I've had a really great day out today! I went to an Open Day at the Husqvarna shop in Nottingham where Linda and Laura Kemshall were the guest speakers/demonstrators. I have seen the Kemshalls at several shows in the past but have never felt able to get near enough or have enough time to see their work properly so it was wonderful to have a whole day to listen to them and see their work.
The morning started with a slideshow and chat about their work and inspiration and about the importance of working ideas out in a sketchbook. I have to apologise for my photo above which has caught Laura as the amazing hidden woman! The assembled ladies then broke up to watch separate demonstrations by Laura and Linda, to have a good look at all the work and sketchbooks they had brought with them or to complete a small exercise which the Kemshalls had set up for us to try. All in all it was a very busy couple of hours and I don't think Laura or Linda stopped to eat, unlike the rest of us who enjoyed some very tasty homemade cakes!
Laura was kept very busy demonstrating some Free Machining and answering questions. while Linda demonstrated how she makes use of the Embellisher (needle felting) machine to create texture in some of her work. In the afternoon we had another slide show presentation while Laura described her process in completing her quilt Black Pearl which won the Quilters' Guild Challenge at this year's Festival of Quilts. She made one point which struck home with me and which may seem obvious but hadn't occurred to me. When starting to design for a competition which will be hung in a hall as big as the NEC Laura designs LARGE. She has a point. Design large and bold if you want to be noticed. I think I may have to have a rethink on my own plans for next year.
My enjoyment of the day was completed by a surprise encounter with some family friends who I hadn't seen for a couple of years. It's funny how small the world is sometimes, isn't it? These friends live about 40 minutes away from Nottingham but I had never expected to bump into them in a sewing shop at a demonstration. My friend has been making lace for years but I had forgotten that she also sews. An added bonus to the day and a chance for a quick catch up. I was their bridesmaid about 50 years ago! OMG I wish I hadn't written that now! I didn't know I was that old! lol
15 comments:
sounds like a really good day out Julie, I'm sure you got loads of inspiration. They're quite a talented pair aren't they!
The next dodgy question is.... (shh did you buy anything) lol.
I wish I had been there! My BIL has taken classes there in the past (as tutor) on designing work for textiles - I think he used some of my work as ideas!
now so jealous, would have loved to be there and really frustrating to think I had to work just round the corner from the workshop!!
what a great day, I really admire their work and would loved to have been there. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked the patchwork pack combo, it's always hard to know what other people might like.
sounds a wonderful day!!
I am Nottingham born and bred :)
Lovely to catch up with people you have seen for years!
You must have been a very young bridesmaid and don't look old enough to have been anything 50 years ago! How lovely to meet those friends and what a treat to have a workshop with the Kemshalls. They are so talented - I treated myself to one of their Journals recently and really enjoy the mini tutorials on the CD which comes with the book.
A gorgeous post Julie
xx
Wow that day sounded really good - and ohy the way thanks for the link to the 365 days of machine quilting stitches that is fabulous.
Thank you Heather :o) Truth to tell, I was a child of the 50's so I am well into my 6th decade. I bought the 4th thr3fold Journal at the open day so I'm sure I will enjoy the tutorials on there.
Thank you for the link to Linda and Laura's site. I enjoyed checking out their wonderfully creative quilts.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time what a lovely way to spend the day.
Sounds like you had a great time. I was lucky enough to be able to get on one of their workshops a couple of years ago. They are so inspiring and have a very distinctive style to their work.
Well Julie..I feel exhausted after reading all the posts I've missed. I haven't been reading blogs a lot lately so I was about 6 posts behind. From your Do Not Feed The seagulls to the Kemshalls I've enjoyed them all.
glad you had a good day - they are a very talented pair - I am doing an on line C & G course on sketchbooks with them - it is really making me think!!!
Glad you had a great day Julie.
Thanks for comment on Exhibition.
have a great weekend
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