Workshops

Where did February go?  Three quarters over and some of the worst winter weather in centuries.  I started the shudio clearing with enthusiasm but am ashamed to admit that I havn't touched it since my last post.  Life has been busy, what can I say?

Mary Sleigh's workshop continued to be very enjoyable and I have amassed an encouraging set of samples.  The workshops culminated in the making of a book to hold the samples.

We explored complementary colours and analagous colours. (Excuse the tackings)

 We explored creating drama with cretan stitch.

Seed sttich was used to create a sense of movement.

 

All of the samples were fun to make but I really enjoyed the square above with suffolk puffs and french knots.  French knots are one of my most favourite stitches.  I need to photograph the book and the signatures that I've made to carry the samples and will blog that later.  Life has been so hectic that on the days when the light has been good I have been busy with classes or out and about and have missed taking photographs.

Earlier this month I did a workshop with Trudi Wood making a Take 20 quilt using fabrics from clothing belonging to my mum, our friend Grace, Stewart, another friend and some handdyes.  The quilt top went together surprisingly quickly but I still have a border to add and then Trudi is going to quilt it for me.

The hardest part of the Take 20 is arranging the blocks.  It doesn't seem to matter which way you place them you always get portions of the same fabrics in close proximity.  Both my mum's and my friend Grace's pinnies are in this top so it feels very special.  When I look at the strawberry fabric and the red fabric with the red and white trim on it I can smell scones cooking and see my mum making cream horns and trifle for Sunday tea and visitors.  Sadly Mum does not even recognise the fabrics anymore or even remember that she used to wear aprons.

Yesterday we had a play day and some discharging and printing was attempted but I havn't had chance to take any photos of that yet so remind me to show you later.

Today I have done a thoroughly enjoyable workshop with Sarah Edwards who I know from the Contemporary Quilt Group.  (I didn't realise I knew her till I walked in the class and recognised her).  Sarah loves creating surface texture on her quilts and we played the whole day, manipulating fabrics and creating new ones.  This was a technique based workshop and there was no expectation to leave with a finished product.  Sarah used many different techniques to create her quilts and I particularly wanted to explore slashing and tucks.

This is a sample piece, unfinished, and needs further exploration but basically it is several layers of fabric with rows of stitching and then chenille style slashing made to reveal  varying lower layers.  I love that the fabrics fray and indeed, the top cotton layer frayed with abandon!

 
This piece started out as two pieces of fabric with pintucks stitched in and then the fun commenced!  Fabrics were joined and cut and turned and joined and cut and inserted and had Somerset points added.  I had so much fun and from the squeals going on around me so did everyone else!  The day shot past and left me wanting to do more, the sign of an excellent workshop.  I have another piece of the blue fabric with pintucks in and I want to combine that with layers and slashing so I hope I get chance to do that soon.  Sarah was a great tutor.  She shared her processes and then left us to play giving help and advice as we required it.  I learnt to make Somerset points too.  Who knew they were so straightforward?  It's all in the folding.

Tomorrow, glutton for punishment, I have another workshop (I know!) with Wendy my partner in adventures who has moved her blog to Wordpress.  We will be making a cutting mat bag so I hope I can stay awake all day.  I am still on a high from today's excitement so I may hit the wall rather early tomorrow.  Watch this space!

Sunday is the last day of Snowdrop week at Easton Walled Garden near Grantham so if you live near enough you might fancy making the trip to enjoy them and the other Spring flowers that are raising their heads.  The weather forecast isn't too bad for Sunday so we may see you there.  After slaving over fabric and sewing machines all week I think some fresh air is in order.

PS While I think of it, if you live within reach of Grantham, the Embroiderers Guild are thinking of encouraging a group to start for local people.  There will be an introductory meeting at Stitchcraft Studio on 6 March.  I will try and remember to come back and post the times up but you can ring Stitchcraft for details on 01476 512790.

Stitchcraft Studio

In just seven days' time a new and exciting venture will open in Grantham and I for one can't wait!  We are going to get our very own quilting, patchwork and stitching centre!   Until now we have had to travel for shopping and workshops but very soon all this will be on our doorstep!  I've blogged about Stitchcraft before when I first went to meet the ladies who are starting it up but it's now looking much more like a shop and the workshop is already in use.

When I called in on Friday Sharon, above, was already  bringing everyone up to speed on the first workshop she is going to be teaching on basic patchwork.

The cafe is lovely and large and airy and is being cleared of its previous occupants to make way for lots of happy stitchers we hope.

Just one side of the shop with its stock of dyes and fabric paints ready stocked and fabrics beginning to fill the shelves.  I had a sneak preview and there are some beautiful, very tempting fabrics on display!

This is where I will be on Saturday morning (8 September), sharing my quilts and sketch/notebooks and talking to people about my journey towards textile art over the last 5 years.  My friend Wendy Skinner, who actually started me on the whole art journey back in 1988 (!) will also be showing her textile art.  Dawn Cameron Dick is giving a lecture entitled 'One Woman Quilt Show' and also a one hour quilting demonstration  so the place will be jumping.

If you live in the East Midlands (UK) or are anywhere near Grantham on Saturday come and give me some moral support and be in on the start of this new venture.  I have no affiliation but I do wish Kathryn, Christine, Sharon and all the tutors who have made a commitment to Stitchcraft the very best of luck and a long and happy stitching future in Grantham.  If you can't come on Saturday please spread the word. (Facebook page for Stitchcraft is here).  These are difficult days to be starting a new business but hopefully Stitchcraft will become a happy meeting place for local stitchers.