10/10/2023
embroidered flower patches for a cloth book cover
Yes, the embroidered gingham stitch book is still in progress.
I'm wondering if it's the most delayed little book in the history of little books!
Now that the front and inside cover are embellished with little patches of embroidered flowers I think I can put all this together at last.
My days are filled with this at the moment but the evenings are all gingham.
Watch this space.
10/09/2023
continuing....
I mentioned here that I'd be making lace cloth for the foreseeable.
Here it is, more lace cloth.
As I said before, I'm going to keep going until I either run out of thread or run out of time!
10/07/2023
frothy and white
This is what's taking up most of my time today and will continue to do so for most of the next few days, lace cloth.
I'm teaching a residential workshop next weekend.....a lace cloth workshop.
How many pieces will I need?
I haven't a clue so I'm just going to keep going until I run out of time or thread, whichever comes first.
10/05/2023
embroidered gingham patches
My little gingham book of stitch has been languishing since you last saw it here.
I did make progress with the front cover but the lining still needs to be embellished.
In these images the pink gingham patch which overlaps the Liberty print in image two has been applied to the front cover.
The other two patches are auditioning for the lining.
10/03/2023
assessing progress
It's a busy Tuesday.....I'm assessing my progress with my Alchemy work and also refreshing my memory.
I've been away for three days and it's surprising how a music gig along with a trip to Liberty and Fabriano can clear your brain of works in progress.
Mainly I'm trying to decide where to go next with this.
What's new to you in these images?
The two inch square collage and embroidery cards.
The ribbon piece with embroidered ribbon snippets stitched to the surface.
OK Karen, time to get your brain in gear.
09/28/2023
a gingham stitch book....ingredients
This little book is almost ready to be put together.
The front and inside covers are pinned and ready for hand embroidery.
There is embroidered gingham ribbon for a page marker along with five double sided pages of hand embroidery, ten pages in total.
It may take me a while to complete as I am off to London for a few days.
I wonder if Liberty has missed me?
09/26/2023
continuing........Alchemy 2023
More progress with my work for Alchemy 2023.
These pieces are developing well and since these images were taken they have altered again.
There is more to add too, I am working on that at the moment.
09/24/2023
Alchemy
Today, a glimpse at my early explorations from week one of Alchemy 2023.
Also, my Sunday table.
My Alchemy work has moved on from what you see here and I promise I will show you soon how this is developing.
The lace on my Sunday table.....it was the ball buttons that atracted me, I can't resist a ball button.
When this arrived it was very yellow but with some careful laundering it looks almost like new.
09/22/2023
embroidered pages for embroidered samples
The mounting of stitched samples onto my embroidered pages has begun.
Blimey, I need so many more pages, each one hand embroidered. This could take me until next year.
I think there are a quarter of the samples now mounted, some not visible here, so three times more what's here plus plus.......
I best get stitching.
09/20/2023
this and that
It's a bit of a mixed post today but it's an illustration of my 'to do' list.
One thing has been crossed off that list, the ribbon here is now embellished after being only pinned for the past week.
Big ball buttons have been brought out, auditioning for my Alchemy pieces.
They failed that audition but that's ok because I can make more.
Threads, thread choices, wrapping and numbering thread cards.
The new ribbon.....extending choices for my Alchemy work.
I'm thinking I should have ordered another green.
Time to crack on.....
09/19/2023
presentation continued
The last time you saw this work nothing was fixed, nothing had been secured with hand stitch, it was precariously placed hoping against hope that there wasn't a gust of wind on the way.
I have made progress though. The small pieces of ribbon are now secured with hand stitch and I'm in the process of attaching the first of the five stitched paper pieces. As you can imagine, this is time consuming. It's also very relaxing.......
Alchemy information post here for those who asked x
09/18/2023
Alchemy Monday
It's a big day today. It's the first day of Alchemy 2023 and a return to teaching for me after a break of a few months and boy did I miss it.
The image is of my work from previous Alchemy classes. My work however takes a back seat once we are up and running as going forward demonstration is created to fit with the needs of the group.
Our first videos are posted, our private Facebook and Flickr groups up and running and I have a to do list a mile long.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Registration for Alchemy 2023 is still open.
If you would like to know more then just go here.
09/16/2023
sorting
This morning has been spent emptying my embroidery cabinet, sorting through things, trying to make room for my Alchemy work.
Truth be told, I think I need another cabinet.
I really enjoy this task, I discover forgotten things and become inspired all over again.
Alchemy 2023 begins on Monday. I think I'm ready and if you would like to join us you can read more here.
09/14/2023
presentation
Now these five pieces are finished it's time to mount them.
I decided against book form for these, opting for a large sheet which I will also embellish.
The basic layout, including intended embellishment of the background sheet is visible in the first image.
You will notice in that image, I have used some of my hand embellished ribbon.
It's time to embellish more....
09/12/2023
samples, samples, samples,
This stage of the sampling from here is complete.
There are five of these pieces, each one four inches square.
My next step?
Prepare a larger sheet for these to live on.
The large sheet will be embellished too, I could go on forever.
09/10/2023
Video morning
The chaos of making teaching videos.....
I need a bigger table.
*******
Have you always wanted to make an Artist Book? A wrapping cloth perhaps, a pouch, a pillow. a collection of paper based design sheets?
If so, Alchemy could be the online learning programme for you.
This course is critique based with demonstration provided as and when the group need is evident.
Group members dictate most content as each member will be working towards a personal goal.
Alchemy 2023.
Begins Monday September 18 for 12 weeks. (built in 2 week break meaning 14 week timetable.)
The medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed
transformation of matter, esp. that of base metals into gold.
***Please note....weeks 5 and 6 are free weeks. I will be away.
Because of this we have a timetable of 14 weeks, not 12.***
Aims and Content
Do you dream of creating that one special piece of embroidery, a
piece of textile art, or of finishing a long neglected project,
combining your ideas and developing them into that special piece of
cloth? If so then Alchemy is the programme for you.
During the course of this 12 week self directed learning package
you will produce a unique piece of embroidered art with inspiration,
technique, process and final outcomes determined by you, the
artist.
Your art piece can be created using virtually any media such as
cloth or paper. I will serve as mentor, guiding and advising you at
each stage.
Built into our twelve week timetable are regular visual critiques,
using images of work in progress that you upload to our online
forum and/or which you choose to bring to our live Zoom sessions.
Zoom.
Group Zoom appraisals are built into this programme.
Your presence at these is not compulsory. I would however ask you
to consider being involved in those get togethers as they provide
an invaluable experience, an opportunity to share ideas and learn
from your peers.
These sessions are always positive experiences with extremely
enthusiastic contributions from the group.
However, should you feel group Zoom sessions are not for you I
will endeavour to connect with you privately via Zoom or email.
Early aims.
Following initial investigations within a ledger concerning pattern,
shape and colour it is envisaged that you will sample ideas with
stitch as a means of identifying preferences regarding technique for
use in your final piece.
Presentation of initial investigations is discussed in the video at the top of this post.
This process will be critique led with any practical demonstration
built into the 12 week programme as and when the need arises.
My Role
I will serve as mentor, guiding and advising you where appropriate,
perhaps suggesting artists for you to study where I feel this is
relevant to your own investigations. I will appraise your work in
progress and advise on surface design and colour choices. This is
not an exhaustive list, merely an indication of the commitment I will
provide to you and your chosen path.
Ownership
Your personal connection to this project will be its driving force.
This process belongs to you, is self driven and all creative
investigations and final outcomes should speak of you. You have a
responsibility to also source information yourself and to familiarise
yourself with new creative technique that you may wish to use.
Demonstrations
Please note......this course is not a ''how to'' process in terms
of embroidery technique. Demonstration will be provided as
and when required depending on the needs of the group and
the individuals within the group. The requirements regarding
the demonstration of specific process and technique will not
be known initially but will become evident as the course
progresses.
Video will be hosted on a dedicated, password protected blog. It
will not be possible for video to be downloaded. All videos will have
to be viewed through the medium of the class blog. This is to
ensure my copyright is protected. I hope you understand the
importance of that particular aspect of this class.
Flickr
To compliment the live Zoom sessions a dedicated flickr group will
be available where it is hoped you will post images allowing me to
assess your progress and appraise/advise.
Starting Points
Prior to the commencement of Alchemy begin to gather starting
points for your work. These items could take the form of
postcards, images from magazines, colour swatches from paint
charts or similar. Collect images relating to the work of other artists
who inspire you....textile art, sculpture, oil painting. This is a
''personal'' project, it centres around each individual, their aesthetic
and creative preferences. If you are struggling for starting points
then I will assist you, guide you. You are very well supported
throughout this process and I am available as little or as much as
you need me.
Expected Outcomes
It is anticipated that by the end of our 12 week run you will have a
greater appreciation of the design process which has led or will lead
to the completion of your finished piece. In addition it is hoped that
you will have created an informative reference in the form of a
working ledger alongside a collection of embroidered samples.
Ledger
Your Ledger will document your progress throughout the course
and is a crucial element in the creation of your finished piece. A
record of your experience, the ledger may include sketches,
thoughts, diagrams, notes, photographs, artist/designer images
that inspire and influence you, computer generated imagery,
printed fabric, embroidered samples. This is not an exhaustive list,
you may add anything of your choosing to your ledger which
connects you to the work.
Registration
Upon registration you will receive further information in e mail form
containing a brief outline of our weekly plan along with a list of
suggested equipment for the course. Access to all resources is
permanent. There are no deadlines. I will remain available to you
after the conclusion of our 12 week period in an advisory, appraisal
role.
You are also welcome to contact me for advice/questions prior to
the start of this course.
Please allow 48 hours from registration to receipt of welcome email.
09/09/2023
keeping in touch
Despite a lot of gingham chat lately I still have more than one eye on this, developing my ideas, creating new samples.
Alchemy 2023 begins in just over a week and I want my recent explorations in Surface design to be an integral part of what I create over there.
(if you are registered for Alchemy 2023 you should have received an email from me this morning. If you didn't receive that then please let me know)
These samples are a reflection of what is happening on my main design sheet and there are five in total.
09/08/2023
Friday
I'm scratching my head a bit today.
This image is mostly about the pages on the right hand side.
I spoke about those here and here.
My dilemma...how to put them all together.
I have made so many artist books you'd think I could do that with my eyes shut.
It seems not.
The head scratching continues......
09/07/2023
embroidered gingham ribbon
I'm on a mission to finish this little gingham book.
I feel it's been languishing too long and deserves to be completely loved.
Gingham ribbon has been embellished with tiny gingham scraps and I will most likely use that as a page keeper or a fastening when the book is finished.
*******
Alchemy 2023 begins a week on Monday.
If you would like to know more about this 12 week programme of chat, inspiration, mentoring, creativity and friendship then just go here.
Thanks so much to those of you who have signed up already, it means a lot.
09/05/2023
Paper and ribbon with more ribbon....
Paper pages embellished with snippets of ribbon to hold embroidered ribbon on ribbon samples.
I was assessing my page needs in this post and it seems that need has now grown.
Not only do I need more pages for my ribbon samples, I need more pages for these too.
09/04/2023
a gingham distraction
This work on gingham was progressed a little over the weekend.
My next little cloth book has been a stand by project for a while so I thought it was time to 'wrap it up', although I don't think I'm quite there yet.
This morning I came actoss this and as if I need another distraction I've now got an itch to make more little books using paper.
09/01/2023
lace cloth
Lace cloth (an old image)
Lace cloth has been on my mind this week as I have been suffering from panic attacks because my trusty Bernina malfunctioned.
4 weeks most repair shops said.....yikes.
Thankfully, happy dance, overjoyed, a knight in shining armour came to the rescue and fixed her in 24 hours! What a guy.
I am teaching a workshop on Lace cloth, in person, in October and I like to be prepared!
Meanwhile, if you wanted to learn this process it would be the perfect project for Alchemy 2023.
You can read more about Alchemy 2023 here.
08/31/2023
complimentary....hand embellished ribbon
Hand embellished ribbon which I have to admit I am a little in love with.
When I started this new collection I mentioned my hope to bring in elements of the previous one and ribbon featured there too.
I'm not sure how I will use this but for now there are plans to sample more colours and give myself some thinking time.
08/29/2023
assessing embroidered page needs
You may remember I started to hand stitch pages to hold all my small stitched samples.
This morning I took the pages out of the cabinet to assess how many more I need.
There are so many small samples, the ones laid out here, that I'm thinking mammoth task, tons of pages.
08/28/2023
piecing, layering and pinning ribbon
More has been added to the sheet you saw here, the squared off areas with added ribbon and torn paper.
There are still areas to finish and I hope to complete that tonight.
If you think back to my first sheet in this collection I was very drawn to the soft patchwork on the left hand side of the first image.
That explains the patchwork piece you can see today.
The colour shift? That's down to stash and supply issues which I have explained before.
I'm very happy with the colour palette however and as this isn't a piece for assessment I can pretty much please myself so it's a win win!
A reminder of my new Online learning programme 'Alchemy 2023' which begins in September.
You can read more here.
08/26/2023
Alchemy 2023
Have you always wanted to make an Artist Book? A wrapping cloth perhaps, a pouch, a pillow. a collection of paper based design sheets?
If so, Alchemy could be the online learning programme for you.
This course is critique based with demonstration provided as and when the group need is evident.
Group members dictate most content as each member will be working towards a personal goal.
Alchemy 2023.
Begins Monday September 18 for 12 weeks. (built in 2 week break meaning 14 week timetable.)
The medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed
transformation of matter, esp. that of base metals into gold.
***Please note....weeks 5 and 6 are free weeks. I will be away.
Because of this we have a timetable of 14 weeks, not 12.***
Aims and Content
Do you dream of creating that one special piece of embroidery, a
piece of textile art, or of finishing a long neglected project,
combining your ideas and developing them into that special piece of
cloth? If so then Alchemy is the programme for you.
During the course of this 12 week self directed learning package
you will produce a unique piece of embroidered art with inspiration,
technique, process and final outcomes determined by you, the
artist.
Your art piece can be created using virtually any media such as
cloth or paper. I will serve as mentor, guiding and advising you at
each stage.
Built into our twelve week timetable are regular visual critiques,
using images of work in progress that you upload to our online
forum and/or which you choose to bring to our live Zoom sessions.
Zoom.
Group Zoom appraisals are built into this programme.
Your presence at these is not compulsory. I would however ask you
to consider being involved in those get togethers as they provide
an invaluable experience, an opportunity to share ideas and learn
from your peers.
These sessions are always positive experiences with extremely
enthusiastic contributions from the group.
However, should you feel group Zoom sessions are not for you I
will endeavour to connect with you privately via Zoom or email.
Early aims.
Following initial investigations within a ledger concerning pattern,
shape and colour it is envisaged that you will sample ideas with
stitch as a means of identifying preferences regarding technique for
use in your final piece.
Presentation of initial investigations is discussed in the video at the top of this post.
This process will be critique led with any practical demonstration
built into the 12 week programme as and when the need arises.
My Role
I will serve as mentor, guiding and advising you where appropriate,
perhaps suggesting artists for you to study where I feel this is
relevant to your own investigations. I will appraise your work in
progress and advise on surface design and colour choices. This is
not an exhaustive list, merely an indication of the commitment I will
provide to you and your chosen path.
Ownership
Your personal connection to this project will be its driving force.
This process belongs to you, is self driven and all creative
investigations and final outcomes should speak of you. You have a
responsibility to also source information yourself and to familiarise
yourself with new creative technique that you may wish to use.
Demonstrations
Please note......this course is not a ''how to'' process in terms
of embroidery technique. Demonstration will be provided as
and when required depending on the needs of the group and
the individuals within the group. The requirements regarding
the demonstration of specific process and technique will not
be known initially but will become evident as the course
progresses.
Video will be hosted on a dedicated, password protected blog. It
will not be possible for video to be downloaded. All videos will have
to be viewed through the medium of the class blog. This is to
ensure my copyright is protected. I hope you understand the
importance of that particular aspect of this class.
Flickr
To compliment the live Zoom sessions a dedicated flickr group will
be available where it is hoped you will post images allowing me to
assess your progress and appraise/advise.
Starting Points
Prior to the commencement of Alchemy begin to gather starting
points for your work. These items could take the form of
postcards, images from magazines, colour swatches from paint
charts or similar. Collect images relating to the work of other artists
who inspire you....textile art, sculpture, oil painting. This is a
''personal'' project, it centres around each individual, their aesthetic
and creative preferences. If you are struggling for starting points
then I will assist you, guide you. You are very well supported
throughout this process and I am available as little or as much as
you need me.
Expected Outcomes
It is anticipated that by the end of our 12 week run you will have a
greater appreciation of the design process which has led or will lead
to the completion of your finished piece. In addition it is hoped that
you will have created an informative reference in the form of a
working ledger alongside a collection of embroidered samples.
Ledger
Your Ledger will document your progress throughout the course
and is a crucial element in the creation of your finished piece. A
record of your experience, the ledger may include sketches,
thoughts, diagrams, notes, photographs, artist/designer images
that inspire and influence you, computer generated imagery,
printed fabric, embroidered samples. This is not an exhaustive list,
you may add anything of your choosing to your ledger which
connects you to the work.
Registration
Upon registration you will receive further information in e mail form
containing a brief outline of our weekly plan along with a list of
suggested equipment for the course. Access to all resources is
permanent. There are no deadlines. I will remain available to you
after the conclusion of our 12 week period in an advisory, appraisal
role.
You are also welcome to contact me for advice/questions prior to
the start of this course.
Please allow 48 hours from registration to receipt of welcome email.
08/24/2023
strips, paper, ribbon and silk
I'm making progress on sheet two. Sheet one is here and small samples of which there are many are here.
My biggest problem is sourcing ribbon to replace what I have used from my stash.
The ribbon I used initially in these pieces appears to be discontinued or out of stock so you will definitely notice colour shifts in these pieces.
However......I'm loving it so onwards.....
08/21/2023
sampling ribbon
If you read this post and also this one you will find the explanation for my sampling with ribbon.
It's hoped that this sampling will lead to further works around this theme.
Another large design sheet is called for I think, taking snippets of what I have here and combing them into something which holds even more information.
08/19/2023
ribbon as a base for hand embroidery
Progress!! The sheet from last time has been embellished further and I'm already overloaded with ideas on how to take this one forward.
My main concern last time was a lack of plain dyed cloth in my stash. I explain that in the post. I do however have ribbon which would work instead of cloth so with that in mind I have ordered more of this.
I will use that alongside other ribbon I already have.
Another concern was integrating this work with this collection. I'm still a bit hesitant with regard to that but have used some of the floral imagery from that collection here.
08/17/2023
wrapped threads and simple stitches
I'm scratching my head a little with the sheet from yesterday.
So far I have tried to thread match, leaving out the pinks.
That's in order to avoid anything 'sugary' but it called for a little pink after I had sewn the strips together so I compromised, I used a little dusky pink ribbon.
One decision I have made is I don't like the darkest blue.
From now on I won't use that one.
The other problem I have is a lack of any coloured cloth that isn't Liberty, no plain dyed pieces at all.
I do have plain dyed ribbons which I used for the strip piece but now it's 'where do I go from here'?
The pompoms might work, they're just being auditioned for now.
Something else which complicates the situation.....I would love, if I can, to integrate my other work, this work, have both sources working together.
I know this isn't work for assessment, it's not going to be scrutinised or marked which gives me some artistic licence but I'm my own biggest critic and I need to be able to make it work in a way I can justify, that seems natural and logical.
Let's see what I can come up with.
08/16/2023
more collage, new design sheet.
There's a new design sheet taking shape this morning.
I'm at the very early stage, a few images being applied to an A3 paper base and a little choosing of thread colours.
I'm drawn to the soft patchwork in the images I have chosen here, the colours however.....there's quite a bit of pink but I'm looking closely at the more subtle greens along with pale lemon and blue.
Hopefully I will make good progres with this and be able to share more soon.
This type of work, this approach to surface design will be examined in the early stages of Alchemy 2023, my new online course which begins in September.
You can read more about that here.
08/14/2023
with added cloth
The cutout piece from yesterday has been mounted onto an A3 sheet.
That allowed me to tuck the small piece of embellished cloth under the right hand side and also meant stab stitching around the edge to attach the piece.
I am very drawn to the stab stitches and will most likely also add those to the edge where the fabric is on the right hand side.
My next task however is to add to the white space on the left hand side of the A3 sheet. (most visible in the fourth image)
08/13/2023
cutting out
Yesterday I spoke about the possibilities of mounting this work and this is the start of that plan.
The mount will also be embellished, a continuation of this piece.
I have cut it out now, there's no going back.
08/12/2023
yesterday
Yesterday, more work on this piece........... a little watercolour and some collage prep.
The paint isn't very visible yet, it will become more obvious when the adjoining area is finished.
It's just to the left of the torn papers and the fabric snippets, a fine strip of watercolour.
The torn papers and fabric snippets will be stitched down by hand.
If you know me you will know what I'm thinking.........are the cogs turning?
I am extremely tempted to mount these pieces but then I will be compelled to embellish the mounts.
I just can't help myself.
08/10/2023
hand made books, two in progress
Pages have been present on here quite a lot lately. They are time consuming to create, (never an issue, it takes as long as it takes and I love every stitch).
The paper pages with collaged flowers are tricky to stitch, the torn images are quite thick so holes are made before I thread my needle.
Those pages will eventually be bound into an artist book as I think I have mentioned before and they will be used alongside other pieces from that collection to inform my work for Alchemy 2023.
The Liberty print and gingham pages, which are double sided, will also be bound into book form similar to these.
That work is not as pressing however, that work is something I pick up as and when I have a few spare minutes.
08/08/2023
collage pages
If you remember, I created some collaged and hand stitched pages to hold my small stitched paper samples.
I am now creating more of those only bigger to hold the embroidered samples which are visible in the second image.
The sampling, the creation of pages for an artist book of samples is driving my imagination for this project and I will carry this work forward into my new online class which you can read about here.
There is also a short video regarding Alchemy 2023 at the foot of this post.
As I said, once these pages are stitched and the samples are mounted I hope to bind them into book form......I'm particularly excited about that!
08/06/2023
Alchemy 2023 plus a little patchwork and some tiny pom poms.
More has been added to the piece from here and as you will have noticed, the large embroidered panel hasn't been used.
There's no worries on that score as I'm sure it will be useful at some point in this project.
Referencing my latest work, the design sheets, the embroidery, the pieces I have been working on for quite a few weeks leads me nicely into announcing a new online learning class.
If you follow this link there are lots of posts illustrating the work I speak of and that work is going to be my project throughout this new class.
As you will see when reading the class description you can choose your own path, you will not be expected to copy me. (unless of course you want to)
Please scroll to the bottom of this post too as there is a short video explaining more.
Alchemy 2023.
Begins Monday September 18 for 12 weeks. (built in 2 week break meaning 14 week timetable.)
The medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed
transformation of matter, esp. that of base metals into gold.
***Please note....weeks 5 and 6 are free weeks. I will be away.
Because of this we have a timetable of 14 weeks, not 12.***
Aims and Content
Do you dream of creating that one special piece of embroidery, a
piece of textile art, or of finishing a long neglected project,
combining your ideas and developing them into that special piece of
cloth? If so then Alchemy is the programme for you.
During the course of this 12 week self directed learning package
you will produce a unique piece of embroidered art with inspiration,
technique, process and final outcomes determined by you, the
artist.
Your art piece can be created using virtually any media such as
cloth or paper. I will serve as mentor, guiding and advising you at
each stage.
Built into our twelve week timetable are regular visual critiques,
using images of work in progress that you upload to our online
forum and/or which you choose to bring to our live Zoom sessions.
Zoom.
Group Zoom appraisals are built into this programme.
Your presence at these is not compulsory. I would however ask you
to consider being involved in those get togethers as they provide
an invaluable experience, an opportunity to share ideas and learn
from your peers.
These sessions are always positive experiences with extremely
enthusiastic contributions from the group.
However, should you feel group Zoom sessions are not for you I
will endeavour to connect with you privately via Zoom or email.
Early aims.
Following initial investigations within a ledger concerning pattern,
shape and colour it is envisaged that you will sample ideas with
stitch as a means of identifying preferences regarding technique for
use in your final piece.
Presentation of initial investigations is discussed in this video.
https://youtu.be/L7DQDP9pFx0 (copy and paste this link into your browser)
This process will be critique led with any practical demonstration
built into the 12 week programme as and when the need arises.
My Role
I will serve as mentor, guiding and advising you where appropriate,
perhaps suggesting artists for you to study where I feel this is
relevant to your own investigations. I will appraise your work in
progress and advise on surface design and colour choices. This is
not an exhaustive list, merely an indication of the commitment I will
provide to you and your chosen path.
Ownership
Your personal connection to this project will be its driving force.
This process belongs to you, is self driven and all creative
investigations and final outcomes should speak of you. You have a
responsibility to also source information yourself and to familiarise
yourself with new creative technique that you may wish to use.
Demonstrations
Please note......this course is not a ''how to'' process in terms
of embroidery technique. Demonstration will be provided as
and when required depending on the needs of the group and
the individuals within the group. The requirements regarding
the demonstration of specific process and technique will not
be known initially but will become evident as the course
progresses.
Video will be hosted on a dedicated, password protected blog. It
will not be possible for video to be downloaded. All videos will have
to be viewed through the medium of the class blog. This is to
ensure my copyright is protected. I hope you understand the
importance of that particular aspect of this class.
Flickr
To compliment the live Zoom sessions a dedicated flickr group will
be available where it is hoped you will post images allowing me to
assess your progress and appraise/advise.
Starting Points
Prior to the commencement of Alchemy begin to gather starting
points for your work. These items could take the form of
postcards, images from magazines, colour swatches from paint
charts or similar. Collect images relating to the work of other artists
who inspire you....textile art, sculpture, oil painting. This is a
''personal'' project, it centres around each individual, their aesthetic
and creative preferences. If you are struggling for starting points
then I will assist you, guide you. You are very well supported
throughout this process and I am available as little or as much as
you need me.
Expected Outcomes
It is anticipated that by the end of our 12 week run you will have a
greater appreciation of the design process which has led or will lead
to the completion of your finished piece. In addition it is hoped that
you will have created an informative reference in the form of a
working ledger alongside a collection of embroidered samples.
Ledger
Your Ledger will document your progress throughout the course
and is a crucial element in the creation of your finished piece. A
record of your experience, the ledger may include sketches,
thoughts, diagrams, notes, photographs, artist/designer images
that inspire and influence you, computer generated imagery,
printed fabric, embroidered samples. This is not an exhaustive list,
you may add anything of your choosing to your ledger which
connects you to the work.
Registration
Upon registration you will receive further information in e mail form
containing a brief outline of our weekly plan along with a list of
suggested equipment for the course. Access to all resources is
permanent. There are no deadlines. I will remain available to you
after the conclusion of our 12 week period in an advisory, appraisal
role.
You are also welcome to contact me for advice/questions prior to
the start of this course.
Please allow 24 hours from registration to receipt of welcome email.
Alchemy chat.
08/04/2023
pages
Remember these? I have started to mount my small samples onto them.
The tags are colour reference for threads used.
I will need more pages, quite a few more and I think I need to get this whole collection into some sort of order.
It's far from finished but I'm thinking, get it in order and there will be more clarity in relation to taking my ideas forward.
08/03/2023
next steps
This is where I am with the piece you saw here when it was only pinned.
It's not fixed to this sheet, I still haven't decided on the best placement for it. It may not even make it on to this sheet at all but it'll be good to have it in reserve.
Yesterday I was looking through my whole collection from these recent explorations and it's fair to say I had a little bit of information overload.
I think I need an evening with gingham, an evening to think....
07/31/2023
sampling cloth
Pinned, ready for basting then hand embroidery.
This piece of cloth is put together in the same way as my ruffles.
This one is bigger though, I have a plan for it, a plan for a new sheet.
07/30/2023
two ruffles
There are lots of images today as I couldn't decide which ones to leave out so please indulge me.
The piece from yesterday is now finished.......or is it?
I'm still mulling that over, it's the white space....decisions, decisions.
Meanwhile, I'm inspired to take this further using mostly fabric.
07/29/2023
progressing
I'm really happy with the progress I making with this one. If you compare it to the last time you saw it there are a few additions.
The outer frame of the smaller square is now embellished with torn papers and hand stitch and the embroidered fabric strip is now attached.
The tiny scraps of patterned fabric are prep for another embroidered cloth strip I am making for this piece.
This sheet is almost finished and today I have measured and cut some cloth for an embroidered panel to use in my next piece.
07/27/2023
embroidered strips
I mentioned last time how I was thinking about creating an embroidered strip of cloth to run along the lower half of this sheet......well here it is.
I have also added a horizontal strip of pin pricking, cloth snippets and French knots across the lower edge.
There are a couple more things I'd like to do with this one before it's finished so I best crack on.
07/24/2023
embellished, design sheet
Embellishment is continuing on this sheet.
There are cloth snippets, pin pricking and French knots along with more collage.
I'm now planning on creating a strip, maybe ruffled, of embroidered fabric to run horizontally about a third of the way up from the lower edge.
07/22/2023
yesterday
The very early stages of my next sheet.
I'm hoping to progress this quite a lot over the next day or so.
The measuring and marking out gives me a headache, is it embroidery or maths?
07/20/2023
pages, soft papers and collage
The collaged areas of these pages measure approximately four and a half by four and a half inches.
I wanted to keep them small as it's the sampling I will mount onto them which is important, I didn't want those samples to be overwhelmed by the background.
In the last image I have laid a few samples down just to get an idea of how that might look.
When the stitched cloth pieces are permanently mounted I will just tie them on, leaving the lower edge loose so they can be easily lifted to look at the background.
07/18/2023
collage on soft papers
Bottom right hand corner......my first samples of collage on softer papers, fine lightwieght papers.
(thank you to my 10am Zoom group yesterday for their encouragement with this)
Mostly the torn paper strips will be attached to the finer papers with hand stitch as will the little snippets of cloth which are also present.
(if you click on the image it should enlarge and the cloth pieces will be more visible)
I'm hoping to use these pieces as a base for my small stitched samples.
07/17/2023
patchwork squares and embroidered gingham pages
Preparation for patchwork, Liberty triangles joined with hand stitch ready to be used on another design sheet, patchworked squares.
and loose embroidered pages joined back to back, one stage in the creation of cloth books.
07/15/2023
sampling and gingham
There are a few things going on here....gingham, the newest piece the one which is just web stitches, 16 0f them to be precise.
Also, several small four by four inch samples of embroidery, you saw three of them here, there are now five patterned ones and three white ones.
At the top of the first image are two as yet unworked pieces on paper waiting for hand stitch.
I don't think my brain is working though. Take away the gingham for which I have a purpose in mind and the other work.....well I wish I knew.
These are pieces of the collection of surface design I have been building but I'm no clearer on where that is heading.
Does that matter or am I just being impatient?
07/13/2023
hand stitch, cloth, paper and collage
This one is finished now...and there's a little artistic licence going on too.
The piece of fabric and lace which is hanging behind the embroidered cloth far right is there to suggest that cloth is draped and is a reference to the reverse of that piece.
(does that make sense?)
Anyway, as it's meant to be the reverse of the top piece it should look like a reverse. Artistic licence is my excuse.....I didn't want to have a prominent reverse on here.
So, where next? I have more samples to create and then a little time will be spent considering this whole body of work, from day one, before I make any decisions.
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