Stitch by Stitch...

Here's one of the pieces that I made for the 'Time' exhibition at The Steel Rooms.

The eleven artists all interpreted the theme in different ways.

My take on the theme wasn't at all complex (just like me!)

For me, it simply meant that each piece took a long amount of time.

When you take a piece a work around with you for many months, adding a stitch here and a stitch here...

Folk asking you what you are doing...

Having conversations and reflecting on memories as you work...

You can't help but grow attached.

But I'm very happy that this chap will be going to live in a lovely new home with a lovely new owner.

X

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Big Stitchings...

I've just finished the largest machine and hand embroidered piece I've ever attempted.

It measures 60cm X 60cm and is attached to a linen canvas.

It took many, many hours to stitch but I loved every minute.

I used the deconstructed layers from pieces of a beautiful old quilt that I bought from Hope and Elvis.

I am thrilled to be part of a group exhibition at The Steel Rooms in Brigg.

The theme of the show is 'Time' and I wanted to celebrate the beautiful hidden layers of the antique quilt, and to produce a marathon piece of stitching that would literally take a huge amount of time to produce.

I also wanted to record the construction of the piece itself, I hope you enjoy seeing how this hare made of scrips and scraps emerged!

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Little Stitchings...

It's been printing-a-go-go recently in preparation for upcoming workshops at Hope And Elvis and The Steel Rooms.

I've made some tiny mono printed and hand stitched brooches.

I think I've been thinking about Spring time!

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The Finishing Touches...

I blogged about this little printed piece a while ago here.

Now I've stitched it, and I'm always surprised how such a simple running stitch can add texture and movement to the surface.

I'll be bringing her along to the Hope and Elvis workshop weekend in April.

I can't wait!

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Stitching And Dolly...

I love making things out of scraps of nothingness.

There is a huge sense of happiness when a finished item emerges from my box of tut.

This needle case was made from a fragment of beautifully soft vintage quilt from Hope and Elvis and tiny pieces of fabric.

Whenever I'm making something like this, Dolly's 'Coat Of Many Colours' always plays in my head.

I ruddy love that song, makes me cry every time!

Happy weekend wishes y'all!

X

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New Ideas...

I have really enjoyed experimenting with mono printing for the last few months.

(Hope I haven't bored you to tears yet!)

I have been really wanting to make more jewellery for quite a while now and these are the first cuffs I have printed and hand stitched.

I made these a few months ago but couldn't find the right ties for them until now.

Each piece will be different as they are hand printed, I'll show you my new designs soon if you'd like.

These will be for my 'Paint, Print, Stitch' workshop at Hope and Elvis in April.

Wishing you a very festive weekend chucks xxx

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The Ladies' Man...

My mate Sam gave me a beautiful old photo of a brass band.

As soon as I saw it, I knew that there were stories a- plenty, all waiting to be told about that band and their adventures.

This chap caught my eye immediately.

I'm pretty sure his name was Frederick, and he was the heart breaker, the charmer, the ladies' man.

As I was stitching him he told me all about his shenanigans, and before I knew it, there it was....

The old blanket label he is sat on used to say

'Guaranteed All Wool'

and now it reads

'Guaranteed All Woo'.

He's a one, that Frederick...

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A Frippery...

Here is a little piece of fluff and nonsense for your amusement...

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Procrastination...

There's tons to do.

Endless lists.

Present wrapping.

Frantic preparations.

So what do I do?

Play around with scrips and scraps!

(Oh yes....and blog about it!)

Ha!

Hope you're all having fun too chucks x

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A Most Special Pinny Indeed...

During last week's Mrs B workshop at Hope and Elvis I didn't take any photos of myself (which is not surprising really is it!)

So I would like to say a big 'thank you kindly chuck' to the wonderful Miss Flaming Nora for letting me use this piccy.

However, I did need such a photo,(believe me I wouldn't inflict this upon you if it was not for the utmost of important reasons).

And the reason is this pinny.

It is no ordinary pinny.

It is a hand made, custom- embroidered and embellished wrap- around pinny made by the very talented Miss Debs.

She embroidered little sayings and snippets that have a special meaning.

The pattern was also drafted by Miss Debs and made from soft vintage French linen.

I shall treasure this forever and the lovely thing is that I know whenever it needs repairing, I can just add something to its history.

PHOTO BOMB !

Thank you for stitching this with such care and love, every stitch holds such meaning.

Have I mentioned before that I love my pinny?!?

PS: Miss Debs can also be found on Instagram as @ dsg1964

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Last Few Bits And Bobs...

I'm getting that giddy excited feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I can't believe it's the workshop at Hope and Elvis on Saturday!

So I've just been making a few more fripperies and sorting out the last few preparations.

This little necklace is made from an old string of beads that I've attached to a tiny hand stitched transferred photograph.

He looks a little sombre, but I quite like that.

Here's a tiny picture on a wooden block.

Some of my favourite fragments of lace and an old singly dangly thing that I have been keeping for such an occasion, (kindly gifted to me from my mate Sam).

And the tiniest wooden block brooch that I have ever made!

I've got to go now to sort out some treats and surprises and some '80's cheesy ch- oons!

(Is it too early for a Christmas CD?)

Hmmmm....

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