the kettle is on and don't forget to have the tissues handy either. I am also eyeing up all the blank ledgers I have, being tempted to doodle and excited deciding which one I should use for 'simply stitch'....maybe I will use more than one? I have a ''thing'' for ledgers/journals/sketchbooks and buy way too many of them, never use them but they are lovely just to look at. At least that's what I tell myself.
05/16/2013
Lace
Only one image today, sorry about that. I'm still not 100% and spent most of yesterday afternoon asleep. There was no embroidery of any kind yesterday. Thanks so much for all your good wishes......they mean a lot.
What I have been doing is finishing off Lace class. Tomorrow is the last time for that one and it has flown by. I shall miss it. A great group of girls are creating the most fabulous work so once again here is the link.
Finally, (because I am keeping it brief in order that I can dash for tissues when the sneezes come!!) the link to the new class is now here....all the information you could ever need. Let's hope that normal service will be resumed tomorrow, thank you for your patience.....x
05/15/2013
untitled
Sorry. Untitled as I can't think of a title. I am decidedly under the weather....man flu...I must however muster the motivation to say thank you for your overwhelming response to yesterdays post. I appreciate it more than you could know. I have posted it again under here....the more the merrier or so they say. This morning has been half spent getting video ready for my lace girls, the other half spent feeling sorry for myself. These pictures....pin pillow progress.....tomorrow I hope to have more to say. I'm off to bed.....
Simply Stitch. A gathering of cloth and embroiderers
Commencing Monday June 17 Simply stitch, a gathering of cloth and embroiderers is my latest online learning programme born from a desire to get ''back to basics'', hand stitch at it's purest. This online creative experience will take the form of a very relaxed and gentle gathering of cloth and embroiderers, those who have an affinity with handling cloth, working with cloth. Twice weekly, sometimes more, we will gather together and embroider. I will discuss my plans, my inspiration, the preparation and creation of embroidered cloth. I will demonstrate technique and process throughout. I can guarantee that there will be pockets, pouches, pin pillows and more. I will share thoughts along with the more tangible sources which drive me. I will doodle, you will be encouraged to do the same.
It is my hope that you bring your own work along with you, to share and discuss with the group. We will guide and support each other, sharing tips and process, a gathering of girls for ''online'' afternoon tea.
You are welcome to continue and /or begin your own projects within the forum of this class. You are also welcome to observe and plan work around the pieces I create. If you do not wish to embroider then that is fine too. You can just follow along with us as I record my personal, creative process on a twice weekly basis. You will be given access to me, my day, my embroidery with demonstration, discussion and instruction throughout.
Video will be hosted on a pasword protected blog and there will be a dedicated private flickr group where you can upload images and interact with your peers by means of private discussion.
Upon registration you will be sent a brief e-mail to confirm your seat at the table.
Suitable for beginners and the more experienced.
05/14/2013
Simply Stitch....a new class...back to basics.
Has it been a long time coming? I feel as if it has been in my consciousness for a long time, the desire, the wish.....and the need to do this. There has been a lot of thought, deep thinking, questioning...of myself and my methods, my inspiration and that which drives me. I have a need to go back, to re visit my early research, my passion for cloth and stitch. I hope you will come along with me.
a stitch........one complete movement of a threaded needle through cloth such as to leave behind it a single loop or portion of thread, as in sewing, embroidery,
Simply Stitch. A gathering of cloth and embroiderers
Commencing Monday June 17 Simply stitch, a gathering of cloth and embroiderers is my latest online learning programme born from a desire to get ''back to basics'', hand stitch at it's purest. This online creative experience will take the form of a very relaxed and gentle gathering of cloth and embroiderers, those who have an affinity with handling cloth, working with cloth. Twice weekly, sometimes more, we will gather together and embroider. I will discuss my plans, my inspiration, the preparation and creation of embroidered cloth. I will demonstrate technique and process throughout. I can guarantee that there will be pockets, pouches, pin pillows and more. I will share thoughts along with the more tangible sources which drive me. I will doodle, you will be encouraged to do the same.
It is my hope that you bring your own work along with you, to share and discuss with the group. We will guide and support each other, sharing tips and process, a gathering of girls for ''online'' afternoon tea.
You are welcome to continue and /or begin your own projects within the forum of this class. You are also welcome to observe and plan work around the pieces I create. If you do not wish to embroider then that is fine too. You can just follow along with us as I record my personal, creative process on a twice weekly basis. You will be given access to me, my day, my embroidery with demonstration, discussion and instruction throughout.
Video will be hosted on a pasword protected blog and there will be a dedicated private flickr group where you can upload images and interact with your peers by means of private discussion.
Upon registration you will be sent a brief e-mail to confirm your seat at the table.
Suitable for beginners and the more experienced.
05/13/2013
head clearing doodles and a small piece of white
I doodled and I made notes. I even got the thesaurus out.....somehow it inspires me. I love words. Decisions have been made and plans jotted down, or should I say scribbled down. I think I am in need of handwriting lessons.
Once the head was clear I embroidered, a tiny piece on my latest white thing with a few bullion knots and the ever present buttonhole lace. Actually....I am pre empting (only slightly) tomorrows school work so if you're watching girls shut your eyes now! This has to be put away today though and attention given to the pin pillows. One lovely lady is waiting for her pouch which can't be sent until her requested pin pillow is made....I'm on it. You will be first.
05/12/2013
catching breath
You may see this as a bit of a cop out...a lazy post. In truth I haven't embroidered for two days Yesterday I was at the wettest garden party in the history of the world. I got there early enough for a ''dry bum'' seat indoors and despite mother natures best efforts had an amazing day not getting home until late last night. I spent time with my foreign relatives, my native relatives, children, a baby and a cat....The baby and I were very comfortable around each other. She fell asleep on my arm for almost an hour. There is something very satisfying about holding a sleeping baby, can't quite explain but it made the day extra special. Cake was eaten and trifle. I said goodbye to my brother and his family before they head home to Sweden....not a sad occasion as I will be visiting them in three weeks. I posted images from yesterday on facebook and instagram so if you want to see some cake, a garden and a cat then just look at either of those places.
So far it's been a funny old day today. I can't seem to get back into the swing of things so I intend to spend a while thinking, catching my breath and making a few notes about the next class. Later today the needle and thread will be out...absolutely no question of that so tomorrow you will not be fobbed off with old photographs.
05/11/2013
white and doodles...
05/10/2013
master sheet...
This morning I decided to call this the master sheet. Well it is really, a large piece of cloth marked out into smaller sections of various size that will be embroidered, embellished, titivated and then cut up to make pin pillows. I worked on another section last night, the section in the top image. The section in every image actually but in the top one it is alone..... That doesn't mean that the first section is finished. I am perusing that one and will return to it later. Last night there was cross stitch, bullion knots, French knots, layering, ruffles, running stitch and a lot of tacking to identify boundaries, seams and cutting lines. Tonight this will rest, will be given some peace and quiet whilst I add a little something to something else. That may sound vague but I can't describe really...the white piece you saw recently with a little something added. No clearer? Didn't think so.....
I think you may have been waiting for news of a class this week I said it last week...I have failed. I am sorry. I am just not ready......inefficient, unreliable, flighty, you name it that's me. Next week....honestly, I promise.
05/09/2013
yesterday.....
05/08/2013
Lace.....
This is a sample I made for class. A piece of cloth I created with lace and then titivated with knots and other stuff. This is what I have set the girls for homework. I hope none of them are listening, they should be working hard!! In all honesty I cannot believe the wonderful work appearing in the group and we only started on Monday. If you want to see too then just pop over for a look.
Aside from lace class I have been thinking pockets...of a different kind. It was a question from another group and it has really got me fired up and excited. There are definitely pockets in my future, stay tuned for more of that. Later today I will be piecing. I have given in and will make more pin pillows. I will also be giving my wrapping cloth some much needed attention today, I really can't wait to have that one to warm my feet in a morning.
05/07/2013
hoops
05/06/2013
pin pillows and a pouch
They're finished, four pin pillows and a pouch. These will find their way into the shop later today. They are not there yet I haven't had time. Normally when I finish something I flounder....what to do next. It is exciting too planning a new project and piecing cloth, choosing cloth and thinking about how I will embroider, embellish the surface. Not this time though. I have my wrapping cloth to finish, I have lace to make with class. There is also my lace curtain that I want to give a little attention to. Alongside that I have plans taking shape for a new class and I hope to be able to say more about that later this week.
Back to the pin pillows and pouch....I made a video. I think this gives a better sense of the pieces and shows the detail more clearly. The measurements? They will be given when they go into the shop but the pouch is approximately 12 x 12 inches.
Just a note before I go about lace class. The first mail went out this morning. If you signed up for ''Lace'' and haven't received this then please let me know.
05/05/2013
still making
I'm making steady progress. Yesterday I machine stitched the pin pillows and the pouch in the afternoon. Last night I began trimming, turning, tacking and embellishing the seams by hand. The pouch is the nearest to completion but they should all be finished by bed time today....at least that's the plan.
There is a busy afternoon ahead too. Lace begins tomorrow!! Woo...how did that come round so fast. I hope the lace girls have their titivating bits ready and you may even need a notebook and pencil...the first one is a long one....don't say you weren't warned.
05/04/2013
start and finish
I have so many e mails to answer. Anyone available for the position of PA? The pay isn't much but you can play with cloth at the same time. I will make you coffee, or tea but no cake I haven't got time. I may be able to find a couple of biscuits. Sound tempting? No takers? I promise, promise,promise I will set aside some time tomorrow to reply, to show that I do have manners, that I was raised correctly. Next thing you know my mum will be scolding me and confining me to my room.
I may not be very efficient at answering mail but I do spend time usefully, or is that pleasurably to satisfy my need for embroidery. I wouldn't put it down as frittering my time away but guess that a lot of people would. So I haven't been sitting with my feet up, drinking gin and watching daytime TV. My pouch is almost finished. The lining cloth is pressed and later today this will be put together, edges titivated and voila!! there will be a new pouch in my life. Not for me though it will be going in the shop with the pin pillows. (when they're ready. They have been tacked and titivated with tabs. They just need the sewing machine bit done so that tonight I can titivate those too. It will be titivation central round here at 8 pm!!) (don't come knocking because I won't be answering)
A new piece is taking shape too. For now there has merely been a frill added and half a seam embroidered. There will be more about this next week when I talk more about 'simply stitching', my new class.
05/03/2013
the many stages of a pin pillow
Making pin pillows would be a quick process you would think. Maybe it is for others, maybe I fuss too much or flap about doing nothing very much. Anyhow, it doesn't matter because I'm in no hurry really. First of all I had to piece the lace and the silk. Then I had to titivate and then titivate some more. Maybe that's where I fall down, over titivating. Anyway again, it doesn't matter as I am in no hurry. Then I had to damp stretch. The next thing was measuring the cloth for the back, pressing it, cutting it out. Then I had to find my labels, a major task if you could see all the piles of stuff I have here. Once I found the labels I pressed those and cut them out cutting the tabs to size at the same time.
Are you keeping up? Now I have gorgeous little cloth piles, cloth sandwiches.....on the ironing board ready for tacking and making up. Don't fall asleep yet......after that they need to be stuffed and the final seam requires closing by hand. That's not quite it though....then I will hand embroider every edge, to finish, to add that little extra, to go to the n'th degree. Now....who wants to make a pin pillow? Off you go then, get pressing, piecing and cutting up.
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