Tuesday, September 23, 2008

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.

Monday, September 22, 2008

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."

Thursday, September 18, 2008

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?

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

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.