Freedom to Stitch workshop

Had a really good day- 6 students all ready to go!
Thankfully the snow kept off, we just had to avoid laying ice patches between the workshop bungalow & the Garden Centre.

After the few usual problems with their sewing machines, most of the students got going! Its great to see the light in peoples eyes, saying I CAN DO THIS.

A couple had slight problems, but after a quick limbering up & relaxing, they also got going on the basic skills of free machine embroidery.

After another nice lunch, they were all raring to learn the next exciting stages- the use of dissolvable fabric, layering, tyvek (my way) and the use of tights to produce embellishments. Lots of ideas to practice at home. Some of the students were so inspired, that they have already planned which direction to take these skills forward into.

Hopefully some of these ladies will sign on for my next workshop in March (not yet decided on what we will do-watch the blog)

Here are some photos of the students at work.

A bit blurry- but Christine is working so fast!

What a happy bunch!

Hope you like the photos, everyone is very industrious, but more importantly they are enjoying themselves whilst learning.

Show & Tell

Together with Caroline Percy & Marguerita McBride, I participated in a Show & Tell session at last Saturdays Embroiderers Guild Meeting at Parbold.

Caroline led the way, with a talk regarding her stitch life from the age of 9!!! She had a sample of her work, a drawing & lovely cross stitch pieces. Clever Old Stick!! She was aided by her daughter Lauren, who modelled a lovely Navy Blue evening dress which Caroline had made. Caroline also brought in a bridesmaids dress she had stitched & a 70's style short dress- she went on to discuss her start at EG & consequent foray into C&G Embroidery & Design, where we actually met & became friends.

Marguerita followed with loads of beautiful items of work, sketch books & boards with respect to her C&G's course. Very inspirational.

I finished off very hurridly regarding the link with some of my C&G work on Countries to Natural Progression's last exhibition at Alston Hall & Brabins on' Spirit of Place'

I explained how my research & consequent sketch books on India, Africa & Peru, helped me formalise my pieces for the exhibition.

I had actually forgotten how detailed & well presented I had made the sketch books- another life!!!

I pointed out how important it was to use the work we undertook at College & use it to inspire & formulate new work.

I also took in my shoes which were made in about my 4th year at College, as these had appeared on the advertising poster. They were based on Ariel the Windsinger, and one shoe was made using stainless steel fabric, and is light & airy with the wings opening up. The other shoe is black & sinister, made using layers of sheer fabric which has been heavily machine embroidered & the wings of the shoe come inwards. I used parts of an old fire heater to form the soles & heels- obviously not a practical pair of shoes!!!

Indian wall hanging- Light & Shade

The two wet felted Peruvian Wall hangings

African mixed media hanging

work in progress

I have been very busy attempting to make some pieces for our exhibition 'Art & Soul' which will be held at Samlesbury Hall next year-

I always like to have a head start, as you never know what life has to throw at you.

Luckily I have the basis of two pieces from my work at Quilting classes- not that I am a quilter, as I am not accurate enough & like to do my own thing!

One piece is based on a waterfall technique, which will be my large piece of work- I am adapting this to fit into work by a Japanese artist -Katsushika Hokusai & basing it on his work 'Crashing Wave'

My colours are very strong, which is how I like to work.

I still have a long way to go on this piece, with plenty more hours doing free motion embroidery on my trusty sewing machine!!!

Another piece is based on the work by Frida Kalo & will depict her mexican themes- using strong colours again. This is now finished & I have attached it to a canvas, which enables me to keep the ragged & unfinished edges.

Reverse applique, machine stitched & quilted with added beads.

I have also completed a piece in white only (completely different) based on the work by Mary Martin, who works in sculpteral ways.

hand quilted & based on Maggie Smith techniques.

I now have to complete the large waterfall quilt & start on my Aboriginal piece- loads to go for!!!