08/27/2017
needle case
I have made myself a little needle case to go with my button cloth from here. I like it so much I am going to make another one. I'm also going to make another button cloth. I have so many buttons I probably need another 10 buttons cloths.
The needle case is made form cut up ''old'' hankies which were then embroidered and joined front and back by hand. Now I need to decide which hankies to use for the next one before I can doodle the pattern onto them.
08/26/2017
adding to pages
I'm limbering up my fingers ready for the marathon, the 12 month marathon of artist books which begins in just over two weeks. Yesterday I added a couple more little titivation's to this little book, a page turner and a loop of vintage ''name tape'' bought in France last year. The PR is relevant, they are my husbands initials although I would still have bought it if I hadn't known anyone with those initials.
The ''stash'' for my next class is building nicely. I have been creating collage with paper, embroidering torn scraps of paper mixed with cloth, gathering buttons and beads and creating, unique embroidered buttons too. My obsession with ''never throwing anything away'' is paying off.
To read more about my upcoming ''artist book'' class go here.
A very short video of me turning these pages.....
08/25/2017
stitch on vintage hankies
I liked working on this so much that I started another one. This one will be a little different, have a different use. These are so enjoyable to stitch, a little doodling on old hankies, a little colour, a few petals and hexagons...always referring back to my sketchbook from years and years ago, taking note of these images....
Work has started on the reverse for this and I think I want to add a few more flowers to this side too. There's a large white area there begging to be stitched.
08/24/2017
a finished collection of embroidered pieces
The big reveal.....the first completed collection from ''studies in stitch''. A drawstring pouch, a large pin pillow, a small pin pillow, several buttons and toggles. I am more than happy with all these pieces and the pouch will be used daily and will probably be completely threadbare in a few months as it will be handled so much.
The pouch has an embroidered lining and the last image shows the embroidered base.
I was considering counting how many bullion loops I have embroidered on to the pouch but decided I prefer it to remain a mystery.
Next on the ''finishing'' list is the cutwork and hexagon collection from class, a folded pocket, a pillow and a button. You have seen the button already here along with progress on the folded pocket. The pillow is in its very early stages, I haven't got any further than the pinning stage and although there will only be one button it has sparked a lot of idea which I hope to play with in the future.
08/23/2017
button cloth
Remember these? I have upped their game, titivated the idea, progressed the complexity....not too complex I know but an improvement in terms of surface decoration for sure. This is what happened to the embroidered cloth from yesterday. I have learnt a lot. First of all don't use vintage cloth which creases as soon as you look at it. Use softer cloth, vintage or otherwise which takes a needle easily. (this cloth didn't like needles)
A few of my buttons are tied to this. They will be snipped off as and when I use them. I have so many buttons and instead of them hiding in drawers or jars or paper bags, laying unappreciated why not prettify their living space. There will be more of these little cloths, there are lots of buttons.
08/22/2017
stitched doodles and collage
I've stitched a reverse for the piece with pom poms, this piece. More has been added since yesterday when I took these photos and I'm hoping by tomorrow to have this completely finished. It will look very different by then if all goes to plan.
Then there's this....
Collage in progress, stash building for the ''12 month artist book adventure''.
And.......my first collection for ''studies in stitch'' is coming together. I will show you that later this week.
I love it when something which has been in progress for weeks begins to come together, when all the pieces fit....very satisfying indeed.
08/21/2017
silk and paper surfaces
The title is misleading because there's a little bit of lace thrown in here too, sorry. The cloth piece from yesterday has been cut and layered with a little lace ready to be hand embroidered. Separately, lace, silk and paper have been layered and stitched together to create the other scraps you can see here. All of these pieces will be hand embroidered, enhanced and whilst that is happening (hopefully).....I will get ideas, be inspired for more work, more embroidery, more pages for ''artist books''.
08/20/2017
a silk mix for pages
The cloth here is a base of silk muslin with a silk mix laid on the top. When finished this surface will be used to create small stitched samples for my ''artist book'' collection. I have to say....the silk mix does not like the sewing machine or is it the sewing machine that doesn't like the silk mix. I wish I had a ''horrified face'' emoji to insert here. Actually, I just found one.
Suffice to say, my sewing machine isn't speaking to me.
I think it was worth it though. I definitely learnt something and I do have a half passable surface to enhance with hand embroidery.
It's only 3 weeks until the 12 month ''artist books'' adventure begins, hence the play with fabrics, surfaces and paper. I have copied all that information below for you. I'm off to make friends with my sewing machine.
12 Month Artist Book adventure
Begins Monday September 11 2017
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
This is not an ''art'' class as you may imagine, my books will be enhanced purely through the use of stitch.
In response to numerous requests and following on from the success of my last ''artist book'' online learning programme I have created a 12 month online learning experience to which you will have unlimited access during the ''live'' 12 month period and beyond. Yes, one sign up, unlimited access...forever.
During our 12 month ''live'' programme I intend to provide video demonstration on a monthly basis with text blog posts weekly. It is possible and likely however that video may be required outside of this timetable meaning video provision is expected to be over and above that originally planned. My classes grow as they progress, they develop as new ideas are formed, I learn from you too, your needs, your progress, that process of learning and interaction invariably affects any teaching plans I have at the outset, allowing me to develop and extend course content as we progress.
Join me whilst I endeavour to fulfil a
long held ambition, the creation of a large collection of hand created
artist books, journals and ledgers comprising pages of stitch and
collage using cloth, embroidered scraps, beads, buttons, lace, pattern
and paper.
Your pages can be added to any book you wish, make your
own ledger with fine paper, with hand made paper, with patterned paper
or use a special sketchbook, maybe even a story book. These things will
be discussed and considered during our programme of creativity.
***please note. I have only basic book making skills. This is not a book making class in terms of the creation of finely bound sketchbooks, journals or ledgers. My own books will be very basic and simple. I am happy for you to be more experimental and adventurous with your own books. I encourage the pushing of boundaries, the exploration of idea and thought.***
My role is to demonstrate the creation of collaged and textured sheets of paper, cloth and embroidery, to illustrate the creation of stitched scraps for pages and to then share how a page can be adorned in order to enhance the presentation of your sampling. This in turn will lead to the creation of unique ''artist books'', a library of ideas and inspiration and a valuable resource for the future in terms of design and the extension of embroidery sampling.
Group interaction will be facilitated within the forum of a private Flickr group where it will be possible to upload images and receive feedback and encouragement from the wider group along with input from me. There will also be the opportunity for wider discussion within the ''discussion'' area of that group. Interaction in this manner is however voluntary. There is no pressure on you to participate within this forum. If you prefer to work quietly, on your own that is encouraged too. 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.
Images of my own ''Artist Books'' can be seen here. From viewing these images you will gain an appreciation of what can be achieved during this programme and beyond.
http://karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/artist-books/
Please note, certain tasks within this programme require the use of a sewing machine.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
You do not need to have participated in any of my previous online learning programmes to take part in this class.
08/18/2017
hexagons and flowers
It's not pink gingham and it's not an artist book. It's a little bit of doodling on some vintage cloth followed by simple embroidery to enhance the doodles along with a few''kind of '' pom poms.
I hadn't realised how delicate the vintage cloth was until I began to embroider onto it. The threads on the back are very obvious, very visible on the front but I don't think they will be as noticeable once this piece is backed or lined. I might even embroider a reverse to go along with this as for now I have no plans for what it will be I'm just playing with an idea.
08/17/2017
a very large button and a folded pocket with cutwork.
The second ''collection'' from class is coming together. Surface embroidery on a folded pocket is almost complete. There are still one or two hexagons to add and a small patch of cutwork to create and apply to the surface. Once those things are done I can begin to line this one before finishing it with a few folds and some titivating of the edges.
The button, singular....for this collection is also made. There's mileage in this and I have plans for more buttons inspired by this one with a few ''tweaks'' here and there. For a start.....I missed a trick with that unstitched area of silk fabric didn't I?
There will be a pin pillow too. That is pinned, that's all, just pinned. It's top of my list for serious thinking this weekend.
08/16/2017
the first part of the collection
A large silk and gingham pin pillow, festooned with sequins, the first finished piece from the collection I showed you here.
This one is a keeper. I know what you're thinking. How many pin pillows does that woman need. What can I say....it's something else to fondle and you can never have too many things to fondle. There is another, smaller one almost finished too and work has started on the drawstring pouch. The buttons were the second thing to be finished. I have used one of those to titivate the back of the pin pillow.
It's all coming together....I am excited about the drawstring pouch, about it being finished and being able to use it although the ''putting together'' stage is quite scary. (for me) so if you could all cross fingers and toes that would be appreciated.
Just before I go....my purchases from the quilt show.
Silk, Broderie Anglaise, sequins, needles, thread cards, pre cut hexagon templates, vintage lace and a little silk ribbon.
08/15/2017
fiddling with a button.....
I was playing with my artist book yesterday afternoon, fiddling with a button to be more exact, trying to decide where I wanted to put it. I got there in the end. Once I'd started I decided to play with another page and had to control myself to stop this taking over the whole day.
You have seen the sample on the left side before. On the facing page is a little folded lace, draped lace.
Thanks for the suggestions yesterday for blog titles after I had posted this
Do you know how hard it is to think of a title for a blog post every day? No? Just me then? ''two more'' was the best I could come up with today. It could have been ''embroidered scraps'', ''more samples for artist books'' and on and on but we've been there, done that, got several t shirts. Anyway I just had to get that off my chest, the daily angst which is ''thinking up a title for the blog post''.
....you are so funny.
I've chosen one to share with you today (not in the title, I didn't want anyone to think I'd completely lost it) This one is appropriate every day.
''she looked in the mirror and said...you again?''
08/14/2017
two more
Do you know how hard it is to think of a title for a blog post every day? No? Just me then? ''two more'' was the best I could come up with today. It could have been ''embroidered scraps'', ''more samples for artist books'' and on and on but we've been there, done that, got several t shirts. Anyway I just had to get that off my chest, the daily angst which is ''thinking up a title for the blog post''.
More samples for artist books then......I'm hoping to have a better idea later today of how much more I need to fill the next one. In truth I could make and make, join little scraps with a little titivation here, a little titivation there for the rest of my days. I'm never in a rush with these.
Last week someone commented on Facebook about the amount of small things I make, samples, scraps etc. so I explained how because I teach a lot samples are essential to my classes but I do also make finished pieces. That comment though, that conversation got me thinking about my artist books and how I would respond if someone asked me why I make them.
To be honest I make them because I love them. That alone, as pieces purely to look at, to turn pages, to appreciate as a decorative object is reason enough for me. But......they also have value for inspiration for future embroidered pieces, for texture, pattern and stitch reference. That aspect is a bonus however. In no way is it their 'raison d'etre'.
08/13/2017
a drawstring pouch, six buttons and two pin pillows
A collection in progress. All the embroidered pieces needed to create a drawstring pouch, a large pin pillow, a small pin pillow and six buttons. There will be toggles too but I haven't started those yet. This is work from ''studies in stitch''. Since these images were taken I have finished one pin pillow, the large one, and all six buttons are made. The next step is to back, stuff and titivate the small pin pillow before embarking on the scary bit....putting the pouch together.
I have a plan for that and I have done it before but it's still daunting.
Now I am wishing I had counted the bullion loops and sequins in this work....I guess I can still do that. If I get round to it I will let you know.
08/12/2017
pages
This house is covered in pink gingham at the moment, threads, scraps and bigger, embroidered and titivated pieces. Silk too and sequins and bullion loops. Things are coming together in class and tomorrow I will share some images of that, share some images of my pink gingham and silk all damp stretched and wonderful.
Today though, ''artist books'', ledgers, sketchbooks, exploratory sampling, ideas for embroidery......I am trying to refresh, educate myself, regroup, be inspired, all for the next big adventure which is 12 months in which to build a collection of artist books for myself, for reference, for future embroidered works and also just for the sheer pleasure.
I visited the ''Festival of Quilts'' this week and bought some beautiful cloth, a ''silk mix'' which I am desperate to sample with and create another page. That will happen later today hopefully.
(I bought much more than that, later next week I will take photographs and show you)
If you want to join me on my 12 month ''artist book'' adventure you can read more here.
Have a wonderful Saturday x
08/10/2017
Randoms....
A few ''randoms'' today, recent images of work in progress, work completed and everyday creative stuff. The large piece of silk with gingham and embroidery is damp stretching. That is a ''master sheet'' of items from class. There's a drawstring pouch, two pin pillows and six buttons all embroidered waiting to be put together and have final titivation's added. (you can't see the buttons but trust me, they're there) and yes, you did read that correctly, two more pin pillows. There are four finished pin pillows in these images too. The top three are mine, the last one, the blue and white one doesn't live here any more.
08/09/2017
One image.....I have finally put my artist book together but little else has happened in terms of page adornments and I would hate to bore you by showing you the same stuff over and over. As you can see from the video there is a lot more work to do, lots of pages still to fill.
It gets very interesting now....and fiddly. Stitching on pages that are weighted with embroidered samples, trying to add buttons and beads to page reverses, folding and pinning stitched paper scraps. Fiddly yet very exciting and extremely satisfying.
In the video.....my hands (insert horrified emoji) I have hands like a navvy!
NOUN
Britishdated
-
A labourer employed in the excavation and construction of a road, railway, or canal.
08/08/2017
white, cutwork, hexagons and Liberty fabric.
The cutwork here, (with the patchwork at it's edge) is from something we are creating in class, it will eventually become a folded pocket, a pouch. The other piece? I was compelled to create the other piece as a result of working on the cutwork pocket. There's something about the Liberty print on white cloth which excited me and I couldn't help myself. As yet I have no idea what the new piece with the hexagons will become. I don't even care. I love to sew, I sewed. It may or may not be added to.....if the urge to mix fabrics and stitch gets hold of you then you just have to go with it.
08/07/2017
bullion knots and sequins, a page.
Bullion knots and sequins on paper, or a page to be more specific. This artist book will be put together sooner rather than later but for now I am taking advantage of the pages being loose in order to add more adornments whilst mounting the little stitched samples. The sequins I used here are translucent, have no colour that I can see whilst in the packet. What I am loving now I have used them here is how subtle shades of greens and pinks are appearing....who knew.
Whilst I was playing with this last night I thought I'd see how it will look once other pages are added....
Don't forget the 12 month ''artist book'' class which begins in early September. You can read more here.
And whilst I am here.....do you subscribe to this blog by e mail? If you do, can I ask....are you receiving updates?
08/06/2017
a second sample, swatch book
The sample/swatch book, collection idea evolved from the online class ''embroidery school''. The collection created there can be seen in this post. I got so much pleasure from creating that one meaning I just had to create another. This is it, almost finished. I say almost because although the headers are joined, although it's fixed into a leaf through swatch book I am continuing to add embroidery to the reverse and there's still quite a way to go with that. (the last image shows partial embroidery on the reverse in progress)
This one consists of four large embroidered pieces of cloth. Each piece has a variety of stitches and embroidery processes on the surface, on the edges. There are several more pieces of embroidered cloth ''in progress'' in addition to the ones joined here. They will from the third sample swatch book.
There are two very brief videos here from my Instagram feed relating to this sample swatch book.
08/05/2017
embroidered buttons
I've been embroidering buttons for class......shhhhh, don't tell them they haven't seen them yet. (these aren't those) The buttons for class are unseen as yet but as it would happen, one button leads to another if you know what I mean so the buttons here are inspired by my as yet unseen class buttons. (I do hope you are not confused)
They work well with my embroidered scraps for my artists book I think. You can never have too many hand embroidered buttons.....there will be more.
New class staring September 11. You can read more here.
08/04/2017
a lower edge
Yesterday, in an effort to reconnect with embroidered cloth as opposed to pages, I worked a little more on one of my sample swatches. I speak about that collection here if you aren't familiar with it. (there's also a short video on that link) A flounce has been added to the lower edge of this one, attached with buttonhole lace before little tassels were added to finish it off.
Some of you might remember my decision to also add embroidery to the reverse of these pieces, to recognise the reverse as of equal value to the front. With that in mind I worked a little on the back too. I used bias binding as a simple adornment for one seam and added a small embroidered panel to another. I speak more about working on the reverse in this post.
08/03/2017
lace, sequins, scrim and a small fastening
Two more pages, two sides. In truth there are many more to go, lots more playtime with composition and titivation. My stash is coming in very handy. I speak a little about the value of my 'stash' here. That's not to say I don't need other things around me in order to finish a page, no....the pages come together with a combination of stash bits, new stitching, fastenings, buttons, beads, paper scraps and other things I have around me.
Some people follow challenges such as ''a stitch a day'' or ''a drawing a day''. I'm setting myself the challenge of ''a page a day''.
08/02/2017
beginning to put it all together
Attaching tiny stitched samples, not much more than scraps but embellished scraps, scraps with embroidery, torn paper, beads....attaching those to pages for my ''artist book'', pulling it all together. Deciding what to put where and how to then embellish the page is one of the most exciting things about creating these little ledgers, sometimes challenging but exciting all the same.
There are four ''sides''here, four finished sides, four little compositions. I spent two hours with these yesterday afternoon. I would struggle to find a better use for two hours of my time. Two hours would result in a lot of bullion knots I guess but each of these ''sides'' is a finished piece in its own right, the reward more immediate.
The creation of these little fabric compositions will form part of my new class, my twelve month ''artist book'' subscription class. You can read more about that here.
08/01/2017
sequins on a folded pocket
The folded pocket with folded hankies in a seam secured with sequined bullion knots.....this one.....I have progressed it. Sequins have been added to little circles of cloth which were already present on the fabric. It was a simple and very relaxing hour or so of stitch working this area. My plans for the rest of this pocket surface are a little more involved, not massively complicated but not as easy as adding sequins to little circles of fabric. There will be applique but that's as far as I have got. Maybe that will be enough.
In other news.....I have bound all my embroidery hoops. I am extremely happy about that. I feel very satisfied and proud!
It's the little things.......
A reminder about the very exciting ''artist book'' marathon which begins in early September. You can read more here.
07/31/2017
twelve months of paper, pages, stitch, sequins, beads, buttons. Artist Books.
A new ''half'' page, extended with stitched papers, sequins and French knots....a prelude to the next, exciting 12 months. Due to numerous requests and the fact I want to spend a full year creating a collection of Artist Books......a new class, a relaxed class, a no pressure class.
ARTIST BOOKS. 12 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION.
Begins Monday September 11 2017
Online format.... Private password protected blog.
This is not an ''art'' class as you may imagine, my books will be enhanced purely through the use of stitch.
In response to numerous requests and following on from the success of my last ''artist book'' online learning programme I have created a 12 month online learning experience to which you will have unlimited access during the ''live'' 12 month period and beyond. Yes, one sign up, unlimited access...forever.
During our 12 month ''live'' programme I intend to provide video demonstration on a monthly basis with text blog posts weekly. It is possible and likely however that video may be required outside of this timetable meaning video provision is expected to be over and above that originally planned. My classes grow as they progress, they develop as new ideas are formed, I learn from you too, your needs, your progress, that process of learning and interaction invariably affects any teaching plans I have at the outset, allowing me to develop and extend course content as we progress.
Join me whilst I endeavour to fulfil a
long held ambition, the creation of a large collection of hand created
artist books, journals and ledgers comprising pages of stitch and
collage using cloth, embroidered scraps, beads, buttons, lace, pattern
and paper.
Your pages can be added to any book you wish, make your
own ledger with fine paper, with hand made paper, with patterned paper
or use a special sketchbook, maybe even a story book. These things will
be discussed and considered during our 8 weeks of creativity.
***please note. I have only basic book making skills. This is not a book making class in terms of the creation of finely bound sketchbooks, journals or ledgers. My own books will be very basic and simple. I am happy for you to be more experimental and adventurous with your own books. I encourage the pushing of boundaries, the exploration of idea and thought.***
My role is to demonstrate the creation of collaged and textured sheets of paper, cloth and embroidery, to illustrate the creation of stitched scraps for pages and to then share how a page can be adorned in order to enhance the presentation of your sampling. This in turn will lead to the creation of unique ''artist books'', a library of ideas and inspiration and a valuable resource for the future in terms of design and the extension of embroidery sampling.
Group interaction will be facilitated within the forum of a private Flickr group where it will be possible to upload images and receive feedback and encouragement from the wider group along with input from me. There will also be the opportunity for wider discussion within the ''discussion'' area of that group. Interaction in this manner is however voluntary. There is no pressure on you to participate within this forum. If you prefer to work quietly, on your own that is encouraged too. 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.
Images of my own ''Artist Books'' can be seen here. From viewing these images you will gain an appreciation of what can be achieved during this programme and beyond.
http://karenannruane.typepad.com/karen_ruane/artist-books/
Please note, certain tasks within this programme require the use of a sewing machine.
Access.... Unlimited. Forever.
Materials required.... List sent upon registration.
***No prerequisites, suitable for beginners and the more experienced.***
You do not need to have participated in any of my previous online learning programmes to take part in this class.
07/30/2017
studies in stitch
This is what's getting my attention when I'm not working on my artist book. Can you see my dilemma? Can you see why I want to work on both? Why I'm torn? This work isn't damp stretched.....I'm uneasy about that for many reasons. It would look much, much better if it was damp stretched and I would also be able to get better images.......but it's not, I apologise. The section in the hoop is going to be a pin pillow which will be an accessory, an accompanying piece for the drawstring bag which you can see being created in the other images.
Both these pieces are being embroidered on the same, huge piece of silk. Also marked out on this cloth are another pillow and six buttons which have yet to be embroidered. Nothing will be cut from here until the surface of each piece is completely hand embroidered. I will then damp stretch them as a whole before cutting them out and putting the different pieces together, finishing them, edging them, backing them, lining them.
The area for my drawstring pouch is finished, the surface embroidery is complete. I am itching to cut that out and finish the pouch but I am determined to wait......
07/29/2017
cutwork and hexagons
Studies in stitch, embroidery, pockets, pillows, buttons, toggles, cross stitch, sequins, bullion knots and in the case of this piece, cutwork and hexagons. This will be a folded pocket, there will be an accompanying pillow and there will definitely be buttons. There may even be an artist book page or two because all this sewing is giving me ideas, feeding my wish list of things to explore.
Tomorrow I can show you the gingham and sequin pieces we have been working on. Monday marks the start of the second half of class, the final six weeks. By the time we have finished I will have pillows and pockets, buttons and pouches coming out of my ears. Don't worry, that's a good thing.
07/28/2017
stitched paper, stitched fastenings
Continuing the ''artist book'' obsession...yesterday I stitched a few papers together. I will hand embroider on some of this paper, maybe adding pom poms or buttons or sequins too. Small pieces will also be used, torn...to edge a page or form another different and interesting page. (that implies the other pages will be boring...oops...they won't be)
I keep my ''artist book'' bits and pieces, samples, stitched bits, papers, pages etc in a tall cabinet. Because these little bits are mounting up I tidied the cabinet earlier this week and found quite a big stash of hand embroidered fastenings, buttons, toggles etc. That made the tidying all the more satisfying.
07/27/2017
Layout
All my pages are cut now. Nothing is joined yet, no binding has happened. The next step is to decide on the placement of pages and the layout of my stitched samples. That could take some time. I also need to create more surfaces with stitched paper for overlays and page fillers.
Once I start to actually fix my samples to pages I will have a better idea of how many more I need too. In truth, you can never have too many. If there are any remaining once your book is filled they become the best reason to create another one, to start again.
Below is a very short Instagram video of my little stitched bits.
07/26/2017
folded pockets
We are making a folded pocket in class and that, combined with the folded edge from yesterday inspired me to do this......the start of another folded pocket. This is the first seam, the first embellishment. Two separate fabrics have been joined using bullion knots and sequins, silk dupion and ''something else'' which I bought in Barcelona. I say something else because I don't want to guess but if you were to force me I would say it's a silk mix, the price I paid for it tells me that. It's very fine and has those wonderful discs on the surface.
There's a lot of potential in those discs, I just haven't figured out what it is yet.
The last image is how the reverse of this folded pocket is likely to look when I have finished working on the surface. I want it already. I need it to be finished so I can use it. I'm so impatient.
07/25/2017
folded cloth
I'm amassing quite a collection of these little stitched bits, samples, experiments. It must be nearly time to put some pages together and start adding these along with other little pieces of torn paper, beads, sequins, tiny buttons and cloth pieces.
It's surprising how many pieces you need to fill a little artist book and I'm guessing that despite my excitement at my growing collection I may still fall some way short.
These two pieces are mostly about the folded cloth, an edge of folded cloth and some folded ''rolled'' cloth secured with sequins. Those little rolled pieces are beautifully delicate ''in real life''.
Some of you may have noticed a new tab at the top of the page, ''Artist Book. Subscription only blog''. I have had many requests for this, for that format and subject for a new class. At the moment it's in the ''making notes'' stage, the planning. My current class ''studies in stitch'' is my priority at the moment along with the exciting pieces we are making in that group.
Going forward, the ''Artist Book'' subscription blog will run for a full year. Learning will be spread over the twelve months and will be very relaxed allowing me to create separate work and perhaps run mini classes alongside. I am aiming, trying to shake things up slightly. I am hoping to list the Artist Book subscription in the next few weeks so stay tuned if you are interested in that.
07/24/2017
lace cloth, two pieces
Two pieces of lace cloth, both very different. The piece with the dark blue sequins is a pin pillow in progress. (it's almost finished, it's lined and backed. It now needs to be stuffed and edged and then it will be ready) You first saw that here. This piece is much softer than the other piece which is my veil like cloth. The pin pillow has less metallic silk tissue and more scrim...hence the softness of that one.
The ''veil'' like cloth doesn't have any scrim, the scrim has been replaced with silk muslin. (I speak more about this ''veil'' like piece here.) Working on the pin pillow has given me more ideas for the veil cloth.......that's how it works. Stitching, piecing, repetitively embroidering seams and bullion loops leads your mind in all kinds of directions.
07/23/2017
Vintage blue and a tiny tassel
A very small stitched sample, six inches by three inches. Again, work for my own artist book. This one is a mix of paper and cloth, vintage blue and a tiny tassel rescued from a bought necklace. There are French knots and a little buttonhole lace, fiddly stitching on a Saturday night. Fiddly stitching is one of my not so secret pleasures.
I was once asked....what's the point of all these little things you do? They aren't any use......sharp intake of breath. They give me pleasure, that on it's own is enough. Then there's their value as inspiration for the future, reminders of process and stitch, a record of compatible cloth, thread and technique. I could go on but I guess if you're here, reading this, looking at these pictures you know the value of these little pieces already.
07/22/2017
how an artist book comes together
You may already have gathered....I have a ''stash'', a vast amount of fabric scraps, torn papers, stitched papers. In truth I could probably go now and create four or five artist books using things I already have. It doesn't work like that though. I am conscious of repetition for a start. I wouldn't want to create four books with exactly the same contents and some of my ready made ''stash'' can be used elsewhere, perhaps on a small design sheet or a stitched sample so won't ever be wasted. Because of this, when I get the urge to mix papers I haven't played with before, or used together before I do it, adding to my stash and learning at the same time.
The same goes for pages. A page idea pops up, I do it. Putting together a finished artist book still takes time. Once the pages are stitched into the cover there is always more to add, more titivating which can be done, cramming....I like to cram.
The images today are from the playing and stitching with paper which happened yesterday. There's another page too. I shall just keep going like this until the urge to stitch the pages together grabs me and then the rest of the work will begin.
07/21/2017
lace, pom poms and sequins
More stitching has been added to the pillow top I first showed you here. Not long now and that piece will be transformed into something delightful into which pins can be stuck! The other piece is a small scrap, a small sample of layered lace, silk muslin, a few vintage pom poms and added stitch. There's a single silver, cubed bead on there too, not very visible in these images. (first image, far left of the third pom pom down on the silk muslin surface.) This piece is for my very own artist book.
Speaking of artist books there may be news soon of an adventure regarding ''artist books''......but that's for another day.
Today I will be stitching fine, fragile papers, creating surfaces for my ''stash''. Some of those will be hand embroidered for my book. Fabric scraps will be added to them too, perhaps a few more pom poms, definitely some delicate pieces of lace and beads and sequins will almost certainly find a place somewhere within these plans.
07/20/2017
the potential of cutwork
A glimpse for you of what is happening in embroidery school. At the moment we are playing with cutwork, mixing it with hexagons, layering cloth and stitch in little cut away windows. Very soon we will be moving on to pockets, creating small, soft, embroidered pockets using our favourite processes from sampling.
The first few weeks of class were all about cross stitch, gingham, silk, bullion loops , a drawstring pouch, buttons, pin pillows, toggles....those pieces, (at least in my house) are still in progress.
My cutwork pocket, or pockets if I get chance to make more than one, they will also have accessories, a pillow perhaps and buttons. There will definitely be buttons.
07/19/2017
lace cloth, a new pin pillow
Lace cloth, a pin pillow, the top of a pin pillow. Every time I make lace cloth I question why I don't do it more often. No two pieces are the same, ever. In class, if we make lace cloth, out of 30 or 40 people no two pieces are ever the same or would be the same if we all began with exactly the same cloth. It's always a surprise, a revelation exactly how the finished piece will turn out. I've yet to see a ''poor'', unappealing piece of lace cloth, my own or that made by others. I would be so bold as to say it's impossible to not create a gorgeous piece of cloth this way no matter how much experience you have or don't have, no matter what your choices are when it comes to fabric selection.
Anyway, I digress, I got wrapped up in my love for lace cloth.....now to speak about the pin pillow. It's spoken for. I don't accept commissions for many reasons one of which is lack of time. (another, more relevant reason is I want to make what I want, not what someone else wants. Sorry about that, it's just how it is.)
If someone mentions to me they may like something I say no problem but I can't promise and I can't promise when it will happen if it ever does. I'm no business genius but I'm guessing that wouldn't be a good way to earn money from commissioned work. But, like I said, that's fine by me. I am the non commission Queen...too many potential problems.
So, the pin pillow. Someone wants one. I said yes but don't hold your breath. Eventually , it's here, in progress. You can breathe now.
07/18/2017
my swatch/sample stash
Not an artist book to be seen, no paper pages...zilch. I thought you deserved some cloth and actually this was unplanned but I literally had so much fun looking through these yesterday I thought you might like it too. Another video.....my camera is working overtime. I doubt you will get a video tomorrow but I can tell you that on Thursday I will be able to show you progress from class.
07/17/2017
a single button
This little book has been finished for ages...all that was needed was for me to make a little bag, a pocket to keep it in. I managed to do that yesterday but then I had an idea to add a single button to the front cover. Finally, I finished faffing and delaying and the person who has been waiting forever to hold this book, to own this book will soon have it in their possession. (it's posted!)
There is a detailed blog post about this artist book here...lots of images and a short video where pages are turned and can be examined more closely. Meanwhile.....a short video from this morning, a verbal explanation of the single button addition.
07/16/2017
a tall, narrow page......a short video
Another page, this time long and thin....or tall and narrow whichever you prefer. You will most likely be seeing a lot of ''artist book'' related stuff in the coming days as I am working on class pieces off camera whilst trying to progress my artist book for an hour or two each day. As I have said, this one is for me. I do however have a couple of people patiently waiting for these little books so I see a lot of pages and samples and embroidered scraps in my future.
That's what I will mostly be sharing here with glimpses of class work whenever I can, as and when my group has had a first look.
There's a very short video today, a little bit of chat about pages and my plans for those....
07/15/2017
the next page
The next page for my own artist book. This one has embroidery, layering behind cut away areas, a little doodling with blue pen.......this one is different, the design is created as part of the page, mostly I add samples to pages rather than the page itself being the sample. I'm hoping it will add interest when the book is finished, when I'm leafing through it. There are plans to add cut away areas to a few more pages, to create beaded and/or embellished windows too.
It's good to be back.....
07/09/2017
loopy buttons and a base for a pouch
Finally I can show you the pieces that have me salivating, have me itching to obsessively stitch bullion loops and sequins to a gingham and silk surface....my work from class. The cloth piece is a drawstring pouch in progress, the circular area is the base. The buttons are ''samples'', ''prototypes'', not the finished item. They still need a little polishing around the edges so to speak, that's why you can see raggy edges and loose threads. The cloth piece isn't damp stretched. That is actually causing me a little bit of angst...it's naked, undressed, definitely not in it's prime.
Today I will work some more on this but I have to say, my suitcase is packed again. I am off to London for a few days in the morning, long planned, exhibitions booked and some time with my daughter before she travels almost half way round the world on holiday. Normal service should permanently resume next weekend.
07/08/2017
joining front and back with buttonhole lace and sequins.
The day before yesterday this piece was pinned.....I had plans....the plans are taking shape. Buttonhole lace, sequins, two pieces joined and more edges to work on. My dilemma? What to work on next, today, this evening? Artist books are calling me, my own artist book specifically and then this piece today, I'm itching to stitch on it a bit more whilst over in class it's all about pink gingham, white silk and bullion loops with added sequins. (I will show you tomorrow.) I want to work on that too. I guess it's the best kind of dilemma to have. I'm thinking of writing a list of my current stitch addictions, closing my eyes and sticking a pin in it. It might well be the only way I will reach a decision.
07/07/2017
this and that
My postman made me very happy this week as you can see in the first two images. I will have to come back from holiday more often. The other images are mostly holiday stitching and holiday purchases.....the bangles and necklaces will be cut up, the beads and sequins put to a much better use. I would much rather have those adorning my work than ''myself''.
07/06/2017
an embroidered edge for the reverse
Cast your mind back to this post. I speak about adding embroidery to the reverse of my work, not to cover the ''wrong'' side but to enhance it, to recognise it as a valid aspect of my embroidery process. That is what I am doing here. I have taken a small sample made as part of this collection and begun the process of creating an embroidered reverse seam. For now it's just pinned. I will add to this later, stitch on it some more, give it a decorative edge whilst securing it to the main piece.
Studies in Stitch is taking most of my time at the moment and I can't share what we are up to for now. I am hoping to give you a glimpse at the weekend. I am massively excited about my piece for that class, almost to the point of obsession and ignoring everything else. Hopefully spending a little time with the pieces shown today will bring me back to earth...
07/05/2017
can you see the difference?
If you look at this piece here, when I last shared it with you, you should be able to see the difference in embellishment from then and now. I worked on this a little whilst I was away. At siesta time the locals slept...I stitched. More has been added since I got back and I am now at the stage where I need to create another piece of silk to add to this main body, to extend the surface.
I have been calling this my ''veil'' piece but now I'm thinking it's fast becoming a ''sequin sampler''. I shall think on that for a while.
07/04/2017
coming together
The sample with the chain is new.....you have seen the others before. My collection of stitched samples for my own artist book is growing, all be it slowly. If my other artist books are to be a measure for this one I need another twenty stitched pieces at least. That's exciting, that means lots of play, lots of stitching on scraps of cloth not to mention the pages I will embellish too.
In addition to my artist book, a drawstring pouch is in progress over in class. I may, may........... be able to show you a glimpse of that later this week. It involves silk, gingham and a few titivation's in the form of sequins....
Life is slowly getting back to normal here. The unpacking is done as is the laundry.....huge pat on the back for myself. Now to crack on with the sewing, the page creation, the fondling of fabric, beads, sequins....sigh. It's a hard life.
07/02/2017
post holiday sampling
A little sample, a tiny sample which I embroidered yesterday evening instead of unpacking suitcases and attending to laundry.....why not.
I am reconnecting with my own personal ''artist book'' which I speak about here and here. (I bought this fabric in Barcelona.....the Broderie Anglaise and the lovely surface with stitched circles)
We had a fantastic holiday arriving home in the night yesterday. I'm playing catch up today. I feel jet lagged. It's only an hours time difference I know but I'm guessing the strange flight time has had an effect so not jet lagged...jaded. Normal service will be resumed before you know it....just as soon as I have attended to the laundry.
(there are lots of images from Spain on my Instagram here if you would like to take a look at what I have been up to)
The shop is now open if you want to join us in ''studies for stitch'' which recommences on Wednesday.....get your pencils sharpened girls, needle and thread at the ready.
I best crack on. I'm getting a bit fed up if stubbing my toe on these unpacked suitcases.
06/27/2017
Holiday stitching
A quick hello from Spain where it's hot....and hot and thank goodness for air conditioning at siesta time which for me is stitching time.
A little glimpse for you of the tiny amount of embroidery I have done since I arrived.
A word of warning for you..... I am so in love with this place I may never come home.
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