Forthcoming workshop 'The Mystery of the Embellisher-Solved!'

I have arranged to hold a new workshop on Sat 1st November 10.00am to 4.00pm, the details are below;

'The Mystery of the Embellisher-Solved' with Sue Chisnall-Sumner.  

£35.00 for the day, which includes full instruction on how to use your embellisher. If you do not own an embellisher you can  have a go on one of my two embellishing machines. You will learn how to make beautiful fabrics, using wool tops, silk tops, & all kinds of light weight fabrics. You will also be able to add textured threads & wools. At a later stage you will be able to develop the fabrics into wall hangings, bags etc.

You can also learn how to needle felt using hand tools, which can be made into small items eg. bracelets, boxes etc.

Also included is a light lunch & refreshments during the day.

Please contact Avant Garden Centre, Wigan Road, Leyland, Lancs PR25 5XW (a few minutes from J28 on M6) Tel 01772 433777 to book & obtain a requirement list.

needle felted bracelet

Sunset Strip

enchanted wood

Forthcoming Workshops

Here are details of my forthcoming workshops;

Sat 4th October 'Encaustically Rich' 10.00-4.00 at Avant Garden Centre, Wigan Road, Leyland PR25 5XW (just off M6 J28) T 01772 433777 to book & obtain a requirement list. £35.00 for the day which includes tuition, use of encaustic equipment, light lunch & refreshments during the day. A small charge will be made on the day for any additional materials used.

You will learn how to make unique jewellery to take home, and how to apply encaustic wax to create beautiful fabrics.

encaustic earrings

'Needle felting' on Tuesday 7th October at Brabins Shop, 22 Talbot Street, Chipping, Preston PR3 2QE 10.00 to 4.00 T 01995 61221 to book & obtain details. £30.00 which includes use of equipment, a light lunch and refreshments during the day. A small charge will also be made for any additional materials used.

You will learn how to make a unique hand needle felted bracelet, box or book cover- which will be beaded & stitched-

needle felted bracelet

Forthcoming workshops will include- details to follow- WATCH THIS SPACE!

Use of the embellishing machine- beginners & intermediaries- how to start & develope
Embellish & Enhance- learn how to further enhance using hand & machine embellishing techniques with beads & embroidery.
Free Machine Embroidery for beginners & intermediaries- learn to make beautiful textiles
Experimental work- learn how to make textiles using mixed media.
Wet Felting- easy way to make lovely textured landscapes.
Design to Stitch- how do I begin? discover how to research a source, play with design techniques & translate into stitch,

craft fair - The Three Stitches

I spent all Friday preparing items for our first proper vintage & craft fair in Bolton. which will be held on Sat 20th Sept. Having labelled everything & then added them to lists I then realised that Caroline suggested that each item be given a number on the list, which is then written on the label. This will make it easier to locate on the list when making a sale.

 It makes sense but also  makes hard work. Mind you I won't say that when it comes to the craft fair.

I am hoping to add some photos of the day, to make this post more interesting, thats if I find time to take photos whilst looking down our numerous lists for the said sold item!!!

Caroline at work

We had a great day- sold a few things & learnt quite a bit- stall looked really good & we had some very nice comments- can't wait for the next one.

Forthcoming craft fairs.

4th October- Dalton Church Hall
30th November - Samlesbury Hall Christmas Fair
7th December - Chipping Village Christmas Fair

Brabins Exhibition 'Spirit of Place'

We have now set up a further exhibition at Brabin's Shop & Gallery, 22 Talbot Street, Chipping, Preston, PR3 2QE T01772 61221 4th September to 5th November(extended) .

The exhibition looks really great, some how it has taken on a new look. There are a few new items to replace the one's sold at Alston Hall, but I think its the setting which suits the theme.

The preview on Sunday 7th went very well, a beautiful sunny day, plenty of visitors & a good feel.

Hopefully we will do well, as everyone that visited had lovely comments & praise for the work.

We have been asked to extend the exhibition through to 5th November, so this will hopefully benefit the Christmas Shoppers & us of course.

Here are some photos of the work in situ.

taking dye out day

Tracey & I have spent a very enjoyable morning taking dye out & putting a coloured pattern back into some of the items we tray dyed on Tuesday. Like you do!!!!

The two embellished scarves will be going into Brabin's exhibition, as they look pretty good.

I really love the the two silk ties, and the 3 tee shirts have come out well. Although I think the tee shirts & ties will sell better at our next two craft fairs.

The table runner was not a success, but I will try to bling it up for the Christmas Fair at Samlesbury Hall in November.

I have to complete two silk cushion covers, which have also been tray dyed, & they will go into Brabin's as well.

silk scarves

silk ties

tee shirts & not so clever table runner

I have also cunningly revamped a silk paper umbrella made at college a few years ago. It was already broken & unused, so I took it to pieces & made a hexagonal trinket box (see below) This will go into Brabin's Exhibition.

'Glacial Flow'

Gabby's new photo collection

Gabbys photos in Fleetwood - random!!

deflated elephant in fleetwood market

Bizarre Daddy

sea holly???

speeding boat at fleetwood

"cool" daddy!!

We have made some clothes for Stripe & Puga, followed by a fashion show & photo shoot.
The girls look lovely, very trendy.

Stripe in 'Seaweed'

Puga in 'Attack on Titan Ville'

Stripe in 'Bird of Paradise'

Stripe in 'Lilac Time' SHOW STOPPER

Puga in 'Miss Puga' SHOW STOPPER

Stripe & Puga in the finale of the show.

Any reference to Popular Patchwork is not intentional as they did not sponsor  this fashion show!!!!

Festival of Quilts NEC

Having won two tickets for the Festival of Quilts, I went last Thursday with Tracey. She drove in her new car, so no hassle for me. We had a tiring but fruitful day, spent loads of money on items we needed but mostly just wanted! We did however buy stuff for the group which we can share at our next workshop with Isobel Hall in October.

We also bought some very exciting marbling goodies which gives us an excuse for a day of playing!!!

Just been experimenting with a set of Inktense blocks, very bright & colourful, not sure of what extent they can be used as sketch book paper not the best.

Gabby is now using them to paint a picture of Pikachu! at least this gets her away from the dreaded laptop!!!

Here are some photos of exceptionally beautiful quilts.