Mushroom play

So today I worked with the images of the mushrooms and made two designs.... This is the one I like best... not bad for an iphone camera ... I might adjust the top right element to be larger.
I think this could lead somewhere... I love curling edges and the contrasting dripping ink and that could be an added element if I work with some splatters of paint on the base fabric... love ink blots and blowing ink with a straw....I might play with this one.

Melissa

If you click on the link to the right "Melissa playing mountain dulcimer" you will be able to hear and see a delightful piece of dulcimer music. I knew I wanted to learn to play the dulcimer (since first hearing one whilst learning about Reiki in The Netherlands) and Melissa inspired me to actually buy one. Now I welcome the long winter nights in Calgary.

Fish card

This one just took shape in my hands and became carp in a stream for some reason... I have no idea why.
I made it with Maaike my new friend in Calgary in mind as she travels to The Netherlands at a difficult time. I couldn't send it quickly enough but it will await her on her return.

Best wishes Maaike.

Layering, stitching hand and machine, attacking with a heat tool (of course), shadow quilting (I suppose), beading (a little).

The lady at the post office in Britannia Place didn't bat an eyelid when I went to frank Deborah's card... "Oh, no problem." she said, "I have seen this sort of thing before. Have a great afternoon."

Sweet Bag - for Aliya, Postcard for Deborah

I am benefiting from the support of Pfaff sewing machine company here in Calgary and attended a workshop where Kerin demonstrated how to make this small bag. I used bits of my sewing machine that I had not done before. I now know how to sew a button hole for instance!!

So there is cutwork, lacework, wing-needle embroidery as well as stitching out motifs using the computer software.

The bag is big enough to hold a loo roll - I know cos I made a second one and gave it to Ragnhild - another new arrival here in Calgary, as a house warming gift! And what every new house needs is a spare loo roll in its holder.

Then there is this postcard made to send a get well wish to Deborah... My first attempt at felting with a felting needle, silk and wool and hand and machine stitching.

Now I am off to the local post office - to see if they will accept it. Will the stamp stay on? Will it arrive at her hospital bed intact or at all?

Poster presentation at Redditch Needle Museum

I have submitted some information boards to the Redditch Needle Museum, and their exhibition for the Charles Henry Foyle Trust (following on from my winnings last year) I thought I would show the boards here... at the exhibition they are displayed in a case with some samples  - and the pieces of work I have been doing is not shown here... I didn't photograph it before sending to Britain.

And what of textiles?

Progress? Yes, today I visited "Out of Hand" a sewing shop/store very near our house.  Lots of supplies and very knowledgeable owner.  Bought a felting needle and a bit of wool to have a go with tomorrow at Jan's stitch group.  

Stitched Al's bag, following course at Sewing World with the educational advisor from Pfaff.  It really is another world here.  I will post an image of the Formally embroidered bag I did there... when I have assembled it tomorrow... not quite me but it is very much Al.

For now here is a picture of my work area - a wonderful studio, love the sitting area.  I am in heaven.