stitching swan

Spanish Holiday January 2012

2012-02-01T00:59:00.000-08:00

Well back to reality and the cold! Geoff and I had a lovely restful two weeks in Spain on the Costa del Sol. Unusual for us as we normally dash here there and everywhere. I read three books a luxuary for me to be able to do. Having seen the film I read the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson, The Man from St Petersburg by Ken Follett and The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury. I had never even heard of the last author but I shall now be looking out for other books by him. We ate in all the local fish restaurants and had some lovely walks along the sea front. Although it was sunny and warm there was a cool breeze and it was cold in the evenings but apparently we were lucky as the last few years the weather there has been aweful in January. We liked the place so much we have boked to go again in April and take our Grandson so he can have a plane ride again. Today I have a lady coming to cliam her birthday present from her sister, a day working with me. I am teaching her how to make my embroidered silk bowls. I shall also make a start on the embroidery on Iolathes veil. Rehearsals are going well for that. I still find it hard to believe that I am a 'principle!' and not a chorus member. Our producer keeps telling me to stay in the middle of the stage and not scuttle back to the chorus when I deliver lines!

Indian Holiday and Christmas eve 2011

2011-12-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

For those of you who follow my blog and are artists you will appreciate the few photos that I have shown here. I took many of the wonderful stone carvings seen in the many Indian palaces that we visited during my holiday in November. To see more then visit my Facebook page and look at the Albumn there. I took too many photos to show them all. This last one of the Sunrise was taken this morning Christmas eve 2011 from my kitchen window. I had yet to open the cutains and would have missed it had the cat not been eating her food by the back door. Her white bits looked strangely pink and when I went to the door this was the sight that greeted me. I know they say Red sky in the morning shepherds warning but somehow I can not see the warning here it was magic. Wishing you all a wondeful Christmas Holiday.

steam trains,workshops and talks

2011-11-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

September 25th we all went to the East Somerset railway for Geoffs train driving day that the family had bought him for his 65th Birthday. Those overalls took 10 washings before they were clean enough to go in my washing machine.

october 20th saw me teaching the South Cheshire Branch of the Embroiderers Guild to make silk bowls. They all did really well and the bowls were well on the way to be finished.

This set of bowls were made by the East Surrey Branch of the Embroiderers Guild. Another lovely set well on the way to completion. It is a shame that I seldom see the finished pieces. Please send me your photos so I can publish them.

I made this necklace using pieces of goldstone that I bought the last time we went to Arizona. Having mastered Pyote stitch I gave it a go round the stones and am really pleased with the result. The month ended with me performing with Cirencester Operatic Society in their production of the Sorcerer. It was a great show and I had a brilliant time with some lovely people.

Sorrento Holiday 2011

2011-09-19T01:25:00.000-07:00

Hot Chillis, Cool Beer and beautiful scenery. That just about sums up our holiday in Sorrento. We had a brilliant time visiting Herculanium. Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Naples museum, Vesuvius and Capri. The weather was a bit too hot, hotter than usual for Septemeber but we are getting used to that this year. Seems that everywhere is hotter than usual. We stayed at a lovely hotel right in the heart of Sorrento so we were able to get to my favourite haunt of the Foreigners club for drinkies!!!! Also found some nice little bars.I took the usual extreme number of photos but have come home with lots of inspiration for a set of textiles based on the murals and mosaics we saw in Herculanium and the museum.

Workshop results from Stow on the Wold EG branch

2011-09-08T02:03:00.000-07:00

I am always thrilled when on of my students sends me the results of her workshop with me. These photos came from Angela Gibson, a member of the Stow on the Wold Branch who attended my bowls workshop. She used her bowl to make the 'bed' for her mermaid and I think it is super. She has included so many different techniques. Well done Angela.

I have two more bowls workshops booked for this year.

playing with paint and fabric!!!

2011-08-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

I've been having fun today with paint and fabric making some book covers or something like that. I decided to try using my embellishing machine to bond some scrim onto both lutrador and pelmet vylene. The top image is the lutrador which I then painted with silk paints, added encaustic wax and then burnt with a heat gun. the bottom one is the pelmet vylene treated in the same way. I might paint that one with Acrylic wax sealer later. I had forgotton how much fun making a mess can be. Must do it more often.

Marlborough College Summer School felt making course 2011

2011-08-01T01:11:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful week I have just spent at Marlborough College Summer School teaching felt making from scratch. Here are some of the pieces that my students made. They were all beginners. The felt beads were dyed with tea and coffee then embellished with glass beads. The lower two photos show our display on the last day. I had four students this year but we got through a lot of techniques and they were able to make a lot of pieces. When I wasn't teaching I was singing in the singing for Pleasure group in the morning. This year we sang an Andrew Lloyd Webber selection as well as some Sinatra and a piece from Sweeny Todd which none of us had heard before. The Lloyd Webber was a challenge but we pulled it off. There were 97 singers this year and for once a good lot of men.

Isle of Wight beetle workshop

2011-07-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the photos from my Beetle workshop given to the Isle of Wight Embroiderers. We had a lovely day making them and the results were stunning. Geoff went and spent the day on the Steam railway but came back to the hall just in time for the cakes! I had given the group a talk on the Saturday from Embroiderer to textile Artist which seemed to go down well. They were a delightful group of embroiderers. We had decided to stay on for a couple of days so spent the Sunday evening walking in Shanklin Chine. Monday it tipped it down with rain so we joined English Heritage and visited Osbourne House. It was better on Tuesday so we were able to see a bit more of the island going to Isle of Wight Glass, then Carrisbrook Castle and Alum Bay before catching the ferry home..

A few more photos from Marlborough Guild Workshop.

2011-07-06T01:17:00.000-07:00

Thought that I would add a few more photos from the Marlborough Guild workshop. The photos really don't do the work justice but these three show three different designs that were being worked on. There are layered organza fabrics which can then have some layers cut away to show the fabric underneath. Once finished the purses can be embellished with beads and sequins. The designs come from my Venetian stonework Studies that I did for my HNC in stitched textiles. I wanted a small project which could be taught in a dayschool. I used the computer to work out the patterns for the purses.

Venetian Purse Workshop at Marlborough

2011-07-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a selection of some of the little purses made by the ladies of the Marlborough and district Embroiderers Guild during my workshop. Some of the ladies hadn't attempted free machine embroidery before and found it challenging because this is quite a difficult one for beginners but they all did really well and I am looking forward to seeing them all finished.

Florida Holiday

2011-06-29T01:18:00.000-07:00

The whole family arriving at Epcot on our third day in Florida. We left home from Swindon at 3-30am for the drive to the airport. We thought that Fraser would sleep in the Taxi but he was so excited. He only slept for an hour on the plane and stayed up until 10pm once we arrived in Florida. Our resort and unit were perfect, just 10 minutes away from Disney. The only downside was the heat, 90 degrees upwards during the day and very humid. There were a couple of cracking thunderstorms while we were there. However it didn't stop us enjoying ourselves. We visited all the parks including Busch Gardens, gator land and the Kenndy Space centre to see the last space shuttle out on the launch pad. Brian was only able to stay for a week as he had to get back to work. Fraser loved our 'oliday 'ouse and grandads 'ire car especially as they had a separate apartment and so he was able to come and knock on our door to visit.
For the first time in the States I didn't get to a Jo Anns or Michaels to buy some sewing supplies. Fortunitely I had stocked up in Houston.

Good news and Quilting

2011-06-02T02:14:00.000-07:00

Well the good news was that Geoff is none the worse for his stay in Hospital and he has nothing nasty lurking inside him now. It seems a long time ago now. These two pictures are of a small quilted hanging. I played with a photo I had taken when we were in California and printed it onto cotton fabric. I then made the Californian poppies separately from hand painted fabric and applied them. The little sand squirrel was hand embroidered and the whole pieces was machine quilted. it is a practice piece for when I tackle my larger printed picture. I am really pleased with the result considering I really have no idea what I am doing when it comes to quilting. I know that there are certain rules you are supposed to follow but rules are made to be broken.

hospital and royal wedding!

2011-05-03T03:39:00.000-07:00

Phew! what a weekend. Starting on Friday with the royal wedding. I was glued to the TV while Geoff was busying himself in the garage and reading. I was therefore a bit surprised when at 4pm I couldn't find him. He had a minor surgical procedure on Thursday so when I found him in bed shivering and with a rageing temp. alarm bells rang. On phoning the hospital I was told to get him in straight away. He had developed an infection so spent the next three days in the hospital on a drip and having different anti biotics pumped into him. I have just been to fetch him home so have to see that he rests now!

teaching, Canvey and Stow on the wold

2011-04-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Just Had a great few days. Last week I had a visitor from Australia working with me. She was a wonderful lady called Jeannie and she came to spend two days with me to learn how to make a silk bowl. Her family thought that she was very brave coming to stay with someone she didn't know especially as she was 78 hard to believe when I met her. She traveled from Cheshire where she was staying with her son to Swindon by train. She was brilliant and nearly completed a bowl while she was with me. I felt I had made a friend. After we saw her off on Friday we went to my mothers at Canvey for Easter joining Sarah Andy and Fraser who were there already. Fraser enjoyed his chocolate rabbit hunt on Sunday. We hid them round the house and garden and he found them all.
I then spent Tuesday teaching embroidered bowls at Stow on the Wold Embroiderers Guild.

2011-04-20T02:01:00.001-07:00

I had a brilliant time at the weekend at the Uttoxeter Quilt and Embroidery show. This little Chameleon caused a lot of comment. He is my latest piece of work and great fun to make. he is about to pounce on the Dragonfly but unfortunitely has lost his tongue. Well actually he has forgotten that it is curled up in the back of his mouth.

Tree dweller

2011-03-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

This is a piece of work that I am taking to Quilts and Embroidery 2011 at Uttoxeter. It was inspired by a recent visit to a Reptile shop. I spotted this little lizard poking out of the hollow tree and decided to attempt to make him.I was lucky enough to be allowed to photograph him as the owners got him out of his tank. He was really timid and kept trying to hide but I got some good shots. Once I had made the piece of fabric by machine stitching scrim onto felt I cut him out and constructed him over a wire base. The tree trunk was made from silk cap by my bowls method then shaped over a Pringle box. I am now gong to make another one for a chameleon which I have just finished.

2011-03-21T02:59:00.000-07:00

Some of the photos of the guests who attended the surprise 65th birthday/retirement party we arranged for my husband Geoff. How he didn't guess what was going on I shall never know but he had no idea. I had to tell loads of white lies its. a wonder my nose didn't grow to three times its usual length. He thought that we were going to a Gilbert and Sullivan party. I had arranged for friends and my daughter Sarah to prepare the food and the rest of the kids to go and decorate the room.

He is now looking forward to present which is to drive a steam train!!!

2011-03-18T02:08:00.000-07:00

Here is my second doll and hollow tree trunk inspired by the Monarch Butterfly.

I used my bowls technique for her skirt. The wings are made of organza which was stitched using the new stickybacked washaway fabric. The monarch Butterflys were made the same way but using cotton.

2011-03-18T01:59:00.000-07:00

Just a few photos taken between performances of Patience at Steam Museum last week. We had a fantastic week with four great performances. I made my costume by utilising a dress of my daughters (size 10). I cut it straight up the middle of the front, put a panel in and added sleeves. It was then trimmed with a beautiful braid that a friend of mine had brought me back from Oman. The whole outfit went together really well. I had the photo of me on Thomas taken for my grandson. Someone who knows me well and went to see the show said that it had taken her a while to recognise me in the wig. At least it kept me warm.

my first doll!

2011-02-15T02:28:00.000-08:00

This is the first doll I have made following the instructions in Patti Culeas book on Doll making. Her body is made from silk then painted and her dress is silk cap pieces machine embroidered between two layers of water soluble fabric. Can you spot the beetle?

A4 size pieces for Cricklade exhibition in April

2011-02-15T02:23:00.000-08:00

These are all A4 size pieces. The fritilleries were manipulated on the computer them printed onto fabric. the techniques used include trapunto Quilting, hand quilting and the butterflies are made from silk.

The landscape felt piece was done using the embellishing machine then hand and machine embroidered.

Isle of Wight and beetles!

2011-02-11T05:02:00.000-08:00

Having taught my beetles in California I am now off to the Isle of Wight in July to teach the embroiderers there how to make them. All because one of their members came to see the GWE show last year at Lydiard and liked the beetles. They are springing up all over the place. I have just made my first Fabric doll and even she is holding one. I aim to make a doll now and cover her with beetles. Why this facination I have for them ? I think that it is the beautiful colours and irridescence.

Ruby Wedding anniversary.

2011-02-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Here Geoff and I are cutting our 'cake' at our surprise Ruby wedding anniversary party aranged by daughter Sarah. We thought that she was cooking us a meal but when we arrived she had got our friends waiting for us. It was a lovely surprise, really unexpected. Fraser greated us in the hall way clutching two balloons. It was a wonder that he gave them up to us. Nanny had to have the heart shaped one. Geoff bought me a gorgeous Ruby and Diamond eternity ring.

Since then I have been on a roll with embroidery. I have really got into quilting printed pictures which I have been doing on the computer. I have also had a piece printed by Spoonflower.com which I can not wait to get started on but have one or two other pieces to finish first.

Houston, California and Christmas

2010-12-22T07:16:00.001-08:00

Once again I have neglected my blog but am now catching up. The three photos show me talking to Barbara Trombley whilst I was demonstrating on the Quilting Arts Stand at the International Festival of Quilts in Houston. The set of beetles made at one of my workshops in California and lastly Fraser enjoying the snow at the weekend.

Geoff and I had a brilliant time in the States. We went to the Quilt festival on the preview night and then for two whole days but it still wasn't enough time to take everything in. We managed to get in a visit to Nasa before flying on to California and staying at San Clemente. I taught two beetles workshops so now my bugs are springing up all over California. The weather was excellent, not too warm although we did spend a couple of days on the beach. We spent an interesting day in San Diego on the Midway.

We arrived home to the cold and wet UK and now have the snow hence the photo of Fraser on his sledge. It looks as though we will have a white Christmas. Happy Christmas to all my followers and I will try to keep this up more in the new Year

Houston Quilt festival

2010-10-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

I shall be demonstrating on the Quilting Arts Open Studios stand at the Houston Quilt Festival on Thursday 4th NOvember from 12.40-2.40pm and friday 5th from 3-5pm.
The rest of the time I shall be shopping!!!!
I seem to have been to a lot of theatre shows lately, Joe Brown, Wicked, Salade Days and last night, Beauty and the Beast. One more to go to before our holiday and that is Princess Ida at Cirencester.

2010-10-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the beautiful Venetian purses made by my students at the EG workshop at Leamington Spa on Saturday. They are layered organza fabrics over a glitzy layer which have been machine embroidered then some of the layers cut back. Having given three talks and two workshops int the last couple of weeks I have found it exhausting especially as the talks were all different. I think that I shlall have to space them out a bit better in future.

holiday in Austria

2010-09-19T01:53:00.001-07:00

Here we are enjoying lunch on top of the Mountain in Fugen Austria where we went for our holiday . Yes I really did go up there in a cable car having overcome my fear of them. However I still won't go in a chair lift. We went to see the Oberammagau Passion play which was brilliant. also visited Mayerhofen where I had been skiing as a teenager and Innsbruck using the train than ran though the village. Since coming home I have been to Windsor and Maidenhead EG to give a talk and then Bristol for a talk and an embroidered bowls workshop.

The last month!!!!!

2010-08-08T02:21:00.001-07:00

Can not believe how long it has been since my last visit here. trouble is being on face book takes up time. Still I've had a very sucessfull month with a visit to Alston Hall near Preston to teach at the North West Of England EG summer school. Then my favourite time of the year at Marlborough College Summer School teaching felt making. It helps to remind me how much I enjoy felt making and how little I do it not to mention the wonderful food, entertainment and company. I spend the mornings singing for pleasure which this year included songs from Wicked, Fame, Chicago and Eva Cassidy. Now I have just got to go and see Wicked.

2010-07-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful day on Saturday teaching at Basildon Branch of the EG. Here is a photo of their bowls, some of which are almost ready for washing off. I am always amazed at the results and how every one is different. The bowl with the leaves on was made by a lady who had never done free maching embroidery before. She was incredable.

I treated myself to a Fay Maxwell workshop on Tuesday. Bliss! someone else had to think for me and tell me what to do for a change. She is a great teacher. I am now looking forward to Sit 'n' stitch tomorrow, Singing at the weekend,GWE next Tuesday then teaching at the weekend in the north of England at the Summer School of the NW region EG. have just dyed some more silk caps ready for it. Now off into town to meet Sarah and Fraser for shopping and lunch.

America November 2010

2010-07-01T00:36:00.000-07:00

Another long time since I visited my blog to update it. I have added this picture of my christmas bottle cover table centre as I shall be teaching it in November in California at the Piecemakers Country Store. Also the Christmas flower.http://www.piecemakers.com/ . I am really excited as our trip all fell into place just before our Spanish Holiday. We leave on November 2nd and fly to Houston where I shall be taking part in the Houston Quilts Festival on the Quilting Arts Stand. Then we fly on to LA staying at San Clemete for two weeks and I shall be doing the workshop on Sunday 14th.
I am really looking forward to meeting up with all the friends I made on my last visit and making lots of new ones.

Clare and bike! CD and holiday

2010-06-13T02:34:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that it is nearly a month since I last blogged so thought I had better write something before I go on holiday. Where does the time go? This is a photo of our daughter Clare with her new bike. She will be 25 this month. We finished recording our Choral Society CD this month and had our summer concert last night. Brilliant! The CD should be really good and it has some lovely pieces on it.

Fraser spent four days with us last week. we took him to Bristol Zoo on the Friday. Having walked right round it and had a picnic we decided to go back to some of the animals again. He was having none of it and insisted on going 'back' which meant back to the car and home. he didn't seem a bit bothered not to see mum and dad for four days. They were in france taking part in a band competition. Anyway I shall spend some time on holiday putting together my next book proposal.

Guild and GWE week

2010-05-10T01:45:00.000-07:00

Had our first meeting of Sit 'n' stitch on Friday. Those who came thoroughly enjoyed just sitting and doing some hand stitching and chatting. Hope to get a few more next time in June 11th.
Spent Saturday in Marlborough College Chapel doing our first day of recording for Swindon Chorals second CD. Was really tired by the end of the Day. Now got a busy week with Marlborough EG today and GWE meeting tomorrow. Then going to Roves Farm on Wednesday with Frasers toddlers group. Might get some time to myself by the end of the week though I doubt it as have to prepare for an embroidered bowls workshop on Saturday.

North Meadow Cricklade

2010-04-25T01:52:00.000-07:00

Spent Friday afternoon wandering around North Meadow Cricklade taking photographs of all the flowers. It was gorgeous. Saturday was our Come and Sing Messiah for the Choral Society. It was a great afternoon and evening and I throughly enjoyed it. It was worth all the hard work to bring it all together. I shall be stewarding our Great Western Embroiderers exhibition on Tuesday afternoon at Lydiard. Great news that we have been asked to extend the dates as it is proving so popular.

fiber arts draw.

2010-04-09T00:57:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to be offering a copy of my book to someone entering this months fiber arts challenge. Most of my inspiration comes from nature and natural forms. The book is a limited edition as once they are gone I shall not be having anymore printed. It can still be ordered from my web site.

I am really looking forward to today as our grandson is coming and we are hoping that the weather will be fine enough to take him out on his new smart trike. He hasn't seen it yet.

New Book!! 1000 Artisan Textiles.

2010-04-06T01:24:00.000-07:00

At last I have heard that the book 1000Artisan Textiles which features two pieces of my work has been published this week and is available from Amazon. I haven't seen a copy yet but can not wait. It looks exciting from the cover.

Lydiard Exhibition opening

2010-03-24T02:26:00.000-07:00

Well we had a fantastic opening to our Exhibition Keeping Lydiard in Stitches yesterday. There was a real buzz about the place. Maggie Harris and I showed the Mayor around and he was most impressed. We also gave an interview to the BBC radio Wiltshire reporter who turned up. I think that we have proved the Embroidery is not just 'the little flower on the handky corner anymore' but covers a wide range of skills and materials. This littel bug is now on my green man hanging.

Lydiard exhibition

2010-03-23T02:10:00.000-07:00

These three photos are of some of my pieces in the Lydiard exhibition. The gree man felt is based on the image of the green man on the ceiling bosses in the dining room and the lovely trees in the grounds. it is hand made and dyed felt then hand embroidered. The ivy leaves re silk.

I put together the bug collection inspired by the Victorians love of collecting nature.

The exhibition is looking great and the bug trail for the kids goes all around the house so there is plenty to look at.

Hope that plenty of people will come and see it especially if they have never visited the house as it is well worth a visit.

Hot Mikado Dress rehearsal

2010-03-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

Just a few photos taken at our dress rehearsal last night. In spite of having difficulty with the fabric when making the dresses they all look fantastic on the stage. I am really looking forward to the first night tonight when we get an audiance in.

Hot Mikado and Houston

2010-03-03T01:32:00.000-08:00

Can not believe that it is March already and only one week to go to Hot Mikado. Had a wonderful time in Sutton Coldfield teaching bowls again. Must download my photos so I can show you the results. Exciting news too this week as I have had an official invitation to Huston Quilt festival from Quilting Arts Magazine. I shall be in their open studios meeting people and talking about my work. At least now we all seem to be over our coughs and colds so fingers crossed it stays that way. Have just got to sew two hems for costumes now and then should be ready for the show.( and might even get some work done for Lydiard!!!!)

Flying time!!!!

2010-02-17T03:40:00.000-08:00

Don't know where the time goes. Off to Cheshire this afternoon to give a bowls talk then staying with Brian until Saturday.Then it's a Bowls workshop on Saturday at Sutton Coldfield. Sarah, Fraser and I all have really nasty colds at the minute. Just seem to be going around in circles with them. Anyway I have nearly finished the two costumes I am making for hot Mikado. Only another four weeks to go. Help!!!!

2010-02-04T01:50:00.000-08:00

I gave a talk yesterday to a lovely group of Ladies at Highworth WI and shall be giving the same talk at Swindon evening branch of the GWE on Monday. It is on my venetian inspired work and this photo is one of the Gauntlets which was part of a set of pieces.
Really exciting news is that Fraser started to walk by himself last Thursday so friday it was along to the shoe shop so 'nanny' could buy him his first proper pair of shoes. He was not impressed at having his feet squashed into the machine to be measure and yelled throughout the whole process.
My lovely new book that I ordered off Amazon came this morning and I can not wait to sit and browes through it. It is photos of bugs and beetles. I will write a proper review once I have studied it. Off now for a day with Sarah and Fraser.

Tenerife 2010 holiday

2010-01-20T03:07:00.000-08:00

These are some of my favourtite photos taken in Tenerife.

We managed to get away in spite of the snow and spent a lovely week relaxing and sightseeing. The old fig tree I find so inspiring for my felt making. I shall use it as inspiration for my Marlborough Summer School Students this year.

snow!!!!!

2010-01-06T01:58:00.000-08:00

This was a photo taken from our lounge window last february. The same sight met my eyes this morning. I actually love the snow but it might prevent us getting away on holiday on friday. Still we wouldn't be the only ones in the same boat. It was snowing a bit yesterday when we were looking after Fraser. He and the kitten were standing with their noses pressed against the window watching in fascination. We are looking after him again this afternoon. I have actually made a start on my Lydiard pieces for the exhibition. Might even get then finished!

Christmas

2009-12-28T03:04:00.000-08:00

They say the best laid plans never go right. well ours certainly didn't. Starting with Fraser our grandson who was ill for well over a week before Christmas. Three different Doctors saw him and said he just had a virus. Finally it took a nurse on the end of a phone line, hearing him moaning, to tell our daughter to take him to hospital where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Fortunitly the anti biotics kicked in and he was well enough to enjoy his presents on Christmas morning.

We had gone to Essex to pick my mum up at the weekend. We started back for Swindon on the Monday but an hour into the journey on the M 25 we were in a blizzard and decided to turn back. Good job we did. We made it back to Swindon on the Tuesday morning.

After having made plans to have all the family together on Boxing Day we had to cancel as 7pm Christmas Day I was hit by a violent sickness bug. Poor Geoff was up with me until 2am. I thought that I had given everyone food poisoning but no one else got it so it must have been the winter tummy bug! Looking forward to our holiday in the new year. i think that we need it!

GWE Collect on beetles

2009-12-09T02:17:00.000-08:00

This is the collection of Beetles made by the Great Western Embroiderers at the workshop we did on Tuesday. I think that they are great and should make a good display in our Lydiard House Exhibition. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the Beetles have taken on thier own little personalities each one being slightly different. Everyone loved the fantasy film. I had great fun teaching the ladies to make them. We even had a new member join for the first time.

Art Quilting Studio Mag and christmas Shopping!

2009-11-30T08:58:00.001-08:00

Just spent the day in Winchester Christmas market and managed to buy a few more presents.
Got home to find a copy of Art Quilting Studio Magazine with my article Beetles and pitcher Plants in. Not the Mag I had expected but even better. Going to see Blood Brothers this evening.

Basildon Guild and Canvey

2009-11-23T01:27:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a good weekend with Mum on Canvey Island. She was better than I expected and managed to talk non stop for three hours on Sunday without loosing her voice! She also came with me when I gave my Embroidered bowls talk at Basildon Branch of the Embroiderers Guild and was made thoroughly welcome. They were a lovely bunch and also had visitors from other branches just come to hear my talk. Really looking forward to teaching them the bowls next year. Off ten pin bowling this afternoon with Sarah and Andy. At least I shall not bowl but will occupy Fraser while they bowl then going to Pizza Hut.

Winchester Guild Bowls Workshop

2009-11-15T04:43:00.000-08:00

These three photos are of the Winchester Guild at their Bowls workshop. I think that they all look really happy and they were a delight to teach. I am always amazed at the diversity of the designs

Hampton Court Workshop Photos

2009-11-15T04:20:00.000-08:00

These four photo were taken at my bowls workshop at The Embroiderers Guild Hampton Court. They show the group working and some of the pieces.

2009-11-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

Had a busy week last week. gave a talk to the Beehive Quilters in Horley then taught the bowls and bugs workshop at the Embroiderers Guild HQ in Hampton Court Palace. Took us two and a half hours on the first morning to drive 22 miles!!!! The group I taught were lovely and the surroundings are beautiful. Off to Winchester Guild on Wednesday for another talk and workshop.

2009-11-03T04:16:00.000-08:00

Here at last is the cover for my beetle kits.
I am off to teach at the Embroiderers Guild
tomorrow and will be teaching bowls and beetles.
Went to see grandson this morning. We are having him to saty
on his own for the first time this weekend.

2009-10-30T05:42:00.000-07:00

Some of my holiday snaps. On the right is Cathedral Rock Sedona.The photos were taken at different times. The really bright one was at Sunset.

These two are of the beautiful Autumn Colours in Oak Creek Canyon Sedona. The colours got more vibrant as the two weeks went on.

just for fun!

2009-10-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Anyone guess how this photo was taken?Also what it is of!

Just something that I discovered while on holiday and just had to buy it and have some fun with it.

holiday in America!

2009-10-28T02:33:00.000-07:00

We got back from Arizona on Saturday after having a great time catching up with old friends and making new ones. I have got some yummy products from Art Glitter to try out. I made this piece using some of their fusible fantasy fibres in the background fabric which is layers of organza on felt, The diacroic glass cabuchon was made by Paula Radka a glass artist I met in LA. It was the shape of the glass that gave me the idea for making it into the bracelet. I celebrated my birthday watching the sunset at the Airport lookout in Sedona and drinking champagne!!!! Then back to our villa for an meal and birthday cake.

facebook !!!

2009-10-06T01:11:00.000-07:00

I have just disovered face book and have now joined that community. It is great finding new family members and old friends.
This picture is one of my latest bags made using my embellisher. I have added a beetle to it. Only another three days to go before heading off to Sedona.

Coughs and colds!!!!!

2009-10-01T00:47:00.000-07:00

UGH, I was supposed to be going to Exeter for the AGM of the West Country Embroiderers today but I have a nasty cough and cold so decided to stay indoors! Counting down now until next friday (9th) when we fly out to Arizona. Can't wait and so looking forward to visiting all the lovely folks at Art Glitter Institute in Cottonwood. Have been looking after Fraser for two afternoons this week. We went to the park to feed the ducks yesterday. It is lovely to be able to spend time with him so the embroidery just has to wait. I got an exciting parcel from America for glass artist Paula Radka this week. She has sent me some diachroic glass to make some more brooches with and I can hardly wait to get started.

Dorking Embroiderers Guild workshop

2009-09-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

This photo is of the bowls made by the Ladies of the Dorking Branch of the Embroiderers Guild at their workshop on Monday. The purple one in the middle has had the water soluble washed away. The rest are near completion. I am always delighted when I see the variety of designs produced at a workshop. Everyone has the same starting point but every bowls is different. I hope that they will send me some photos of their completed bowls.

Had a lovely day yesterday as it was grandson Frasers first birthday.

Patchwork People Newport Pagnell

2009-09-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

I Gave my Embroiderer to Textile artist talk at Newport Pagnell on Saturday. They were a lovely talented crowd and I had a great time with them. I always love going to different groups to give my talks as I love to see what other people do and nearly always come away inspired.
I have now seen the proof of my article for Decembers Workbox magazine and can not wait to get the actual magazine. I am really thrilled with they way the photos have turned out.
Spent the morning looking after Fraser today as Sarah had to go and buy some new shoes and trousers befor she starts back to work. He just wanted to walk up and down. Rather back breaking when I am having to hold his hands and woe betides me if I didn't want to go in the same direction as he did. He certainly keeps me on my toes!

talks and getting lost.

2009-09-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

Gave my bowls talk to the Oxford Embroiderers Guild last night. They were a lovely group and very welcoming. I am looking forward to teaching them in February.
We have been to Oxford so many times especially to Ifley road area that Geoff refused to use the Sat Nav. Naturally we took the wrong turning in spite of me saying that we should have turned and found ourselves heading away from where we needed to be. Next time I ignore him and take it anyway!
I think I shall have to start writing down a few key words when I am giving talks as I have a job remembering the names of products and suppliers and have to resort to my remembering strategy. Must be my age catching up with me and my brain going into overload.

new link

2009-09-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I have added a new link to my blog. Workbox Magazine in which I will be featured in the December/January issue. If anyone would like a chance to win a signed copy of my book Beautiful Bowls and Colourful Creatures then they need to buy that issue. I am sure once you have seen the magazine you will wish to subscribe to Workbox. Of course you can always buy my book from my web site. Busy week this week with a meeting of the Marlborough and District Embroiderers Guild on Monday and the the Great Western Embroiderers on Tuesday. really looking forward to both meetings.

Mermaid and Canvey Island

2009-09-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

As we have just spent a week at Canvey Island at my mothers home I thought that Miranda here was an appropriate brooch.. We took our daughter and Grandson(11months old). Within 5 minutes of arriving he had a mouth full of plant leaves which he was reluctant to give up!!! Once we had moved all the plants out of reach he started on her coasters, the wooden door stop, her fridge magnets and her bell collection. He also liked to be held up to the ceiling so he could ring the wind chimes! Yes we had taken some of his toys with us as well as some new ones. He loved the drum I had bought him for a local charity shop.

Since coming home I have been busy dyeing more silk caps ready for a workshop at Dorking Monday week and finishing off an article for Workbox Magazine Decembers issue.

workshop at the EG

2009-08-24T03:05:00.000-07:00

Spent a wonderful day yesterday at the Festival of Quilts, meeting up with some new people and renewing old friendships. I shall be teaching a bowls and bugs workshop at the Embroiderers Guild Hampton Court on the 4th-5th November. Anyone interested should contact the Guild at
their website www.embroiderersguild.org.uk and go to the workshops page.
I shall be spending the rest of the week at Canvey Island in Essex staying with my mother.
we are also taking number 1 daughtr and grandson. Hopefully we might get some nice weather!

more brooches and Quilts festival

2009-08-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

Still making my lady brooches. I am hooked at the minute. I'm really looking forward to the festival of Quilts at Birmingham on Sunday. it will be nice just to be abl to browse and not have to worry about manning a stand for a change. I am teaching at Hampton Court in November for the Embroiderers Guild, a two day bowls workshop so anyone interested check it out at their web site.

We are promised a heatwave later this week. Might get one if we are lucky.

Marlborough EG Visit to Salisbury

2009-08-07T01:54:00.000-07:00

Our Marlborough Embroiderers Guild Outing this year was to Salisbury where I had arranged for us to have a tour of the Embroideries. We were able to go into parts where the general public couldn't and we had a wonderful time seeing the kneelers and the beautiful frontals. It was especially exciting for me to get a closeup look at the beautiful Energy frontal by Jane Lemon. It is a favourite piece of embroidery of mine. We started off having coffee and biscuits in the Cathedral coffee shop and there was plenty of time after the tour to explore the rest of Salisbury including the museum with it's collection of costumes.

2009-08-04T04:48:00.000-07:00

I have just spent two weeks teaching at Marlborough College Summer School and the photo shows the work produced by my adult class. It never ceases to amaze me how different all the work produced is even with starting from the same point. There was quite a variety this year with one lady making jewellery instead of the green man. I have come back a few pounds heavier from all the lovely food so the diet has started already ready for next year.

Brooches and summer school

2009-07-10T01:19:00.000-07:00

I am rather hooked on making these little brooches at the minute. This one is Queen Elizabeth 1st. I can do the machine embroidery during the day then sit and stitch all the beads on in the evening. The head is also hand stitching. It would make a good workshop so if anyone is interested let me know. Off to mums for the weekend then a 'bowls' talk at Dorking Embroiderers Guild on Monday morning. Have to get everything ready next week for the Marlborough College Summer Schools felt making courses. Two weeks of good food ,singing, dancing and entertainment. Can not wait!!!!

Marions Bowl!

2009-07-08T03:36:00.001-07:00

What a thrill for me on arriving at Marlborough Guild on Monday to see this bowl produced by one of my Students at my workshop. This was Marions own design and although she hadn't finished it on the day she had done enough to take it home and finish it off. The Butterflies are gorgeous. I am always so proud when I see a finished piece that someone has made from either the instructions in my book or a workshop. Keep the pictures coming Girls!!!!!

workshop

2009-07-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday teaching silk bowls to a lovely group of ladies at Broughton Gifford. It always amazes me that people are game to do a workshop that they know very little about and that is well out of their usual comfort zone. They all worked with gusto and once we had overcome several temperamental sewing machines, had reached the stage by the end of the day, where they could finish their bowls off at home. It seems to me that some of the more advanced all sing all dancing sewing machines like to be in control rather than let the user do free stitching. We did manage to get all but one to co-operate so one student finished up using my Bernina machine.

brooches and more

2009-06-28T02:07:00.000-07:00

What an exciting week this has been. I have been asked to contribute to a book that is coming out next year and so had to spend the week photographing some of my work. Between that, making bags and looking after Fraser I have hardly had time to do anything else. The ohoto shows a selection of brooches I have made to accommodate some of my beetles. I had a photo sent this week from one of my American Students showing the beetle she had made from the kit I sent her. It proves that the kits work.

summer concert

2009-06-21T03:46:00.000-07:00

Last night was The Swindon Choral Society summer concert. We are celebrating 80 years of the Society and I have belonged to it for 24 of them! I fulfilled a secret ambition at this one. To sing the wonderful solo part in The Easter Hymn for Cavaleria Rusticana. I did it as part of a trio but it was a thrill to sing it.
I shall now spend the week making shopping bags to sell to raise money for the Society and dyeing silk caps ready for my next workshop.

bags and beads

2009-06-18T02:11:00.001-07:00

This is my lastest piece of work. I bought the lovely glass when we were in the US and couldn't decided what to do with it. After fiddling around I decided to incorporate it into a piece of Textiles and this little brooch is the result. I can not wait to make a few more now.
Spent yesterday making calico shopping bags for the Swindon Choral Society. I print them with a lino print of music and embroiderer the name and dates of the Society. I made 50 ten years ago on our 70th anniversary. I don't know how many I shall make for our 80th as I find it a bit mind numbing but it does raise us some funds.

Holidays

2009-06-15T02:11:00.001-07:00

Well I didn't get any painting done on my week away. However I took lots of inspirational photos especially at the two National Trust Site we visited, Bodnant and Powys Castle. The place we were staying had it's own resident family of peacocks who used to visit us each day. The baby one used to follow a pair of ducks around. I am now looking forward to our next holiday in October when we are going to Sedona, Arizona with friends a truely inspiring place.

books & holiday

2009-06-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Off on holiday on Saturday for a week in North Wales. I hope to get some painting done for textile inspiration.We had a great talk at Guild on Monday about indonesian textiles. Very interesting. I have just had more orders for my book. Check it out on my web site.

left overs

2009-06-01T00:55:00.001-07:00

At Last I have found a way to use up any little bits of silk cap left over from my bowls and this is the result. It has given me an excuse to get to grips with my creative Embellisher machine as they embellish beautifully onto the background of black felt. I thne machine embroider them in place. The lining is fabric I had left over from my last Gilbert and Sullivan production when I had to make a very large Witches hat big enough to cover a 6' man!!

beetles

2009-05-30T03:04:00.000-07:00

This is my latest collection of beetles inspired by the wonderful book Living Jewels. They have just gone to America to be photographed. I love making them as they each develope their own personality! They pop up all over the house and have been know to frighten unwanted visitors! I intended to try and sort out my work room this week. I is badly in need of a cleanup (I have been saying that for the past three months but always find something else to do).Perhaps if I didn't have my machines and computer in it I would get the cleaning done.

bowls workshop

2009-05-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

I spent Saturday at Letchworth EG teaching my Silk Bowls workshop. I was amazed and very pleased with what the members all produced. They were brilliant and nearly all the bowls were ready for washing off by the end of the day. One lovely lady even produced two bowls. I cannot wait to see some pictures of the them finished now and look forward to posting some on this site.

'Glittering'

2009-05-21T01:09:00.000-07:00

How exciting to get an e mail this morning from Art Glitter in Cottonwood Arizona with news of their new blog. This is where I get my lovely fantasy film and fibres from for my bowls and bugs! The fibres are also used in this piece which was made into a Quiver. They are layered underneath two layers of polyester organza.

I am putting my embellisher to good use at last and using up some left over scraps of silk cap to make a bag. Won't have much time though today as our small choir is singing at a funeral so have to fit in a practice also.

machines, bugs etc!

2009-05-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

The machine I looked at yesterday was a Bernina Quilters edition which works beautifully for free machine embroidery as I had a good go at it. My bugs and vessels are on their way to the States to be photographed for the Art Doll Quarterly magazine. It was like saying goodbye to my babies. Still they were well packed.

Here is a closeup photo of of two of them on their flower. I took the inspiration for making pitcher plants from last years Chelsea Flower show. They were shown again last night and I still find them beautiful and fascinating.

it works!!!!

2009-05-19T01:45:00.000-07:00

Spent ages last night trying to work out how to get back onto my blog to edit it! Did it first time this morning. If I can do it anyone can. Anyway off to look at someones new sewing machine this morning to see if I can help her use it. Might be the blind leading the blind as it is a new Bernina with lots of stitches on. I use a Bernina 1000 for all my free stitchery and a Janome Memory Craft 4000 for everything esle, Still at least it is not fixed up to a computer. Watch this space to see how I get on!.

first time blogger!!!!!

2009-05-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

After resisting to blog for ages I have finally decided to give in and join what appears to be the majority. I shall be teaching next weekend and have spent the last few days dyeing silk caps inpreparation so now have blue/green fingers. I have also been writing a 800 word article about my fabric beetles for a magazine and now have to post some off to the US for photographing. I just hope that they don't escape!