tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73174115573858179802024-03-12T21:44:32.627-07:00Blue is my favourite colourLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-22634707344444161172011-06-21T09:56:00.000-07:002011-06-21T10:30:33.688-07:00Sweet Sisters - Round Robin<div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRDB27zbgic/TgDN-cLBDrI/AAAAAAAAAnY/aQsBQpC46OA/s1600/cover%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620718807556361906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRDB27zbgic/TgDN-cLBDrI/AAAAAAAAAnY/aQsBQpC46OA/s320/cover%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" /></a> Here are some pictures of the fabric book I have created for the Sweet Sisters Round Robin. I have chosen the theme Flowers. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The cover is made from Sinemay and I used strips of fabric to embroider the flower. (I have no idea how to turn this photo round in Blogger - sorry!). I backed it with some old shirt fabric, used </div><br /><div>Fast2Fuse Interfacing and chose a pink dyed cotton fabric for the inside.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620720249042855426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4KzFfG4Dzk/TgDPSWILZgI/AAAAAAAAAng/uVPPtldnqNE/s320/Inside%2Bfront%2Bcover%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqEISdD5iSU/TgDQnCkSzvI/AAAAAAAAAnw/H00E5aeXDSs/s1600/inside%2Bback%2Bcover%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620721704080953074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqEISdD5iSU/TgDQnCkSzvI/AAAAAAAAAnw/H00E5aeXDSs/s320/inside%2Bback%2Bcover%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I also added a couple of pockets back and front.<br /></div></div><br /><div>The cord is made from a strip of the pink cotton fabric rolled and free machined with a zigzag stitch. I didn't want the cord to show on the back cover and interrupt the flower so I have just fixed it in place with a couple of zigzag stitches.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div>The pages are made from calico and wadding, and the edges are zigzagged. I have punched two eyelets in each page but I still have to get the hang of doing this technique properly as the eyelets often fall out.<br /></div><br /><div>I have used a magnetic clasp for the fastening because I wanted to practise this technique in advance of using it on a bag and then hid it behind a Suffolk Puff, although I know this doesn't work from the design point of view. I forgot to consider the thickness of any additions to the pages too so the fastening might end up not doing up properly by the time the book gets back to me, but never mind, because I have a Plan B.<br /></div><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ow9NENhsMGU/TgDTFQ1deDI/AAAAAAAAAn4/g4sgK3dkj_c/s1600/first%2Bpage%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620724422330382386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ow9NENhsMGU/TgDTFQ1deDI/AAAAAAAAAn4/g4sgK3dkj_c/s320/first%2Bpage%2B%2528Small%2529.jpg" /></a>I decided I wanted to start the book of with a tulip and I used my embellisher and free machining to create the first page.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I know only two of the people in the Round Robin but I am really looking forward to not only stitching pages on the themes others have chosen, but also getting my completed book back and seeing how others have interpreted my theme. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-71372729058282339282008-03-19T14:15:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:14:39.082-08:00A day out at Kew Gardens<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GCykjR7WI/AAAAAAAAAV8/Mw0Hy8Nq5tY/s1600-h/Henry+Moore1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179564851769503074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GCykjR7WI/AAAAAAAAAV8/Mw0Hy8Nq5tY/s320/Henry+Moore1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Not having planned on blogging for a while, I had such a great day on Saturday, visiting the largest ever exhibition of Henry Moore sculptures at Kew Gardens<br /><a href="http://www.kew.org/henry-moore/" target="_blank">http://www.kew.org/henry-moore/</a> that I thought I would share some photos.<br /><br /><br /><br />The different textures are fascinating. Some are so smooth from being stroked over the years. Each time they are exhibited they are cleaned and given a new coat of beeswax.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GCy0jR7XI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Dg6UCW5vZ3A/s1600-h/Henry+Moore4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179564856064470386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GCy0jR7XI/AAAAAAAAAWE/Dg6UCW5vZ3A/s320/Henry+Moore4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />As you walk round the sculptures and look through the holes or gaps in them, the sculpture becomes a frame and your view of the surroundings change. I can't remember what these are made out but the colour is gorgeous.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GCzEjR7YI/AAAAAAAAAWM/jswyyDkJ9UY/s1600-h/HenryMoore2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179564860359437698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GCzEjR7YI/AAAAAAAAAWM/jswyyDkJ9UY/s320/HenryMoore2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GCzEjR7ZI/AAAAAAAAAWU/OQcqESWjyH8/s1600-h/henryMoore3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179564860359437714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GCzEjR7ZI/AAAAAAAAAWU/OQcqESWjyH8/s320/henryMoore3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GCzUjR7aI/AAAAAAAAAWc/L7CsL6-Br5Q/s1600-h/HenryMoore+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179564864654405026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GCzUjR7aI/AAAAAAAAAWc/L7CsL6-Br5Q/s320/HenryMoore+5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The pieces are so huge that they had to be lifted over the gates of Kew by crane.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mother and child was one of his favourite themes.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GEHUjR7cI/AAAAAAAAAWs/_TD3rAXY738/s1600-h/henry+Moore7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179566307763416514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GEHUjR7cI/AAAAAAAAAWs/_TD3rAXY738/s320/henry+Moore7.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GEHUjR7bI/AAAAAAAAAWk/RSwqt938hz4/s1600-h/HenryMoore6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179566307763416498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R-GEHUjR7bI/AAAAAAAAAWk/RSwqt938hz4/s320/HenryMoore6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These lines are so simple with the spine protruding, and just calling out to be stroked.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Whilst the exhibition is only on for about another ten days, you can also see his sculptures at his home at Perry Green in Hertfordshire.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk/matrix_engine/content.php?page_id=4361">http://www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk/matrix_engine/content.php?page_id=4361</a>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-17003315611623345212008-03-08T07:08:00.000-08:002008-03-08T07:23:58.597-08:00No stitching!<span style="color:#3333ff;">Its a month since I last posted anything on this blog, and felt I ought to give some sort of exlanation. Its also a month since I did any stitching. The time spent stitching is now time I spend on my course, which I am thoroughly loving. My creativity hasn't disappeared completely, however, as I am keeping a personal blog of my reflections as a new/mature learner and including lots of my own sketches and images on that. Its very personal though and definitely not for sharing!<br /><br />Hubs and I have booked ourselves onto a weekend printmaking course in Suffolk in April, which includes collagraphs, so will post some pics of that in due course. This should be quite a relaxing weekend too as we don't have to take anything with us as everything is provided.<br /><br />Additionally, I have booked a week's summer school at Missenden with Heather Power on bookmaking. I love her work and still use the notes I made on a day class I did with her at Art Van Go many years ago. It was definitely Heather Power that got me into bookmaking. She has a lot to answer for!</span>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-4147283328962182222008-02-06T12:01:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:14:39.993-08:00Little pink book<div>At our last ZigZag meeting Gina showed us how to do cutwork using free machine embroidery. I loved the technique and couldn't wait to develop this further. So using one of my gravestones as inspiration, I took a small section from this photo</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163963307045629106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6oVRJWbLLI/AAAAAAAAASo/BGRC6wS074s/s320/cutwork1.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>and created this little pink book which stands up on its spine. Its quite tiny, 4 inches tall by 3 inches wide. </p><br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6oVSZWbLMI/AAAAAAAAASw/aTiS6GPHuLg/s1600-h/pink+book.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163963328520465602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6oVSZWbLMI/AAAAAAAAASw/aTiS6GPHuLg/s320/pink+book.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>To open, the front flaps down, and it can then be used as a normal book. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163966949177896146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6oYlJWbLNI/AAAAAAAAAS4/7EtgNXqzqO0/s320/open+book.jpg" border="0" /><br />I wonder how small a book I can make? That might be my next challenge.</p><br /><div></div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-81162635879717731392008-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:14:41.143-08:00Bags and terracotta soldiersI bought myself this bag last week from Paperchase<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163187528577789026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6dTs5WbLGI/AAAAAAAAASA/jOl6dfpeYDc/s320/IMG_1614.jpg" border="0" />but in order to stop my daughter pinching it, I had to make her this! Actually, I thoroughly enjoyed making it as it was a great diversion from an exhausting day starting my new course.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163187541462690930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6dTtpWbLHI/AAAAAAAAASI/1hHlNJg6Jpk/s320/IMG_1613.jpg" border="0" /><br />Last week Hubs and I had tickets to see the Terracotta Army exhibition at the British Museum .<br /><br />About 30 years ago a farmer digging in NW china found a terracotta head, which led to not only the discovery of the terracotta army guarding the tomb of China's first emperor, but also entertainers, civil officials, chairots, birds, horses - in fact a whole underground kingdom guarded by the terracotta army. <br /><br />Every soldier is individual. The detail is fantastic. Each one is approximately 6 ft tall. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6dT6pWbLKI/AAAAAAAAASg/dLXlBzkBOqk/s1600-h/IMG_1609.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163187764800990370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6dT6pWbLKI/AAAAAAAAASg/dLXlBzkBOqk/s320/IMG_1609.jpg" border="0" /></a> The soldiers would have originally been fully painted. One has been found with his face painted green.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163187550052625538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6dTuJWbLII/AAAAAAAAASQ/NAsztxmKihY/s320/IMG_1607.jpg" border="0" />This armour is made from stone. Not for normal battle but to protect the emperor in the after life.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6dTsZWbLFI/AAAAAAAAAR4/WE27o_7OgRw/s1600-h/IMG_1610.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163187519987854418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6dTsZWbLFI/AAAAAAAAAR4/WE27o_7OgRw/s320/IMG_1610.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /> These horses were excavated from the first pit in 1977.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6dTuJWbLJI/AAAAAAAAASY/61X57tAxN_w/s1600-h/IMG_1608.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163187550052625554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R6dTuJWbLJI/AAAAAAAAASY/61X57tAxN_w/s320/IMG_1608.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />If you can still get tickets I would thoroughly recommend a visit.<br /><div></div></div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-67320940797131873302008-01-29T06:48:00.001-08:002008-12-10T13:14:41.380-08:00Sugar and vinegar mixtureIn the C&G Yahoo group we have been discussing ideas how to create textures, and I happened to mention something we did on our C&G course which was to mix sugar with vinegar to make a really thick paste. I then made marks in it with a fork - bit like the mashed potato on the top of shepherds pie - and left it to dry until it hardened.<br /><br />Here is a picture of my completed texture board from two years ago and the sugar/vinegar paste is the last of the smaller images on the right handside, above the bark rubbing. It has a wonderful translucent look to it.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R589GZWbLEI/AAAAAAAAARw/luazc_0vVCg/s1600-h/Texture+board.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160910878083329090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R589GZWbLEI/AAAAAAAAARw/luazc_0vVCg/s320/Texture+board.JPG" border="0" /></a>I have just come across my old notes two which says two parts of sugar and one of vinegar but I recall that was a bit runny.<br /><br />Other textures on the board were created from:<br />Acrylic paint<br />Bark rubbing<br />Tyvek<br />Rice<br />Tissue paper scrunched up<br />Egg shells<br />Angel hair wrapping paper<br />String<br /><br />I can't believe this was two years ago now. This time next year I will have completed my training course as a Study Skills Tutor and be remembering how nervous I am feeling this week, and wondering why on earth I have signed up to do it! We have our first contact day on Saturday, and having seen the course assignments now I am panic stricken! Perhaps I will get more stitching done as a diversionary tactic from writing essays.Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-19384406745517760872008-01-20T05:18:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:14:41.747-08:00Books, gravestones, and morning teaFollowing on with my gravestone shapes, here is my first little book.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R5NL5lgeNOI/AAAAAAAAARg/i9ePCpEEy6E/s1600-h/IMG_1589.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157549450962285794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R5NL5lgeNOI/AAAAAAAAARg/i9ePCpEEy6E/s320/IMG_1589.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have been having a go with transferring images using Bondaweb following the directions Maggie Gray has given on her blog. It's so easy. I was really impressed. Using Photoshop, I took a picture of a head that I drew ages ago, and put it against a photo of rust. I changed the colours of the rust to make it look more like lichen as seen on gravestones. I ironed it onto cotton and then washed the print away. I like its ethereal quality.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R5NL51geNPI/AAAAAAAAARo/trm7LJlEmR8/s1600-h/IMG_1590.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157549455257253106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R5NL51geNPI/AAAAAAAAARo/trm7LJlEmR8/s320/IMG_1590.jpg" border="0" /></a> What I particularly like about this method is that it is using materials most of us have anyway. There is no buying any specialised paper or liquid.<br /><div><br /><br />A little while ago Gina nominated my blog for a You Make my Day Award. (Despite several attempts blogger won't let me add the picture of the award).</div><div><br />The rules are that I have to<br /><br />Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times."<br /><br />I started trying to come up with 10 blogs but decided to stick with my absolute favourites and the ones that I check really regularly for up-dates. They are:<br /><br />Zoe at <a href="http://witchypoos.blogspot.com/">http://witchypoos.blogspot.com/</a><br />Joyce at <a href="http://sewartjourney.blogspot.com/">http://sewartjourney.blogspot.com/</a><br />Sheila at <a href="http://stitchingtrail.blogspot.com/">http://stitchingtrail.blogspot.com/</a><br />Margaret (Digital Gran) <a href="http://digitalgran.blogspot.com/">http://digitalgran.blogspot.com/</a><br />and of course Gina’s Fan my Flame<br /><br />The person, however, who for me deserves the You Make my Day Award above everyone else and nothing to do with blogs is…. Drum roll … My Husband! For bringing me a cup of tea in bed every morning. I am fairly lousy at waking or getting up and this cup of tea works miracles!<br /><br />Who would others nominate for this award, outside of blogland?</div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-24245706314311981622008-01-14T23:47:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:14:42.262-08:00Photo album<div>Here is the photo album I made using transfer dyes onto pelmet vilene, lots of acrylic wax, hand stitching and then assembled using traditional book binding methods. The photo doesn't really show the texture or the wonderful burgundy colour of the Japanese silk bookbinding cloth. It measures 10 x 10 inches. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R4xlP1geNMI/AAAAAAAAARQ/SfOuv_O04iQ/s1600-h/Photo+Album.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155606996168094914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R4xlP1geNMI/AAAAAAAAARQ/SfOuv_O04iQ/s320/Photo+Album.jpg" border="0" /></a> I also made a box to fit and had just as much fun doing this. Its made from scored mountboard, then covered with scrunched up tissue paper, with lots of layers of acrylic paint, Markal sticks and then varnished.<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155608598190896338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R4xmtFgeNNI/AAAAAAAAARY/jL8g29SFDc4/s320/box.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /><p>I hadn't tried making a box in this way before, and was really pleased with the outcome.</p><br /><p>Thought I would just add some details of a few things I lost or forgot last week:</p><p>House keys - again.</p><br /><p>Back door key.</p><br /><p>Scanner connection - Not my fault. Dog had rolled over underneath the table and pulled the cable out.</p><br /><p>Keyboard connection - dog again!</p><br /><p>My way - not my fault. Went up to London for a meeting, and the street name was wrong on the map they had given me. When I told them about it, I didn't even get an apology. They just said they were aware of the error!</p><br /><p>Forgot whether I had unplugged the iron on our way to a birthday party on Saturday. Made hubs turn round and go back home so I could check, and yes I had already pulled the plug out.</p><br /><p>Pound coins I had specifically saved for the car park. Found ... in my purse!</p><br /><p>Treasure Gold - gave up trying to find that and used Markal sticks. Naturally, found it later when I didn't need it any more. </p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-19651471645984608352008-01-12T06:13:00.001-08:002008-12-10T13:14:42.876-08:00Gravestones to books<span >Thoroughly inspired by the ideas for taking my gravestone research further, I took the drawings I had done previously of outlines of gravestones, </span><br /><span ><br /><br /></span><span ></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154593779023230130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R4jLu1geNLI/AAAAAAAAARI/RqwqMKuOr5E/s320/IMG_1585.jpg" border="0" /><br />and doodled. I liked the simple outline most of all. Put on top of one another they reminded me of Lowry's figures.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R4jLUVgeNJI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/BOnVWaSkamk/s1600-h/IMG_1586.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154593323756696722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R4jLUVgeNJI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/BOnVWaSkamk/s320/IMG_1586.jpg" border="0" /></a> I played with stitching simple lines in straight stitch and zigzag.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154593323756696706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R4jLUVgeNII/AAAAAAAAAQw/TSMELXYGuxo/s320/IMG_1587.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R4jLUVgeNKI/AAAAAAAAARA/428oGf-Ooa8/s1600-h/IMG_1585.jpg"></a>I had the idea of creating a book within the gravestone shape. The gravestone generally marks the date of birth and death, and the book inside represents to me the life story of that particular person. I wanted the book to stand upright too, just like the gravestone. So I was up early this morning and before breakfast had created this mock-up. I think it has lots of potential now for making a stitched cover in various techniques and also trying out various book binding methods.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154593319461729394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R4jLUFgeNHI/AAAAAAAAAQo/kjWW8qEdjPw/s320/IMG_1584.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Having created a present for a friend's 50th birthday using Frances Pickering's transfer dyes onto pelmet vilene method, I think it is time to use this method to make something for me! Next week I can post a pic of the birthday present I made as by then J. will have opened it! Hope she likes it.Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-28751219666868377522008-01-11T12:06:00.000-08:002008-01-11T13:19:32.057-08:00Exhibitions.Thanks for everone that left comments on my blog about things they regularly lose. Glad I am not alone!I did find my house keys in the end ... under a piece of paper right where I had looked umpteen times!<br /><br />It was back to work with avengence this week after the Christmas break. I say with avengence because it was one of those weeks when work would really get in the way of doing all those other things I had planned, or so I thought.<br /><br />Wednesday I had planned on meeting friends at The Mall Galleries to see<br />The Society of Designer Craftsmen - an exhibition I have never been to and always wanted to. I was very well organised, prepared dinner early and put it in the oven on timer as daughter had a friend coming round to eat. Had worked more or less solidly all day Tuesday and from the crack of dawn Wednesday so I could have the day off. Left home to drive to the station and hit two major traffic jams and ended up queueing for ages. By the time I got to the station car park there were no parking places left and it was only 9.45! There is absolutely no where else to park around and I had no alternative but to abandon my trip. I was a very sad bunny. Thanks P. for telling me what a great exhibition I missed!<br /><br />As a bit of a consolation on Thursday, after a meeting in London, I popped into the British Library and had a look round one of their current exhibitions<br />60 years of the Folio Society. <a href="http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/whatson/exhibitions/folio.html">http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/whatson/exhibitions/folio.html</a><br /><br />I love books and going round I suddenly had inspiration how I could take my gravestone theme into its next phase with stitching. Will have to do some drawings etc and will post some pics in due course.<br /><br />I haven't checked any blogs for a while so was delighted to read Gina's blog<br /><a href="http://ginaferrari.blogspot.com/">http://ginaferrari.blogspot.com/</a> and discover that she had awarded me You Make My Day Award. (I can't add the image at the mo - blogger won't let me copy it). I was quite chuffed, I can't think I have been ever given an award for anything before. Thank you Gina. The rules mean that now I have to :<br /><br />"Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times."<br /><br />Now I have a great excuse to spend more time in blogland and decide which 10 people to nominate.Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-2609664475694695852007-12-31T02:30:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:14:43.952-08:00Christmas timeBoo,Winston and Arnie were last seen heading off to their respective homes on Christmas Eve. They didn't look very happy at the thought of being parted.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFJ1geNBI/AAAAAAAAAP4/7GmaciS92yI/s1600-h/IMG_1533.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150082946670933010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFJ1geNBI/AAAAAAAAAP4/7GmaciS92yI/s320/IMG_1533.jpg" border="0" /></a>I promised myself some creative time over the holiday period. I made some printing blocks from polystyrene cutting the shapes with a soldering iron. This is how Frances Pickering does it,and I have to say it works wonderfully. The soldering iron just glides through the polysytrene, although I did have to work by an open door because of the fumes!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFJ1geNCI/AAAAAAAAAQA/XpBfMiHVNoM/s1600-h/IMG_1554.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150082946670933026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFJ1geNCI/AAAAAAAAAQA/XpBfMiHVNoM/s320/IMG_1554.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Then I mixed up lots of transfer dyes and painted and printed several sheets of paper. I have a specific project in mind for these, but more of that at a later date.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFJ1geNDI/AAAAAAAAAQI/-08KO5alqYU/s1600-h/IMG_1563.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150082946670933042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFJ1geNDI/AAAAAAAAAQI/-08KO5alqYU/s320/IMG_1563.jpg" border="0" /></a> I also made a photo album with the goodies I had purchased recently from Falkiners Fine Papers in Southhampton Row. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFKFgeNEI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/dPrIjpgzUTU/s1600-h/IMG_1555.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150082950965900354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFKFgeNEI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/dPrIjpgzUTU/s320/IMG_1555.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p>The album measures about 7 x 7 inches. Having had a quick demo from a very helpful assistant in Falkiners, I included a spacer for the photos.<br /></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFKVgeNFI/AAAAAAAAAQY/FztddW1yLmY/s1600-h/IMG_1557.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150082955260867666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFKVgeNFI/AAAAAAAAAQY/FztddW1yLmY/s320/IMG_1557.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I also made a little A6 sized notebook, which is ideal for popping in a pocket or a bag.<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150083105584723042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R3jFTFgeNGI/AAAAAAAAAQg/tscZY6WG8No/s320/IMG_1561.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>Now, if I could only find my house keys I could get the car out of the garage, and go and get some shopping! I have been looking for them since yesterday afternoon. They must be indoors as I opened the front door to come in. I am always losing things. Saturday I 'lost' the eggs in the fridge, sent Hubs out to the corner shop to get some and as he puts them away in the fridge, he immediately 'finds' the other ones. I have for years lost gloves every winter. The children always threatened to put them on strings for me, like little children have. Well this year I am pleased to say I haven't lost any. I just don't wear them any more!</p><p>What do other people regularly lose? Do tell as I am sure I can't be the only scatterbrain around.</p><p> </p>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-35317061252121787772007-12-24T09:57:00.001-08:002008-12-10T13:14:44.161-08:00Merry Christmas!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2_z6lgeM6I/AAAAAAAAAPA/dXuqSgSC3BU/s1600-h/IMG_1529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147601086934037410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2_z6lgeM6I/AAAAAAAAAPA/dXuqSgSC3BU/s320/IMG_1529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, prosperous and creative New Year.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2_z61geM7I/AAAAAAAAAPI/y4iGiqrXs4U/s1600-h/IMG_1529.jpg"></a><br /><div></div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-43356087864759506082007-12-24T09:57:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:14:44.224-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2_z6lgeM6I/AAAAAAAAAPA/dXuqSgSC3BU/s1600-h/IMG_1529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147601086934037410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2_z6lgeM6I/AAAAAAAAAPA/dXuqSgSC3BU/s320/IMG_1529.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2_z61geM7I/AAAAAAAAAPI/y4iGiqrXs4U/s1600-h/IMG_1529.jpg"></a><br /><div></div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-77220627979906878802007-12-14T02:09:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:14:45.516-08:00Busy, busy, busy!I haven't had much time to put anything on my blog recently, so thought I would share some photos of things I have been making, and receiving!<br /><br />Firstly I did a one day "Wired wonders" class with Ray Slater at the local branch of the Embroiderer's Guild. The day went fine until we had a demonstration on how to stitch the head. 12 of us peered very closely across the table at the two inch high head in an attempt to see exactly what we had to recreate. A head the size of a football would have been better for demonstration purposes! We could just not see. I actually felt like walking out at that point, and I wasn't the only one to feel so frustrated. Then we were told we could only borrow the sets of instructions during the class, as they were copyrighted for a forthcoming book. Despite this, I did continue with my doll at home, and although she isn't quite finished, she looks quite fun, I think.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2JWy00T0tI/AAAAAAAAAOY/sI3xzqXhq7g/s1600-h/IMG_1510.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143769155582022354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2JWy00T0tI/AAAAAAAAAOY/sI3xzqXhq7g/s320/IMG_1510.jpg" border="0" /></a> Then I did a two day Transfer to Dye course at Art van Go with Frances Pickering, which was absolutely fantastic. She is so generous with sharing her techniques, ideas and suggestions. These are the two main books I created, also not finished. I have a great pile of UFOs as I am sure everone else does.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2JWzE0T0uI/AAAAAAAAAOg/3dbNNwmAvoo/s1600-h/IMG_1513.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143769159876989666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2JWzE0T0uI/AAAAAAAAAOg/3dbNNwmAvoo/s320/IMG_1513.jpg" border="0" /></a> Then I went to the Louise Bourgeois exhibition at Tate Modern with my friend Z, enjoying the use of her company's corporate tickets. Whilst appreciating the techniques used for the sculptures, I found the whole exhibition seriously disturbing. A review in The Guardian newspaper mentions "sinister sculpture of body parts" and "heads built of flannel or tapestry that softly scream". I couldn't even bring myself to buy a postcard, so serious was I in not wanting to be reminded of what I had seen. </p><p>Christmas came a little early with these gorgeous gifts from Z. A concertina book, some Christmas fabric and a sweet hand stitched tree decoration. </p><p><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2JWzE0T0vI/AAAAAAAAAOo/oGUjZ4-evtk/s1600-h/IMG_1522.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143769159876989682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2JWzE0T0vI/AAAAAAAAAOo/oGUjZ4-evtk/s320/IMG_1522.jpg" border="0" /></a> In the post a few days later I received these from C. in Dundee, as part of a swap. The leaves are exquisite and have been free machined on water soluble.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2JWzk0T0xI/AAAAAAAAAO4/vSadqE9YV6A/s1600-h/IMG_1521.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143769168466924306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2JWzk0T0xI/AAAAAAAAAO4/vSadqE9YV6A/s320/IMG_1521.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Then a Christmas postcard sent through the post. This has given me a few ideas!!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143769164171956994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R2JWzU0T0wI/AAAAAAAAAOw/Wxl6YQXCQkk/s320/IMG_1517.jpg" border="0" /><br />Have a good weekend everyone. Only 11 days to go to Christmas!Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-78277471637476730502007-11-30T02:44:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:14:45.603-08:00I am so excited.<div>I am so excited. I have just heard that I have been accepted onto the course PG Certificate in Supporting the Dyslexic Learner in FE and HE at Middlesex University. The reason why I hadn’t got round to doing any stitching for the last few weeks is because, having no undergraduate degree, I had to write a 2500 word essay as part of the application process. I am really excited – a new career awaits!!<br /></div><div>I did start my Christmas shopping on Wednesday, but this is all you get to see for now. No more details for now because, although, as far as I am aware, my family don't read my blog, they might just!</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138583562586758706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R0_qhlilHjI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/70ss1jK9nak/s320/IMG_1476.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>They are just wondering if it will be a white Christmas this year.</div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-54134627892181435692007-11-26T00:55:00.001-08:002008-12-10T13:14:47.275-08:00Three weeks since I last blogged.Its been a very hectic three weeks and the sum total of my creativity has been one ATC, and that’s for a swap so I can’t put a photo of it here.<br /><br />I did however manage a trip to London on Friday.<br /><br />First stop was Falkiners Fine Papers in Southampton Row and I bought some book binding cloth. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137072103465754146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R0qL3FilHiI/AAAAAAAAAOI/JV_Kscr5sxY/s320/IMG_1457.jpg" border="0" /><br />The chocolate brown and burgundy ones are Japanese silk and have a gorgeous texture. Can’t wait to use them. I also bought some Japanese paper which is probably destined for a book cover.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137071304601837010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R0qLIlilHdI/AAAAAAAAANg/ocYXVObnSPE/s320/IMG_1456.jpg" border="0" /><br />The assistant in Falkiners was incredibly helpful. He even gave me a quick lesson on how to add the spacers to take the thickness of the photo when making a photo album and told me all about the different sort of glues that were used and their properties. I would recommend a visit there.<br /><br />My friend Z and I had planned a trip to the V&A together but unfortunately she was ill. Hope you feel better soon Z. So I trotted along on my own and saw a number of exhibitions: Out of the Ordinary: Spectacular Craft, Booker Prize Special Book Bindings and Collaborators: UK Design for Performance (Theatre designs - sets, costumes and more). They were all quite fascinating and some particularly intriguing.<br /><br />In Out of the Ordinary the spots of paint on a paint spattered table were actually mother of pearl inlaid, and the spots of paints on the dust sheets were stitched. Many visitors walked straight past them without looking closely. A little girl of about eight told me quite indignantly that she had seen five people walk past without looking. It did take her to point out to me, however, that the nails in the walls were actually studded with diamonds. How many of us just walk past something and take it at face value without looking closer?<br /><br />In the evening I went to the lecture with Kaffee Fassett, well known for his riotous use of colours in knitwear.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137071317486738946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R0qLJVilHgI/AAAAAAAAAN4/CTBLQq6ARK0/s320/IMG_1462.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />He was a great speaker, charmed the audience and enthused about his work on the slides. Apparently, he came to the UK in 1964, as a painter, intending to stay for three months and is still here. A chance trip to Scotland with a friend changed his life. He was inspired by the colours of the landscape, and a trip to a mill saw him buying wools with such names as granite and lichen. At that time he didn’t even know how to knit but on the train home he encouraged a female passenger to give him a 20 minute lesson. Later a cleaning lady showed him how to knit patterns using lots of different colours and a new career was born. A number of women in the audience were wearing stunning knitted coats, obviously inspired by him. He continues to be heavily involved in patchwork quilts, needlepoint, mosaics and painting.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R0qLJFilHfI/AAAAAAAAANw/O03vwEwDKus/s1600-h/IMG_1461.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137071313191771634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R0qLJFilHfI/AAAAAAAAANw/O03vwEwDKus/s320/IMG_1461.jpg" border="0" /></a>He sees inspiration everywhere. He recommends always finishing a project, even if you don't like it at the time. I should take heed of that. I am a great one for starting things.</p><p>On Saturday, I had a fabulous surprise. A knock on the door and there was a delivery man with a huge box … for me! I couldn’t wait to open it up and there inside was this gorgeous plant arrangement with thanks for help with The Dress.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R0qLJlilHhI/AAAAAAAAAOA/lCQQlnmLTJw/s1600-h/IMG_1464.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137071321781706258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/R0qLJlilHhI/AAAAAAAAAOA/lCQQlnmLTJw/s320/IMG_1464.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I was absolutely stunned. I often take in flowers for neighbours, they are never for me. Even on my birthday, the huge bouquet in the arms of the delivery man was for next door! </p><p>Well its off to work now. I hope its not another three weeks before I have time to blog again. Looking forward to a two day course with Frances Pickering next week.<br /></p>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-85291930260747037162007-11-06T23:26:00.000-08:002008-12-10T13:14:47.405-08:00Praise indeed!I have managed at last to finish this book. The cover is made up of several layers. Using rust dyed fabric, I stitched lines with a twin needle, and threaded string through the channels. Names of people buried in the local churchyard were stitched along the lines, then painted Bondaweb, gold and copper foils were added, then lastly a layer of painted Tyvek. More stitching with a twin needle to emphasise the lines, and then zapped with a heatgun.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RzFo_e06zqI/AAAAAAAAANY/_pi3wfLEBAA/s1600-h/IMG_1428.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129996890367774370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RzFo_e06zqI/AAAAAAAAANY/_pi3wfLEBAA/s320/IMG_1428.jpg" border="0" /></a> The pages have been stained with walnut ink and the edges painted in gold. The photo doesn't do justice really to the texture but my son actually commented Oh That's Nice! Praise indeed.Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-12652997306889208232007-11-03T06:56:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:14:48.865-08:00Doesn't time fly. We have now been in our house two years and I just love living in the country. This stunning view of the trees across the fields caught my eye as I was out walking the dog the other day. Just a couple of the tops were bright red and really stood out against the others.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128623235272461954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RyyHqO06zoI/AAAAAAAAANI/iPFxZM2jZ9Y/s320/IMG_1410.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I don't know what this tree is called but the sun was shining through the leaves.</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128618665427258946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RyyDgO06zkI/AAAAAAAAAMs/5UoLw_Wgyvg/s320/IMG_1418.jpg" border="0" /></p><div>Daughter and I did get round to putting out a pumpkin for Halloween.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128618639657455138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RyyDeu06ziI/AAAAAAAAAMc/TdpXNKxGnRk/s320/IMG_1420.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>And we made some delicious Pumpkin soup but that got eaten before I could take a photo! </div><div><br /></div><div>Once again I haven't had time to do any stitching, but I did venture into the tiny cemetery in the village, about 200 yards from the Church. Its on the main route into the village. When there is a funeral the whole village stops because the funeral party walks from the church to the cemetery and then stands in the narrow road by the entrance whilst prayers are said. If you are driving up the road at the time, the done thing is to stop (obviously), get out of the car and then stand there quietly too. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been intrigued by the work on the gravestones, the range of motifs from anchors, to flowers, crosses and my favourite one so far: a man's hand holding a lady's - how romantic.<br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RyyDfe06zjI/AAAAAAAAAMk/jpsOytXy_T4/s1600-h/IMG_1387.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128618652542357042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RyyDfe06zjI/AAAAAAAAAMk/jpsOytXy_T4/s320/IMG_1387.jpg" border="0" /></a> I tried to move the ivy aside but it was well and truly attached. I intend to go back and look more closely for the names and dates but I vaguely remember that this is one where they have worn off.<br /></div><div>My friend P gave me some gorgeous photos she had taken in Chagford, Devon, of a Celtic cross. Hubs was away the another night and I sat up in bed drawing and exploring the shapes in my sketchbook.<br /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128618609592684050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RyyDc-06zhI/AAAAAAAAAMU/tpZtPydYG3U/s320/IMG_1421.jpg" border="0" /><br />I have decided that my personal challenge is to explore how to take my drawings into stitch. Actually not just to explore, but really do it! This is where I struggle. I stay within the comfort zone of my sketch book and kid myself that its lack of time that stops me taking it further.</p><p>Off to give the dog her tranquillisers. There will be a lot of fireworks around and she hates them. One year, she tried to dig her way into the bathroom (no idea why the bathroom) and tore her pads on the carpet gripper.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128627006253747858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RyyLFu06zpI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Vj-6dp-Y0Ac/s320/P1140099.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p>She will be 13 next week. Can't walk very far now but is still great company.Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-50653360841328624822007-10-25T00:56:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:14:49.209-08:00Why does it always happen to me?I am always mesmerised by the wonderful skeins of assorted yarns that are available nowadays. They are definitely Must Have and/or Can't Live Without purchases and I am seduced into handing over my money. <br /><br />As soon as I start to use them, however, they seem to become one huge tangle which is what happened yesterday to me. All I did was pull one thread out .....<br /><p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RyBMiO06zgI/AAAAAAAAAMM/MISq7kwVIno/s1600-h/IMG_1406.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125180526926941698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RyBMiO06zgI/AAAAAAAAAMM/MISq7kwVIno/s320/IMG_1406.jpg" border="0" /></a> I then had to spend ages sorting them out. </p><p>I knew my exercise bike would come in handy one day!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125180526926941682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RyBMiO06zfI/AAAAAAAAAME/-ZvC5cNdYKg/s320/IMG_1407.jpg" border="0" />Now the question is how to store them? What does everyone else do? Do you neatly wrap them individually onto little bits of card as soon as you get them, or do you struggle and swear (just a little bit) like me when you come to use them? Surely, there must be a solution somewhere in the middle?<br /></p>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-25852408372836983932007-10-21T04:20:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:14:49.753-08:00The WeddingThe wedding went off fantastically yesterday. Everyone had a great time, and the bride and groom beamed all day. The Dress looked stunning.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxuLk2AQhgI/AAAAAAAAAL4/8py1v11PwmY/s1600-h/IMG_1378.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123842466152220162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxuLk2AQhgI/AAAAAAAAAL4/8py1v11PwmY/s320/IMG_1378.jpg" border="0" /></a> The mother of the bride looked fabulous, even if she had previously remarked she would have rather gone shopping for a new pair of walking boots than a posh outfit!<br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxuK12AQheI/AAAAAAAAALo/6c7xH5xz7Nc/s1600-h/IMG_1379.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123841658698368482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxuK12AQheI/AAAAAAAAALo/6c7xH5xz7Nc/s320/IMG_1379.jpg" border="0" /></a> Everyone knows that brides are meant to wear:<br /><br />“Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue”<br /><br />Ever the individual, the bride decided on stripey blue socks for the “Something Blue”!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123842092490065394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxuLPGAQhfI/AAAAAAAAALw/J4y15GwRxDs/s320/IMG_1383.jpg" border="0" />Transport for the day for the bridal party and guests was a wonderful old red London bus. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>One of my favourite photos from the day was this one of some of the now defunct “baby sitting circle”, with some of the babies now very much grown up.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxuIWGAQhbI/AAAAAAAAALQ/JUrx6fzp1NI/s1600-h/IMG_1386.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123838914214266290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxuIWGAQhbI/AAAAAAAAALQ/JUrx6fzp1NI/s320/IMG_1386.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-5947194460139786642007-10-18T22:59:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:14:51.073-08:00Barcelona vs Knitting & Stitch ShowThe reason I didn't get to the Knitting and Stitch Show was because, although I had booked the time off work, Hubs fancied a City Break to Barcelona and I am not one to turn a holiday down.<br /><br />We had a fabulous few days, staying right in the centre. Gorgeous weather meant we were walking around in tee shirts and eating outside. It was great to have such a choice of places to visit. I took loads of photos. I particularly loved Gaudi's use of curves. These were in one of his houses: <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhMWmAQhUI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/DtI8GZcPlQk/s1600-h/IMG_1235.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122928527176402242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhMWmAQhUI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/DtI8GZcPlQk/s320/IMG_1235.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122928518586467634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhMWGAQhTI/AAAAAAAAAKI/6oJnxqL5yuQ/s320/IMG_1263.jpg" border="0" /><br />This was one of the laundry rooms. If you look carefully you can see clothes displayed on these sheer hangings. The clothes were actually holograms.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122927732607452450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhLoWAQhSI/AAAAAAAAAKA/FaCqRnou3-k/s320/IMG_1265.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhLmWAQhOI/AAAAAAAAAJg/-dI6QgPJkSY/s1600-h/IMG_1331.jpg"></a> We went to the unfinished cathedral which was stunning. A few of my favourite photos:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhLm2AQhPI/AAAAAAAAAJo/LHs9UDYoAqc/s1600-h/IMG_1328.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122927706837648626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhLm2AQhPI/AAAAAAAAAJo/LHs9UDYoAqc/s320/IMG_1328.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhLnmAQhQI/AAAAAAAAAJw/j_OHCicC6PQ/s1600-h/IMG_1326.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122927719722550530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhLnmAQhQI/AAAAAAAAAJw/j_OHCicC6PQ/s320/IMG_1326.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhLn2AQhRI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/8utxmF5FZP8/s1600-h/IMG_1321.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122927724017517842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RxhLn2AQhRI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/8utxmF5FZP8/s320/IMG_1321.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Unfortnately, it was back to work on Monday, which we both found really hard after such a wonderful few days away.<br /><br />Wednesday was great, however, as our newly formed stitchng group had our second day together. We now have a name: ZigZag. It was with gusts of laughter that we ruled out quite a few, including Gina's Babes. In Stitches came a close second but ZigZag won. I came away with two gorgeous ATCS from our swap but do you think I can find them at the moment to take a photo! No! <br /><br />We continued with our goldwork using the machine, and I had a go with Lynda's braiding foot and her cording foot on my Brother machine. Decided I can't live without these, so have ordered them. Its great working with someone with a similar machine, especially as she actually teaches it. I have had this particular machine for about five years now, and am still discovering new things. The other day I used the overlocking foot with the side cutter to turn my daughter's trousers up. How quick it was! Note to myself: must be braver in future to have a go.Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-31555752129346970532007-10-10T07:23:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:14:53.936-08:00On Friday, I had a wonderful evening at the local branch of the Embroiderers' Guild. There were four activities for us to have a go at. I managed three.<br /><div></div><br /><div>On the first table Lynne took us through making the Christmas decoration on the left. We were provided with everything, even the tassels. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Secondly, Sandie took us through some ideas to use for cards:- weaving fabric, crazy patchwork and much much more. Can't wait to have a go and use those card with precut windows that I have lurking in the cupboard.</div><br /><div></div><div>Tricia then started us off on the wonderful Christmas tree on the right. Both decorations I finished at home, and it was great to have a bit of handstitching to do.<br /></div><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwzmRGAQhKI/AAAAAAAAAJE/lZnYAGZvLgM/s1600-h/IMG_1207.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119720057757271202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwzmRGAQhKI/AAAAAAAAAJE/lZnYAGZvLgM/s320/IMG_1207.jpg" border="0" /></a> I took part in an ATC swap too and received this amazing card which was made from paper folding. Thanks Jo. </p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119720049167336594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwzmQmAQhJI/AAAAAAAAAI8/bsmr6vbxu30/s320/IMG_1205.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>It was a fantastic evening and I came away buzzing with creative ideas. Many thanks to everyone involved. </p><p>Last week I braved the builders again and sketched part of the church. Its very old, with some parts of it going back to 1120. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwzmRWAQhLI/AAAAAAAAAJM/Rgax0L5GEro/s1600-h/IMG_1208.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119720062052238514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwzmRWAQhLI/AAAAAAAAAJM/Rgax0L5GEro/s320/IMG_1208.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is one of the motifs on the gravestones in the churchyard. "In Memory of Mary Weatherhead"<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119715195854292066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rwzh2GAQhGI/AAAAAAAAAIk/COGwNh9FIdk/s320/IMG_1209.jpg" border="0" /></p><div>I also came across five gravestones all in a row with skull and crossbones on them. They looked exceedingly creepy. I wonder if it means anything in particular. Anyone any ideas? Blogger wouldn't let me add this photo.</div><div> </div><div>Using the outline of the Church as a motif I played with the shape in my sketchbook, and added ideas for turning it into a textile. I am pleased to say I have even used one of the ideas and created an ATC.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119724365609469122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwzqL2AQhMI/AAAAAAAAAJU/qFnLH2oqfWQ/s320/IMG_1210.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>Last but not least, a picture of this morning's washing! More rust dyeing. Hate the green, it really isn't my colour, but the fabric looks very much like the lichen I have been seeing on the gravestones.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rwzh1WAQhEI/AAAAAAAAAIU/WIZpykZ2G90/s1600-h/IMG_1211.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119715182969390146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rwzh1WAQhEI/AAAAAAAAAIU/WIZpykZ2G90/s320/IMG_1211.jpg" border="0" /></a> Unfortunately, I can't make the Knitting and Stitch Show which starts at Ally Pally tomorrow. Look forward to hearing about it from everyone.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rwzh12AQhFI/AAAAAAAAAIc/ByfamzR1Tgk/s1600-h/IMG_1210.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rwzh2WAQhHI/AAAAAAAAAIs/9N4SkFVaLVQ/s1600-h/IMG_1208.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-50007589777129963292007-10-05T03:48:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:14:55.935-08:00Experimenting with rust dyeingI have had great success recently with rust dyeing using wire wool.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwYXfmAQhDI/AAAAAAAAAIM/zgUpmUf-78o/s1600-h/IMG_1184.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117803858098160690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwYXfmAQhDI/AAAAAAAAAIM/zgUpmUf-78o/s320/IMG_1184.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />From left to right, the fabrics are butter muslin, cotton, silk and heavyweight calico. These were left for about 48 hours. Some gorgeous marks. Not sure if I can bring myself to stitch on them.<br /><br />These were two fabrics I had dyed with Procion dyes previously.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwYXfGAQhCI/AAAAAAAAAIE/vIg1nxic8dM/s1600-h/IMG_1186.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117803849508226082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwYXfGAQhCI/AAAAAAAAAIE/vIg1nxic8dM/s320/IMG_1186.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The orange fabric, I only left for 24 hours with the wire wool as I couldn't wait any longer. The marks are somewhat paler as a result. Using the same wire wool throughout, I then tried it with brown fabric not really expecting any marks to show up at all and was quite amazed with the results. The brown fabric was an awful shade previously and now it looks quite amazing.<br /><br />The wire wool has now truly disintegrated and can not be used again.Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-60439433227978212252007-10-04T09:30:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:14:59.118-08:00A busy week.I didn't get round to doing much last week, hence no blog. The reason, however, was because I managed to scratch my eye quite badly trying to retrieve a contact lens that had decided to fold itself up in the corner of my eye. Ended up going to the opticians and seeing two optometrists who both confirmed that by the time I saw them in the afternoon the lens was no longer in my eye! One of them did say though that the eye "looked a bit cross". Understatement of the year in my opinion. Felt very sorry for myself, so as Hubs was away, daughter and I popped out to the local Harvesters for dinner and some comfort food.<br /><br />Sunday I spent helping friend to turn up The Dress ready for wedding on 20th October. I know all brides look stunning but she really does look stunning. I have known this young lady since she was two (now 24) and felt very privileged to be asked to help. I did make her do the actual sewing though ... I really didn't have the nerve.<br /><br />This week I have made up for my lack of creation last week. I visited our local church and started drawing gravestones, and carried on bravely despite being given weird looks by the builders on the roof. I really got into the history of those buried. One family had lost three sons under 25.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117520446091199410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUVu2AQg7I/AAAAAAAAAHM/JUKRjk79334/s320/IMG_1166.jpg" border="0" /><br />I am not sure that you can see it clearly in the doorway picture on the right but the second door behind the locked, wrought iron gate says WELCOME. Some welcome indeed.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117524457590653970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUZYWAQhBI/AAAAAAAAAH8/5Mmt0tMcRnM/s320/IMG_1176.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>One of our monthly challenges was to make an ATC in the colour opposite our favourite one, which meant I had to use orange. I raided my stash and came across two orange fabrics from the very first swap I ever did, some years ago now. Thanks to Liz and Sheila. Then using some Supermend and transfer foil, I added some gold bits. Cut some shapes out and stitched them here and there, and hey presto not one but six:</p><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117520437501264786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUVuWAQg5I/AAAAAAAAAG8/F57G2K_9hxM/s320/IMG_1179.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>This morning a friend and I spent some time experimenting with Transfer Dyes. I had painted the papers yesterday so just had to iron them off. These are some of the ones I liked best:<br /></p><br /><p>Transfer dye on kitchen towel:<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUWUmAQhAI/AAAAAAAAAH0/scOjsdk2JX4/s1600-h/IMG_1172.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117521094631261186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUWUmAQhAI/AAAAAAAAAH0/scOjsdk2JX4/s320/IMG_1172.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Paper scrunched up before ironing and a fabric leaf shape as a resist.</p><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUWKmAQg8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/S8QGXKq64Jk/s1600-h/IMG_1171.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117520922832569282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUWKmAQg8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/S8QGXKq64Jk/s320/IMG_1171.jpg" border="0" /></a> Transfer dye on raised wallpaper:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117520931422503922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUWLGAQg_I/AAAAAAAAAHs/Lb133ML7bIU/s320/IMG_1173.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>This is my favourite one. Using a skeleton leaf as a resist, and then printing with the residue on the leaf. The holes on the left are from the iron - unintentional but looks really good.</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUWK2AQg-I/AAAAAAAAAHk/y7qLh192e3U/s1600-h/IMG_1174.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117520927127536610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUWK2AQg-I/AAAAAAAAAHk/y7qLh192e3U/s320/IMG_1174.jpg" border="0" /></a> I can't say I am enamoured of using polyester fabric, so had a go with some thin calico. Worked well I think.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117520927127536594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/RwUWK2AQg9I/AAAAAAAAAHc/adaYl7DxmJY/s320/IMG_1175.jpg" border="0" /><br />Now to do some work.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317411557385817980.post-68235167938437116452007-09-25T00:50:00.000-07:002008-12-10T13:15:00.013-08:00A productive dayOn Sunday, hubs was busy writing a report for work so, in between washing, ironing and cooking, I had some time to play. In our embroidery group we are looking at rust and gold and I started by exploring the idea of rust and finding relevant photos.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114046225570628418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rvi98mAQg0I/AAAAAAAAAGU/pw06p_U3oz4/s320/IMG_1124.jpg" border="0" /><br />I looked at the meaning of rust and poems with the word rust in them. I came across themes of erosion, deterioration, decay and everything started to get a bit melancholic,<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114046332944810834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rvi-C2AQg1I/AAAAAAAAAGc/9InDC7gQ_3M/s320/IMG_1125.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rvi-fmAQg4I/AAAAAAAAAG0/vJKdN_2vK4U/s1600-h/IMG_1126.jpg"></a><br />But I then came across a photo I had taken on holiday of the paint peeling on the side of a boat. There was nothing melancholic about this decay, the colours were absolutely stunning.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114046826866049922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rvi-fmAQg4I/AAAAAAAAAG0/vJKdN_2vK4U/s320/IMG_1126.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />I came across too a poem referring to the rusty colours of autumn which helped to cheer me up further and took me to photos I took last autumn when out walking the dog. Last year was our first autumn of living in the country and nature shouted out to me wherever I went.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rvi-YWAQg3I/AAAAAAAAAGs/Z5uU0kiLduw/s1600-h/IMG_1127.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114046702311998322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rvi-YWAQg3I/AAAAAAAAAGs/Z5uU0kiLduw/s320/IMG_1127.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div>I went to add some stitching to my book and I remembered last year being told not to add the “craft” to the “design book” – so threads and fabrics were not allowed, BUT, guess what, I'm not doing C&G anymore and I can add just what I like to my books. What a perfectly liberating thought!<br /><br /><br />Like C&G Diploma, however, we have to choose a theme for our work. I have more or less decided on churches. Z. got me started on Friday with a spider diagram of ideas and I developed that further in my pristine new sketch book, and looked at various definitions of related words. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rvi-S2AQg2I/AAAAAAAAAGk/3vJkkG9HBHc/s1600-h/IMG_1128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114046607822717794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_R43ceGKXUqc/Rvi-S2AQg2I/AAAAAAAAAGk/3vJkkG9HBHc/s320/IMG_1128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A very productive day, I thought.<br /><br /><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11586779757267166526noreply@blogger.com1