07/12/2019
books, pages, design sheets...
The most relevant piece here, the most current piece is the circular piece which is prominent in the last image. (It's in the centre of the first image) That piece which was worked yesterday evening is again from my current ledger class, work from which you have been seeing a lot of recently, yesterday's work was from the same class.
The reason the other work is here is because I'm pondering, kind of reminding myself what's going on round here creatively as it's easy to lose sight of things, of particular pieces. This is a good way to refresh the brain cells.
What has happened though and what nearly always happens when doing this is it inspires, creates an urge to begin a new piece from the imagery and the composition here.
Ledger girls.....pay particular attention to the next bit....
can you imagine a large design sheet which is inspired by and loosely replicates the first image?
Oh well, I can't complain about having too many ideas because it certainly beats having creative block.
07/11/2019
lace and stitched papers
The girls in ledger class will most likely be happy to see me working on this page as it's been languishing untouched for quite some time. There is still work to do here but already it has given me another idea which I will feed into class over the coming months.
The little book doesn't belong here. The little book, for now, is a moveable prop to fill blank space for photographs....very underhand of me I know. I speak about where the little book will live in this post but for now it has other uses.
07/09/2019
headers, edges and linings
I picked these little cloth pages up again last night after leaving them to one side for a couple of days so I could progress my class work. They all need backing, the edges finishing and headers attached. Only one of these two here is finished. It's surprising how long it takes to double edge four sides of a small piece of cloth with buttonhole lace. The headers are being kept simple.....white Broderie Anglaise, no surface embroidery but again edged with two rows of buttonhole lace.
Of course, me being me I couldn't resist adding one tiny decorative thing....the white crochet bead you can see in the last three images.
07/08/2019
stitching stories
This where we are up to in my new class stitching stories. Well it's where I am up to, the girls are all way ahead of me. I'm working in two books, a children's colouring book and a little blank sketchbook. There are two stories 'on the go' here.
You will notice the absence of words here, of annotation. I'm not big on annotation. I know what I'm doing, what this story is all about, I don't need words and I have the most appaling hand writing you will ever see. There is annotation, description, text in the group though and some amazing imaginations are at play.
I never fail to be inspired by the work produced in all my groups.
This afternoon, to create a little diversion for myself, I am thinking about creating a header for one of these little cloth pages. It needs to at least be considered if not actually started so I'm cracking on with it because I have a spare hour or two.
07/07/2019
faffing
I think I need to start working in a sterile box, no distractions, no embroidered cloth or inspirational images....nothing. The thing about this house is there's always something visible out of the corner of my eye that calls me, compels me to look again and fondle. That leads to a new idea...(no wonder I never get anything substantial accomplished)
The pieces today are a perfect illustration of that. One of these comprises three joined embroidered hankies, the other is a very long strip of embroidered paper and silk. Yeaterday they caught my eye so I picked them up and looked. Bad mistake. Now I want to line one with the other and create a kind of rolled, soft book with a fold over front.
I am inspired and irritated in equal measure. This is in my head now but there are other equally inspirational yet more pressing things to do. Oh dear.....
07/06/2019
more ledger work
If you read my post yesterday you will remember me speaking about how I struggle at times to finish things I begin in my embroidery class demonstrations as my task is to keep moving forward, share information, provoke thought, inspire ideas..... meaning I tend to work to tight deadlines. That's not to say though that I don't become inspired myself and have a desire to finish things, to explore ideas. So today I'm showing you similar images from the same class, namely a little piece from that class which I am striving to complete, to develop and which I don't think I have spoken about in detail before. The little booklet with the pink paper strip on the cover and the dangly sequins was created to fill the space in the first image below. In truth though, after I played with it a little this morning it would live just as easily in the space you can see in the second image below.
When we created these little booklets in class they were intentionally left blank, to be embellished at a later date after more techniques had been explored. It was hoped by doing that we would have a greater pool of information to draw from and that each page would become a development of what had gone before. My little book has only minimal embellishment at the moment, one page is half done, adorned with beads and tiny pom poms. I'm aiming for a 'scattering'. I think I'm getting there.
This class is still available. It runs until January 2020 so there's still a long way to go. You can read more here.
07/05/2019
surface design, isolating pattern
We're cutting out templates in Ledger class. We're isolating pattern in order to make decisions on what comes next, examining work created so far, the details, the little marks which are easy to overlook when a whole page of embellishment is staring you in the face.
I was leafing through this ledger this morning just before I took these photographs and was pleasantly surprised at how full it is getting. Often I can't work at the same pace as the girls in terms of finishing specific techniques as I need to move on to the next stage allowing me to post fresh ideas each time. Sometimes I feel guilty that I haven't finished a page or an area of a page but then I tell myself that isn't what I'm here for. It doesn't matter if I never finish any of this so long as I have shared and demonstrated the process and hopefully inspired at the same time.
07/04/2019
the fifth page
This is the fifth page for the little cloth book you saw yesterday...have been seeing for weeks actually. If you take the reverses of these pages into consideration I guess there's seven up to now as the reverses are embroidered too.
This one has applique edged with Turkey work.....don't you just love Turkey work?
I was questioning myself last night about this little book. Repetitive? Too samey? Then I thought "well it's for me, I like it. It doesn't matter, get over yourself.''
I also thought.....even if it is 'samey' it still informs in terms of colour proportion, colour contrast, thread choice against ribbon choice against background cloth choice.
This project will be left alone for a few days now. I am itching to work on some pieces from my online classes and just as soon as I can I will share work from there on here.
07/03/2019
happily stitching again
Before I went away I basted the embroidered reverse onto this page for my little cloth book and had hoped to begin the decorative edge, the buttonhole lace before I left. It didn't work out like that but not to worry because I started the edge last night. It isn't finished, it's not even half done but it was such a pleasure to pick this up and begin stitching after a week with no embroidery....I had missed it more than I can say.
Then this morning I gathered all the pieces together which will form my little book in order to decide what to do next. Some of these page fronts need more embellishemnt and there are more reverses to stitch. I think I want more pages too.
07/02/2019
white and buttons
I'm back although I guess you figured that out because of this post. We had a ball, amazing, incredible and most importantly it didn't rain once. (how come you have six months worth of dirty laundry then Karen?) Good question......
Embroidered buttons and an in progress needlecase. These pieces were worked before I went away. The buttons are a complimentary addition to this collection which when I look at it in this image is growing qicker than I realised.
The needlecase....that's pure self indulgence....we all need a little bit of that don't we.
So I'm home. I have laundry. I have unpacking. I have cupboards to restock and I have an overwhelming need to stitch. First though I'm going to class to see what has been happening whilst I was away.
My shop is open again if you want to sign up for the new class or any other class that's listed in there!
06/24/2019
extending a page
I'm back with the bright, colourful stuff today after the white yesterday. The little page I created earlier this week has been extended with patterned tissue, a little doodling and a little stitch......
this page....
It's a brief visit here for me today as I have ironing and packing to do.
I will be back in around ten days.
Miss you already x
06/23/2019
stash squares, charm squares
We are building a collection of charm squares, stash squares and edge trims in embroidery schoool and whilst working on one piece from there yesterday, the largest piece here, I decided to go rogue, to rebel and create a smaller one from an idea that popped into my head without warning.
The small one, the rogue one doesn't really fit into my collection but that doesn't matter. I could build a new collection around that piece, use it as a starting point if I wanted to.
(if I had time....which I don't. If I wasn't going to Glastonbury on Tuesday, which I am......I'm counting the minutes!)
My shop will be closing tomorrow for eight days. If you want to sign up for any of my classes they will be unavailable after tomorrow evening until I return.
06/22/2019
progressing reverses
Yesterday I put the second 'back' together for one of the cloth pages in my little embroidered book. I also basted the first reverse onto a finished page so I would say that's good progress. The embroidery on this one, the second one is nearly complete, it didn't take me as long as I imagined it would. There is one seam left to embellish and I'm wondering about adding a thin strip of ribbon along the raw edge which is alongside the sequined bullion loops.
The white cloth with all the sequins.....I didn't add those, there really aren't enough hours in the day. I bought that cloth, ready sequined in London last week.
06/21/2019
gingham ribbon
Inspired by my little page yesterday I added some floaty gingham pieces to the surface of this cloth page which in turn inspired me to make a little cord of gingham ribbon and tiny white pom poms. There is more beading this surface too....... along the edge of the floral ribbon. There are Swarovski pearls, lemon sequins and pink seed beads along there.
I am determined to make progress with the reverse of these pages now. Adding an embroidered reverse alters the weight of these and how they feel to handle, they become so much more substantial and there's something very satisfying about that.
We are five days into my new class 'stitching stories'. It's not too late to join us and my shop will be closed from Monday for 8 days as I am off to Glastonbury so if you do want to join in then you best be quick. Go here to read more......
06/20/2019
a combination
I have three online learning progrmmes running at the moment, an embroidery one, a ledger one and a story book one.
Occasionally I get mixed up and almost work a piece for embroidery
class into one of the other two and vice versa....I spend a lot of time
confused...as you can imagine.
Inevitably, whilst working on my classes I am inspired by all three of them, ideas form which include elements from each class. In order to clear my head I have decided to do this, pieces like you see today, little compositions in little sketchbooks which incorporate elements from each class. It's also something I can tick off the mental list, it's satisfying, it also informs and consequently reinspires. The circle of creativity goes round and round.
06/18/2019
the next page
The next page for my little book of embroidery, my cloth book. Originally my intention was to sell this one, it was meant for the shop, not any more...I definitely can't part with it. I am completely and utterly in love with it. I made a little video for you of all the pages I have so far, that also helps me take stock, see where I'm up to.
(video at the bottom of this post)
I've also been working on all my classes this week, obsessively working for all of them to get ahead before I go away next week. This morning I made four new videos for 'stitching stories' which started yesterday. Our first post was a gentle introduction.....we have moved on a lot this morning girls, all will be revealed on Monday. Meanwhile, a glimpse for the rest of you of what we are up to. (and it's not too late to register, just go here)
06/17/2019
stories and the reverses of cloth pages
Don't be fooled by the lack of much new stuff here. Mostly it's hidden in the large, firmly closed sketchbook and the children's coluring book. That's because my time is taken up with classes at the moment, more than usual because I am off to Glastonbury next week and I am trying to get ahead.
Stitching Stories began today and this morning I created the next post, the post for next week so have been working with imagery, pencil and ribbons.....quite a combination.
I have managed to put my first reverse together though for the cloth pages I have been working on. It's the white with vibrant pink ribbon and a little titivation. There's another page on the go too. I might be able to share that with you tomorrow when I have added a few more stitches.
06/16/2019
green gingham ribbon
I arrived home from London yesterday evening and really couldn't wait to play with the things I bought when I was there. There's an image of my goodies at the foot of this post. I was a bit pushed for time last night but did manage to add some of the lovely green gingham ribbon to one of my cloth pages. I don't know about you but I always, always wish I had bought more. There is 3 metres of this one but I get the feeling it won't last long and I'm guessing the same applies to the others too.
Now I need to get a shift on and start thinking about the backs of all these pages.
If you are registered for my new class 'stitching stories' which begins tomorrow you should have received an email from me this morning. If you didn't receive that then please let me know.
06/12/2019
turkey work, dangly things and vintage buttons
Thank you for all the positive remarks about my stitched book in the post yesterday. I am completely smitten with it and it now lives in a little glass cabinet in the corner of my dining room where I can see it every day.
Now that one is finished I can concentrate on the little book with cloth pages I have been working on. One of the pages was given a little attention last night......an edge was embellished with tiny pom poms and beads before turkey work and vintage buttons were added to the surface. I think this little book will consist of five stitched pages, all lined with embroidered cloth along with an embroidered cover.
I'm off to London for a few days tomorrow morning. It's time to replenish my ribbon supplies and maybe invest in a few scraps of cloth and some gorgeous paper. I'll let you know how I get on when I come back.
06/11/2019
hand made artist book with embroidered wrapping cloth
There are lots of images today and in truth there could have been a lot more.
This one has been a long time in the making and now it's finished I am missing the opportunity to work on it a little more, missing the excitement of picking it up to stitch on it. On the plus side I do have it to fondle.
There is a brief show and tell video at the end of this post along with information about my new class which strats on Monday....
Stitching Stories
Begins June 17 for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
No prerequisites.
Suitable for all skill levels.
**this online learning programme is not a repeat of my ''stitching a story'' programme.**
A return to playfulness, to stories, fairytales and imaginary tales. Join me as I enhance a story book with stitch, cloth, jewels and a sprinkling of imagination.
Work in a printed storybook or create your own magical daydream using blank pages and doodles.
Using playful imagery we will doodle pattern, enhancing our simple pencil lines with stitch and pretty additions in the form of cords, beads, sequins.....using simple pattern and image sources as our starting point we will be inspired to let our imagination run away with us, adding our own interpretation to an unfolding story.
Any 'doodling' will be basic. Please do not be afraid of this aspect of the course. I doodle in the simplest form.
Doodling on a blank page is not compulsory. You can choose to work exclusively in a printed story book.
Exploration and stitch work can take place in a childrens fairytale book, a blank sketchbook or both.
I will be enhancing a printed storybook with stitch, I will also be creating my own story in a blank sketchbook using pencil to doodle pattern.
On registration you will receive access to a short video where book choices are discussed.
06/08/2019
embroidery catch up
There's a video catch up today, an overview of what's happening here creatively. I'm still hemming the lining of my wrapping cloth, my cloth pages continue to be embellished as do the pages for my paper based artist book......and I bought myself some rather lovely Swarovski buttons. Lucky me!
If you are registered for my new class 'Stitching Stories' you should have received an email from me this morning. If you didn't can you please let me know.
06/07/2019
pages, embroidered cloth
The third piece in the cloth book puzzle. This one still needs work as do the other two but I wanted to get my little collection of cloth pages moving, get a little momentum going. I'm thinking there will be five pages in this one which of course will need to be lined. Then there's the cover, they will need a cover. Before I continue with these I am going to put the next one together, the next page and play with ideas for the lining.
I'm also itching to put little pieces together in order to progress this. That's my afternoon sorted out then.
06/06/2019
Stitching stories
Begins June 17 for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
No prerequisites.
Suitable for all skill levels.
**this online learning programme is not a repeat of my ''stitching a story'' programme.**
A return to playfulness, to stories, fairytales and imaginary tales. Join me as I enhance a story book with stitch, cloth, jewels and a sprinkling of imagination.
Work in a printed storybook or create your own magical daydream using blank pages and doodles.
Using playful imagery we will doodle pattern, enhancing our simple pencil lines with stitch and pretty additions in the form of cords, beads, sequins.....using simple pattern and image sources as our starting point we will be inspired to let our imagination run away with us, adding our own interpretation to an unfolding story.
Any 'doodling' will be basic. Please do not be afraid of this aspect of the course. I doodle in the simplest form.
Doodling on a blank page is not compulsory. You can choose to work exclusively in a printed story book.
Exploration and stitch work can take place in a childrens fairytale book, a blank sketchbook or both.
I will be enhancing a printed storybook with stitch, I will also be creating my own story in a blank sketchbook using pencil to doodle pattern.
On registration you will receive access to a short video where book choices are discussed.
06/05/2019
playing with pages
There's a new piece here, a new composition of scraps for a page in this artist book. This one has lace, scrunched tissue, pom poms, ribbon and hand embroidery. Making these little books requires a little restraint, restraint from binding pages even though I am definitely someone who can't wait to see them put together but if you bind them too early it is tricky to then work on the blank spaces.
Having said that.....this morning I bound the pages I have so far......but only temporarily, these can be 'unbound' easily. The reason for doing that is so I can get an appreciation of what I still need to do, how one piece lies against another and how the page sizes might affect the finished appearance of the little book. Now I've done this I can move on with a better understanding of what I need to do next.
I'm going to be missing tomorrow and Sunday. Someone who lives here and who isn't me is having an operation tomorrow. (nothing serious) and my little girl is coming home on Sunday so we are having an afternoon get together.
There will be cake.
06/04/2019
embroidering a book in cloth
There are two pages in progress here for an embroidered cloth book. You have seen one of these pieces before. I'm playing with that one at the moment, auditioning drawstrings for a lace channel I have stitched across the base. The other piece with the circular applique and French knots was started yesterday. I might race ahead and put more pages together later today. At the moment I haven't decided how many pages there will be in this one. It might help to piece a few more to get a sense of how they feel, how the weight of several pages feels to handle although they will get heavier as they are embellished. Piece more pages it is then.
06/03/2019
pages
Pages, sketchbook pages, ledger pages, artist book pages. There are two separate things going on here. The large sketchbook is my ledger from my current online class 'ledgers, a record of stitch'. The brighter work, the piece with the pink floral ribbon is a page for a smaller artist book I am putting together. That piece will go with these.
Aside from these particular book based projects I am working on pages for my new class, 'stitching stories'. Those pieces will be different again. With ledgers class we have boundaries, colour matching and pattern studies, with stitching stories we have no boundaries. Colour and pattern matching is not important, we are creating our own story.
I'm going to have to put this work away for a day or so now. I have embroidery on cloth to progress, small pages for a cloth book.
06/02/2019
stitch along
This weekend is all about embroidery school (well apart from half an hour that I will talk about later.) The images here show work from 'stitch along', namely an embroidered baby dress and embroidered pages for a cloth book. Aside from these pieces my collection of little charm squares and trims is growing too.
Mostly I have been finishing embroidery on the tiniest of pockets which sits at the hem of the dress. Alongside the pocket is a tiny scrap of lace which holds special meaning for me and which I have attached with blue seed beads, little bobbly things and buttonhole lace. You can see this work clearly in the next image along with a little trim we have put together.
The other half hour I was talking about was spent making the first marks for my storybook stitching....for my new class.
I'm going to work a little more on that one later today.
06/01/2019
more paper and ribbon
The next piece, white pages, ribbons, padded silk habotai, French knots and beads. This one will fit somewhere as yet unknown. I tend to create lots of pages before I decide which one goes where and which piece will sit best where. I'm going to have to leave this for a while now though. I have a baby dress to stitch and charm squares to embellish not to mention the exciting things happening in Ledger class. I will keep you posted on all that as and when I can.
05/31/2019
papers and ribbon
There's another artist book taking shape over here. This one will be colourful, full of pattern and embellished using lots of beads and dangly things. This is the second piece for this little book but I can't show you the first one yet. Part three is pinned and waiting to be stitched, enhanced. The dark geeen paper arrived yesterday, a birthday gift. Don't you just love a birthday? The green piece was part of a bigger selection as you can see below, lucky me.
I am so happy to see people who have never taken a class with me before signing up to 'Stitching Stories'.
New friends, new embroidery companions, you can never have too many of those.
Stitching Stories.
Begins June 17 for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
No prerequisites.
Suitable for all skill levels.
**this online learning programme is not a repeat of my ''stitching a story'' programme.**
A return to playfulness, to stories, fairytales and imaginary tales. Join me as I enhance a story book with stitch, cloth, jewels and a sprinkling of imagination.
Work in a printed storybook or create your own magical daydream using blank pages and doodles.
Using playful imagery we will doodle pattern, enhancing our simple pencil lines with stitch and pretty additions in the form of cords, beads, sequins.....using simple pattern and image sources as our starting point we will be inspired to let our imagination run away with us, adding our own interpretation to an unfolding story.
Any 'doodling' will be basic. Please do not be afraid of this aspect of the course. I doodle in the simplest form.
Doodling on a blank page is not compulsory. You can choose to work exclusively in a printed story book.
Exploration and stitch work can take place in a childrens fairytale book, a blank sketchbook or both.
I will be enhancing a printed storybook with stitch, I will also be creating my own story in a blank sketchbook using pencil to doodle pattern.
On registration you will receive access to a short video where book choices are discussed.
05/30/2019
stitched books, ledgers, sketchbooks, story books,
Recording design, preserving embroidered samples, displaying stitched works....books. Be it a ledger, a sketchbook, a cloth book or a story book I appear to be consumed with all things book lately. The image today ....... the first page of a new cloth book, a finished cloth book, my ledger where I am recording design ideas in 'Ledgers, a record of stitch', work in progress for a new paper based artist book, artist books from my 'precious things cabinet' and a new notebook I have treated myself to in order to 'Stitch a Story' in my new class.
I've been thinking a lot about my work recently, where it's going (or not). Am I too flighty? Flitting from one thing to another without any connecting dots? I'm balancing those thoughts where I doubt myself with the teaching apsect of my creative life. Very often, as a teacher, you need to flit from one thing to another to cover all the bases for your students. I get that, I accept that and I am more than happy to continue in that way as my classes, my groups bring me so much joy but outside of that where do I want to be creatively?
Once upon a time it was all about white and wrapping cloths and historical reference. As time has moved on so have I. Colour and pattern are featuring more in my work and although it may not always be obvious to you the historical elements are ever present. Every single stitch I make is worked for both my Nanna's. I think about them every second I have a needle in my hand, that will never change, they are my link to my history, to my memory.
I guess what I am trying to ask myself is where is my consistency? my fingerprint in all this? Truth is I haven't figured that out yet. Self doubt is common when you work in isolation. All I can do is keep doing what I love whilst trying to focus.
Going back to my first utterings on here I think my love for working in book form is obvious. That will be my starting point, the first decision on my list of 'where I am going'. I'm never likely to become a master bookbinder and nor do I want to. I'm an 'embellisher', a 'titivator' so for now I will embellish and titivate book forms, that will be my new direction.
05/29/2019
page one
For the past week or so I have been wondering where else I can go with all this colour and pattern which is appearing in my work. I could make a huge wrapping cloth.....but I have lots of those. Up to now I have created sketchbook covers and needlecases and have a huge wrap for an artist book almost finished. Yesterday I was tempted by the idea of a little cloth book so this is the first page for that idea. Whilst I was embellishing this cloth last night it occured to me that this one might work better as a flip book, as in the spine being at the top as opposed to the side. I'm going to go with that idea for now.
05/28/2019
Green velvet ribbon
This lime green ribbon is gorgeous (I think so anyway). It runs through a lace drawstring channel on this needlecase and then wraps round the whole thing to keep it closed. This one is now in the shop. I could get addicted to making these because I am enjoying the colour, the pattern, the sequins and beads so much.
My next project using these ribbons and other embellishments will I think be a little book of stitches, a cloth book.
The piece I showed you yesterday, the white edge linings....I worked some more on those last night but it's a mammoth task. It almost feels like I'm not making progress as each edge is very long and each edge has two edges to embellish, each strip, does that make sense? I do know though that I will be sad when it's finished. There is something very therapeutic about repeptitive stitching, getting lost in the simplicity of that.
05/27/2019
edges and linings
Do you remember this post? After lining a piece of embroidered cloth which is to become a wrap for an artist book I got a bit carried away with emebellishing the edges and as a consequence decided I wanted to line the edges...line the lining. This is the progress, the white edges, (the other piece is a lining for a needlecase).
Adding these white strips is akin to working a whole new piece. Time wise it's a commitment and to me it's as exciting as working the front. This cloth now has a beautiful weight to it, the edges are pleasingly 'heavy' with the addition of lots of buttonhole lace. There's still a way to go with this as the outer edges will be embellished too. I am going to have to draw on all my supplies of patience as I cannot wait to see this finished. I love it.....
As I said before, the other piece here is the lining for a needlecase which I hope to finish later today.
Stitching Stories.
Begins June 17 for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
No prerequisites.
Suitable for all skill levels.
**this online learning programme is not a repeat of my ''stitching a story'' programme.**
A return to playfulness, to stories, fairytales and imaginary tales. Join me as I enhance a story book with stitch, cloth, jewels and a sprinkling of imagination.
Work in a printed storybook or create your own magical daydream using blank pages and doodles.
Using playful imagery we will doodle pattern, enhancing our simple pencil lines with stitch and pretty additions in the form of cords, beads, sequins.....using simple pattern and image sources as our starting point we will be inspired to let our imagination run away with us, adding our own interpretation to an unfolding story.
Any 'doodling' will be basic. Please do not be afraid of this aspect of the course. I doodle in the simplest form.
Doodling on a blank page is not compulsory. You can choose to work exclusively in a printed story book.
Exploration and stitch work can take place in a childrens fairytale book, a blank sketchbook or both.
I will be enhancing a printed storybook with stitch, I will also be creating my own story in a blank sketchbook using pencil to doodle pattern.
On registration you will receive access to a short video where book choices are discussed.
05/25/2019
Saturday
I didn't mean to be gone so long. It was my birthday on Thursday and I planned to spend the day with my mum and dad. I set off in good time but got trapped for two hours in traffic which had come to a complete halt with miles of tailbacks caused by a serious accident and was eventually turned round by the police so I had to come home. Problem was, my birthday cake was at my mum's house! Not wanting to be parted from my cake I went yesterday. My cake and I are now reunited.
So, embroidery. I am completely in love with the edge of that page, (visible in all the images but prominent at the top of the first one). That's an edge which I started in Ledger class and I'm sure the girls will be happy to see that I kept my promise and finished it.
The other piece here is the front of another needlecase. The lining for this one was put together this morning. Being surrounded by all this colour is amazing but my brain is a jumble. I'm anxious to take all this further in some way, I just need all the bits to fall into place, into an understandable order. Don't hold your breath.
05/22/2019
practicing
I've set aside a little time over the past couple of days to practice my doodles, doodles which will be enhanced with stitch and embroidered cloth and other titivations. This is in preparation for my new short class, stitching stories.
The little page here is loosely inspired by my embroidered charm square. I have more plans for this one. I have plans for the colouring book too. Meanwhile I'm waiting for my new sketchbook to arrive. I'm stalking my postman.
05/21/2019
papers, threads, colour and pattern....an embroidery ledger in progress
Collage, stitched pages, stitched papers, colour studies, thread studies....my work in my latest embroidery ledger, recording ideas and inspiration. This is happening in my online class, 'ledgers, a record of stitch'. Each page is inspired by a piece of my embroidery, a sample. I'm matching thread colour and searching for matching papers, I'm referencing embroidery stitches and patterning. These investigations are being recorded on pages within my ledger, embellishing each page and trying really hard to display my work in an exciting way. (I'll let you decide if I am succeeding)
If you want to read more about this online learning programme or my new short class which begins in June, all the information is here in my shop.
This week has been wonderful so far. Yesterday I worked a little more on my charm square collection adding French knots and beads to a piece which is almost finished. There are new pieces to plan for this little collection, more cutting of silk and more embellishing with sequins, beads and crystals. I will let you know how I get on.
05/20/2019
one edge leads to another edge
You would be forgiven for thinking this was finished quite some time ago and I had just forgotten to show you. This being several hand embroidered pages and a large embroidered wrap for the book they will become. No....last time you saw it there were just the edges to finish, the lining had been added. Well, I got carried away with the edges and now the lining needs lined.
You can see in the images where I am pinning decorative strips to the edges of the lining in order to conceal the workings from the original edges.....are you keeping up? I will attach these invisibly, I will, don't laugh.
It's a good thing I love to work with buttonhole lace, that's the plan you see.....buttonhole lace.
Stitching Stories.
(it's going to be amazing!)
Begins June 17 for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
No prerequisites.
Suitable for all skill levels.
**this online learning programme is not a repeat of my ''stitching a story'' programme.**
A return to playfulness, to stories, fairytales and imaginary tales. Join me as I enhance a story book with stitch, cloth, jewels and a sprinkling of imagination.
Work in a printed storybook or create your own magical daydream using blank pages and doodles.
Using playful imagery we will doodle pattern, enhancing our simple pencil lines with stitch and pretty additions in the form of cords, beads, sequins.....using simple pattern and image sources as our starting point we will be inspired to let our imagination run away with us, adding our own interpretation to an unfolding story.
Any 'doodling' will be basic. Please do not be afraid of this aspect of the course. I doodle in the simplest form.
Doodling on a blank page is not compulsory. You can choose to work exclusively in a printed story book.
Exploration and stitch work can take place in a childrens fairytale book, a blank sketchbook or both.
I will be enhancing a printed storybook with stitch, I will also be creating my own story in a blank sketchbook using pencil to doodle pattern.
On registration you will receive access to a short video where book choices are discussed.
05/19/2019
sequins, Suffolk puffs, ribbons and a new short class.
There's a short video for you about this one, the next needlecase. I'm choosing ribbon and as you can tell from the images I went with the green velvet. The Suffolk puffs which I actually only made about ten minutes ago will be added once the lining is attached as a final embellishment along the front. I love a pretty needlecase.
Keep scrolling for the video because before that I want to tell you about this.
Stitching Stories.
Begins June 17 for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
No prerequisites.
Suitable for all skill levels.
**this online learning programme is not a repeat of my ''stitching a story'' programme.**
A return to playfulness, to stories, fairytales and imaginary tales. Join me as I enhance a story book with stitch, cloth, jewels and a sprinkling of imagination.
Work in a printed storybook or create your own magical daydream using blank pages and doodles.
Using playful imagery we will doodle pattern, enhancing our simple pencil lines with stitch and pretty additions in the form of cords, beads, sequins.....using simple pattern and image sources as our starting point we will be inspired to let our imagination run away with us, adding our own interpretation to an unfolding story.
Any 'doodling' will be basic. Please do not be afraid of this aspect of the course. I doodle in the simplest form.
Doodling on a blank page is not compulsory. You can choose to work exclusively in a printed story book.
Exploration and stitch work can take place in a childrens fairytale book, a blank sketchbook or both.
I will be enhancing a printed storybook with stitch, I will also be creating my own story in a blank sketchbook using pencil to doodle pattern.
On registration you will receive access to a short video where book choices are discussed.
05/18/2019
Stitching stories.
Since I began adding little stitches to doodles as a means of 'lifting' pencil marks, of extending ideas for embroidered works I have had an itch to explore this process in a more focused manner, to create my own story resulting from a doodle or book illustration. As a result of this 'itch' I have put together a short programme where I will explore this idea further. This is not a rerun of my ''stitching a story' class, this is an opportunity to create your own story, to let your imagination scamper off in a direction of your choosing.
Stitching Stories.
Begins June 17 for 8 weeks.
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
No deadlines. No set tasks. Lifetime access to all resources.
No prerequisites.
Suitable for all skill levels.
**this online learning programme is not a repeat of my ''stitching a story'' programme.**
A return to playfulness, to stories, fairytales and imaginary tales. Join me as I enhance a story book with stitch, cloth, jewels and a sprinkling of imagination.
Work in a printed storybook or create your own magical daydream using blank pages and doodles.
Using playful imagery we will doodle pattern, enhancing our simple pencil lines with stitch and pretty additions in the form of cords, beads, sequins.....using simple pattern and image sources as our starting point we will be inspired to let our imagination run away with us, adding our own interpretation to an unfolding story.
Any 'doodling' will be basic. Please do not be afraid of this aspect of the course. I doodle in the simplest form.
Doodling on a blank page is not compulsory. You can choose to work exclusively in a printed story book.
Exploration and stitch work can take place in a childrens fairytale book, a blank sketchbook or both.
I will be enhancing a printed storybook with stitch, I will also be creating my own story in a blank sketchbook using pencil to doodle pattern.
On registration you will receive access to a short video where book choices are discussed.
05/17/2019
needlecase
This little needlcase is finished now....I miss it already, embellishing the ribbon, securing a drawstring channel, embroidering the lining, adding beads and buttonhole lace to the edge. Do you feel lost when you finish making something you have relly enjoyed handling?
On the plus side.....I can make another one.
This one is now in the shop. The next one is already pieced and tacked.
05/16/2019
hello again
These pieces aren't new but it feels to me as if they are as they are seeing the light of day for the first time since I moved house. These and several other pieces have been at my mums for safe keeping during the move, the rewire, the knocking down of walls, the dirt and dust. I retrieved them yesterday. (I think mum got used to having them around but sadly for her I claimed them back)
If you look at the piece in the fourth image, the piece with blue and white beads and lace cloth, there is stitched paper in that one. (it is visible in the other images too but perhaps not as clearly) It's also not finished. At the moment it consists of three squares of embroidery on vintage hankies, lace and paper. It needs one more square.
The other piece is finished, it's a little coverlet, throw, whatever you want to call it. The reverse of that one is also embroidered, you can see the strips from that reverse in the first image.
I am going to enjoy having these around again, close by.
05/14/2019
an edge for lace cloth
This morning I've been working a little on finishing this sample. It occured to me too that I haven't made any lace cloth since I moved house. (6 months ago!) I think I need to rectify that, not for any specific project or idea, purely to reacquaint myself with the process which is enormously satisfying. I'm going to have to try and fit a little lace cloth play into my plans for this week.
The stitches I added to this piece today will lead to something in embroidery class, as part of a project we have going on over there. (you should see that on Thursday girls)
05/13/2019
Ledger, recording stitch
Books, sketchbooks, notebooks, ledgers....these all seem to be featuring more and more in my work, I'm drawn to them, compelled to play with pages and embroidery. Pages are even featuring in my embroidery class as we are making a cloth book over there. Having said that, paper is featuring heavily elsewhere, outside of ledger class. (these images are my work from Ledger class).
If you remember I have been adding embroidery, beads and titivations to little doodles and then there's the sketchbooks I recently created and the cloth book and the paper based book which has a stitched cover almost ready to be wrapped around it. I guess I'm a little bit paper and book fixated these days.
05/11/2019
piecing a needlecase
More piecing of bright fabrics, braids and ribbons on a base of pieced white cloth. This one is a little needlecase in progress. I added a narrow lace drawstring channel to one area which is now threaded with orange velvet ribbon. French knots have been used to secure one strip of ribbon and a seam of white cloth whilst bright green sequins secure one edge on a second piece of ribbon. There's also an oversized pale pink shell bead placed randomly.....just because.
I'm mulling over my options for the lining of this one in terms of embellishment, which stitch? should there be beads? sequins? ribbon? There's no rush though, I need to finish this piece first.
05/10/2019
Embroidery school, building a collection.
We're designing fabric in 'embroidery school', yes really. This is my collection so far. It's quite daunting actually, the beaded pieces require patience and then some.
There's still a long way to go with this. I will need at least, at least six more pieces before it begins to even resemble an acceptable amount which I can dare to call 'a collection. Excitement comes not only from working on these pieces but equally it comes form imagining the possibilities.
05/09/2019
four little books
Four little hand made books, four little hand made books which have been ever present over the past few weeks. They are now listed in the shop.
It feels like the end of an era....but it isn't.
There is cloth being ironed and cut as we speak and I made a little book for ledger class this week too whilst in embroidery class we made a little pocket.
Books, pockets...I think I need to make a needlecase now.
05/08/2019
pom pom sketchbook
The pom pom piece I showed you a couple of days ago has now been added to a little handmade sketchbook forming the cover. I couldn't resist putting a couple of bigger pom poms inside too. I had intended to go straight into creating another little sketchbook but I have been having too much fun with ledgers, charm squares and stitch from my online classes so the next one will have to wait a few days.
This week has been a week of 'finishing' things. There is the cloth book I finished and showed you yesterday and there are three little sketchbooks with hand embroidered covers finished too. Also, things seem to be coming together really well in both my classes and I am hoping to update you on those in the next day or two.
05/07/2019
embroidered cloth book
I'm quite sad this little embroidered cloth book is finished even though I am delighted with it, love it, keep fondling it. It's always the same when something which has been 'in progress' for quite a while is now complete. It's the end of something and even though I have lots of other things in progress at the moment I shall miss being able to work on this little piece as and when.
You might think 'well start another one'. I did consider making another and I may well do that in the future but for now I will just keep fondling and turning the soft pages.
05/06/2019
pom poms two days running!
It would appear I am having a bit of a love affair with pom poms at the moment as they featured in yesterday's post too. These ones are at an edge, the edge of the latest finished embroidered sketchbook cover. The pages still need to be placed in here, I cut those out less than half an hour ago.
These little books I have been making are feeding my ledger class. I have plans for adding these to my pages, plans which I shared with the girls this morning and I'm itching to get cutting more pages, creating a little sketchbook to adorn a partially worked ledger page where at the moment there is collaged paper and colour studies.
As I have two classes running at the moment I get a bit confused sometimes, forgetting which colour thread is for which class, which bead selection too (yes, thread and beads are very present in the ledger class) At least I shouldn't get confused over which class the little sketchbooks belong to.
05/05/2019
French knots and pom poms
Yesterday was a perfect day, a perfect day by my definition anyway. It was spent with fabric and thread and all things embroidery, ledger and creativity. There was an added bonus too, the final page for my cloth book was completed, adorned with pom poms to be precise. (it isn't edged in these images but I have done that now and we are good to go)
The next thing to do is stitch the pages to the cover and hey presto we should have a cloth book with an embroidered cover. I say 'should' because I have been playing with placement of the pages for what seems like hours and I can't decide which one to put first, second, third and on and on......don't hold your breath is all I can say.
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