11/17/2024
Details
If you have been following this project you will know that seven inch squares are being hand embroidered before a patchwork border is added.
My plan was that would be the completion of each surface before a lining was added to the reverse.
However, it seems I am an obsessive embellisher and I am now stitching separate little patches to add after the borders are complete.
The early stages of this 'little book of stitch samples' can be seen in this post. (there's a very quick video show and tell on there)
11/15/2024
Composition, embroidery on paper.
Following on from my last but one post I have put another surface together to embroider before attaching it to the main piece.
A paper surface to embellish.
A short video, the process of composition.
11/11/2024
Four lined, embroidered pages.
Following on from this post, four of my pages are now complete.
They have patchwork borders and tied, embroidered overlays on the reverse.
The weight of these in your hand is fabulous. There are still six to finish and I can't begin to imagine how substantial this finished project will be.
It will be a fabulous resource of stitch which feels amazing to handle.
11/09/2024
Saturday morning prep.
This morning has been about measuring and cutting ribbon for tying these overlays to the reverse of my pages.
If you missed it, I speak about the overlays here.
Yesterday I posted a very short video, just a little chat about this work and a paper piece I am also working on.
I have posted it again today.
Have a great Saturday x
11/08/2024
a little chat
Today, a little chat about my embroidery plans....
11/07/2024
embroidered overlays
Remember these? This is what they were for.
Embroidered overlays for the reverse of my embroidered pages.
These pieces will not be 'fixed' to the reverse, they will just be gently tied, liftable, leaving me free to examine the reverse of my embroidery.
I have a certain respect for the reverse of embroidered cloth. It's evidence of my hand, of my time, of my thought process.
11/04/2024
small
Did you miss me? I've been to Barcelona....I did buy one or two stitch related things and I will show you those at the end of this post.
But today, these little stitched studies.
None of these little embroideries measures more than two inches at their widest point.
They really are tiny little snippets of hand stitch.
These pieces will eventually find their way into my 'little cloth book of stitch' which you can see and hear more about in this post.
It's a slow project, a time consuming project and it becomes ever more time consuming as I am tempted to add extra pieces at each stage.
The early stages of this project are covered in the first videos of my new online learning subscription programme.
You can read more about that here.
Now for my Barcelona haul. The pink pieces on the right are hand made paper.
I hope you notice how restrained I was......
10/22/2024
Artist books, sketchbooks, ledgers, design.
I've been speaking a lot about 'wrapping cloths' lately, namely unfinished wrapping cloths.
Today I'm speaking about unfinshed design work, in notebooks.
One of these pages in particular is screaming at me to get finished.
10/20/2024
progress
It's quite a while since you saw this work.
The last time was in this post.
To remind you, seven inch squares of white cloth are being embroidered and edged with a patchwork border.
These pieces will then become a 'cloth embroidery sample book'.
I haven't shown my progress on here before today because it has been the focus of my new subscription learning programme.
I do think it's safe to show progress to date but it will probably diasappear again for a while after today.
10/18/2024
a pocket for a seam
The post today is a follow on from this one where I speak about unfinished wrapping cloths.
A short video about inserting pockets into seams.
I love pockets.
My new subscription learning programme is going really well and we have our first live Zoom session this coming Monday.
It is taking place at 7pm UK time so covers most time zones.
If you'd like to read more just go here.
10/15/2024
In progress
There are a lot of pieces of embroidery in progress here.
There are pieces for my subscription learning course and very shortly there will be another panel for a wrapping cloth in progress.
I'm hoping to share the new wrapping cloth panel tomorrow......
10/13/2024
a little hand stitching
It was an itch I had to scratch.
It does you good to move away from a long running project if only for a couple of hours, to feel a different weight of cloth between your fingers.
Thinking time, planning and dreaming.
10/11/2024
making decisions.....chat
A few days ago I mentioned my unfinished wrapping cloths.
Yesterday I told you I had found another one!
Today I discuss the progression of those in a video chat. One new piece was pinned......now that's what I call progress ha ha.
My days at the moment are consumed by baby cuddles. (see yesterdays post!)
I will try and put him down for a few minutes and actually do some sewing but I can't promise.
10/10/2024
wrapping cloths and other important news
Hi everyone......
The most important news today.
Meet Sidney Isaac Ruane.
Born on Tuesday October 8th.
Nanna is in love all over again.
My heart is about to burst.
It makes embroidery seem insignificant but I'm hoping this little man might one day find himself swaddled in one of my wrapping cloths.
Speaking of wrapping cloths.....in this post I spoke about two cloths which need to be finished.
Guess what? I found another one.
When I eventually stop cuddling this baby I will make you a video about my wrapping cloths so stay tuned.
In other news.....subscription learning. A minimal fee for a monthly online learning opportunity. Details below.
***
Join me on my 'stitch along' journey. Suitable for both the beginner and the more experienced embroiderer, stitch along gives you exclusive access to my practice as an embroiderer.
Each month there will be one hour of video content demonstrating embroidery process, including but not limited to hand stitches, design, embroidery on both fabric and paper.
In addition there will be monthly 'Zoom' get togethers where we will chat and discuss our personal creative projects and where guidance and feedback will be given where required. Attendance at zoom sessions is not compulsory.
Should you decide not to participate in those I will be available to you by email 24/7 as I will to the whole group.
Zoom sessions will also be recorded for you to view at your liesure.
It is my hope that this learning experience will be led by group members. Is there a particular stitch you would like to learn? A particular process? Just let me know and I will do my best to provide the relevant demonstrations.
I will be very flexible throughout this programme, putting you, the learner, and your needs at the forefront of my demonstrations.
10/07/2024
Subscription learning...but first, wrapping cloths.
Wrapping cloths.....where it all began!
There are two wrapping cloths here...unfinished.
These have been out this morning and plans are forming to complete each one.
For now these will be the focus here on my public blog whilst recent works will be completed privately with subscribers to my new online learning adventure!
For personal reasons I am unable to commit to intensive, weekly learning programmes at the moment.
The next best thing? A more relaxed monthly approach which I hope you will consider sharing with me.
The details and link are below.
Join me on my 'stitch along' journey. Suitable for both the beginner and the more experienced embroiderer, stitch along gives you exclusive access to my practice as an embroiderer.
Each month there will be one hour of video content demonstrating embroidery process, including but not limited to hand stitches, design, embroidery on both fabric and paper.
In addition there will be monthly 'Zoom' get togethers where we will chat and discuss our personal creative projects and where guidance and feedback will be given where required. Attendance at zoom sessions is not compulsory.
Should you decide not to participate in those I will be available to you by email 24/7 as I will to the whole group.
Zoom sessions will also be recorded for you to view at your liesure.
It is my hope that this learning experience will be led by group members. Is there a particular stitch you would like to learn? A particular process? Just let me know and I will do my best to provide the relevant demonstrations.
I will be very flexible throughout this programme, putting you, the learner, and your needs at the forefront of my demonstrations.
Our first video will be uploaded in the afternoon of Monday October 7th.
10/04/2024
Little eyelets and web stitch.
A little hand stitch video for you today.
I'm having a sleepover with a two year old this weekend so it'll be more about stories and jigsaw puzzles than embroidery but it will definitely be fun.
Have a lovely weekend and I will see you on Monday.
10/03/2024
the second patchwork edge and a new embroidered piece
If you are new here, hello!!
This work will be better understood if you read this post, there's a short video on there too.
Another of my embroidered squares is now edged with patchwork.
That means two are completely finished, seven are fully embroidered waiting for patchwork edges and the one today, the latest seven inch square, is in progress.
There are now more patchwork squares to cut out and baste and the thinking cap is on regarding the embroidery techniques I will use to finish the latest piece.
09/28/2024
Another patchwork edge and a few French knots.
Apart from nine French knots the piece I showed you here is now finished.
I was impatient to add the patchwork edge so one side of that is now attached although I don't have any other strips ready yet to finish the other three sides.
If you remember, I now have nine seven inch embroidered squares. Number ten will be put together later today and the patchworking will also continue.
09/26/2024
Seventy two one inch squares
I've got a real sense of accomplishment now.
The first of my nine, seven inch embroidered pieces now has it's patchwork edge!
Seventy two one inch squares of patchwork.
I'm more than happy with how it looks and cannot wait to stitch more squares so I can edge the other pieces.
If you are new to this project please just scroll through this blog as there have been numerous posts about this little cloth book, which is what these pieces will become.
09/24/2024
Hand embroidery, applique, web stitch and chain stitch.
A little more progress today on my next seven inch square.
This one is number nine, the other eight are shown in this post.
So far I have added the ever present 'grandmothers flower garden motif', two edges of web stitch and an applique floral piece.
The half circle centre of the floral piece is open along the long edge.....it's a pocket.
09/22/2024
Artist book play
I had a hankering for some artist book work today.
Much as I love embroidery on cloth, there is something quite addictive about embellishing paper and turning the pages of these pieces.
It's just a small addition to a page but it satisfied a craving.
09/20/2024
eight embroidered pages
Yesterday I mentioned how I wasn't sure how many of these seven inch squares I had finished embroidering.
Today I can tell you it's eight.
Another piece will be put together later today and meanwhile.....patchwork.
There's an awful lot of patchwork squares to be stitched for these edges.
I was tempted to count how many I would actually need to finish the eight seven inch pieces I have up to now but I thought better of it as it might be too daunting.
09/19/2024
Double patchwork edge
In my last post I showed these embroidered squares with a single row of patchwork at the border.
That has now evolved to a double row of patchwork.
Today there's a new embroidered seven inch square too. Hexagons, petals and cutwork with gathered and pleated fabric inserts.
I'm not sure how many embroidered squares I have now, I must count them although I have no plans to stop.
There are also a lot of patchwork squares to sew.........
09/16/2024
patchwork for the borders
In my last post, here, I spoke about my plan for patchwork borders edging these seven inch square pieces.
As you can see, that process has begun although I must warn you it's very time consuming.
That is never a problem for me but basically, if you like quick fixes you will be disappointed ha ha.
You will also be able to see a new seven inch square ready to be stitched. I will work on that a little today before going back to the patchwork.
Do I like the patchwork edges? Yes, I love them.
09/14/2024
progress on paper and cloth
I'm making good progress with this work, with these 7 inch embroidered squares for a new cloth book of embroidery.
The paper piece featured in my last post and I also spoke about my plans to edge these pieces with patchwork borders.
You can hear more about that in the video at the end of this post.
The cloth pages have been ongoing for some time, I speak more about those in this post where you will also find a one minute video, a brief show and tell.
Going back to the patchwork borders......my templates have arrived and I have started to cut out my fabric pieces. Hopefully I will have some of those to show you next time.
If you are enjoying my videos then please take a look at my YouTube channel. I'd be really grateful if you would consider subscribing over there.
Have a lovely weekend x
09/08/2024
composition for embroidery design.
Stitching on my 'little book of embroidery' is progressing.
Meanwhile I'm thinking about how to present these pages, how the book form will take shape, how the pages will be bound.
I have one clear idea at the moment which will need to be sampled in stitch but I'm tryimg it out on a mini design sheet first.
Registration for my new online class closes on Wednesday.
You can read more about that here.
09/06/2024
hand embroidery
Hi everyone, I hope you're well.
For various reasons I'm struggling at the moment to keep up with all things embroidery and specifically this space, my blog.
I can only apologise for my infrequent posts but please believe me when I say I'm trying very hard to get back on track.
The work today is progress with my seven inch square pages for my 'book of embroidery'.
I have been posting about this work for a while now and although you see pieces you have seen before you do also see new work on new squares, some in progress, some complete.
If you are new here you can read more about this project by scrolling down through recent posts.
Today I have also included a one minute video from my last post which is a brief show and tell of this work.
A reminder about my new online class.
Registration, expressions of interest will remain open until Wednesday of next week. You can read more about the course here.
Thank you to those of you who have registered an interest already, it's so appreciated.
09/03/2024
Little half circle applique pockets
Progress......a little gimp and three applique flowers added to one piece of work.
Little half circle applique pockets added to another piece which is not yet finished.
The video today is only one minute long.
A quick show and tell of my progress with this work.
08/30/2024
Prairie points, hand embroidery, number four.
Yesterday I showed you the third piece in this little collection, today it's number four.
These pieces of hand embroidery are the beginnings of a cloth, stitch and technique sample book.
I think I have said before I need a minimum of eight pieces or maybe ten. I am leaning towards ten now although it could be more.
I'm just going with it, see where it takes me.
Later today number five will be put together.
If you'd like to follow this and other work with me, please take a look at my new class which is now listed.
You can read about it here.
I will be away now until Tuesday.
Have a lovely weekend x
08/29/2024
The third white piece and a little paper stitching
My third sample on white cloth in this series is finished.
Number four is yet to be put together as I got distracted. I'm hoping to do that later today.
Also here, more hand stitched paper for this piece of work.
If you missed it there is an explanation of the white pieces in this post.
A reminder.....my next 'fly on the wall' class is now listed.
All the details are below.
*****
Embroidery School.
Begins September 23rd for 6 months (26 weeks)
There are four weeks of breaks built into our 30 week timetable.
The full cost of this course is 80 GBP. The one GBP payable on registration is an expression of interest. Invoices will be sent for full payment from September 9th. It would be appreciated if these were paid before September 16th.
Lifetime access to all resources. No deadlines, no set tasks, work at your own pace.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch using the Big Cartel contact facility.
*************************************************************************************
Embroidery School. A fly on the wall online learning opportunity in which you become an observer of my practice as an embroidery artist and teacher.
Video demonstrations will cover every aspect of my process from design to creation of embroidered works, including but not exclusively artist books, hand embroidery stitches, hand embroidered buttons, ribbons and trims.
You are not obliged to 'copy' the pieces I create. It is my hope that you will be inspired by my process and take ideas from demonstrations to apply to your own work. Guidance will be given, individually, throughout our six months.
You are however free to copy any item I create during this online learning programme if that is your preferred path.
During this course I will be responsive to the needs of individuals and the group.
Should you choose your own creative path guidance will be given where necessary regarding your individual needs.
I am very flexible in terms of demonstration of technique should you request advice regarding a technique which isn't scheduled.
Zoom sessions will be held fortnightly. Attendance at these get togethers is not compulsory although I would encourage you to participate.
The friendships which evolve from my online classes are, in my opinion, invaluable.
These groups of those with a love of cloth and stitch are supportive and encouraging.
A list of suggested supplies will be sent out after your final balance is paid.
To register and view the provisional class schedule please go here.
08/26/2024
New. Embroidery school.
Begins September 23rd for 6 months (26 weeks)
There are four weeks of breaks built into our 30 week timetable.
The full cost of this course is 80 GBP. The one GBP payable on registration is an expression of interest. Invoices will be sent for full payment from September 9th. It would be appreciated if these were paid before September 16th.
Lifetime access to all resources. No deadlines, no set tasks, work at your own pace.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch using the Big Cartel contact facility.
*************************************************************************************
Embroidery School. A fly on the wall online learning opportunity in which you become an observer of my practice as an embroidery artist and teacher.
Video demonstrations will cover every aspect of my process from design to creation of embroidered works, including but not exclusively artist books, hand embroidery stitches, hand embroidered buttons, ribbons and trims.
You are not obliged to 'copy' the pieces I create. It is my hope that you will be inspired by my process and take ideas from demonstrations to apply to your own work. Guidance will be given, individually, throughout our six months.
You are however free to copy any item I create during this online learning programme if that is your preferred path.
During this course I will be responsive to the needs of individuals and the group.
Should you choose your own creative path guidance will be given where necessary regarding your individual needs.
I am very flexible in terms of demonstration of technique should you request advice regarding a technique which isn't scheduled.
Zoom sessions will be held fortnightly. Attendance at these get togethers is not compulsory although I would encourage you to participate.
The friendships which evolve from my online classes are, in my opinion, invaluable.
These groups of those with a love of cloth and stitch are supportive and encouraging.
A list of suggested supplies will be sent out after your final balance is paid.
To register and view the provisional class schedule please go here.
08/25/2024
mounting embroidered samples....thinking out loud
More about embroidered samples today.
I'm surrounded by them.
How to preserve them, present them, store them?
They are good decisions to make, enjoyable decisions, the chance for more embroidery perhaps with embellished cloth backdrops.
08/24/2024
Simple hand embroidery on cloth
A little hand embroidery on cloth.
Hexagons, web stitch, bullion knots, French knots, chain stitch, lazy daisy stitch and a few vintage scraps.
08/23/2024
paper and silk velvet
It's a sewing machine kind of day.
Storm Lilian is wreaking havoc outside so I am hunkered down stitching papers in order to develop this piece.
The video below was made a few weeks ago but explains where I am going with this.
08/22/2024
still collecting
Another piece, collected scraps of paper and embroidery, beads, hand stitches, a little lace, all placed on a background of collaged Japanese tissue papers.
I considered calling this curating. What do you think?
I googled the definition.
Curating......select, organise and present.
I think I could justify that.
There's a video here from a couple of days ago which shows more of these pieces.
08/20/2024
hand embroidery, snippets, paper and an artist book
Hi everyone, how've you been?
I'm hoping to be more present here from this point. I've been here there and everywhere. I'm sure you know where that is, I'm confident you've been there too.
Stitching has been happening at every opportunity.
Not much progress has been made but at least I stayed comnnected to my work and the ideas are churning.
There's a short video today explaining in more detail.
08/07/2024
the edge of a page
Thinking about artist books......
Looking at artist books....
Adding to pages in artist books.....
08/04/2024
hexagons and hand embroidery continue
I'm continuing the hand embroidery from here.
The video from my last post is posted again today just incase you missed my explanation of what I am actually doing.
There's also a secret project going on that I can't fully share yet but glimpses of it are shown today.
Later this week I am going here.....I won't be gone very long but I will be playing catch up when I get back.
07/30/2024
a little hand embroidery
A follow on from my post yesterday, my plan for scattered flowers and a little book of traditional hand stitch.
A short video.
Apologies in advance for my sporadic posting here.
I'm going to be absent on and off for the next couple of weeks.....again.
07/29/2024
just embroidery
In my last post I spoke about working with my hexagons, my grandmother's flower garden patchwork pieces.
This is that work so far, simple hand embroidery on small square pieces of white cloth.
Working in this way takes me back to my early 'wrapping cloth' days.
This piece and any more of these pieces won't become a wrapping cloth.
I am hoping to create a cloth book of 'traditional hand embroidery'.
Next for this piece is tiny hand embroidered flowers, a scattering.
07/27/2024
mounting embroidery
A new, smaller page for a much smaller embroidered sample.
If you aren't familiar with what is going on here it is explained in the posts here and here.
I think I'm going to leave this work to one side for a short time.
I have hexagons to create with. They shout to me every time I glance at them ha ha.
07/26/2024
a little page play
More pages today, different pages though.
These tiny little books created with stitched tissue papers can be added to, new pages inserted at any time.
Today a short video, putting a new page together using scraps of paper and ribbon with a little thread wrap.
07/25/2024
pages, pages, pages....
The pages I first spoke about here are now stitched.
This morning I put them together with past pages, already stitched pages and began the process of figuring out how to bind them together.
Whilst I was doing that I found more samples which need to be mounted which means more pages.....
Crack on Karen.
07/23/2024
hexagons
I regularly spend an evening sewing hexagons, one inch hexagons and then creating Grandmother's flower garden patchwork pieces.
It's good to have a stash of these.
They are useful for embellishing sketchbooks, cloth books or any piece of embroidery.
Below are just a few examples of how I have used these in the past.
07/22/2024
piles of stitched work
I'm still sorting out here at home after having some work done on the house.
Have you ever emptied a cabinet or cupboard and when you go to put things back they don't fit in?
That's what I'm facing today.
How does all this fit in the space it came from?
07/20/2024
page progress
A quick update for you on my progress with embroidery from yesterday.
Pages are being stitched and embroidered pieces are ready to be mounted.
I have posted the video from yesterday again in case you missed it.
07/19/2024
stitched papers
This morning.....I am slowly returning my embroidered works to their proper place at home.
(I have had some renovation work completed on the house and these were put away, far away for safe keeping)
These pieces were never 'forgotten' but handling them again inspires and generates new ideas.
Mostly samples, these pieces deserve a proper home, deserve recognition and extra care.
So, paper pages for a bound sample book.
07/16/2024
A tiny, hand made artist book.
Hi everyone, how are you?
I'm kind of back but still a lot of sorting out to do at home.
Embroidery school girls.....I promised you a Zoom get together and I haven't forgotten but it may be another week or so.
My embroidery has been put away for safe keeping during the building work here.
This little book is an old one but it filled me with delight when I was sorting through my things so I thought I'd share it again.
A very quick video.
06/29/2024
leaving for a while
I'm saying bye for a while. Major house renovation begins on Monday so all embroidery related 'stuff' has been moved to safety (images).
I'm hoping to be back just as quick as I can.
Miss you already x
06/27/2024
Suffolk puffs and seams, a wrapping cloth.
Lots of images and a short video today.
This wrapping cloth is a right mish mash of pieces.
I speak in the video about picking up random samples, created some time ago and forming them in to what will be a wrapping cloth of samples.
Last night I made Suffolk puffs to adorn seams.
I hope you will keep coming back to see how this one turns out.....
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