For Danielle
For Mary
garden bench teak
9 years ago
Monday, 13 August 2012
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Textile Journeys - An Exhibition
This morning I went to a lovely exhibition. This was the announcement (for those of you who can still go along today and tomorrow all day, WELL worth it!!!).
"Textile Journeys is an Exhibition of the work by Village Textiles students, including those completing City & Guilds Levels 2 & 3 Stitched Textiles.
A trader is attending, offering a range of textile supplies. The Old School, Church Street, Minster, Nr. Ramsgate, Kent CT12 4BX.
4 - 5 August 2012: 10am - 5pm. Admission £1. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes available."
The coffee and cakes were absolutely delicious, eaten at tables on chairs resting the weary feet before going around once more.
The trader is Alison from Smartfrog (website; Smartfrogquilting.co.uk -click HERE for the link- email: smartfroghop at hotmail.com). As those in the know will tell you, she has not only a great range in quality quilting fabrics(and the eye for colour and design with it, so you are getting invaluable advice) but also a range of materials which are beautiful in Art Quilts. An extensive Stef Francis range as well a many of her own hand dyed material which range from different textiles, to wool, to threads and more! (very innovative and exciting, give her a ring to make an appointment to see her at home in her in-house studio in Broadstairs, Kent, you won't regret it). Needles to say I was inspired and did not come away empty handed!
The two jewel coloured FQ's were purchased for the FQ EEP bee where Danielle would like jewel tones for her block. I seemed to have been turquoise/purple inspired overall!
Ok.. now for the photos.. I must warn you that it is a bit of a photo heavy post, but there was so much to see and the quality so high that I had trouble leaving things out!
The exhibition was roughly divided into Embroidery level 2, Machine Embroidery level 3 and unaccredited (but no less beautiful therefore) classes.
First and foremost I would like to introduce you to the work of Stephanie Syvret. Each year City and Guild awards Gold Medals and Highly Commended Certificates to students who show exceptional talent. These awards are given sparsely and incorporate the whole of the UK. Stephanie, only just missing out on a Gold medal, has been awarded the Highly Commended Certificate and rightly so! (although I would have given her the Gold, just sayin; :-)
This is a detail of her final piece for the level 2 course (yes, you read that correctly level 2!! In my humble opinion, her work was the highlight of the exhibition and, not knowing how the exhibition was divided would have given it a level 4 at the very least!!!) Just look at the tiny beads in the centre representing the seeds, and the tiny centres are raised (trapunto style) as well! Here is the entire piece;
Her sample piece on the wall;
..and in her technique books were amazing. I also loved several pieces in the books where different techniques were tried out, e.g. this poppy picture, using a selection of fabrics (silk, cotton and organsa on an open weaved base which has been coloured with wax pastels (from Stephanie's technique book). I asked Stephanie for permission to blog about her work and use pictures which she graciously gave. Thanks Stephanie! I am sure all my friends world wide will really enjoy your work!
This fish bowl has the seaweed and plants hidden under a layer of organza, which makes it look very watery with the fishes raw appliqued and machine embroidered on top.
Moving on from Stephanie's work, here a selection of some of the work that caught my eye also.
Sylvia Bowman made a book in honour of her mother, who had been a court dressmaker before her marriage. Starting with the family tree,
..and then each era had it's own page. Here the 1920's;
Another book that caught my eye was a magical fairy book by Sheron Richards. It proved hard to photograph but in real life it was beautiful and mysteriously golden..
I loved the combination of colours in this cushion by Rosemary Crippin;
and the texture and greens in this notebook cover;
Several lovely bags like this canvas work by Carol Boswell;
Irene Baldock going for colour;
Sylvia Bowman again;
and Margaret Whitakker with a lovely sunny little bag with beads;
A lovely notebook by Kay Horne;
and another by Joy Snape;
Framed work by Jan Worden;
I think I have to force myself here to stop, but if you want to see all this deliciousness (and much, much more) as well as buy the materials to make a master piece yourself, rush along today and tomorrow to the Old School in Minster, Kent, UK. The exhibition is open today till 5pm and open tomorrow from 10am to 5pm as well.
"Textile Journeys is an Exhibition of the work by Village Textiles students, including those completing City & Guilds Levels 2 & 3 Stitched Textiles.
A trader is attending, offering a range of textile supplies. The Old School, Church Street, Minster, Nr. Ramsgate, Kent CT12 4BX.
4 - 5 August 2012: 10am - 5pm. Admission £1. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes available."
The coffee and cakes were absolutely delicious, eaten at tables on chairs resting the weary feet before going around once more.
The trader is Alison from Smartfrog (website; Smartfrogquilting.co.uk -click HERE for the link- email: smartfroghop at hotmail.com). As those in the know will tell you, she has not only a great range in quality quilting fabrics(and the eye for colour and design with it, so you are getting invaluable advice) but also a range of materials which are beautiful in Art Quilts. An extensive Stef Francis range as well a many of her own hand dyed material which range from different textiles, to wool, to threads and more! (very innovative and exciting, give her a ring to make an appointment to see her at home in her in-house studio in Broadstairs, Kent, you won't regret it). Needles to say I was inspired and did not come away empty handed!
The two jewel coloured FQ's were purchased for the FQ EEP bee where Danielle would like jewel tones for her block. I seemed to have been turquoise/purple inspired overall!
Ok.. now for the photos.. I must warn you that it is a bit of a photo heavy post, but there was so much to see and the quality so high that I had trouble leaving things out!
The exhibition was roughly divided into Embroidery level 2, Machine Embroidery level 3 and unaccredited (but no less beautiful therefore) classes.
First and foremost I would like to introduce you to the work of Stephanie Syvret. Each year City and Guild awards Gold Medals and Highly Commended Certificates to students who show exceptional talent. These awards are given sparsely and incorporate the whole of the UK. Stephanie, only just missing out on a Gold medal, has been awarded the Highly Commended Certificate and rightly so! (although I would have given her the Gold, just sayin; :-)
This is a detail of her final piece for the level 2 course (yes, you read that correctly level 2!! In my humble opinion, her work was the highlight of the exhibition and, not knowing how the exhibition was divided would have given it a level 4 at the very least!!!) Just look at the tiny beads in the centre representing the seeds, and the tiny centres are raised (trapunto style) as well! Here is the entire piece;
Her sample piece on the wall;
..and in her technique books were amazing. I also loved several pieces in the books where different techniques were tried out, e.g. this poppy picture, using a selection of fabrics (silk, cotton and organsa on an open weaved base which has been coloured with wax pastels (from Stephanie's technique book). I asked Stephanie for permission to blog about her work and use pictures which she graciously gave. Thanks Stephanie! I am sure all my friends world wide will really enjoy your work!
This fish bowl has the seaweed and plants hidden under a layer of organza, which makes it look very watery with the fishes raw appliqued and machine embroidered on top.
Moving on from Stephanie's work, here a selection of some of the work that caught my eye also.
Sylvia Bowman made a book in honour of her mother, who had been a court dressmaker before her marriage. Starting with the family tree,
..and then each era had it's own page. Here the 1920's;
Another book that caught my eye was a magical fairy book by Sheron Richards. It proved hard to photograph but in real life it was beautiful and mysteriously golden..
I loved the combination of colours in this cushion by Rosemary Crippin;
and the texture and greens in this notebook cover;
Several lovely bags like this canvas work by Carol Boswell;
Irene Baldock going for colour;
Sylvia Bowman again;
and Margaret Whitakker with a lovely sunny little bag with beads;
A lovely notebook by Kay Horne;
and another by Joy Snape;
Framed work by Jan Worden;
I think I have to force myself here to stop, but if you want to see all this deliciousness (and much, much more) as well as buy the materials to make a master piece yourself, rush along today and tomorrow to the Old School in Minster, Kent, UK. The exhibition is open today till 5pm and open tomorrow from 10am to 5pm as well.
Thursday, 2 August 2012
I have been away...
and left the family plus dog at home! Now I have 1000+ in my Google reader so I think I will have to empty it... Hope I haven't missed too much !!
Thursday, 19 July 2012
The Olympic Torch in Ramsgate
Yay !! There he is Steve Backley!!
carrying the torch through Ramsgate.
From www.london2012.com the following summary for enquiring minds who wants to know;
Also see top photo - and was gone in a flash! (as he was actually running... not fast but it wasn't a walk either). So he was here, and so he was gone....(flanked by deserving locallly selected people)
Some lovely police motor cycles and a squadcar closed the procession.
A brief moment of Olympic fame, but for those who did miss it, Here is the pic!! :-)
carrying the torch through Ramsgate.
From www.london2012.com the following summary for enquiring minds who wants to know;
Steve's nomination story
Steve is one of Britain's most successful and popular athletes, consistently ranked in the world top ten for Javelin every year from 1989 - 2002. To date he is the only British track and field competitor to medal at three consecutive Olympic Games; winning bronze in Barcelona 1992, silver in Atlanta 1996 and silver in Sydney 2000. Steve retired from athletics after the Athens 2004 Olympic Games where he finished a credible 4th. Since then Steve has been involved in a number of different projects, including coaching and mentoring up-and-coming athletes. He is passionate about using his Olympic experiences to help and motivate others to promote Olympic success in the workplace.
The entire convoy consisting of lots of lovely police motorcycles and squadcars plus buses came down the road at the historic harbour, hooting their horns and being cheered on by the public who lined the roads. See that little figure in white between the buses? That's him. If you look closely you can see the flame too.
Anticipation was high, people had been waiting long and finally he arrived....
Also see top photo - and was gone in a flash! (as he was actually running... not fast but it wasn't a walk either). So he was here, and so he was gone....(flanked by deserving locallly selected people)
Muttering from those who did not manage a picture and contemplating whether they could outrun him to try again further down the road... Not without a car you couldn't!!
Some lovely police motor cycles and a squadcar closed the procession.
A brief moment of Olympic fame, but for those who did miss it, Here is the pic!! :-)
Friday, 13 July 2012
Summersville - The Sequel
Have you heard of 'Summersville' ? The great collection of fabric (Moda) by Lu Summers? I bet you have! It's a great line of fabric and very versatile.
How versatile became apparent this week when Lu tweeted she was 'over printing' but tantalizingly did not (yet) post a picture.
We did not have to wait long and the results are stunning! Just LOOK what came in the post today!
If you would like to snap up some of this exclusive fabric (limited supply hand printed by the designer herself) then go HERE to check it out.
Why am I sending you? Well.. out of the goodness of my heart! (and because I have just got my second order in already, so I managed to get some before they sell out! :-)
How versatile became apparent this week when Lu tweeted she was 'over printing' but tantalizingly did not (yet) post a picture.
We did not have to wait long and the results are stunning! Just LOOK what came in the post today!
If you would like to snap up some of this exclusive fabric (limited supply hand printed by the designer herself) then go HERE to check it out.
Why am I sending you? Well.. out of the goodness of my heart! (and because I have just got my second order in already, so I managed to get some before they sell out! :-)
Thursday, 12 July 2012
Giveaway
If you were at the FQ London meet, you might have been lucky enough to see Jo's (Bearpaw) wonderful embroideries!
Well... the patterns are now for sale in Jo's online shop! Go HERE to buy.
And what's more... there is a lovely giveaway going on for a pattern and DMC at Blueberry Park !
Click HERE to go and try your luck. Definitely worth it !
Guilty...
Would you sometimes like to have a break? Would you like to get away from it all?
I would! and I bet you would too.
However, most of the time, I know I have other things to do and keep going and not having a break.. What's more... the occasional time I get persuaded to go and have that coffee or go away somewhere, I feel guilty doing it, thinking about all the things I actually should be doing, so they are foremost in my mind and I can attack them the moment I am back!
Some break huh !
Then there is the problem of the 'to do list'. Bills to be paid, house to be cleared, endless washing to be done, quilts promised for a deadline, admin to be done... Whatever I do first (and don't get quite done because there is simply too much of it), I feel guilty about what I am NOT doing... If I cleared and cleaned, I worry about not having gotten to the admin. If I make a dent in the admin, I stress about the not yet cleared up mess... If I walk the dog, I feel I am taking too much time away from the other chores.. If I attack the chores, I feel sorry for the dog not having been walked yet....
Sigh...
Bad thing is, all this guilt gets transferred to quilting too! If I buy the 'good' fabric (good quality, recent lines, really want it sort of stuff), I feel I can't quite cut into it till I find that 'perfect' pattern... (yep, still have that fq stack I got right before everybody else when it wasn't in the shops yet... 2 years ago...). On the other hand, I do buy 'bargains' where I get things dirt cheap (and soooo pleased about saving on the RRP) but they are not really the 'nice' fabric and then I feel guilty about not using it... BUT 'it'll come in handy one day' :-)
Sooo many quilts and sooo little time.... Really feel guilty about writing this too... as I should be sorting some bills...
DO tell me I am not the only one?
Maybe I need a real break....
I would! and I bet you would too.
However, most of the time, I know I have other things to do and keep going and not having a break.. What's more... the occasional time I get persuaded to go and have that coffee or go away somewhere, I feel guilty doing it, thinking about all the things I actually should be doing, so they are foremost in my mind and I can attack them the moment I am back!
Some break huh !
Then there is the problem of the 'to do list'. Bills to be paid, house to be cleared, endless washing to be done, quilts promised for a deadline, admin to be done... Whatever I do first (and don't get quite done because there is simply too much of it), I feel guilty about what I am NOT doing... If I cleared and cleaned, I worry about not having gotten to the admin. If I make a dent in the admin, I stress about the not yet cleared up mess... If I walk the dog, I feel I am taking too much time away from the other chores.. If I attack the chores, I feel sorry for the dog not having been walked yet....
Sigh...
Bad thing is, all this guilt gets transferred to quilting too! If I buy the 'good' fabric (good quality, recent lines, really want it sort of stuff), I feel I can't quite cut into it till I find that 'perfect' pattern... (yep, still have that fq stack I got right before everybody else when it wasn't in the shops yet... 2 years ago...). On the other hand, I do buy 'bargains' where I get things dirt cheap (and soooo pleased about saving on the RRP) but they are not really the 'nice' fabric and then I feel guilty about not using it... BUT 'it'll come in handy one day' :-)
Sooo many quilts and sooo little time.... Really feel guilty about writing this too... as I should be sorting some bills...
DO tell me I am not the only one?
Maybe I need a real break....
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