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.