Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamese

Another dyeing day in the studio

2011-11-24T16:57:00.002Z

Had another lovely dyeing class in the studio and here are some of the results of the hard work. Playing around with Shibori and space dyeing is always great fun.

Latest stitching news

2011-11-21T23:35:00.002Z

The studio has been well used recently, not just by me, but daughter as well. We have been working hard on this Advent Angel. All that is left to do is add some beads and sequins for added glitz.

Oh and of course fill the little pockets with goodies for the days of December.

I have also been working with my African fabrics... they have all been carefully washed and ironed, cut into shapes and some stitched again. I never want to see another triangle.

The stamps on the back of the fabric are fascinating as well... here is one and .......

Here is another.... fascinating.

Of course the work was expertly supervised and approved by Mr Siamese.

Autumn bus journey

2011-11-20T11:05:00.001Z

On the return bus journey from town after I had viewed the African exhibition, I decided to take a photo of the autumn trees every time the bus stopped for whatever reason. It intrigued some fellow passengers, they probably thought I had lost the plot.

I was quite amazed at how mild the temperatures are for November.... this time last year we had snow.

Most of the deciduous trees near the cemetery are now skeletal.

Whereas many of the bushes and hedges are still in autumn leaf..... amazing. ( click on the photos to enlarge)

Just as promised a quick update.. I have stitched the pieces together... and have taught another dyeing class in my studio.

We are having another class next week... I hope they remember to bring the results back for me to take a photo.. will share with you if they do.

African Exhibition

2011-11-18T15:18:00.002Z

Went into town yesterday to view this exhibition at the local Artsite Gallery. I do not venture into town very often, as I think parking charges are too expensive. So decided to leave the car at home and go by bus....... more about this journey later! ( tomorrow)

I was not sure what to expect from this exibition, but have to say it was extremely good. The variety of artwork, sculptures and textiles were well displayed and had informative details next to each exhibit, which made the whole experience very informative nad enjoyable.

The modern work by Miro, Picasso and Terry Frost added to the experience. Such a shame the exhibition is only open for a week.... hope we can persuade them to have another soon.

I felt even more fortunate when I was introduced to the collector and have been invited to view more textiles in the collection in 2 weeks time. Such excitement.

Some stitching

2011-11-12T10:42:00.000Z

You probably recognise this space dyed fabric which I dyed earlier this year
I am playing around with this sample as an experiment for an idea I have for an exhibition piece. It is quite pleasing so far, although I think it needs more work, and I might play with the colour arrangements a little more.

Remember......................

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001Z

A special time

Art and the Olympic posters

2011-11-05T20:09:00.004Z

Studio work again today as you can see, for the grandchildren, and all the artistic endeavours were definitely inspired by the Olympic posters revealed at Tate Britain yesterday lunchtime. See here for more details. Painted papers and scissors and paste were the order of the day to get the creative juices flowing.

Another grandchild decided that he would be a little more athletic and cleaned my car.... Much appreciated by me and the car.
Meanwhile in the studio... paints were called for.. and used to create the following masterpieces... here is the 4 year olds poster.. Bridget Riley must be seriously worried by the competition.

Meanwhile 8 year old is in serious competition with Howard Hodgkin

Its a shame that Tate Britain did not invite the young talent in Britain to take part in this creative poster activity, I really think there are many contenders amongst the youth of today. Such a talented bunch.

A new toy

2011-11-04T15:33:00.004Z

I have been looking at the Big shot for a long time.... but thought it was too expensive mainly because I do not do a lot of paper work.. but had thought it may be useful for fabric. So what changed?

Well yesterday and offer came through the email with a 25% off coupon. So with yet another birthday on the horizon and the C as well. I was persuaded to buy as my presents for this year.

The cut outs on the left are fabric placed on white paper... the ones on the right are white paper placed on coloured fabric.....am I impressed you bet!!!

I have not even started embossing or printing with it yet...... are you impressed?

Then I was tempted even more by ....Gill. What a temptation !!!!!

Only Words

2011-11-01T15:23:00.002Z

A recent visit to the New Brewery Arts in Cirencester was most enjoyable. The current exhibition -Only words- is well worth a visit... but be quick it finishes soon. Have a look here

for more details.

A variety of artists interpreting their thoughts on the literary festival makes for a thought provoking exhibition.

Tea and cakes in the cafe is also a bonus to the visit.

African fabrics

2011-10-31T15:05:00.001Z

I purchased these African fabrics about 18 months ago, and really liked them, but had no idea how to use them. In fact I have over that time gathered 14 fat quarters of indigo fabric and 1 red. I bought them from Magie Relph... have a look here.

With an exhibition looming for the new year, and the theme being patriotic colours..... I suddenly had a lightbulb moment and have decided how to use these lovely fabrics. I have a design and idea in mind, and so the first stage was to wash the fabrics to remove the excess indigo dye. I have about a month to complete this.... will I manage to meet the deadline? I'll let you know.

Ice Hockey

2011-10-30T11:56:00.002Z

I took this photo some 20 years ago. My youngest son played for the Great Britain junior Ice Hockey team at the time.
He has just taken up Ice hockey again with the recreation team and had his first match last night. He is loving it, but I am pleased he is proving he is fit, and has emerged uninjured from the match.
He was chosen by the manager to play on the first line defence, and had plenty of ice time.
He thoroughly enjoyed himself. Well done Peter.

Am I becoming a bag lady??

2011-10-18T21:44:00.002+01:00

I had just finished making this lovely bag and had used 3 fat quarters, which I had purchased from Cupcake Cottons a local quilt suppliers based in Burford. I had a look at their blog last week and found they were celebrating their 1st Anniversary of trading with a give a way. I was so proud to have won a prize in their give away and even more pleased when it arrived.

This lovely bag .. do have a look at their shop in Burford if you are in the area... it is really lovely.

Venetian Purse

2011-10-12T21:31:00.002+01:00

As a trade in of class skills, Kath came to my studio and gave me a class on making a venetian purse. It is a workshop that Kath gives to Embroiderers groups around the country. I had given a class to Kath all about dyeing with procian dyes. We had great fun on both workshops, working with each other.

Stitches use and abuse

2011-10-11T21:38:00.000+01:00

One of the tables at a recent workshop, I love to see the creative nests that members like to work in.
This is one of my favourite workshops that I teach. This time I was teaching the Great Western Embroiderers. They were great fun and very hard working.

Just a small selection of the results..... fantastic. Hope to see these pieces of embroidery next month with even more stitching.

Swindon Magnetizer Exhibition

2011-10-10T20:24:00.004+01:00

I received an invitation to join a most unusual exhibition. The request was to submit an image that could be used on a fridge magnet. The fridge magnets will form an exhibition around the town and if a member of the public likes it.. they take it with them.

In return for loaning my image I too will get a fridge magnet as a thank you. There is also the opportunity to exhibit the original piece of work in the Wyvern Theatre. More information here...

Knitting and Stitching, Alexandra Palace 2011

2011-10-08T20:32:00.007+01:00

This is the famous window at Ally Pally from the outside, I only realised on this visit that there are statues right up on the top of the roof.

It was a wonderful sunny and clear day, and as you can see the view across London was splendid. You can click on any of these pictures to see more detail.

Started from home at 7am and travelled up with the coach, getting to Ally Pally by about 11am.

Inside at the Show, I visited the sellers area first, and helped my daughter to make the purchases on her shopping list. Unfortunately I was taken ill half way round and kept fainting... so were rescued by 2 very kind ambulance men. I really did feel silly not being able to walk myself to the fresh air.... but I am very grateful to them for wheel chairing me. After about an hour, and a cup of tea and a chocolate bar... all recommended by my medical attendants, I felt a lot better.

First stop was to go and see my dodger mate Dale... I only ever manage to see her once a year when she comes to Ally Pally... we managed to get a few minutes to chat, as she is alwys so busy on her well stocked stall- The Thread Studio.

I managed to see many of the exhibitions I had highlighted.. but as you can imagine had to leave a lot out to. Many of the exhibitors would not allow photos... so I shall leave them out.

However the Practical Study Group- now renamed the Textile study group

allowed me to take photos. I really enjoyed the work, especially as I know a few of the artists.

Another Exhibition in which I was able to take photos was the Islamic Exhibition by John Gillow. I did enjoy inspecting them carefully.

Another exhibition which I enjoyed was Beryl Dean, celebrating 100 years since her birth. She was a wonderful and dedicated Church embroiderer. A huge showing of many of her works... no photos allowed alas as they were selling a catalologue for £10.00

Must also give a huge thank you to Kevin of Art Van Go.. when he heard about what happened to me... he gave me a hand fan, and I have to say it was a great help during the afternoon.

A great day, which I thoroughly enjoyed despite the unexplained fainting bouts. As usual spent all my money, but very sensibly on procian dyes and transfer paints. I also bought Jan Beaneys and Jean Littlejohns new book, which I have dipped into and it is very inspirational.... just what I need today as part of my recuperating.

Working in the October heatwave

2011-10-02T15:17:00.005+01:00

The granddaughters have been back to the studio, it was very hot, but the studio was pleasantly cool despite the wax pot. The 2nd waxing of the batik work took place today.

The second layers of colour dye were also applied, they were thrilled with the results. A great deal of discussion around the topic of how to use them was developed. I think the decision is for me to bulk buy some small A5 sketchbooks and these will be beautiful covers for them.

So we decided to use up all the left over dye to dye some fabrics in plain/ space dyed colours to complement the batik, so we could make the backing covers for the sketchbooks too. Their respective parents were very surprised to find all these plastic bags of dye and fabric going home
and instructions for the rinsing and washing to be done today.

In the meantime I have not been idle.. I have finished 2 of these using different hand dyed threads for the kantha quilting.

I have also been playing with the lettering capabilities on my embroidery machine and making slips which I have then machined down and quilted by machine. It has been great fun, and I feel sure I have not even touched the surface of the capabilities of my sewing machine for lettering.

Stow on the Wold

2011-09-24T22:34:00.004+01:00

Had a lovely day today teaching a workshop to the Embroiderers at Stow on the Wold

They worked really hard and at their own admission outside their comfort zone at times, but that added to the fun.

The group meet in a village Hall, just outside Stow and it is such an idyllic Cotswold setting, a most enjoyable day with hard working enthusiastic stitchers. Weather was warm and sunny for Autumn.... Absolute Bliss!

Artsite Gallery

2011-09-21T11:13:00.004+01:00

Although the Open Studios officially finished at the weekend, the Exhibition in support at the Artsite Gallery continues for the next couple of days. As a member of Artsite I have 2 pieces of work there. So I spent a very pleasurable afternoon stewarding yesterday.

The weather was not very pleasant, but we had some lovely visitors.

I am pleased to say this couch had been moved away from under my work during the exhibition . I can understand it may have been needed for the launch evening. The exhibition is closing this weekend.... so get along soon if you want to see it.

End of Open Studios

2011-09-19T11:33:00.002+01:00

Here is part of my studio, ready for visitors yesterday... isn't it tidy? It has been a great 2 weekends of Open Studios, I have really enjoyed inviting friends and fellow artists into my studios and talking about the work and the studio itself.

I did manage to get some work done whilst talking and showed visitors how to use the embellisher machine.

I was also thrilled to know that many of my visitors will be back, as they also interested in working with me in my studio to learn how to dye fabric and threads, how to batik, and also free machine embroidery. so have booked classes with me. I can manage 2 people at a time in my studio, so they will get lots of personal help.

I even made use of the sink area to show off a couple of my sketchbooks. Look how clean the sink was too!

Now comes the hard work, carefully putting away the bits of unsold work so I can get back to normal and creating my mess.

Think I would like to do this again next year.. it was great fun.

Jane Greenoff visit to her studio

2011-09-14T11:27:00.002+01:00

This is the stitching I did for today. Had a wonderful day stitching with Jane Greenoff at her studio in Fairford, which is just down the road. This is her new Flowery mead band sampler. A variety of stiches and techniques. The lunch was fabulous too. Jane is most generous and if you get a chance to attend a day with her.. do go. Well worth it.

New Family addition

2011-09-13T11:25:00.000+01:00

Isn't he cute!

I'll help You Nanny! ....Day 2 of Open studios

2011-09-11T18:07:00.003+01:00

Youngest granddaughter was determined to show visitors to the Open studio the amount of work that gets created in the studio. The usual table has been removed to the kitchen to make a little more room, so demonstrations had to take place on the floor. What a wonderful helper she is.

Lots of my work is displayed on the walls for visitors to see, and I will refrain from showing you too much at the moment, in the hope you will come along next Saturday or Sunday to see for yourself.

Here is my work corner, so I am working at the same time. I am happy to chat to any visitors about my work. This weekend I have been using the embellisher machine... next weekend I intend to do some free machine embroidery.

It has been a wonderful weekend of interested visitors. So look forward to seeing you next weekend.

Swindon Open Studios 2011

2011-09-09T17:51:00.003+01:00

This was the launch party tonight at Artsite-- a quiet corner of the gallery, but lots of people came. More photos tomorrow.

Swindon Open Studios, starts tomorrow at 11am until 5pm and also on Sunday.

My studio is open and I shall be working all day and would love to see you and have a chat . Hope you can make it .

My kind of washing!

2011-09-06T20:43:00.001+01:00

Spent the day with Kim Thittichai in Marlborough today....... here is my Lutrador/spunbond waiting to dry after being painted with acrylic paints.

Some of my finished pieces which have been given the soldering iron treatment.

Have been layered with bondaweb.

This piece of work does not photo very well, it is heavily layered and looks better in the flesh.

These pieces are all ready to have some stitch put into them and I may do that as part of my demonstrating at the Open Studios this weekend. Thought I also might put the embellisher through its paces. It is in need of an airing.

Fun day at the Studio

2011-09-03T20:13:00.003+01:00

First time on the sewing machine and such excitement. This Willcox and Gibbs sewing machine is such a favourite with the family. We worked upside down so that the chain stitch showed on top of the work.

We spent the early afternoon at the park... real fun, and this time it was not raining. We had spent so long at the park playing, we were really tired when we got back to the studio.

It was quite cold though.....................

The fun and games in the park were replaced by lots of fun in the Studio, and they went home with pencil cases that were completely original and designed by them. All ready for school on Monday.

Getting ready for the Open Studios.

2011-09-02T11:52:00.005+01:00

This week has been spent sorting some of my work. Finishing off and framing being the main activities. Yesterday I delivered 2 of my pieces of work to Artsite Gallery in Swindon, as I am a member.

The Artsite members Exhibition starts on the 9th September until the 24th September and runs alongside the Open Studios.

The launch party for the Open Studios also takes place on Friday 9th September at the Artsite gallery. I hope to be there, and my studio will also be open both weekends in September...... but more of that next week.

There was a short article in the local paper.. have a look here

Studio work.....

2011-08-26T13:58:00.004+01:00

Had to share this with you.... this is swinging in the rain.... what a hoot we had!!!!

I am taking part in the local Open Studios this year.... and am pleased to have received the posters advertising. I noticed in the brochure and on the Open Studio 2011 website I am numbered 23 on the map. However at the moment the studio is being well used by the grandchildren during their summer holidays.

This is another session of Batik and we worked very hard to get the designs right. All freehand and no drawing before hand. The grandaughters became very confident and skilled in using the hot wax.

Here are the cooled wax designs being painted with dye.. notice the rubber gloves! Interestingly... I was the one who had dye stained fingers.... much to the amusement of the granddaughters.

We took a break after lunch to the local playground to have a go on the swings...... as you can see in the 1st photo. The fresh air was really good for the creative process. We returned to the studio with great enthusiasm.

Some of the completed work.... so fantastic.

Printing ideas and good friends.

2011-08-25T13:49:00.003+01:00

One of the great aspects of having really good friends is that they are so generous in sharing new ideas and knowledge. I am so grateful to a good friend coming over and sharing the products and her personal sketchbook relating to a great course she took in New York recently. So .... so.... inspiring.....have a look here.

I had a little experiment with the ideas, but I have to say it has totally re-ignited my desire to investigate getting designs from the computer screen to fabric, and I am all excited to get going.

Autumn Fruits

2011-08-24T21:17:00.002+01:00

Went on a lovely walk this afternoon, whilst the rest of the West of England were having rain showers, we had wonderful sunshine. The air was feeling autumnal, despite the warmth of the sun. The blackberries are ripening fast and the rose hips are huge this year. If I had the recipes of my great aunt, I would be making rose hip wine and blackberry syrup.

The clouds were impressive across the town... but no sign of rain, thank goodness. I did take my umbrella in case though. ( all photos will enlarge if you click on them)

Stourhead

2011-08-23T22:11:00.003+01:00

Not only did we decide to have a day out on the promise of the only day of good weather this week, but also decided to take the A 303 to get to Stourhead. Mmmmm! After a short while we came to a total stop, mush to the amusement of this herd of cows... however I think they were busy looking across the road to a very famous site.....................

Yes thought you would recognise it.. Stonehenge. The car was at a total standstill... so could not miss the photo opportunity.

We crawled a few yards along the road... so I took another photo...... we did finally getto Stourhead at lunchtime.. but well worth the slow journey.

The sun was shining and the gardens were splendid.

I walked all round the lake and must confess my legs were aching by time I got back to the car.... wonderful day out. I did take loads of photos.... but.. something wrong with the camera ;0(

Batik

2011-08-19T22:07:00.003+01:00

Great day with the new Batik pot and 12 year old granddaughter. We played all day.... great fun.

New wax pot is fantastic, thermostatically controlled too.. how posh is that? Granddaughter is a talented and enthusiastic artist...... a great combination for fun.

When my daughter saw the wax pot... she remarked that is the same one they use for waxing legs.... what a waste of wax I replied!

Brockenhurst WCE Exhibition

2011-08-18T21:57:00.002+01:00

The Brockenhurst Exhibiton had some really excellent examples of Embroidery on show, made and entered by all the groups in the West Country.

A group of us from Swindon stewarded all day. Not many visitors, but the Village Hall is rather remote and sign postings had been taken down by some-one anonymous. Shame really, fortunately we had a Sat Nav and the postcode, so managed to find the location all right.

Caravan thieves- please help catch them

2011-08-16T10:48:00.000+01:00

This post is very different from my usual post... but my eldest son's caravan was stolen and although the pictures are grainy CCTV... perhaps you can help? All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

This is thief leaving the compound..... later driving a green car, which is parked in the background at the roundabout.

A close up of one of the thieves, wearing a hoodie and white trainers... very skinny legs in tights perhaps... is it a female?

Here is the red Izuzu trouper that hooked the caravan up to steal it.

Here is the Izuzu driving off with the Swift Carisma 590 6 berth caravan.... did you see it around 9pm on Friday night in Swindon. On the CCTV footage the green car drives off in front of the caravan.

My grandchildren are really upset, they were going on holiday in it shortly. How can people be so mean as to steal others pride and joy and deprive children of a happy holiday?

Festival of Quilts 2011

2011-08-15T16:36:00.006+01:00

I was wondering if going on a Sunday would be very quiet, and yes it was, but oh so enjoyable. I took my daughter for her first visit and it was really good to see the Festival through a newcomers eyes. she loved it. We are planning to bring the granddaughter next year and so also had a look to see what was available for the youngsters... and let me assure you there is plenty. Think she will enjoy it as much as he mum did!

After looking around the trade stands and making some wonderful purchases, we were ready for a quick lunch. After feeling very refreshed we headed straight to the Cairo Embroiderers... WOW!!! Truly wonderful work .. all hand appliqued. ( all the photos should enlarge if you click on them)

There were pictorial images of Egypt.

as well as more patterned pieces.

( click on the photo to enlarge and read the details)

Close by in the Exhibition area, these brave soles were taking part in an interactive studio. ( I did ask permission to take this photo)

Here are the results of the interactive studio over the 4 festival days.

On the back wall was this very impressive quilt, and this photo only shows a little of it. Read the information below.

( click to enlarge)

I thought this particular entry from Norway was fantastic...

In the 3D section thought these dolls were a wonderful light and dark touch!

These smocked dresses which were incorporated into a quilt made me wonder at the care and skill of the needle worker.

The colourful impact of this quilt was impressive.

This is a small section of one of the winning quilts.. all work is by hand.

We had a wonderful day, and I really enjoyed all the work. Lastly I also loved the SAQA show this year, but sadly no photos allowed. A large mono print of a black circle on natural fabric really caught my eye..... but you had to be there to see it to appreciate what I am talking about.

If ypou would liek to see plenty of the quilts.... pop along to Maggi's blog here and enjoy!

Wells Cathedral-Part Two

2011-08-12T15:40:00.001+01:00

I also went into the Bishops Palace, and was enthralled by this cope from the 20th Century, which had been used by the Bishop of Wells for the 4 coronations that took place last Century. Amazing in the difference of imagery used. Wonder if it will be used for the next coronation. The cope was in need of some restoration.

The Bishops Palace is a very pleasant and quiet place, and I happily sat and sketched in the tranquil gardens. The weather was superb.

The back to the Cathedral before the coach journey home, for a last look around.

Most enjoyable day.

Wells Cathedral-Part one

2011-08-11T14:54:00.007+01:00

This is a back view or Wells Cathedral taken from the Bishops Palace.

Marlborough Embroiderers Guild arranged a coach outing to go and view the Embroideries designedby Jane Lemon, and worked by the Sarum Embroiderers and the Royal School of Needlework.

The fantastic architecture of Wells Cathedral is always breathtaking and Jane caught the inspiration in this cope which we were shown. It was absolutely beautiful and all the silk was dyed to order.

Here is one of the altar frontals which is stunning and very 3 dimensional.

The photos really speak for themselves.

Bag Lady

2011-08-10T14:39:00.000+01:00

Think my daughter is turning into a bag lady. This she made for my granddaughter who starts school in September... the request was for a bag with butterfly and flags.... so she has both.

This is supposed to be her PE bag for school, but I suspect it will be promoted to a much loved bag by 4 and a half year old. I think it is really beautiful.

North Meadow, Cricklade

2011-08-03T14:32:00.001+01:00

Some of the A4 quilts the Great Western Embroiderers created are now hanging in Cricklade Town Council Offices. We were asked if they could be hung there in support of the Britain in Bloom competition as Cricklade are in the Finals. They will know in September if they have won.

Wedding anniversary

2011-08-01T17:18:00.002+01:00

Celebrated with this wonderful cake made by my daughter.. what a treat! Absolutely delicious.

National Gallery and Tate Britain London

2011-07-28T16:34:00.001+01:00

Arrived at Trafalgar Square late morning, just as they were taking down all the "stuff" from the ceremony yesterday, which was all about a year to go for the Olympic games in London. My interest as usual was for the 4th Plinth in Trafalgar square, and was very surprised to see this enormous Nelson's ship in a bottle... I thought it was fantastic. Have a look here for more info.

At first I did not notice the large living picture, it is a copy of one of the works of Van Gogh. It is better looked after than the similar one in Swindon which has turned very brown and forlorn looking. (If you click on the pictures, they enlarge)

It was a very busy day in Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery had many foreign visitors, but I did enjoy revisiting the Turner paintings and also had a look at the exhibition in the Sainsburys wing, Devotion by Design.

I was particularly impressed by the recreation of a medieval church with lighting in one of the exhibition rooms... gave a real sens of the time. I also enjoyed being able to look at the back of the alter pieces to see how the carpenters had framed and supported the huge art works. Most of the visitors to this exhibition were quite elderly.. made me feel quite a youngster.

We left Trafalgar Square early afternoon and headed for Millbank... the traffic was horrendous, as there seemed to be a lot of roadworks and so normal routes were closed to traffic. We eventually arrived at Tate Britain.

Here I wanted to see Turners colour and line exhibition, it is changed every 6months and so I knew I was in for some new treats.

As I am very fond of Turners watercolours I also wanted to see the Watercolour Exhibition

A really good video of the exhibition can be viewed here

I was not sure what to expect as I had heard some rather poor reviews from some friends. I am pleased I ventured in to see it... yes I agree some of the 20th Century work pales into insignificance in comparison to other works. The Manuscripts, and miniature paintings as well as the 18th Century maps were exquisite, and I am not normally swayed by these particular sort of works. The ones for this exhibition had been so carefully chosen for their quality. There were good examples of early botanical paintings too.

I think my favourites had to be in the techniques and equipments used through the ages. I found this fascinating... and here Turners colour beginnings, watercolour washes... sung out to me and spoke

..... I was enthralled all over again, just as when I first saw them in 2000 at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. ( Exhibition details here )

I was not impressed by the majority of the current work in watercolour, when I think of some of the wonderful work I have seen in recent exhibitions.... Tracy Emin and the artist who had put watercolour onto a plastic spoon could have been omitted in favour of better work IMHO. After a very welcome cup of tea mid afternoon.. we then ventured to look at the Turners in the Romantics exhibition. Time was getting quite short and I have to confess we did not do it justice.... but I did see some of my favourite Turner large oil paintings.

A great day, hot weather and very tiring... but so worthwhile and inspirational.

Making Sketchbooks

2011-07-26T16:22:00.001+01:00

Well the school summer holidays are upon us.. so it was time to get the grandchildren into the studio to make some sketchbooks/journals to record this annual event. Grandson made a "disappearing nine patch block" ( see here for a great tutorial) for the front cover of his sketchbook, using my very sharp flower pins and my ancient Willcox and Gibbs chain stitch machine. We were very impressed by the finished result.

Youngest grandchild went for the collage option.. lots of glue and double sided tape and cutting out.

Older sister decided to go for the same option when she discovered a very feminine flowery paper. did I remember to take a photo ?
? No!!!

Going walking again.

2011-07-19T15:55:00.001+01:00

Since my prince in shining armour has had his mobility scooter, we have been going for lots of walks. Well... I have been doing the walking. Most enjoyable though, I have not lost any weight, but have improved my appetite and fitness levels. This is a local walk with views across Swindon. If you click on the photo and then enlarge, you can see right across to the Wroughton airfield and the Marlborough Downs.

Time to get out and about

2011-07-16T10:54:00.003+01:00

(Tetbury Gloucestershire Market hall)

Now that hubby has more mobility, we have been getting out and about a bit more. The weather was threatening to rain yesterday afternoon, but we did manage to dodge the showers. We took a short trip to Tetbury. We had not been there for decades, but thought we would give the scooter a try out. It is interesting trying to find parking and access now that our needs have changed.

We could not find any dedicated disabled parking.... we need to open car doors wide . However we did manage to park at the end of the line in a car park, so solved that one. The drop kerbs in the town are not really dropped properly and so were difficult to negotiate. Also the shopkeepers put sandwich boards out on the pavement and it makes navigating the narrow pavements quite difficult.

Most shops have steps to get into them and are quite narrow..... hubby did not go into any shops.....I did go into the famous one, but as Gill also found this week, the shop does not have as many goods as in the past. I did get a paper bag and ......................

A postcard of a watercolour done by HRH of Highgrove

I also was impressed by the Lavender and Chamomile hand cream when I used a little from the tester and was sorely tempted as the quality was very smooth.... but it stayed on the shelf when I saw the price of a small tub.... Mmmmmm.

However the ice cream purchased from a small newsagent was a welcome treat. We had an enjoyable hour on the pavements of Tetbury, and I certainly knew I had done a fair amount of walking by time we got back to the car.

Lydiard House and Park in July 2011

2011-07-13T16:11:00.004+01:00

At the moment 2 themes seem to be my inspiration for the next Exhibition, Trees and old walls. I have been photographing and drawing/painting and exploring both themes..... so a tentative start has been made.

This is Lydiard the morning after the night before... I was so impressed with the way it had been cleaned up after the big Arts Day.... well done .

The walled garden had changed again since the visit last month. The swarm of bees had left and the garden was very lavender blue in colour scheme.... I loved the subtlety. The gardeners were hard at work, but were delighted to help me when I wanted to purchase a fig tree/bush. I have no idea how to look after it.... but I liked the look of it. Gardener was very helpful with advice and the fig now sits in a large pot in my back garden.

We decided to take the long walk along the back of the lake through the parkland... it was truly splendid. Here is the view across the lake back to the house.

I could not resist taking this photo.. reminded me of the New Forest. We then headed back to the tearooms for a really tasty ice cream, well I had to replace some of the calories I had lost through walking!
I now have another set of photos for the design work for our next Exhibition. Just need to get really started on it now. The collecting of ideas has begun.

Avebury and Big Arts Day

2011-07-10T12:46:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was the day of the big Arts Day in Swindon... a really good event, held at Lydiard Park.

However we decided to go to Avebury in the afternoon and had a lovely time there. Its always a favourite of mine. I have photographed the stones a number of times.... but how did I miss this one before? Amazing.

A week of Stitchery

2011-07-08T12:29:00.002+01:00

I finally finished the stitching to my entry for the West Country Embroiderers for the DREAM Exhibition at Brockenhurst in August (6th -18th) I shall be there stewarding on the Tuesday 16th.. so please come and say "hello".

When I showed the piece of work to the grandchildren... 7 yr old grandson said " Nanny.. you have strange dreams !" Mmmm.. no comment I replied!

On Monday I really enjoyed the talk that Kath Danswan gave at the Marlborough Embroiderers Guild about her stitching career.

The flowers in the garden are wonderful this year.. those colours are so stitchable.

Brilliant weekend.

2011-07-04T10:26:00.004+01:00

Happy 4th of July to all our friends across the pond in the US. Hope you have or have had a great time.

I went along to the Open day at Urchfont College yesterday and in the photo is Anna.. check her blog here.... the eagle eyed amongst you will see her recent piece of work Muse 1 on the wall behind her.

There were not as many exhibitions as in previous years, which was a bit disappointing as I took Kath along with me. She is first time visitor to Urchfont Open Day. It was however good to catch up with all my mates and also buy some goodies from Art Van Go. Their stand is always so manic at Festival of Quilts or Ally Pally.

I was wondering how my granddaughter was getting on at her Feis in Bristol in her new dress, and so when I had arrived home, they paid us a surprise visit.
It was the Wales and West Feis.. so quite a large number of competitors took part.
She had won two 1sts, a 2nd, 3rd, 4th , and a highly recommended.... I was so proud of her and here she is with all her medals, trophy and sash. It is the first time she has ever won a sash, and the 1st time she has managed to win two 1sts in one Feis. In all she had danced 9 times, and was quite tired!

Urchfont Open Day 2011

2011-07-01T13:50:00.002+01:00

Summers here and Lydiard Park

2011-06-26T12:09:00.006+01:00

Its a wonderful sunny day today and very warm even though its only lunchtime. After the cloudy and rainy week it is quite welcome, as long as it does not get too hot.This is a photo of the everlasting sweet peas which originally came from my parents garden.... they need little tending other than tying up and watering and rarely get the dreaded black or white fly. Just my sort of plant.

In fact all the plants are coping well, and are making a wonderful show. So I suspect it will be the sort of day to sit out in the garden and enjoy a restful afternoon.

I shall be expected to perform a final fitting for the Irish Dance dress early afternoon, as I have made the " shawl" that hangs down the back. The next Feis is next weekend in Oxford, so it will be ready in time for the Feis.

I shall not be putting on the Celtic decorations and embroidery until after Oxford, as I do not want to rush it. I have made a lot of prototypes and samples and they will be available at today's fitting to decide which would look best.

This is a photo of the Walled garden at Lydiard Park... taken about 10 days ago. The lovely group of Stitchers.......Great Western Embroiderers.. have been invited to exhibit at Lydiard House again in 2012... an honour indeed.

We are calling the exhibition " Traditions" and so were invited to spend a day with Sophie and staff at Lydiard as a preparation to our work. We had access to all parts of Lydiard House and Park.. and the weather was wonderful. If you enlarge the above photo enough .... you may just glimpse the back of Jennifer sitting on her chair sketching the flowers.

The Church in Lydiard Park is St Mary's and they have just launched a fund to help restore this wonderful church. It is truly magnificent. It featured heavily in my work last time and also influenced John Piper when he visited the family at the house.

There is a good website about the history of the church and house here

You may recall this image from my wall hanging for the previous Exhibition we did. I was surprised that I had taken a photo of it again this time... obviously a strong influence for me.

After a wonderful lunch in the newly opened tea rooms. We met in the house with Sophie the curator and she had assembled some textiles that are not on view to the public for us to handle, sketch and photograph

The object above was really interesting in its construction... the beads had been attached to felt
to create the form, underneath there was evidence that it was actually a needle book.

Irish Dancing and flowers

2011-06-19T12:32:00.003+01:00

My Granddaughter has been taking part in Irish dancing competitions for about 4 years and this year instead of birthday presents asked for money to help her buy an Irish dance competition dress. They are extremely expensive to make, but she is delighted with the outcome.

She also delighted me yesterday by visiting to show me the outfit. I have been asked to make the "shawl" that hangs at the back and the decorations and embroidery. An honour indeed.

I dashed out in the morning to pick up hubby's new meds, and when I returned this box was sat in my studio, having been delivered in my absence. Poor hubby thought I had a secret admirer.

No.... I assured him... I was intrigued though.... and then on reading the accompanying card found out.....these wonderful blooms had been sent by my very thoughtful and special Internet chums... thank you so much....I have to confess an emotional tear was shed.
Aren't they beautiful? I feel so lucky and so privileged to have such kind friends.

Carers week UK

2011-06-17T10:32:00.004+01:00

(click on photo for more info on Parkinsons)

A very interesting if emotional week for me, when official offers of help have been discussed over the telephone all this week. It was not until yesterday when I took hubby for an emergency consultants appointment at the hospital that I realised it was Carers week see here. Might explain some of the activities going on.

I have been a carer for a long time..... but did not recognise the "title" as applying to myself. I struggled last week as I was not very well myself, and was so worried as my assistance is constantly needed.

My personal experience is that a medical diagnosis is made on the ill person.....( or in this case two separate diagnosis) and left to the carer to deal with. I had no idea that I could even ask for assistance. I thought that only those who were permanently in wheelchairs or in bed qualified for any help.

I think the reason I am talking so publicly about this is please do not struggle like I did/ have been/still am. Absolutely no-one will tell you about what to do, or what is right for you or the person you are looking after, or for you. You have to do everything yourself.

I think if another person says to me there is information on this website or here is a leaflet........ I will scream out load ---- I do not want information ... I want help in sorting it all out!. What I actually needed was some one to look at us and after discussion say... here is what you need and here is what we can do for you as an organisation.. and I will get X and X and X to phone you with these areas they can help with. Are you happy with that. As a society we are so frightened of taking responsibility for helping others and are always offering opportunities to pass on information but not actually doing anything. Perhaps I am guilty of this too... by writing this post.

I was so lucky in finding that wonderful person on the end of the telephone at my Local council.. and to her I say a huge thank you....... a number of phone calls have happened since she became involved.....I am still waiting for any real physical help to materialise.... but I do know the ball is rolling, and all this could take up to 6 weeks to get going.

In the meantime I just hope I can still handle the situation. Thank goodness I have my stitching and art to keep me sane.

Good for you ! Improves your health!

2011-06-13T12:21:00.004+01:00

Well its official, creativity is good for you, it improves your health. Read this article in the Daily Mail for confirmation ( here), but I think we knew that anyway... didn't we?

My daughter has certainly been creative and using my studio a great deal. She has agreed to take a Sales table at the local School Fete this Saturday........ and has been making lots of "goodies" and I get the job of sewing the buttons on! Also helping at the stall on the day will be a task for me.

I really hope it goes well, that the sun shines and she sells out of all the lovely pin cushions, cards, lap quilts, cushions, bags and brooches she has hand made. I wish her well in her creative endeavour.

Flowers from a thoughtful friend

2011-06-12T22:33:00.002+01:00

These beautiful flowers were a big surprise from a very thoughtful friend. It has been a very hard few weeks for me, but these have really cheered me up. Thank you so much... I know you will read this, just want you to know how much I appreciate the good wishes.

Stitching.......and Japanese textiles

2011-06-06T22:39:00.003+01:00

I have been machine stitching onto my hand dyed fabrics.. just loved moving the colours with stitch.

Not sure exactly how I am going to use the result yet... might end up as a book cover.

Had the monthly branch meeting of the Embroiderers Guild at Marlborough today..... a very thought provoking talk about Japanese Textiles by Jennifer Hughes. Jennifer showed us some wonderful original textiles - this first one is stencilled and so is the second one below.

Then here are some examples of tie and dye.. some pieces of fabric have been tied but not dyed...... lots of indigo as well.

Beginnings and Endings

2011-06-04T14:29:00.006+01:00

I have had an enjoyable week by revisiting my painting on fabrics experiments.
This is quite a large quilt, well in length anyway, and I am not totally sure about the best way of mounting this for exhibition purposes. I think it may need a large frame on the back for support.
The good weather has helped the process of painting with dye, as the drying times have been halved. In theory this could mean I can do twice as much work... but my brain does not quite work like that.

Completed Journal quilts for the Contemporary Quilt Groups challenge 2011. Feb - May

These are the first 4 of 12 - the challenge for these 4 was to use circles. The fabrics are hand dyed, and then I appliqued the shapes and used lot of quilting as a surface texture. They are individual, but I prefer them together in this chequerboard pattern which accentuates the complemetary colours. At the moment they do not have any bindings.... when the challenge is complete we are given the details for binding by the organiser. Its now time to think about the next 4 Journal quilts.

There are times......when.........

2011-06-02T16:40:00.004+01:00

It turned out to be one of those days.... My haircut was booked 9 weeks ago.. and an extra week (to my normal 8) was added as hairdresser was having a well deserved holiday in Malta. No problem... except it turns out he is still in Malta today.
Malcolm took pity on me as I could no longer see. The fringe had overtaken the glasses, so he kindly cut the fringe, and bless his cotton socks... would not take any money for it. However I shall have to phone again on Tuesday when my hairdresser is back.. we hope!

So I decided to use up the rest of the time I had purchased at the parking meter, to go and visit the Art Gallery in Old Town... and I was well rewarded. The Gallery is still showing some of my favourite works... a Lowery and a Sickert Drawing and my all time favourite by Gillian Ayres. Here are the details.........

and here is a photo of the painting taken at an angle to try and show the surface texture Gillian has achieved with the paint..... but if you want to see it for real... go to the gallery. Well worth the trip in my humble opinion.

Amazing use of colour and paint......just love it.

Swindon Open Studios 2011

2011-05-28T10:42:00.006+01:00

Last night was the official Opening night for the Swindon Open Studios. It took place at Artsite in Swindon ,where the Substance exhibition is still running at the moment. The Substance Exhibtion made a good backdrop to the evening. Video here... Gordon Dickenson made the video, afraid I had already left the building!
A most interesting evening, meeting some of the other interested artists. The Open Studios is taking place on 2 weekends in September -- 10-11 and 17-18 September.

A powerpoint slide show was running of participating artists work as a taster.

I am considering opening my new studio for the weekends in question. I am not sure how many visitors there would be to my studio, as I do not live in the centre of town and do not know any other artists living nearby. Could be an interesting experience.. .....well I hope so anyway.

Substance Exhibition- open evening

2011-05-22T12:42:00.005+01:00

I attended the open event to the substance exhibition last night at Artsite in Swindon see here.. a most interesting event. I forgot to take my camera... typical... but this is one of my pieces of work. My work was in response to my admiration for Julia Caprara. textile artist, who I greatly admired and was so fortunate to be able to work with.

My Batik work from a previous post is now ready to stitch into. all the wax has been removed and the colours are a bit pale to photograph well, so I have the paper work design to the left to give you a hint of what I am up to.

At the moment I am still a hospital visitor chauffeur, my good friends' husband is still in hospital, and as she does not drive and is disabled I have very willingly driven her to the hospital twice a day for the last eleven days. It does infringe on my stitching time.... but some things have to be.

Substance Exhibition

2011-05-16T16:05:00.004+01:00

Have just delivered my work to the above exhibition.. it opens on Wednesday 18th May. I am stewarding next Monday (23rd) and Wednesday ( 25th) afternoons if you would like to pop in and have a chat.

Have a look at the Swindon Open studios blog for a photo of my submission of my work- here

GWE meeting

2011-05-11T10:52:00.002+01:00

Isn't it wonderful to work with like minded stitchers... we had our GWE meeting today( click here for blog) and we had a very good mini workshop on Batik and dyeing... great fun.

Have a look at the new edition of Workbox magazine ( June /July 2011) our latest 2 exhibitions Meadow Larks at Cirencester and Fritillary Tearooms at Cricklade are featured in an article. I am particularly pleased with the layout and photos. Really good article. Thank you Workbox. ( click here)

Dyrham Park

2011-04-20T11:05:00.002+01:00

Had another wonderful day with some of the grandchildren when we visited Dyrham Park near Bath. We really enjoy ourselves there, the deer in the park are a big favourite, as are the cakes in the cafe.. ......there's a surprise! The park is wonderful for getting rid of a lot of excess energy and the views of the surrounding countryside are great. The tour of the house is aways of interest and the tiles from the dairy are fascinating......it is always cool in there.

Here we are in the house.... enjoying a moments rest.

Ta Dah... 500 the post.....results

2011-04-17T08:59:00.004+01:00

Amongst a great deal of excitement...a family member pulled the following names from the hat for the 500th Post Giveaway :---- Congratulations to the winners .... who are:- The fabric postcard is won by quilthexle and the sample of hand dyed fabrics by Angela. Please email me your address and I will mail your goodies to you.

Frittilary Tearooms

2011-04-16T15:10:00.003+01:00

I have just returned from sampling some wonderful tea and cake at the Fritillary tearooms in Cricklade. The cakes are home made by the Cricklade Bloomers and I had Strawberries and Cream, sponge cake.... Yummy! As you can see I was not alone, such a good choice on the menu as well. In the photos are the 5 panels of work we ( Great Western Embroiderers) created in textiles for display in the tea rooms this year. All the designs are based on the North Meadow in Cricklade.

We are delighted that Cricklade Town Council have also made a request to display the panels in the Council Offices after their time in the tearooms. The panels will also be displayed in the windows of the town council offices for 2 weeks in August, when the judging for the Britain in Bloom competition takes place. Cricklade are finalists this year and very proud they are too.

They have been made Champion of Champions a high accolade indeed. Well done Cricklade Bloomers.

Textile Tearooms

2011-04-13T13:27:00.011+01:00

Had a great meeting of the Great Western Embroiderers yesterday. We have been working with Natural England to create pieces of work for the tearooms in Cricklade to show what a wonderful resource the North Meadow can be for the community.

The work will be on show this weekend in the tearooms and for the next 2 weekends as well. Here is a photo of one of the banners of work.. there are 4 more. If you would like to know more about the North Meadow and the fritillaries click here The fritillaries are just blooming now.. so are a wonderful sight . Do take your camera if you decide to visit. If you manage to go this weekend, then please drop into the tearooms for a cup of tea and a slice of cake and of course enjoy our pieces of stitched work.

Just to catch up, went along to the West Country Embroiderers Dorset Day last week... most enjoyable and a good talk in the afternoon about Palestinian textiles. ( Photo above is of Salisbury)

I have been working on a new piece of work, and thoroughly enjoying myself. Here is just a snippet.

500th post giveaway

2011-04-02T12:00:00.005+01:00

Thought it would be good to celebrate my 500th post with a couple of give aways. The first is in the photo above. One of my stitched postcards and the second is some samples of my hand dyed fabrics. They are in the photo below. If you would like have one of these.... please leave a comment for me and a name will be chosen out of the hat on 16th April 2011. I think spring has finally arrived too, the garden is starting to wake up and the flowers are looking truly wonderful.

I washed out all my space dyeing and shibori yesterday evening, and by time I was ready to hang the pieces on the line to dry , it was dark! At least the neighbours could not see me.

Fortunately we had no rain overnight, and so this morning I bought the dyed pieces in and ironed them. I have to say I am very pleased with them.

Mad March and Space Dyeing

2011-03-31T17:00:00.004+01:00

This dyeing of fabric and threads has been quite a mission this mad month of March. Lots of preparation, thinking and waiting is required to complete this technique. Now I have a recipe that works for me, I really enjoy doing it and the results are worthwhile.

Here is the batch I have managed to get going for this afternoon.... some shibori too. I have not used that technique for a long time, wonder if they will be OK?

You may remember me doing a lot of my dyeing in previous blog posts ( click here) I still use the same recipe. I find it works well for me.

Here are the all over colours, so useful to have.

Here are also some space dyed I dyed last week. Just love the way the colours run and fuse in together.

Now just have to sit and wait overnight for the latest dyes to batch. Then wash them tomorrow..... a bit of patience is required for that as well!

Quilting

2011-03-25T12:19:00.000Z

I have been using my dyed fabrics, and practising my free machine quilting, as well as rotary cutting. All my own design..... but obviously you will recognise that it is just an arrangement of squares and rectangles. I have learnt a lot by doing this piece... patching or is it called piecing(?) and quilting too.

Stitch and Craft show Olympia

2011-03-20T12:09:00.004Z

Went along to this show with my daughter. I used to go last century, but have not been for a long time. Was not sure if I would enjoy it or not, but viewed it as a day out. But enjoy it I did. There was lots to see and do and we finished the day sitting at this table making small cross stitch buttons to wear... you can download the charts for the buttons from the Cross Stitcher site here. They are simple designs, but fun to do. As we went on the Sunday it was not overbearingly crowded... so very pleasant to walk around.

Drawing with the sewing machine

2011-03-15T11:59:00.002Z

These pieces of work were created over 2 days.... 2 days of really good stitching fun. All the drawing was done with free machine stitching. A refreshing change from using a pencil.

This piece above was my practice piece... almost a doodle piece. Testing the stitching, testing the marks the machine made. Really important to try things out.

This was the large table in the middle of the room with lots of items to draw. Isn't the table cloth a wonderful red?

This is completely stitched by machine. Ignore the flower pin at top right..... took the photo before I realised it was there... duh! Tried to give myself an exercise of white on white.....that was hard !

Bath Stitchers- Workshop

2011-03-09T11:41:00.002Z

It was lovely to be invited by the Bath Branch of the Embroiderers Guild to give them a workshop. I always enjoy working all day with a group, not only were this group great fun and so adventurous, they also succeeded in creating lots of work of a high quality. The workshop they chose to take was all about abusing stitches. Great fun.

Impressed with the work? I was.

Dyeing day and more

2011-02-16T23:31:00.003Z

Please note this is dyeing with an "e"...

I was running short of some colours of fabric for my next project. So dyeing it had to be. I resorted to using hot water dyes as the weather is really too cold for cold water dyeing and the associated batching time in a warm room.

I enjoy the consistency of hot water dyeing.... but hate the stirring of the brew, and become quite impatient. The results are always guaranteed to be good though - so I force myself to be patient. So pleasing to get good results everytime..

So here are some of the pieces of cloth I dyed this week, still need a few more colours, but at least I can make a start on some journal quilts I want to make. I use a lot of my own coloured fabrics, my fabric stash of purchased prints is not very large.... but I have quite a few yards/meters of neutral fabrics for dyeing and printing.

My daughter came round today to make use of my studio again . We managed to make this little quiltlet for grandson.

He has had his room re-decorated and this will be the first of 2 wall hangings we are making for his wall. Yes... he loves dinosaurs as do lots of 6 year old boys. We have finished the top of the other, but still have the quilting to do and finishing. This one is already on his wall.

Time flies

2011-02-11T18:19:00.004Z

Problems with blogger this week have halted my posting , but I seem to be back in business now------at last!

It has been a busy week, lots of lovely textiles on Monday and Tuesday.

Had a talk on Monday to the Embroiderers Guild group I belong to by Alison Harper and most interesting to learn how she reuses refuse such as crisp packets to create her textiles, not my preferred method of working, but it made me think.

Then on Tuesday working with the lovely local GWE group I belong to... we had a great time stitching and chatting together all day, preparing for our next exhibition in April.

Another excitement is the arrival of this lovely stripey linen scarf in the post from a new gift shop ,a good mate has recently opened.... have a look here and on FB.

Art around the world anyone?

2011-02-04T17:23:00.004Z

So do you go to lots of art galleries and exhibitions?
That's OK on a local level when perhaps you have access to exhibitions and galleries and fellow artists, but getting to some of the bigger art galleries to see works of art is often impossible and involves making a lot of travel arrangements.
So when I fell across this I was impressed. Have a look at the google art project
Just as much fun as google earth. Let me know what you think in the comments

Disappearing Patchwork

2011-02-03T12:06:00.007Z

My Daughter has recently expressed a passion for creating patchwork, so she organised childcare for the day and came round to my studio to play. We had a great time.

The result being this disappearing 9 patch . I got the pattern from the chick pea studio
strangely it is called a birthing quilt ( not quite sure what that is? )... but the instructions were clear and simple for my daughter to understand.

We did not make a quilt, but a cushion cover for youngest Grandaughter. I had already digitised and stiched a name label for her. Needless to say grandaughter is thrilled with it. The cushion even had to go to nursery today. Isn't it wonderful when a piece of work is so appreciated? Even if it is a soon to be 4 year old? The matching quilt is the next project.... it has been ordered ;0)

Feeling good

2011-01-30T17:56:00.011Z

So I had forgotten to give the birds some bread this lunchtime and they were making a lot of noise in the back garden, when... I saw this larger bird strolling across the back garden... called to himself indoors............... is that a partridge?.... no--- was the reply! We know what partridge look like , plenty of roadkill in these parts.

Thanks to the RSPB website its a quail!
What it was doing in my back garden .. heaven knows. According to the RSPB ( click here)

They are quite common in Wiltshire in April and May and they eat seeds and insects..... so why I ask -- was it eating bread in my back garden in January???

I have had a really good weekend and totally indulged myself. Finished my granddaughters birthday present. She loves my bag... so I have made her one of her own.

Then I decided to play with my embroidery software and sewing machine .... and cannot remember the last time I became so engrossed and really enjoyed myself, all fuelled by a get together last Wednesday of some stitchery mates. We talked and showed our work and I hope the others feel as energised as I did. good to talk about what you are trying to do.

Helen also shared some of her designs with me... and that was fun, to see if my ten year old software could read it and download to the machine... and..... it did as you can see.

I also took one of my own designs to see if I still had the skills to digitise.... that was enjoyable.... especially as I have some ideas for how to use the designs as well.... may take a little while to realise. As the image is only part of the process. so no instant art here!
Our local art and craft store ( Frameworks) is closing down, so I managed to buy some more procian dyes in the sale.... and so will need to start dyeing again. At the moment the weather is too cold.

Skinny quilt

2011-01-26T23:26:00.005Z

Have spent some time this week making this skinny quilt for a swop that is happening on BQL

The idea is you make a quilt for Jan/Feb that is 12inches by 24 inches, upload pictures to the list and then you can choose one to swop with from the gallery of quilts.

You get the quilt you have chosen, if someone wants your offering. Just as well I like my quilt, it is a bit bright and abstract, which I like but not sure others will. If no-one wants it I get to keep it.

I am not much good with numbers and my quilt is not quite as skinny as it should be its 2 inches wider than instructions.... so I have stretched the tolerance to the maximum. Ummm!

Great day today, had a meeting with like minded artists in my new studio, and we all discussed our work and sketchbooks, trying to discover our individual way forward in our work. Really inspiring.

Sketching

2011-01-24T17:01:00.005Z

Feel so tired at the moment, and not helped by cooking and feeding the family Sunday lunch yesterday. Mind you even if I say so myself.. it tasted so good!

Grandchildren wanted to play Tri-ominoes after the meal..............the adults however were too tired and retired to snooze in front of the TV.

So out came the sketching paper, and I showed them how to use my new B to 6B pack of sketching pencils and also we talked about different ways of shading and using the pencils. We had lots of fun, all sitting around the dining room table, after the dishes had been cleared. Think my efforts will find their way into my Faces sketchbook.

I was very impressed with the sketching and use of the pencils...... 15 year old was drawing cars.... 12 year old Still life -- in particular my vases... 10 year old was drawing Manga faces, and 5 year old Bertie Bassett from my Liquorice Allsorts... did I take a photo... nah! forgot!

Anyway managed to get all the crockery changed round in the cupboards...... it was a lot of washing up!

It was good to see them all.

P.S. I have finsihed all that number work for the tax man... yes!

Dream Faces

2011-01-18T22:56:00.002Z

I am working on Faces again..... and really enjoying it. I know that readers who know me well are not surprised. I am though, as I thought I had moved on to pastures and inspirations new.

I have not really worked on my faces series this intensely for the last 2 years despite the fact some of my works were exhibitied last year.

Suddenly faces are back in my life. The sketchbook is filling up and I am happy.

Solitude

2011-01-15T19:05:00.003Z

"Solitude is an unavoidable part of creativity, self reliance is a happy by- product" John Ruskin

I am currently starting work on a newish theme, but on reflection it has been buzzing in my head for ages. So my sketchbooks are being used again to try and reach a resolution..... it is a solitary activity.... advice is sought and taken, but the resolution is a blurred image in my head, even getting it down on paper is proving hard to achieve. So must keep working at it in my own way.

So alongside the sketchbook I am creating some white on white stitchery.. with a view to painting it.....there are a lot of technical issues and techniques to conquer..... so I think this could be a long haul, but I know it will be good to be able to concentrate on this one theme, instead of having it constantly rumbling around in my head, and proving to be an insistent distraction. Solitary indeed.

Numbers

2011-01-09T21:29:00.004Z

Jasper Johns 0-9, 1958-59

I do hate working with numbers... but sometimes the art of design is enhanced by numbers , and I have been known to make good use of this Fibonacci sequence in some of my compositions.

I love this work by Jasper Johns, it is one of my favourites...... but the numbers I have been working with are the ones where the calculations all have to add up and make sense with all the totals over a year...... not my sort of beloved number work at all, but has to be done!

Have spent the whole weekend in the company of these columns of numbers and finally one set are done and dusted. Just one more set to go.................;0)

sketchbook posting day

2011-01-04T19:02:00.006Z

Woke up to some un-forecasted ( is there such a word?) snow this morning.. but by lunchtime it was disappearing fast.
So no excuses ....... time to make the journey to the post office and dispatch the sketchbook on its way to Brooklyn. ( check it out here) .
I have not taken many photos, but like others participants I found the paper quite difficult to cope and work with and so felt I was not able to work in ways that are my usual practice. Actually think that it is good to break out of the comfort zone on occasions, but this was a challenge.

I finally decided to make the sketchbook into an over sized flip book.... so although I have taken photos.......... the effect is better as a video. Its the sort of sketchbook that needs to be handled, not just looked at.

The video I took is not brilliant, but hopefully shows what I was trying to achieve. Blame my amateur movie skills for that one.

Here are some of the still photos of the sketchbook. I had intended taking a replacement video, but the light conditions have been awful these last few weeks, so have had to make do.

You can probably see how thin the paper is in the sketchbook.

However changing thoughts to another direction ...... I cannot usually see the point of new year resolutions, this year however, I think I am going to indulge in the process of re-evaluation of my creative work to see if I can make some new resolutions. May not lead anywhere, but feel I need to do it, before I carry on.

Have loads of divergent ideas and so I think I need to try and see the way forward a little more clearly. Always a difficult task. I'll see if it works. A case of " Just do it!"

Surprise

2011-01-03T10:21:00.004Z

This was a real surprise ---- a new studio gift. Given to me by a lovely friend. A cupcake pincushion... I do not think I can bear to stick pins in it.. but it is absolutely beautifully made. Thank you Shirley.

Here it sits on the windowsill of my studio with some of my other gathered treasures. They give me lots of pleasure. Do you have treasures in your studio or workspace?

Its a new day in a new year.

2011-01-01T19:10:00.006Z

On one of the Internet lists I belong to we have been discussing different cutters mainly used by scrapbookers for creating intricate paper designs, and the discussion then ventured into whether these would work with fabric too..

Which led us to discuss the version marketed by Bernina. Apparently it can be used by the Artista 180 up to the present machine.

I have a Bernina 170 , but apparently although it has the embroidery module the cut work accessory will not work with it.

However , never to take anything at face value, fellow blogger Ros kindly sent me a design for cut work, to see if my 170 would be able to see the design. It saw the design .. but not as a cut work design, but as an Embroidery design.

Here is my trusty 170, stitching out the design beautifully. I decided to put a tangerine thread on the bobbin and a variegated yellow to beige thread on the top..... have to say I really liked it.

I plan to play with this some more..... many thanks Ros.

Does anyone else have/use the Bernina Cut work accessory? Just wish it would work with my 170.

Would love to hear from you if you have any experiences of these cutting machines.

Having set up my machine and the computer link..... I could not resist playing some more. Have had a wonderful time today... so really pleased. I really feel that I shall be doing some more work on the embroidery module.

I have signed up for a new sketchbook challenge, as I thought it would give me something to focus on every month, so in anticipation of a great surge of inspiration, I read the challenge this morning on the blog............ I must admit I felt let down when I read the focus of January's challenge... Mmmmm ... thinking cap time. Do I or don't I carry on???

Happy New year

2010-12-31T21:06:00.002Z

Wishing you all an artistically creative, happy and healthy 2011

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T17:40:00.003Z

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, and a wonderful day tomorrow.

We are celebrating the festivities with family and friends and I hope Santa brings us all lots of surprises and happiness in the gifts given and received .

Wonderful Christmas post

2010-12-22T10:42:00.002Z

I am now the proud owner of this lovely piece of work created by Marlis Egger which arrived in the post, it now hangs in my new studio. Thank you so much Marlis.
I find it quite amazing that this beautiful piece of work can find its way across snow laden Europe, very quickly, yet stuff posted in England is subject to big delays because of the poor weather.

Really feel sorry for any travellers who have not been able to return home for the festivities because of transport problems. Hope the marginal improvement in weather conditions means you are successful in travelling home.

Festivities can start now!

2010-12-19T10:28:00.002Z

The trees are up and decorated, one in the porch and one in the sitting room. Neighbours have also made a show again this year, and the street is looking very festive. It was truly magical yesterday evening as darkness fell and the lights were switched on. The reflective snow certainly helped to give a feeling of festive cheer.

I seem to be better prepared for the festivities than ever before. Which is wonderful, especially as the weather does not entice me to go out to go shopping or even to go out for that matter. I am happy never to shop, it is not one of my favourite activities and never has been.

This is the scene in the garden this morning, but do not be deceived by the charm of this photo it is bitterly cold -7C and a fairly strong and bitter wind. Time to hibernate perhaps.

White today

2010-12-18T10:46:00.003Z

Have been working on some white fabric recently, its quite fun to do. So I thought I would start this post with some fabric work for a change. Not a lot has been happening in the studio this week, other than some tidying up after last weekend.

Christmas preparations are well under way and plans for today have stalled to a stop... the reason why... is in this photo.

Its been snowing consistently since 6am, on top of some heavy overnight ice and frost. Absolutely treacherous out there, whether you want to walk or drive. I put out a lot of bird food in the hedges last night before it got too cold and today the birds are feeding non stop.

Thought you would like the update photo on your thread intervention Sal.. it looks quite wonderful.

Right I have promised to get some Christmas decorations up today...... so better get to it. Nothing else to do ;0)

Time

2010-12-13T16:06:00.006Z

Time is something we use up in huge quantities in our creative activities. Just as Margaret Charlton has in this piece of artwork, which she kindly gave me recently. I am not sure we always give "time" a philosophical or critical review in relation to what we do or allowing it to inform our artistic practice..

I have just returned from a weekend at Urchfont with masterclass mentor Helen Mastrandeas. "Time" was the theme of the weekend. We explored the theme of time through Art, particularly in relation to textile practice.

We discussed the way that static visual arts such as painting and sculpture have grappled with the problem of how to show a purely sensual and intangible phenomenon in visual terms.

Valerie Constantino suggested that "the greatest strength of art expression in fibre media may be the impermanent quality of textiles.

Turners' famous painting of 1844 depicts the passage of time with the latest interests of the era, whereas in medieval times the passage of time was often depicted by pictures of death and skulls.
Perhaps it could be said that today the emphasis has evolved through the viewers experiences of Action Painting as depicted in Pollocks work and Goldsworthy with his art pieces which uses a natural palette.
The modern understanding of Wabi Sabi has also influenced many modern artists in pursuit of time references. Matthew Harris credits wabi sabi as being central to his work.

We looked at this water butt which sits next to the greenhouse in the grounds of Urchfont Manor.... the recent icy then milder weather has reacted with the water..... the result is beautiful, but fleeting. We used this as a reference for drawing or photographing and our attempts to depict time.

We broke this piece away and took it into the warmth of the studio and watched and recorded the melt. the passage of time.

This is a piece of work left by a member of the Thread Interventionists at Urchfont Manor. It was created in the Summer of 2009, and has survived animal, human and weather interventions and has survived the ravages of time.

A very thought provoking weekend of work and critical thinking.

Its a bit cold!

2010-12-07T11:54:00.003Z

When I woke up and peeked out the window this morning, I was quite surprised to see how busy Jack Frost had been last night. According to my daughter some light snow fell too.... I did not see it though.

I have been enjoying myself using the embellisher machine and then chain stitching on the W & G machine, meanwhile watching everyone slip and slide on the pavement outside my studio window.

The hedge outside the window looks likethis ........ really frosty and it is midday now. Its also quite foggy. The freezing sort.

I am staying home and stitching. I have no desire to go out in the freezing cold, especially as I seem to have picked up one of the virus's doing the rounds. Its not too bad, as I have had the flu jab, but enough to make me feel less than well.

Just once a year.

2010-12-03T10:16:00.000Z

Think this proves that I like chocolate. Thanks children for making this a fabulous day for me.

Snow or stitching ?

2010-12-02T17:09:00.004Z

Thought we would start this post with the weather.. very English! More snow overnight, and I am so annoyed with myself for not getting the fountain put away in time. Just hopes this weather is kind to it. I do love the icicles on the umbrella.

Have been doing little bits of stitching, they relate to my experiments with the colour circle.

This is not a repeat of a previous photo, the eagle eyed amongst you will notice no blades of grass are showing in this one. It has been snowing most of the morning.. but not heavily. We were not supposed to get any of this at all.... but the forecasters got it wrong.

I have been warm and cosy working in my studio most of the day and only ventured out to retrieve the dustbin after the refuse collectors had been. They did look very cold, but were whistling whilst they worked. Back to the weather -10C tonight apparently, but the wind seems to have dropped. The news report said it was exceptionally cold in Scotland last night -21C.

At last

2010-11-30T14:32:00.003Z

Whilst a lot of the country and my chums have been enjoying the delights of huge snowfalls.. we have been just freezing cold here in Wiltshire. It Finally warmed up lasts night to 0 C... so we woke up this morning to some snow.

Quite pathetic compared to the rest of the country, but at least we still can get out and about. I have managed to get quite a few chores completed too like getting the car serviced.

And I have also managed to get some stitching completed that has been hanging around for years. I am going to enter this piece into the South West Region of the Embroiderers Guild Exhibition 2011.
I have finished the sketchbook, and have tried to create a small video... but need to redo the whole thing.. light levels have been very poor, and so may get it ready for the next post. Here are some stills. I will need to send the sketchbook off to the US soon.

Its mostly a lot of doodles, but as I mentioned before, I have enjoyed the freedom. top photo shows, machine stitching and ink drawing, bottom photos - on the computer using the graphics tablet and printing on paper.

Danger---- artist at work!

2010-11-25T20:17:00.003Z

Do you remember how tidy this space was? Click here if you need to refresh your memory...

I have been doing some more work on the sketchbook . A few health issues have kept me pretty housebound and the sketchbook has been quite a good distraction. I have really been messy though, but it is so liberating having all this space in the studio........!

I also ordered this book and it arrived today.... it has come highly recommended by a lot of my blogger mates and I am looking forward to reading it. Will let you know what I think when I have read some of it.

I asked this question on one of my Internet lists.. -how do you organise your machine threads ?- ... until now I have kept most of mine in plastic chocolate boxes, you know the boxes which have a brown base and clear top.

A couple of years back they changed the containers to totally clear and much squarer.... great for machine threads.... but the chocolates are becoming quite expensive AND.. I have to eat lots of chocolates.......

My Internet chums recommended these ---

The thread storage containers arrived very late yesterday afternoon after I had ordered them online, and they are really fantastic. they are filling up fast.

So no more chocolates for me for a while!

The Sketchbook project

2010-11-23T10:13:00.004Z

I signed up for this sketchbook project, have a look here.
So the real creative mess has started in the studio, stuff everywhere, and although I dyed the fabrics ready to finish my hanging of the previous post, my concentrations have been diverted to the sketchbook.

It was supposed to be a filler activity whilst the fabrics dried...... but you know how it is...... I became absorbed and am so enjoying myself. The freedom of being able to doodle without constraint is really wonderful.

As many other members have stated the sketchbook paper quality is very poor, as you can see when you apply a wash the paper buckles badly and if not totally dry, tears into shreds. Reminds me of the cheap recycled paper the suppliers tried to offload onto the schools a few years ago, when to be "green" became fashionable.

The colour from one page bleeds onto the reverse of the paper..... however I am not letting that stop me, I am carrying on regardless and letting serendipity play its role.
Leonardo must be rolling over in his grave !;0)

Such wanton abandon. I am loving it!

If I post this off to its destination.... .. you can all go and see the- wanton abandon- for yourselves.... except of course you will have to fly to the States to the Brooklyn Art Gallery to see it.

Shame really that once I send it I shall never be able to see it again. So I will have to take lots of photos as a reminder. Somehow though, the photos are not the same as having the book in your hand and seeing the marks made by your hand. What do you think?

Hanging in there!

2010-11-19T12:01:00.003Z

Whilst these leaves are damp/wet they stay put on the front garden, as soon as they dry out they all migrate to my front porch. I appear to collect all the leaves from the neighbourhood on my front garden. All a bit like my children and their problems..... ;0) There seem to have been lots this year. ( of problems that is!)

However like this geranium which is still flowering , I am hanging in there, and am greatly spurred on by the studio space I now have. I found myself just sitting in there this morning and enjoying the peace and quiet.

I then took the opportunity to peruse my next set of commitments for exhibitions. 2011 at the moment will be a year of creating .. just one exhibition, and that's a small one..... but 2012 .... maybe 4 exhibitions.

That's a biggie, so must start to get designs and ideas together, that is of course if the galleries are still in business by 2012. All the arts grants are being culled in this economic climate and any spare money going to sports in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics.. short sighted IMHO.

However in the spirit of optimism.. I dyed some fabric yesterday, to finish my first piece of artwork made in the studio.

My glass is half full and long may it continue as such....... to all readers whose glass is half empty, I shall say ----" cheer up, it may never happen". ---- those were my dear Dads favourite words.

The Chaos and Contemporary work

2010-11-17T18:43:00.004Z

This piece of work is the first to be put under the sewing machine in the new studio. It may not be my best piece of work, but it summarises a lot of my recent feelings. I am going to call it " the chaos" some of you will know what I mean.

It is not quite finished, I have run out of blue fabric, so tomorrow am going to dye some more. Originally I was going to bind the edges with yellow, but have changed my mind and want to use blue, and of course I do not have enough fabric.....;0)

I have loved stitching it, and though notone of my best, but it has been stitched with a lot of feeling. It is a very contemporary piece and I can imagine others will interpret in their own way.

Talking of contemporary work..........
You may be interested in a new website that has just been launched. It features contemporary quilters and I feel sure that it will develop and grow in the future. The contemporary quilters are certainly a forward thinking group, and it is easy to join them in their adventure. Go and have a look here

From the mouth of Babes and Meadow Larks

2010-11-14T20:43:00.005Z

Went along to the Meadow Larks exhibition in Cirencester this afternoon, and just loved seeing all the work together. I knew it would be wonderful, but did not quite realise how wonderful. The Great Western Embroiderers have certainly produced some fantastic work again. One of the advantages of visiting on a sunday afternoon, is the Car parking is free.

These 2 images are close ups of a piece of my work on show, called ( not very originally) North meadow. The work is inspired by the natural 12 monthly cycle of the meadow, the colours reflect the harvest, the flooding and the frost. The imagery includes cattle, fritillaries and roman numerals. The materials are primarily, hand made and hand dyed felt, machine embroidery and hand stitch

Here is the view of the gallery from the street.

My daughter accompanied me, and we had a wonderful time chatting mainly about the exhibition.

It was whilst we were going round, that my daughter, revealed to me that 3 year old grandaughter took a session at her nursery school at story time last Friday, quite an occasion for someone who is quite shy. So I asked what did she talk about?

Imagine my surprise when I found out!.

She very bravely stood up and told all her classmates about the "special" pencil cases we made the other day and how good she is at using the sewing machine. It never ceases to amaze me how young children take everything in, and then reveal their thoughts to others. According to the teachers she remembered every detail of how we made them.

I am very proud of my grandaughter. Check her on the sewing machine here...

Remember these and the local radio.

2010-11-10T22:03:00.005Z

Remember these?

They were part of an Interesting feature on grandparents on the local radio today.... click on Radio to hear the transmission and move the slider along to approx 1.22 to hear about creativity and the genrations. Thanks to Mark O'Donnell of BBC wiltshire Radio.