Oriental Quilt

Hi well I have atlast completed my Oriental Quilt- the blocks have taken me 3 years, some traditional, but most are applique, embroidered or random.

I have used some recognisable blocks, eg Grandmothers Fan, but I also designed some myself eg
bridge and pagoda similar to a Willow Pattern, kettles and Kites.

The Trapunto blocks look really good, and I decided to use plain white or cream backgrounds, with a little hint of colour by using gold & green embroidery threads.

I was looking for a really random effect, as I dislike a set look. It was suggested that I surround each block with a black border, which would make the blocks pop and give the effect of a laquered screen.

I will never repeat the process again  as it was a complete nightmare, however I think the finished piece although certainly not perfectly stitched, looks pretty good and is in place on the bed in my guest room.

After Christmas I will take some photos of my best blocks which will show the details.

Hopefully this quilt will become a family heirloom!!!

Cabus Exhibition and craft fair

Hi well I have had a really busy two weeks, cultimating in a non appointment for my hair and a great meal out with Aqua Aerobics. I will explain that due to a serious crash on the M6 all roads into Preston were completely grid locked, and where is my hairdressers? you have guessed, yes, the other side of Preston. Hence a one hour car drive only gor me a few miles, and after stopping in desperation, I decided to fuel up my stomach and spend more money in a craft shop, Then I decided to go back home with messy hair.

Anyway the exhibition at Cabus Village Hall looked good, photos of my pieces below-

needle felted piece above, with two wet felted pieces based on Peru

'Upset Stomacher' and 'Double it', both appliqued &  machine embroidered, the lower one is needle felted.

Not brilliant photos, but you get the idea?

We had decided to do a craft stall on the Sunday- maybe not a good move as hardly anyone visited, I think due to so many other events going on in the area. It certainly was not due to the hard work the organiser - Sue from Blossoming Art, put in. She advertised it well, had organised food and planned the event down to the last detail.

However I managed to sell some items, which covered my costs with a little to sell. Caroline sold a needle felted brooch, but unfortunately Nicky did not sell anything.

We had plenty of admirers, but not many buyers.

Never mind better luck next time I hope.

Nicky trying to hide

Well hidden

screen with silk scarves(green one sold) and Nicky's beautiful pictures

Any surface will do even an old piano

looking a bit messy, but its organised chaos.

Please look at Parbold E.G. News on pegstitchers1.blogspot.co.uk for photos on our exciting December meeting re Christmas Challenge.

The Tree House cafe

Hi I have now set up a small display at The Tree House Unit 116 sandy Lane Centre, Sandy Lane, Skelmersdale. WN8 8LA.

Caroline and myself have rented a shelf at the above Shop/cafe.

Not alot of space, but you never know- we may sell something.

Here is a picture- not too clear as taken through glass window.

Photo showing Caroline's bag on the left and a bag of mine, plus scarves & jewellery


If you are in the vicinity drop in, lots to see & buy.

Craft Fair at Chapel Gallery 26th November

Hi sorry I haven't posted much recently. I have been very busy with craft fairs, Christmas etc etc

However Caroline and myself ran a stall in Chapel Gallery Ormskirk last Saturday, and for a change did very well. I must be a glutton for punishment!!!

I sold quite a few things, with the money going into my EG Summer School fund.

Here are a few photos of us looking fairly happy for a change- especially as we were given two stalls for the price of one! Bargain. (and the cake!!!!)

Caroline 

Close up of caroline

Me looking reasonable for a change

Actually smiling!

Posing!!!

Apart from eating loads of cake as mentioned above, we were given info on a new venture in Old Skelmersdale- called The Tree House. this is a community based project, which is run on a volunteer basis. It has a great cafe (More Cake), exhibition space and a shop for local artists to sell their work.

We have decided to take a shelf, to hopefully sell a few items- pictures will follow next week.

Classy Brooches

I am going to run another workshop at Avant Garden Centre, Wigan Road, Leyland PR25 5XW on Tuesday 25th October 10.30 to 3.30.

Its really a run up to Christmas, and an opportunity to make some nice pressies.

Its £40.00 for tuition, lunch and refreshments, with an additional £3.00 to paid on the day for basic materials.

Booking essential T 01772 433777

Where have I been???

Sorry I have been very lax in blogging- life seems to have become extremely busy.

However I can tell you that I had a great Summer, with loads of family visitors(maybe thats why I haven't blogged in a while?)

I have recently visited Lincoln with my friend Chris photos below-

Donnington Hall

Kitchen garden

Woven horses

Love these metal sculpture shapes

Hares

I think he has not been eating.

Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Castle

15c building in centre of Lincoln

I also visited Northumberland with my Husband- great break and beautiful scenery.

Bamburgh Castle

View from Bamburgh Castle

John in his rightful place!!!

Me in my rightful place!!!

two examples of eroded stone work at Banburgh Castle- great for texture in textile work.

Beach at Bamburgh

We also visited Chillingham Castle- complete opposite to Bamburgh which is beautifully kept. Chillingham has been left to its own devices- the owner Sir Humphrey Wakefield collects items from all over the world on his travels and they all end up in Chillingham Castle- its a bit like a cobweb strewn junk yard- with hidden gems.

tapestry

Model soldier and horse

Rather not eat on this table!

Contrast of beautifully kept gardens

Museum at Chillingham- not unlike every other room

Exterior & garden at Chillingham

Our last day was spent at Alnwick, looking round the museum, eating lunch in Grandma's Pantry, and visiting the gardens, which although not in full bloom, were still impressive.

Alnwick castle

Three photos from fabulous Alnwick gardens

Higher layers of Alnwick fountains

Hey ho! must wait until next year and maybe can persued my Husband to go back to Alnwick to stay for a few days.

Mixed media workshop

Hi Despite getting slightly lost going to North Lonsdale Embroiderers Guild workshop, Caroline and myself really enjoyed our day up the Lakes. It was exhausting but very worthwhile, with lovely people and great views over Morecambe Bay.

It is only a small branch, and I was quite anxious on how to run the workshop, as I know they have a number of very experienced ladies. However I should not have worried as even the most knowledgeable can  pick something up that can be used at a later stage. Sandra K was enthralled to be shown my alternative Tyvek method!!!

As usual I took everything but the kitchen sink!!! and thank goodness Caroline  was acting as my technician as there was a lot of mixing paints, washing brushes and containers, and general tidying up. Without her I would still be there packing up.

Mind you I haven't yet put everything away in my house, just moved items up stairs from the hall- there is always tomorrow?? oh no there isn't as I have to start sorting out stuff for a craft fair on Sunday, and an Embroiderers Guild meeting on Saturday.

Here are some photos of North Lonsdale members at work.