06/25/2024
pockets and buttons
Yesterday I gave you a glimpse of the wrapping cloth I have been putting together in 'embroidery school'.
That video is at the foot of this post if you missed it.
Today it's pockets and embroidered buttons, also from embroidery school.
(the pockets are from past works which were used as examples during our current class)
One thing I learnt from this particular class....4 weeks is not long enough.
06/24/2024
Gimp
We have been working with gimp over in Embroidery School.
The possibilities for surface embellishment with this beautiful cord are endless.
A very short video for you today......
06/22/2024
yes, it's another wrapping cloth.
I'm here.....sorry I have been away so long, personal stuff.
This piece is what I have mostly been working on whilst I've been 'gone'.
A very brief show and tell.
06/11/2024
surfaces for hand stitch
This week in embroidery school.....creating unique surfaces for hand embroidery.
Lace cloth, snippet cloth, stitched papers.
This was also a good opportunity to build up my stash, I love a big stash of these pieces.
It's not too late to join us in class.
You get access to all videos from the start which include embroidered buttons and piecing a wrapping cloth.
In addition you have lifetime acces to all resources.
To read more just go here.
06/10/2024
assessing....
Yes, I know there's a bit of clashing going on here. That's a good thing.
The white silk piece will be a wrap/cloth book for these samples....it's all explained in the video below from my original post about this project.
My thinking.....have the cover completely different to the content, it is after all a piece of embroidery in its own right.
I've had it all together today as I've been measuring for the pages which will be embellished too but probably in a way that is more in keeping with the actual samples.
06/09/2024
scraps of cloth
I never throw anything away.....at least I never throw away little offcuts or scraps of cloth. You never know when you might need them.
There's a lot of things happening here that I can't share yet but this image is a tiny glimpse of what I have been doing this morning.
I'm hoping to share more of this later in the week when the girls in class have seen it.
06/07/2024
creating surfaces for hand embroidery
This morning....all things sewing machine.
Lace cloth, snippet cloth, stitched papers.
Creating unique surfaces for hand embroidery.
Video demonstrations for 'embroidery school'.
06/06/2024
more lace and three prairie points
This piece is growing quickly now I think.
It feels like I'm almost there although once I have finished with applique and hexagons I will be scattering tiny spots of cross stitch across some of the white space.
You may be able to just make out some little areas of cross stitch in the second picture.
The true colour is a pale lemon although it looks more green here.
There will be more of that before I call this piece finished and then of course I will need to create and embellish the lining.
Here though, the main focus is the lace and prairie points which I spoke about in my last post.
06/04/2024
auditioning lace and a bowl of buttons
It's time to add more lace to this piece, a small piece with Prairie points too I think.
The buttons and embroidered puffs? They are from our first day in class, next up for the girls is how to piece a wrapping cloth.
06/03/2024
little pockets
Small applique pockets have been added to this piece, I love a pocket.
There's still a lot of work to do on here and there's quite a bit of white space that I want to embellish.
I'm mulling over adding small cross stitch motifs to those areas.....let's see what happens.
06/01/2024
gathering
This is more of a public service announcement than a blog post I guess but I have an important question for those of you who are signed up to 'embroidery school, an introduction'.
Did you get your email this morning? There was one yesterday too.
If you haven't received one or both of those then please get in touch with me asap.
I took this photo this morning. I've been gathering scraps for the wrapping cloth I will be putting together part way through week one.
I'm itching to get going!
05/31/2024
inspired by......
More chat today about the embroidery from yesterday.
A very short video.
(If you have registered for 'embroidery school' you should have received an email from me this morning. If you didn't receive that can you please let me know.)
05/30/2024
more embroidery and added ribbon
This piece has grown a little since you last saw it here.
There is more patchwork and applique along with some ribbon strands and a wrapped ring.
It's slow going but I'm not in a hurry.
You may have missed it or you may be new here so a reminder, this piece will become a wrap for the embroidered samples in this post where you'll also find a video explanation.
It's also good practice for wrapping cloth creation as I will be putting one of those together in my new class which begins next Monday!!
05/28/2024
a new wrap taking shape
There has been progress on the piece I showed you in my last post.
More appilque, more patchwork, more hexagons, a little piece of vintage lace and some prairie points.
There is no plan as such for this piece. I'm just going to keep embellishing with whatever takes my fancy until the surface is covered with hand embroidery.
I am trying to keep it cohesive by using the same Liberty cloth throughout but there will hopefully be more randon things appearing on here too, like the vintage lace.
This piece will be a wrap for the samples I showed you in this post.
05/26/2024
hand embroidery, surface design, a wrap
Applique, chain stitch, bullion knots, hexagons, patchwork, vintage lace, decorative bindings......it's all going on in these pieces.
The second image is a piece I started yesterday on silk dupion which will become a wrap for the samples in this post.
The other two pieces are wrapping cloths I finished some time ago.
They are here to inspire the current piece.
If traditional hand embroidery like this is 'your thing', we will be creating using these techniques in my new class which starts in just over a week.
You can read all about that here.
05/25/2024
embroidered samples
There has been some 'sorting out' going on.
Mainly I was looking for fabrics to use in a new project but I became blinded by all the unmounted, embroidered samples I have.
Time to get a grip Karen and get them safely mounted in cloth books or wraps.
These samples today are probably only a 5th of what I have but I have to start somewhere!
Today...binding an edge....
*******
Embroidery School. Begins June 3rd for four weeks.
A short 'fly on the wall' experience, a taster, a preview of my teaching and the wealth of information shared in my online learning programmes.
*****
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Zoom meetings are held twice on one day every two weeks, usually on a Monday at 10am and 7pm UK time to enable attendance from all time zones.
Members are welcome to attend both sessions if they wish.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 4 weeks of creativity, a
unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my
working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and
develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill
that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric.
There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces.
There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstrate my working processes and discuss my ideas and inspirations.
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.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
Please allow 36 hours from registration to the receipt of a welcome email.
***Provisional Zoom timetable***
Monday June 3rd. 10am & 7pm BST
Monday June 17th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Thursday June 27th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Reviews of my online learning programmes can be viewed here.
Register here.
05/21/2024
wrapping cloths, paper and cloth
Outside of prep work for my upcoming online class I am working on two pieces.
One, a wrapping cloth created with Liberty fabric adorned with hand embroidery stitches, pleated cloth, applique and prairie points and the second piece....a wrapping cloth created using stitched and pieced papers adorned with hand embroidery, scraps of vintage cloth and small scraps of decorative paper.
Both of these pieces are quite a way from being finished.
The paper piece you recently saw here. (there is a short video in that post, a kind of show and tell of the paper piece)
Since then I have attached two more embroidered panels to the main piece and pinned another panel ready to be embellished.
Both of these pieces will lie untouched for a while now whilst I progress embroidery for my new class.
*****
Embroidery School. Begins June 3rd for four weeks.
A short 'fly on the wall' experience, a taster, a preview of my teaching and the wealth of information shared in my online learning programmes.
*****
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Zoom meetings are held twice on one day every two weeks, usually on a Monday at 10am and 7pm UK time to enable attendance from all time zones.
Members are welcome to attend both sessions if they wish.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 4 weeks of creativity, a
unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my
working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and
develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill
that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric.
There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces.
There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstrate my working processes and discuss my ideas and inspirations.
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.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
Please allow 36 hours from registration to the receipt of a welcome email.
***Provisional Zoom timetable***
Monday June 3rd. 10am & 7pm BST
Monday June 17th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Thursday June 27th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Reviews of my online learning programmes can be viewed here.
Register here.
05/19/2024
embellishments....
I'm in teacher mode at the moment, thinking about and prepping for my new class which begins two weeks tomorrow.
In this post I was considering my options regarding my own embroidered buttons, my hand made buttons.
Today I am mostly looking at 'bought' embellishments which may be used as surface embellishments on embroidered pieces.
Sometimes it can be so hard to choose, to make decisions, to plan which objects to use.
That's when you have to be patient, to work a little on your specific piece and hope it will tell you what it needs.
It invariably does but it's still a good idea to remind yourself of your options.
05/17/2024
Bullion knots
They are the things I get asked about the most.
So many readers of this blog seem to struggle with bullion knots, so today a quick demonstration that I hope helps.
The other thing I will say......practice. It really helps. Get yourself a scrap piece of cloth and practice, practice, practice.
05/16/2024
hand embroidered buttons and beads
Hand embroidered buttons and beads, funky puffs, ball buttons, paper buttons.
These are all out whilst I think about the first videos for my new class. There is a comprehensive description of that online learning programme at the end of this post.
It's a little overwhelming, the choice. I could of course cover the creation of all of these.....I'm thinking.
*****
A short 'fly on the wall' experience, a taster, a preview of my teaching and the wealth of information shared in my online learning programmes.
*****
Begins Monday Monday June 3rd for four weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Zoom meetings are held twice on one day every two weeks, usually on a Monday at 10am and 7pm UK time to enable attendance from all time zones.
Members are welcome to attend both sessions if they wish.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 4 weeks of creativity, a
unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my
working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and
develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill
that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric.
There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces.
There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstrate my working processes and discuss my ideas and inspirations.
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.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
Please allow 36 hours from registration to the receipt of a welcome email.
***Provisional Zoom timetable***
Monday June 3rd. 10am & 7pm BST
Monday June 17th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Thursday June 27th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Reviews of my online learning programmes can be viewed here.
Register here.
05/14/2024
an overview, stitched paper
More today on my work from the last blog post.
In the short video I explain more about this piece, how it grows, how the surface has been and will be embellished.
I'm also hoping you get a better 'look' at this when it's 'on camera'.
05/12/2024
paper, stitch and creativity
Work on my paper piece is continuing and if this is the first time you have seen this there is a short video about how I plan the surface design in this post.
If you scroll back through this blog, through the past 6 weeks or so of posts you will see a lot of this paper piece too.
For the past couple of days I have been adding to this work and today I prepared more embellishments for the surface.
I cut hexagons in Liberty cloth to continue the use of those and I cut circles of stitched paper to wrap rings.
I'm still not sure how big this piece will be when it's 'finished'. I have no plan, no plan for how to display it, no plan for how to back it.
I did consider backing it with lace cloth which is something I haven't written off yet but who knows, I may get a blinding flash of inspiration taking me in another direction as I continue to work on it.
05/11/2024
Surface design......
There's a new design sheet taking shape and a short video demonstration.
If you would like to know more about this process then please consider signing up for my new, short class which begins on June 3rd.
Although the class is embroidery focused I am happy to also include this type of process should you request it.
05/09/2024
hand embroidery
Hi everyone, I hope you're all happy, well and spending plenty of time with your embroidery!
This morning I have been browsing past classes, specifically past 'embroidery school' classes, the fly on the wall classes where you get to observe my practice warts and all.
Seeing this work from way back in 2017 has got me more fired up than I was already for my new class. It has also got me wondering if four weeks for the class is enough time.
I will make it work, I will cram information into each week.
I already have lists. I have lists about lists.
My next task is sorting through my whites, my vintage pieces especially in order to fully plan our first week.
If you think you might want to join us for this embroidery crammed four weeks the information is below.
I'm off to make another list!
*****
A short 'fly on the wall' experience, a taster, a preview of my teaching and the wealth of information shared in my online learning programmes.
*****
Begins Monday Monday June 3rd for four weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Zoom meetings are held twice on one day every two weeks, usually on a Monday at 10am and 7pm UK time to enable attendance from all time zones.
Members are welcome to attend both sessions if they wish.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 4 weeks of creativity, a
unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my
working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and
develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill
that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric.
There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces.
There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstrate my working processes and discuss my ideas and inspirations.
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.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
Please allow 36 hours from registration to the receipt of a welcome email.
***Provisional Zoom timetable***
Monday June 3rd. 10am & 7pm BST
Monday June 17th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Thursday June 27th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Reviews of my online learning programmes can be viewed here.
Register here.
05/07/2024
a flounce
This flounce has been created to embellish a new panel for my wrapping cloth.
A long piece of white cloth has been hemmed with simple running stitch and pleated before tiny snippets of fabric have been stitched to each pleat.
The next stage is to pin this to a panel of fabric and secure it with either simple stab stitches or bullion knots.....I haven't decided yet.
***
In case you missed it.....my next online class.
A short 'fly on the wall' experience, a taster, a preview of my teaching and the wealth of information shared in my online learning programmes.
*****
Begins Monday Monday June 3rd for four weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Zoom meetings are held twice on one day every two weeks, usually on a Monday at 10am and 7pm UK time to enable attendance from all time zones.
Members are welcome to attend both sessions if they wish.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 4 weeks of creativity, a
unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my
working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and
develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill
that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric.
There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces.
There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstrate my working processes and discuss my ideas and inspirations.
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.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
Please allow 36 hours from registration to the receipt of a welcome email.
***Provisional Zoom timetable***
Monday June 3rd. 10am & 7pm BST
Monday June 17th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Thursday June 27th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Reviews of my online learning programmes can be viewed here.
Register here.
05/06/2024
Embroidery School, an introduction.
A short 'fly on the wall' experience, a taster, a preview of my teaching and the wealth of information shared in my online learning programmes.
*****
Begins Monday Monday June 3rd for four weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Zoom meetings are held twice on one day every two weeks, usually on a Monday at 10am and 7pm UK time to enable attendance from all time zones.
Members are welcome to attend both sessions if they wish.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 4 weeks of creativity, a
unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my
working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and
develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill
that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric.
There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces.
There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstrate my working processes and discuss my ideas and inspirations.
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.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
Please allow 36 hours from registration to the receipt of a welcome email.
***Provisional Zoom timetable***
Monday June 3rd. 10am & 7pm BST
Monday June 17th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Thursday June 27th. 10am & 7pm BST.
Reviews of my online learning programmes can be viewed here.
Register here.
05/05/2024
I love this embroidered book!
I adore this book, these hand embroidered and embellished pages.
This was out today to be used in a video for the new online platform I spoke about yesterday but as you will see in the video, I discovered an opportunty for more embellishment.
Created in a past class, this stitched book will be referred to in my next online class which I hope to list very soon.
Watch this space.
05/04/2024
update, a wrapping cloth and a new platform.
Hi everyone, I hope you are all well.
It's been some time since I posted here but hopefully I will be present more regularly from today.
Whilst I have been absent I have mostly been progressing my wrapping cloth.
The video today gives you a brief overview of my progress.
*****
Do you remember I was featured in a podcast way back in 2018?
If you haven't heard that then you can listen here.
The reason I mention this is because the host of that podcast has created a new website 'Stitchery Courses' and I have been invited to have a presence there.
I'd really appreciate it if you popped over there and took a look at my profile and if you have ever taken one of my classes could you please consider leaving a review.
As I said, I am hoping to be more present here from today and will hopefully be back very soon.
04/09/2024
Design sheet. 2.
I promised you a part two, a follow on from the video yesterday.
Here it is.
I will be absent now for a few weeks.
Miss you already!
04/08/2024
Design sheet
The very, very early stages of a design sheet.
This work is very much tied up with the embroidery on paper I have been sharing lately.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to video part two!
This isn't a quick process. Development of these pieces can take some time. It's also possible to come back much later and add extra.
Don't imagine for one minute that these are ever finished!
04/07/2024
French knots and silk velvet
The video today is a follow on from the video in my last post which you can see here.
The paper pieces are my priority but it was a good decision to work a little on lace cloth as a possible option for the reverse of the paper piece when it is finished.
I particularly like how framing the silk velvet scraps lifts them, how it defines and gives them a padded appearance.
04/05/2024
thinking out loud
This work is still very much ongoing.
Embroidery on paper, lots and lots of bullion knots, French knots outlining silk velvet snippets....
Today I'm thinking out loud, considering new embellishments and maybe the introduction of lace cloth as a backing.
(this work has progressed for the past week or so, demonstrated on video here and here.)
04/02/2024
embroidery on paper and five buttons
Progressing the paper piece.....it's growing.....it's time to join two pieces.
The seam from that joining will be embellished with bullion knots and I have made five little paper buttons to be added to this piece further down the line.
It's slow going but it's a happy growing, a pleasure to handle and to embroider.
03/30/2024
progressing stitched papers
More papers were stitched yesterday to progress the piece from here.
These fine Japanese tissue papers respond beautifully to the sewing machine.
Gimp was also auditioned, laid alongside the stitched papers to see if it would work on these pieces and work has started on a second small piece.
In this video I speak about the challenges of extending this work by adding more stitched and torn papers to the edges.
I then had a lightbulb moment.....make small pieces and join them once they are embellished as I would do with a wrapping cloth, hence the second piece.
This work is inspired by previous design work which you can see in the following links,
03/28/2024
an embroidered paper design sheet
In my last post I had gathered paper, lace and scraps of torn images.
This is the work which has resulted from that exercise.
It's still very much in progress and I am enjoying working on it so much.
I speak more about my plans for this piece in the short video today.
03/25/2024
stitched papers, lace and pockets for artist books
I forgot the pockets!! The little hand stitched books which I listed for sale yesterday have pockets to keep them safe and I forgot to say.
Sorry about that. You can see the pockets today in the first image.
There is just one of these left and you can have a better look at that here.
I spent yesterday creating textured papers, stitching on fine Japanese tissues which are now surfaces for hand embroidery.
I have a plan.....let's hope it works.
These stitched papers will be torn and pieced to create a background for a design sheet which will be embellished with lace, patterned papers and hand embroidery.
Wish me luck. x
03/24/2024
stitched papers, embellished pages, artist books
Two more hand embroidered artist books.
A short video show and tell.
More stitched papers used for pages.
More hand embroidery with tiny stitched snippets of ribbon, gingham and Liberty fabric.
More embellishment with bullion knots.
These are now available to purchase here.
03/22/2024
03/19/2024
three new pages and a pile of stitched papers
More of these little hand embroidered books are in progress.
There are three new stitched pages here along with a little pile of stitched papers which are used as a base for the hand embroidery.
Looking at these pieces I am wondering how many bullion knots?
I haven't counted yet but I may do later.
03/18/2024
Embroidery in gridded notebooks, a video
In the last couple of posts there have been 'show and tell' type videos of some of my sketchbook/ledger work.
You can see those here and here if you missed them.
Today, something similar. A brief show and tell of a selection of work in gridded notebooks.
****
A reminder, Embroidery School 2024 begins in one week.
If you have signed up already thank you so much for supporting this very grateful independent creator.
If you have not signed up but would like to hear more, there is a comprehensive overview of the class here.
03/16/2024
2024 Embroidery School
2024 Embroidery School.
Begins Monday March 25th for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 8 weeks of creativity, a
unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my
working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and
develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill
that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric.
There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces.
There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstraste my working processes, discuss my ideas and inspirations and develop various piece of work which result from explorations demonstrated in class.
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.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
Provisional Zoom Timetable.
Please note. The UK moves to Bristish Summer Time after week one.
03/15/2024
Not all sketchbooks have to have plain pages
03/14/2024
studying sketchbooks
Sketchbooks, ledgers....I have quite a few of these.
A lot of inspiration for embroidered pieces on cloth comes from looking back at past work, sketchbooks, images, cloth books, samples.
It refreshes and reminds.
As far as possible I approach working in a ledger/sketchbook in the same way I approach working on cloth.
Working on paper is obviously very different to working on cloth, it requires more patience and care but I don't think there is an embroidery process which is meant for cloth that I haven't attempted on paper.
2024 Embroidery School information here.
03/12/2024
Five pages
Five hand embroidered pages for an artist book.
I love working on these, the delicacy and the texture of the pages feels lovely in your hand.
Papers are altered with stitch before being torn and layered to form pages before bullion knots, French knots and little embroidered snippets are added.
A couple of these aren't quite finished, I can see space for more bullion knots.
I can't resist a bullion knot!
Another reminder, 2024 Embroidery School begins in less than two weeks.
All the information is below along with our provisional Zoom timetable.
**
2024 Embroidery School.
Begins Monday March 25th for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 8 weeks of creativity, a
unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my
working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and
develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill
that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric.
There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces.
There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstraste my working processes, discuss my ideas and inspirations and develop various piece of work which result from explorations demonstrated in class.
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.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
Provisional Zoom Timetable.
Please note. The UK moves to Bristish Summer Time after week one.
03/10/2024
An embroidered wrap.
Thank you so much for the response to my post yesterday. It would seem you like to see embroidered pieces, to look at the detail and maybe have a little bit of explanation.
Today there's a short video 'show and tell' of an embroidered wrap which was made years ago.
There's also a question in the video.
Should I put this in the washing machine?
A gentle cycle. I absolutely would never iron this so if it came out creased it would have to stay creased but I'm thinking it may enhance the cloth, give it a more vintage 'feel'.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I'm going to be quite consumed with embroidery for my new class in the coming weeks. Because of that I may not have a lot of 'new' work to share here so I'm thinking the 'show and tell' could become a regular feature.
03/09/2024
The cloth sample book
There is a short video in this post from February 18th which briefly looks at my embroidered cloth sample books.
Today I look at those in more detail.
As the cloth sample book is something I intend to explore during my next online class, examining them in this way generates ideas, inspires, throws up questions, possibilities.
You can read about my next class, '2024 Embroidery School' here.
03/07/2024
Embroidery School
An old but relevant image.
This piece was created in a past 'Embroidery School'.
I still have this, I refer to it regularly for inspiration.
It inspires so much that I have decided to create another cloth book in Embroidery School 2024 which begins in just over two weeks.
*********
Begins Monday March 25th for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 8 weeks of creativity, a
unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my
working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and
develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill
that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric.
There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces.
There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstraste my working processes, discuss my ideas and inspirations and develop various piece of work which result from explorations demonstrated in class.
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.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
03/05/2024
seed stitch
The piece today was discussed in a short video in this post.
I was debating French knots.
But, thanks to a brainwave from one of you it seems seed stitch was the answer. Thank you Henrietta!
The next step here is damp stretching and I need to decide what comes next in terms of surface embroidery.
In the last image you can see the design work which is inspiring this piece so I will be looking, thinking.......
Embroidery School 2024 was listed yesterday.
Thank you so much to those of you who have signed up.
You can read more here.
03/04/2024
2024 Embroidery school
*********
Begins Monday March 25th for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
This online learning programme was born from the success and popularity of previous 'fly on the wall' classes.
Regular Zoom get togethers for appraisal, demonstration and a good old chat about embroidery or anything else you wish to share.
Paticipation in Zoom get togethers is not compulsory.
(You do not need to download Zoom to your device or pay for a subscription.)
Zoom sessions will be recorded and shared exclusively with this online learning group.
Join me for 8 weeks of creativity, a
unique fly on the wall experience. Observe my process, my day to day, my
working practice. Who knows what will crop up, what will inspire and
develop over this programme. We begin with a blank page of time and fill
that page, that time developing embroidered works on paper and fabric.
There may be artist books, there may be delicately embroidered laces along with decorative silk surfaces.
There will definitely be buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads and all manner of added titivation.
In this class I demonstraste my working processes, discuss my ideas and inspirations and develop various piece of work which result from explorations demonstrated in class.
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.
You are not required to follow my creative path should you not wish to do so. Please work on any creative piece and use this class as an opportunity for guidance, support and demonstration if required.
I cannot emphasise enough the value of friendships which evolve in these classes. They are enthusiastic, friendly, welcoming, encouraging and invaluable groups of like minded people of all abilities.
Please note, certain tasks within this programme may require the use of a sewing machine.
Also includes access to a dedicated Flickr group, membership of which is exclusive to this learning group along with access to a private Facebook group, again with membership exclusive to this learning group.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
03/02/2024
Embroidery, progressing a design collection
Some of the little embroidered snippets I showed you yesterday, intended for artist book pages have been hijacked to use on something else.
It occured to me that these embroidered pieces were all born from a recent design collection I created in an online class.
I then couldn't resist looking again at that work and beginning a new piece of embroidery on silk dupion.
It's a distraction but that's not a negative.
Let's see where this latest diversion takes me.
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