Current Activity
Members post details of the on-going work they are doing or events they have attended.
2022
August
July 2022
Sarah has just completed two very busy days at Urban Studios North producing breakdown printed fabrics and two dye families ready to start a new piece of work. She always feels excited to begin a new piece of work.
Sarah has just completed two very busy days at Urban Studios North producing breakdown printed fabrics and two dye families ready to start a new piece of work. She always feels excited to begin a new piece of work.
July 2022
Diana has finally finished her trapezium quilt. It measures 48 by 68 inches and will be going to "Quilts for Care Leavers".
Diana has finally finished her trapezium quilt. It measures 48 by 68 inches and will be going to "Quilts for Care Leavers".
June 2022
Chris spent a very full couple of days taking in four exhibitions around London. The Royal School of Needlework exhibition at the Fashion & Textile Museum in Bermondsey was fascinating and, naturally, the skill of the stitchers was a wonder to behold. 'Post War Modern Art 1946-65' at the Barbican was equally interesting and really quite eclectic, one bronze sculpture by William Turnbull inspired a new piece which I'm currently working on. 'Stonehenge' at the British Museum was comprehensive and extensive, so much to take in and just not possible in a single visit (the catalogue had to be purchased). Probably most interesting to me from a textile perspective was 'Colour Is Mine', an exhibition of Althea McNish's work at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow. I confess to not being familiar with this lovely designer's work - her vibrant and joyous use of colour matched her personality which came over in the TV footage being played as part of the exhibition. Sadly, she passed away in 2020, a true trail blazer as a Black woman working in postmodern design and textiles.
Chris spent a very full couple of days taking in four exhibitions around London. The Royal School of Needlework exhibition at the Fashion & Textile Museum in Bermondsey was fascinating and, naturally, the skill of the stitchers was a wonder to behold. 'Post War Modern Art 1946-65' at the Barbican was equally interesting and really quite eclectic, one bronze sculpture by William Turnbull inspired a new piece which I'm currently working on. 'Stonehenge' at the British Museum was comprehensive and extensive, so much to take in and just not possible in a single visit (the catalogue had to be purchased). Probably most interesting to me from a textile perspective was 'Colour Is Mine', an exhibition of Althea McNish's work at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow. I confess to not being familiar with this lovely designer's work - her vibrant and joyous use of colour matched her personality which came over in the TV footage being played as part of the exhibition. Sadly, she passed away in 2020, a true trail blazer as a Black woman working in postmodern design and textiles.
June 2022
Sarah has been at 78 Derngate as "Meet the Artist" and enjoyed the interaction with visitors. Many visitors are new to Textile art and keen to understand a little about how we were inspired to produce the work. It is an opportunity to showcase a bit more of our own work and stitch on site.
Sarah has been at 78 Derngate as "Meet the Artist" and enjoyed the interaction with visitors. Many visitors are new to Textile art and keen to understand a little about how we were inspired to produce the work. It is an opportunity to showcase a bit more of our own work and stitch on site.
June 2022
Diana spent a day with Textend, being taught Eco Printing by Fiona Balding. Common leaves were used on paper, cotton, silk and wool. The depth of colour depended on the fabric, the leaves, the mordant used and how long the fabric bundle was steamed or boiled.
The purple and orange piece used leaves on silk coloured with logwood. The leaves take out some of the background purple and replace it with colours from the leaves. The red acer and hardy geranium leaves worked well.
Diana spent a day with Textend, being taught Eco Printing by Fiona Balding. Common leaves were used on paper, cotton, silk and wool. The depth of colour depended on the fabric, the leaves, the mordant used and how long the fabric bundle was steamed or boiled.
The purple and orange piece used leaves on silk coloured with logwood. The leaves take out some of the background purple and replace it with colours from the leaves. The red acer and hardy geranium leaves worked well.
April 21st 2022
Sarah gave a talk to Milton Keynes Embroiderers on her "Uncharted Journey". The presentation was very well received and Sarah shared the way in which she has developed her Abstraction techniques and the importance of the many talented and generous women who have shared skills and techniques along the way and provided feedback and encouragement.
Sarah gave a talk to Milton Keynes Embroiderers on her "Uncharted Journey". The presentation was very well received and Sarah shared the way in which she has developed her Abstraction techniques and the importance of the many talented and generous women who have shared skills and techniques along the way and provided feedback and encouragement.
April 2022
The group are busy making final preparations for the opening of the Changes Exhibition at 78 Derngate, Northampton.
The group are busy making final preparations for the opening of the Changes Exhibition at 78 Derngate, Northampton.
March 14th - Sarah demonstrates Abstraction techniques to members of Art2Stitch
Sarah showed examples of abstraction and group experiments with these techniques during the session.
http://www.sarahshowers.com/derngate-exhibition-2022.html
A new, exhibition page has been added to my website.
A new, exhibition page has been added to my website.
5th March - Group meeting
For the first time in two years we were able to meet as the full group of ten! It was so good to be back exchanging ideas and being able to see first hand what we have only seen online for so long.
Much activity completing work for deadlines.
For the first time in two years we were able to meet as the full group of ten! It was so good to be back exchanging ideas and being able to see first hand what we have only seen online for so long.
Much activity completing work for deadlines.
22nd February - Sarah
My third "On The Margins" piece is now on the machine being quilted. Called "Rust Belt", it is inspired by the remnants of heavy industry, often left to rust and decay over years. A blot, a reminder of past glories and employment. Having lived for a short while in Consett, overlooking the steelworks, and later in Corby where these works have closed and the communities left without their legacy. In the USA where space is less of an issue some remnants are still these rusting away.
I am using a fairly random, interconnecting triangular pattern to quilt across the whole piece.
My third "On The Margins" piece is now on the machine being quilted. Called "Rust Belt", it is inspired by the remnants of heavy industry, often left to rust and decay over years. A blot, a reminder of past glories and employment. Having lived for a short while in Consett, overlooking the steelworks, and later in Corby where these works have closed and the communities left without their legacy. In the USA where space is less of an issue some remnants are still these rusting away.
I am using a fairly random, interconnecting triangular pattern to quilt across the whole piece.
9th February - Diana
Diana says: I have just started another scrap quilt using some of the smaller pieces from my fabric mountain. This is a trial layout of a few strips of trapezia, to make sure the pattern will work before I cut up more material. It shows that specific pictures on fabric break up the flow so I will be taking out the pieces with cats on them.
1st February
Sarah says: I have so enjoyed a series of five short video presentations by Gwen Hedley on https://www.textileartist.org/stitch-club-the-story-so-far/
Gwen introduced us to free painting on fabric to create a series of marks in three colours, densely painted on one sheet and with more open areas on piece two.. These were then cut into six to eight small pieces which I joined together by simply overlapping the edges. Once in a strip we were invited to add stitch to reflect and embellish our paint marks.
Sarah says: I have so enjoyed a series of five short video presentations by Gwen Hedley on https://www.textileartist.org/stitch-club-the-story-so-far/
Gwen introduced us to free painting on fabric to create a series of marks in three colours, densely painted on one sheet and with more open areas on piece two.. These were then cut into six to eight small pieces which I joined together by simply overlapping the edges. Once in a strip we were invited to add stitch to reflect and embellish our paint marks.
30th January
Gill says: "Two more small quilts both using fabric from my stash.
I have long wanted to do a house quilt design and put this together using reds and creams, now I just have to quilt it.
The next quilt is for a forthcoming grandchild. The fabrics in this are all connected with the parents wedding. This also is waiting to be quilted by April.
Gill says: "Two more small quilts both using fabric from my stash.
I have long wanted to do a house quilt design and put this together using reds and creams, now I just have to quilt it.
The next quilt is for a forthcoming grandchild. The fabrics in this are all connected with the parents wedding. This also is waiting to be quilted by April.
January 1st 2022
This commissioned piece, inspired by fields of poppies, is now with its new owner, but I have permission to include a section of the finished, framed piece.
This commissioned piece, inspired by fields of poppies, is now with its new owner, but I have permission to include a section of the finished, framed piece.
December 4th
Our meeting this month included a quick, light hearted sewing of Consequences. Starting with the same backing fabric and twenty mins only. Round 1 saw us all create a head in any style we chose. These, rolled up, where passed to the next person who had to add a body without knowing anything about the head, this rolled, was passed on again for a waist to knee section to be added and the final pass added the knee to feet. With only twenty minutes to muster ideas, collect materials and stitch, we have not created works if art, but it was fun and the great opening of the rolls created much laughter! A positive note on which to end a really difficult year for everyone.
We don't meet in January so Christmas greetings exchanged and we look forward in hope to a better year in 2022.
Our meeting this month included a quick, light hearted sewing of Consequences. Starting with the same backing fabric and twenty mins only. Round 1 saw us all create a head in any style we chose. These, rolled up, where passed to the next person who had to add a body without knowing anything about the head, this rolled, was passed on again for a waist to knee section to be added and the final pass added the knee to feet. With only twenty minutes to muster ideas, collect materials and stitch, we have not created works if art, but it was fun and the great opening of the rolls created much laughter! A positive note on which to end a really difficult year for everyone.
We don't meet in January so Christmas greetings exchanged and we look forward in hope to a better year in 2022.
November 20th
Gill
During November I have been getting ahead and making Christmas cards.
I’m selling them to raise money for our local food bank.
Gill
During November I have been getting ahead and making Christmas cards.
I’m selling them to raise money for our local food bank.
November 6th
The group met together again for a day of sharing work developments and discussions about the future. The following are reports from attendees:
The group met together again for a day of sharing work developments and discussions about the future. The following are reports from attendees:
Philippa
I am now working on my Whitework for the for my diploma. The thing I need to do at the moment is to work out exactly where the border will go on the Whitework piece. It needs to be done mathematically depending on how the border is developed and that’s what I’m trying to plan with graph paper.
I am now working on my Whitework for the for my diploma. The thing I need to do at the moment is to work out exactly where the border will go on the Whitework piece. It needs to be done mathematically depending on how the border is developed and that’s what I’m trying to plan with graph paper.
Diana
I have just finished one project and am about to start another. In between I am cutting up some old sample pieces to make cards.
I have just finished one project and am about to start another. In between I am cutting up some old sample pieces to make cards.
Tracy
Expanding on the work I’ve been doing inspired by my seat pad business I’ve been taking the calico and furnishing fabric offcuts, keeping the odd cuts and curves intact, to create wall-hangings textured with stitch, couching and piping insertion. Other pieces of calico have been dyed with different teas and rusting and I’m creating patchwork fabrics as a base for working with print and quilting.
Expanding on the work I’ve been doing inspired by my seat pad business I’ve been taking the calico and furnishing fabric offcuts, keeping the odd cuts and curves intact, to create wall-hangings textured with stitch, couching and piping insertion. Other pieces of calico have been dyed with different teas and rusting and I’m creating patchwork fabrics as a base for working with print and quilting.
Sue
Extensive quilting using a range of subtly coloured threads completes my Shibori dyed piece. I’ve decided to finish it with facing to make a clean edge.
Extensive quilting using a range of subtly coloured threads completes my Shibori dyed piece. I’ve decided to finish it with facing to make a clean edge.
June
This is the book I made at a Frances Pickering workshop. The base is a painted fabric. I then used stamps I made from Funky Foam before embellishing with stitch and beads.
I am thinking of making another piece for the Derngate exhibition. I cut triangles from furnishing fabrics in the colours seen at Derngate and am experimenting putting them together.
This is the book I made at a Frances Pickering workshop. The base is a painted fabric. I then used stamps I made from Funky Foam before embellishing with stitch and beads.
I am thinking of making another piece for the Derngate exhibition. I cut triangles from furnishing fabrics in the colours seen at Derngate and am experimenting putting them together.
Chris
Negative space design of the newel post at 78 Derngate. Sashiko thread stitching on African strip cloth (inspired by the work of Liz Hewitt)
Fabric dyed with surplus thickened dyes at the end of a fabulous weekend workshop at Urban Studios North with Leah Higgins.
Negative space design of the newel post at 78 Derngate. Sashiko thread stitching on African strip cloth (inspired by the work of Liz Hewitt)
Fabric dyed with surplus thickened dyes at the end of a fabulous weekend workshop at Urban Studios North with Leah Higgins.
Sue
Sue recently attended an interesting talk and fun workshop by Richard McVetis, an artist-maker known for his meticulously embroidered drawings and objects. Using one of the world’s oldest crafts, he explores its contemporary possibilities. In the workshop we played with and pushed traditional stitches as far as we could.
Sue recently attended an interesting talk and fun workshop by Richard McVetis, an artist-maker known for his meticulously embroidered drawings and objects. Using one of the world’s oldest crafts, he explores its contemporary possibilities. In the workshop we played with and pushed traditional stitches as far as we could.
Philippa
was thrilled to discover that my latest piece for my course at The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) has been included in their exhibition at the Knitting and Stitching show. The show at Alexandra Palace has now been and gone but the Harrogate K&S show is 18-21 November. The images show the RSN Instagram post featuring my Stumpwork
was thrilled to discover that my latest piece for my course at The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) has been included in their exhibition at the Knitting and Stitching show. The show at Alexandra Palace has now been and gone but the Harrogate K&S show is 18-21 November. The images show the RSN Instagram post featuring my Stumpwork
" We have just had the wedding of very close family friends. I wanted to make a large lap quilt for the bride and groom and a cushion for the mother of the bride. Due to time constraints I needed to keep the design simple and used my batik stash to create a colourful quilt from strips of fabric. I then used left overs to make the cushion as a momento for my close friend of over 40 years."
October 2nd
Six of us were able to get together this month all busy on different projects while we await details of the new dates for our Derngate exhibition cancelled because of Covid last year.
Philippa
I was completing a wedding present lap quilt with the last bits of hand stitching including embroidering the name of the bride and groom, on the reverse, along with the date".
I was completing a wedding present lap quilt with the last bits of hand stitching including embroidering the name of the bride and groom, on the reverse, along with the date".
Sarah
Still working on the strip pieced pink and grey piece with special emphasis on quilting options today so that I can discuss the options with members of the group. Below are the two main options I have: Grey vertical lines with a heavy pink zig-zag running through the middle : vertical grey quilting with irregular vertical pink lines containing uneven zig-zag elements.
The balance of opinion was for the latter more irregular version.
Still working on the strip pieced pink and grey piece with special emphasis on quilting options today so that I can discuss the options with members of the group. Below are the two main options I have: Grey vertical lines with a heavy pink zig-zag running through the middle : vertical grey quilting with irregular vertical pink lines containing uneven zig-zag elements.
The balance of opinion was for the latter more irregular version.
Diana:
This is part way through an abstraction of images from Gaudi buildings in Barcelona. It was started at a Wendy Dolan workshop and will be finished with large quantities of machine embroidery.
Gill:
This is extreme recycling. The plaited bag is made from my husband’s old trousers and the scarf is made from his old ties.
This is extreme recycling. The plaited bag is made from my husband’s old trousers and the scarf is made from his old ties.
Tracy:
Having started a small business producing bespoke seat and bench pads in early 2020, I have embraced the subject matter as inspiration and am using the fabric cut offs from the process in a more creative way.
Having started a small business producing bespoke seat and bench pads in early 2020, I have embraced the subject matter as inspiration and am using the fabric cut offs from the process in a more creative way.
Sue:
After several weeks unable to stitch following a Carpal Tunnel operation, I have returned to machine quilting my shibori-dyed whole cloth piece.
After several weeks unable to stitch following a Carpal Tunnel operation, I have returned to machine quilting my shibori-dyed whole cloth piece.
September4th
We were a select few at this month's meeting with holidays and other engagements preventing everyone being there. We still find joy in actually being able to meet and see each other's work close up.
Gill
I am mainly doing slow stitching. It’s roughly based on a log cabin theme so it’s again using up a little scrap bits that I have dyed and printed then collated them into a nice collection of bits.
We were a select few at this month's meeting with holidays and other engagements preventing everyone being there. We still find joy in actually being able to meet and see each other's work close up.
Gill
I am mainly doing slow stitching. It’s roughly based on a log cabin theme so it’s again using up a little scrap bits that I have dyed and printed then collated them into a nice collection of bits.
Diana
This will be a wagtail. It is the fourth in a series of hand embroideries of the small garden birds I have seen on the birdfeeders in my new garden.
This will be a wagtail. It is the fourth in a series of hand embroideries of the small garden birds I have seen on the birdfeeders in my new garden.
June
These are two of the six panels I made during lockdown. I started off doing the courthouse steps design and it’s quite interesting to see how they all worked out in different sizes. I’m thinking of binding with the green but that might be too bright. I might make up a variegated binding which will pick up different colours.
These are two of the six panels I made during lockdown. I started off doing the courthouse steps design and it’s quite interesting to see how they all worked out in different sizes. I’m thinking of binding with the green but that might be too bright. I might make up a variegated binding which will pick up different colours.
Sue
This is my Shibori dyed piece that I was considering the last time I was here. I’ve been mulling it over and I’ve decided to keep it as a whole cloth. I see it is bamboo trees and I am stitching at the moment in a fine black thread.
This is my Shibori dyed piece that I was considering the last time I was here. I’ve been mulling it over and I’ve decided to keep it as a whole cloth. I see it is bamboo trees and I am stitching at the moment in a fine black thread.
Sarah
Following my week with Leah Higgins I am now working with my Breakdown printed fabrics. These, in pink and grey are for a bedhead in a recently decorated bedroom. The fabric has been cut into strips and reassembled in shorter lengths along with a coupe of commercially printed fabrics I had in my stash. I really love the variety of marks that have been achieved.
Following my week with Leah Higgins I am now working with my Breakdown printed fabrics. These, in pink and grey are for a bedhead in a recently decorated bedroom. The fabric has been cut into strips and reassembled in shorter lengths along with a coupe of commercially printed fabrics I had in my stash. I really love the variety of marks that have been achieved.
September 1st
Philippa: I managed to find some fantastic fabric for a baby mat at The Festival of Quilts. Due to time constraints I kept the design simple. The mat is 25 inches square and for my great nephew. I feel it is a good example of keeping cutting and stitching to a minimum but achieving a lovely effect through the choice of fabric".
Philippa: I managed to find some fantastic fabric for a baby mat at The Festival of Quilts. Due to time constraints I kept the design simple. The mat is 25 inches square and for my great nephew. I feel it is a good example of keeping cutting and stitching to a minimum but achieving a lovely effect through the choice of fabric".
August 21st
Sarah: I have just returned from five days of feverish screen printing with Leah Higgins of Urban Studios North. Leah was teaching Breakdown Printing. With this technique, it is difficult to predict the results that will be obtained!
Here are a couple of images of the process. The next stage is to rinse out all the free dye still on the fabrics and wash them, only then will I see what I have really created! More details on my website.
www.sarahshowers.com/blog.html
Sarah: I have just returned from five days of feverish screen printing with Leah Higgins of Urban Studios North. Leah was teaching Breakdown Printing. With this technique, it is difficult to predict the results that will be obtained!
Here are a couple of images of the process. The next stage is to rinse out all the free dye still on the fabrics and wash them, only then will I see what I have really created! More details on my website.
www.sarahshowers.com/blog.html
30th July
After a great deal of uncertainty a number of us have made the trip to the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham where our former member Sabi Westoby had a gallery.
While there were a number of exquisitely made pieces on show I personally found fewer pieces that excited me or which shone out this year. (maybe everyone has found creativity hard this year)
Sabi's gallery stood out, titled "Uprooted" the gallery highlighted the plight of refugees and migrants fleeing to Europe. Her work catalogued the 34,361 souls who perished trying to reach europe or being denied the right to stay once they had arrived. The hardest part to bear was that such a tiny proportion died with us knowing their name.
It's a stark and poignant exhibit that deserves a wider audience.
After a great deal of uncertainty a number of us have made the trip to the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham where our former member Sabi Westoby had a gallery.
While there were a number of exquisitely made pieces on show I personally found fewer pieces that excited me or which shone out this year. (maybe everyone has found creativity hard this year)
Sabi's gallery stood out, titled "Uprooted" the gallery highlighted the plight of refugees and migrants fleeing to Europe. Her work catalogued the 34,361 souls who perished trying to reach europe or being denied the right to stay once they had arrived. The hardest part to bear was that such a tiny proportion died with us knowing their name.
It's a stark and poignant exhibit that deserves a wider audience.
3rd July
Our second meeting, a small number, taking care to social distance.
Gill
Gill recently enjoyed ‘Stitch Books 'Inspired By A Walk In The Park’ tutored by Anne Kelly at West Dean and is also working on a piece she started during the workshop. She is also making progress with a couple of folding books using papers and fabrics acquired on a trip to Japan in 2019.
Our second meeting, a small number, taking care to social distance.
Gill
Gill recently enjoyed ‘Stitch Books 'Inspired By A Walk In The Park’ tutored by Anne Kelly at West Dean and is also working on a piece she started during the workshop. She is also making progress with a couple of folding books using papers and fabrics acquired on a trip to Japan in 2019.
Chris
Chris is working on a hand stitched fabric book using up vintage scraps of fabric, lace and all kinds of embellishments.
Chris is working on a hand stitched fabric book using up vintage scraps of fabric, lace and all kinds of embellishments.
Philippa
Philippa has started sampling for the Whitework module of her Diploma. She has produced an outline design and is now experimenting with pulse and drawn work to develop the design further.
Philippa has started sampling for the Whitework module of her Diploma. She has produced an outline design and is now experimenting with pulse and drawn work to develop the design further.
Sarah
Although not at the meeting Sarah has been continuing to work on a piece for Festival of Quilts 2022 on the theme of "Uncharted".
She is attempting to hand stitch her way down a long narrow composition with the title "The Threads of my Life".
The following is an extract form her early years,
Although not at the meeting Sarah has been continuing to work on a piece for Festival of Quilts 2022 on the theme of "Uncharted".
She is attempting to hand stitch her way down a long narrow composition with the title "The Threads of my Life".
The following is an extract form her early years,
June
June is working with an old hessian coffee bean sack and knitting in a piece of work for the Eastern Region Textile Forum who are exhibiting at RHS Hyde Hall. She is also starting on a new piece for the upcoming 78 Derngate exhibition next year.
June is working with an old hessian coffee bean sack and knitting in a piece of work for the Eastern Region Textile Forum who are exhibiting at RHS Hyde Hall. She is also starting on a new piece for the upcoming 78 Derngate exhibition next year.
Diana
Diana is making a fidget quilt for a friend’s father in law who is a dementia sufferer who has a habit of pulling at his clothes and the furniture. The quilt will have all kinds of tactile elements firmly attached to it by the time its completed.
Diana is making a fidget quilt for a friend’s father in law who is a dementia sufferer who has a habit of pulling at his clothes and the furniture. The quilt will have all kinds of tactile elements firmly attached to it by the time its completed.
5th June
The group have met together for the first time since October '20. Delighted to enjoy seeing each other's work completed over lockdown, catch up on lives lived under these difficult circumstances.
The group have met together for the first time since October '20. Delighted to enjoy seeing each other's work completed over lockdown, catch up on lives lived under these difficult circumstances.
Sarah
Progress on a wall hanging piece that I am making for my sister in law based on her colour scheme and theme, Poppies.
Progress on a wall hanging piece that I am making for my sister in law based on her colour scheme and theme, Poppies.
Diana
This will be a sparrow, one of a series of hand embroideries of small garden birds
This will be a sparrow, one of a series of hand embroideries of small garden birds
Sue
A shibori dyed piece I am currently deciding what to do with.
A shibori dyed piece I am currently deciding what to do with.
Chris
Bobbin snippet roll, started as a relaxing mindful project during lockdown. Handstitched and embellished with beads and buttons. The finished piece is 2 m long.
The winter tree is a piece produced for a challenge themed on the seasons. It is made from digitally printed fabric and died paper, machine embroidered and printed.
Bobbin snippet roll, started as a relaxing mindful project during lockdown. Handstitched and embellished with beads and buttons. The finished piece is 2 m long.
The winter tree is a piece produced for a challenge themed on the seasons. It is made from digitally printed fabric and died paper, machine embroidered and printed.
Jill
This is a snippet roll. It’s the first one that I’ve done. I think the name is fairly self-explanatory. I really enjoyed doing it and I’ll definitely do some more to use up all my scraps.
This is a snippet roll. It’s the first one that I’ve done. I think the name is fairly self-explanatory. I really enjoyed doing it and I’ll definitely do some more to use up all my scraps.
June
I was inspired to make these pieces when I saw the amount of offcuts of different shapes that I had in my stash. They all randomly put together but you seem to go together quite coherently and the colours seem to fall into four different sets I’ve actually made one representing each of the season.
I was inspired to make these pieces when I saw the amount of offcuts of different shapes that I had in my stash. They all randomly put together but you seem to go together quite coherently and the colours seem to fall into four different sets I’ve actually made one representing each of the season.
May 2021
Philippa
Last week I was lucky enough to visit the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture display and Museum in St Ives. We went, by train, from the southern Cornish coast where we were staying.
The garden is a haven of peace in a bustling seaside town.
The rain held off white we were in the garden which was sheltered from 50 mile an hour winds.
It was well worth the visit and a special treat in our Covid times.
Last week I was lucky enough to visit the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture display and Museum in St Ives. We went, by train, from the southern Cornish coast where we were staying.
The garden is a haven of peace in a bustling seaside town.
The rain held off white we were in the garden which was sheltered from 50 mile an hour winds.
It was well worth the visit and a special treat in our Covid times.
April 2021
Gill
1 .This baby quilt is a gift for a new grandchild and it looks perfect in her Moses basket. It’s machine pieced and hand quilted “ in the ditch”.
2&3. I bought the three appliqué blocks several years ago and have now joined them together with log cabin piecing. I made it into a table runner and it is a gift for my niece who has spent a lot of time in South Africa.
4. This is a pram size quilt, hand quilted, and using material that I already had. I made two as we now have twins in the family.
1 .This baby quilt is a gift for a new grandchild and it looks perfect in her Moses basket. It’s machine pieced and hand quilted “ in the ditch”.
2&3. I bought the three appliqué blocks several years ago and have now joined them together with log cabin piecing. I made it into a table runner and it is a gift for my niece who has spent a lot of time in South Africa.
4. This is a pram size quilt, hand quilted, and using material that I already had. I made two as we now have twins in the family.
March 2021
Sarah
Delighted to be a student on Tansy Hargan's "From Sketchbook to the Wall", on line two week course. The students are a wonderful international mix with delightfully different textile backgrounds. Those who know me will know that drawing is not one of my strong points, but I have embraced Tansy's methodology and am enjoying everyday. I will be posting on my Members page and in detail on http://www.sarahshowers.com/blog.html
Below are details from three different pieces using Tansy Hargan's techniques.
June
Having completed a lap quilt following a commercial pattern comprising stars and courthouse steps blocks, I decided to try and reduce my stash of scrappy strips and make a number of blocks following the courthouse steps method - the fabrics used were selected more by size than colour. I ended up with a motley collection but these fell roughly into 2 colour ways. The larger, reds/orange panel, I edged with an orange fabric which has been in my stash for a very long time and had found no use for. The remaining, predominantly green, blocks make up the smaller panel.
I found I had a magazine from the year 2000 full of quilts to make from scraps and one of these suggested making rows of different patterns.
This seemed to be an ideal solution for the large number of triangular scraps I had and I literally threw them together to see what would emerge. When I laid them out I found most of the rows ended up the same width and again they fell into 2 colour ranges - green and blue. At this point I thought I could call these pieces ‘Lockdown Scrappy Seasons - Green for Spring, Orange, probably Autumn, Blue Winter and the smaller panel Summer. However I may make a more colourful piece for Summer as the small panel is too similar to the long green one.
They are now ready to quilt.
Having completed a lap quilt following a commercial pattern comprising stars and courthouse steps blocks, I decided to try and reduce my stash of scrappy strips and make a number of blocks following the courthouse steps method - the fabrics used were selected more by size than colour. I ended up with a motley collection but these fell roughly into 2 colour ways. The larger, reds/orange panel, I edged with an orange fabric which has been in my stash for a very long time and had found no use for. The remaining, predominantly green, blocks make up the smaller panel.
I found I had a magazine from the year 2000 full of quilts to make from scraps and one of these suggested making rows of different patterns.
This seemed to be an ideal solution for the large number of triangular scraps I had and I literally threw them together to see what would emerge. When I laid them out I found most of the rows ended up the same width and again they fell into 2 colour ranges - green and blue. At this point I thought I could call these pieces ‘Lockdown Scrappy Seasons - Green for Spring, Orange, probably Autumn, Blue Winter and the smaller panel Summer. However I may make a more colourful piece for Summer as the small panel is too similar to the long green one.
They are now ready to quilt.
Diana
I belong to the East Midlands Region of the Open University Geological Society. Its magazine "Rockhopper" comes out every two months and usually contains articles reporting on field trips as well as short biographies of how members started in geology. At
present there are no trips so the editor asked for other contributions. Two years ago the Embroiderers' Guild exhibition "Geology and Fossils" was held at the National Stone Centre in Derbyshire and many geologists were impressed by the interpretation of the topic in textiles. In the February 2021 edition of Rockhopper I wrote about my use of geology as inspiration for stitching. I have far more pieces of work inspired by geological forms but, as I was writing for geologists not stitchers, I limited myself to seven. The article is shown below:
I belong to the East Midlands Region of the Open University Geological Society. Its magazine "Rockhopper" comes out every two months and usually contains articles reporting on field trips as well as short biographies of how members started in geology. At
present there are no trips so the editor asked for other contributions. Two years ago the Embroiderers' Guild exhibition "Geology and Fossils" was held at the National Stone Centre in Derbyshire and many geologists were impressed by the interpretation of the topic in textiles. In the February 2021 edition of Rockhopper I wrote about my use of geology as inspiration for stitching. I have far more pieces of work inspired by geological forms but, as I was writing for geologists not stitchers, I limited myself to seven. The article is shown below:
Geology meets textiles
In a previous edition of Rockhopper I wrote about my introduction to geology from looking at rocks on holidays, through studying with the OU and membership of OUGS to an M. Sc. in Earth Sciences. Before and alongside this I always stitched. As well as patchwork quilts for family and friends, numerous seascapes and location-based pieces for various exhibitions, I kept coming back to geology
When I make an image in textiles I do not try to make an exact copy of something. I may use one of my photos or my imagination as a starting point then see where the materials take me.
Felting produces a soft surface you can stitch into. For Volcano (figure 1) I picked wool in bright colours which reminded me of lava for the background, then beads and coloured threads to give an impression of sparks and light. It is not meant to represent any real volcano. Sulphur Pool (figure 2) used wool in the colours of the mud and sulphur I saw in Iceland.
Haast (Figure 3) is based on the gneiss cliffs above Haast in New Zealand. It consists of hundreds of single threads couched down by hand with metallic threads to represent the sparkle you can get in gneiss.
For Sediments (Figure 4) I used monoprinting for the coloured background. I then added some machine stitching and lots of tiny hand sewn beads. When I wanted to make a piece based on Northamptonshire ironstone I started by rusting some fabric (figure 5). Fabric soaked in a mild acid, such as water with a little lemon juice or vinegar, picks off colour from any rusty iron objects it is in contact with. The image shows the fabric after rusting but before I added any stitch.
Trilobites (Figure 6) was for an exhibition “Geology and Fossils” organised by the East Midlands region of the Embroiderers’ Guild and held at the National Stone Centre in 2019. I made a stencil and printed my eight trilobites. By placing wadding behind the fabric and using dense machine stitching between them, they are raised above the background. The large number of entries for the exhibition shows there are lots of people out there stitching images based on geological forms
In spring 2020 I should have had work in an exhibition at 78 Derngate Northampton, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh house. The theme of the exhibition was “Decay”. The exhibition was cancelled because of Covid, but not before we had completed our pieces. Mine was inspired by the decay of the Greenland ice sheet (Figure 7). Again, it is an impression not a scientific diagram, but would have been accompanied by text giving the background.
When we are all allowed out again I hope to get back to some geology. In the meantime I can sit at home and sew.
Chris
Little stitching over the last few weeks, lots of research and thinking though. I've started to put together some ideas for a challenge inspired by the Silk Roads. My design wall is amassing all kinds of ideas, images and materials - it will be interesting to see what finally emerges.
Little stitching over the last few weeks, lots of research and thinking though. I've started to put together some ideas for a challenge inspired by the Silk Roads. My design wall is amassing all kinds of ideas, images and materials - it will be interesting to see what finally emerges.
And I'm part way through a fabulous mixed media thumbnail sketching course with Tansy Hargan. The image here is a spread from my sketchbook - each thumbnail is made using collaged found papers and assorted colouring media. My aim in signing up was to improve both my observational and sketching skills and I'm delighted to be making progress with both.
Sarah
Given the lack of textile stimulus for the last twelve months I have decided to join Contemporary Quilt Journal Quilt Project again this year. There are some strict criteria to cope with, size no smaller than 6" and 12" in any direction and all twelve should be hung as one piece at the end. I am subverting this a bit. Fellow participants have experimented with interlocking shapes, etc but I may want to use then in smaller groups once the year is out! I shall mount them on net and create free hanging celebratory garlands between the pieces.
I am sticking to rectangles and my theme goes back to our 2018 trip to India. I am using imagery from those fabulous days as the basis of my designs.
Below is my whole year plan and images I have used for January and February pieces.
Given the lack of textile stimulus for the last twelve months I have decided to join Contemporary Quilt Journal Quilt Project again this year. There are some strict criteria to cope with, size no smaller than 6" and 12" in any direction and all twelve should be hung as one piece at the end. I am subverting this a bit. Fellow participants have experimented with interlocking shapes, etc but I may want to use then in smaller groups once the year is out! I shall mount them on net and create free hanging celebratory garlands between the pieces.
I am sticking to rectangles and my theme goes back to our 2018 trip to India. I am using imagery from those fabulous days as the basis of my designs.
Below is my whole year plan and images I have used for January and February pieces.
February 2021
Philippa
I was thrilled to see that my Blackwork module from my Diploma course made it into the Winter Newsletter from the Royal School of Needlework. My embroidery is taken from a photograph of my father when he was approximately 23 years old. It would have been taken around 1946 when he had just finished University and was starting work with the Admiralty.
January 2021
Sarah
The enforced time at home in December enabled be to complete my second On the Margins piece. This piece was inspired by walking among unused, forgotten, decayed and overgrown buildings and features of the countryside. I loved the damaged surfaces, missing elements, their overgrown sections and rampant ivy. Again I'm working in abstractions, which only suggest the sense of place I felt so strongly.
I am now exploring the industrial world's left behind carcasses!
Below is the completed piece and below it, two close up details.
The enforced time at home in December enabled be to complete my second On the Margins piece. This piece was inspired by walking among unused, forgotten, decayed and overgrown buildings and features of the countryside. I loved the damaged surfaces, missing elements, their overgrown sections and rampant ivy. Again I'm working in abstractions, which only suggest the sense of place I felt so strongly.
I am now exploring the industrial world's left behind carcasses!
Below is the completed piece and below it, two close up details.
Diana
Many friends are using their fabric mountains and scrap bags so they can keep stitching during the current lockdown. Fabric shops are deemed non-essential!
Over the years I have used blue fabric for seascapes and many quilts. That has left me with lots of bits, all smaller than a fat quarter, some only a few inches. I tipped the pile onto the table and added a few orange scraps.
I am planning to cut pieces in multiples of 2" (plus seam allowance), as big as possible from each piece so, for example, 6" by 4" or 8" by 2", down to 2" by 2", with an extra half inch on each length – inches because that is how my cutting ruler is marked. I will put them together fairly randomly to make 16" squares. Two by three of these squares with sashing in between plus a border will make a single quilt. It will probably end up with Project Linus, they are always short of quilts for older children.
Many friends are using their fabric mountains and scrap bags so they can keep stitching during the current lockdown. Fabric shops are deemed non-essential!
Over the years I have used blue fabric for seascapes and many quilts. That has left me with lots of bits, all smaller than a fat quarter, some only a few inches. I tipped the pile onto the table and added a few orange scraps.
I am planning to cut pieces in multiples of 2" (plus seam allowance), as big as possible from each piece so, for example, 6" by 4" or 8" by 2", down to 2" by 2", with an extra half inch on each length – inches because that is how my cutting ruler is marked. I will put them together fairly randomly to make 16" squares. Two by three of these squares with sashing in between plus a border will make a single quilt. It will probably end up with Project Linus, they are always short of quilts for older children.
June:
I made this cushion on the morning of Christmas Day so I could give it to grand-daughter Amelie in the afternoon! It matches the small quilt I made for her 15th birthday at the end of September.
As a group
Covid 19 still prevents the group from meeting. In the meanwhile members work on their own themes and at a pace that suits their individual circumstances.
Covid 19 still prevents the group from meeting. In the meanwhile members work on their own themes and at a pace that suits their individual circumstances.
December 2020
Sarah
As I have made a point of taking photographs of all sorts while out walking through Lockdowns I have a great collection of images. I am trawling through them with the aim of printing some of my own Christmas cards in celebration of the British countryside. I am particularly fond of this one
http://www.sarahshowers.com/blog.html
November 2020
Chris
As the evenings have drawn in, I've continued to enjoy hand stitching and my little boro bobbin wrap has grown to nearly 2 metres in length! It's become somewhat addictive but time to finish it off I think! Bookmaking has emerged as the theme of the year for me, my latest is a fabric book inspired by the seasons. I'm working on the autumn pages right now using screen printed fabrics and printed papers - no stitch yet, that will come later. And I'm following Laura Kemshall's Creative Sketchbook challenge which is an excellent project and an interesting approach to working in a sketchbook.
As the evenings have drawn in, I've continued to enjoy hand stitching and my little boro bobbin wrap has grown to nearly 2 metres in length! It's become somewhat addictive but time to finish it off I think! Bookmaking has emerged as the theme of the year for me, my latest is a fabric book inspired by the seasons. I'm working on the autumn pages right now using screen printed fabrics and printed papers - no stitch yet, that will come later. And I'm following Laura Kemshall's Creative Sketchbook challenge which is an excellent project and an interesting approach to working in a sketchbook.
Sarah
Following on from my work on the At The Margins series I wrote an article for the CQ newsletter which I have included in full on my members page.https://www.allthreadedtogether.com/current-work1.html
October 2020
As we were able to continue to meet if we were a group of six, we agreed to stand down for one meeting each to enable the rest to meet. Thus six of us enjoyed sharing a day of stitching and discussion on October 3rd.
Sarah
Continuing to work on the second "Margins" piece I have been experimenting with creating Ivy leaves which could be appliqued to the surface of the work.
Using two layers of fabric laminated together, which were stitched to indicate veins
Philippa
"Despite new local restrictions I was able to go on a half day crochet workshop (counts as 'education'). I have wanted to learn the basics of crochet for a while and seized an opportunity to attend a local workshop. At the beginning it was a struggle to get my head around it but I produced the orange bowl in the photograph. An excellent morning out!"
"Despite new local restrictions I was able to go on a half day crochet workshop (counts as 'education'). I have wanted to learn the basics of crochet for a while and seized an opportunity to attend a local workshop. At the beginning it was a struggle to get my head around it but I produced the orange bowl in the photograph. An excellent morning out!"
Gill
I have finished a few more items due to the lockdown!
A blue cot quilt using scraps
Table runner with more blue fabric
Quilt using packs of pre cut squares
All three pieces are machine pieced and hand quilted
I have finished a few more items due to the lockdown!
A blue cot quilt using scraps
Table runner with more blue fabric
Quilt using packs of pre cut squares
All three pieces are machine pieced and hand quilted
September 2020
The group has been able to meet together, socially distanced and masked, for the first time since March! Lovely to see each other's work and exchange thoughts and ideas.
Sadly subsequent meetings may now be in doubt.
Sadly subsequent meetings may now be in doubt.
Philippa
I have been to the reopened Kimono exhibition at the V&A. Overall I felt safe although, as a member, I was able to get tickets (free) before the museum opening time to the public.
It was a very comprehensive exhibition with beautiful hand embroidery and different printing techniques used. Would thoroughly recommend, if you feel able to go into London."
Philippa
"Following lockdown I have started back at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace. Long may it continue! I am now working on the Stumpwork module of the Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery. The Stumpwork will be 2 figures walking across Westminster Bridge. At the moment I am working on the Applique background. The background fabric is now applied and I am in the middle of couching the raw edges and adding embroidered detail".
"Following lockdown I have started back at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace. Long may it continue! I am now working on the Stumpwork module of the Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery. The Stumpwork will be 2 figures walking across Westminster Bridge. At the moment I am working on the Applique background. The background fabric is now applied and I am in the middle of couching the raw edges and adding embroidered detail".
Diana
One of the topics for this round of travelling books is decorated eggs. I decided to use metallic fabric, sparkly thread, beads and sequins – very delicate! The fabric looks different colours in different light.
One of the topics for this round of travelling books is decorated eggs. I decided to use metallic fabric, sparkly thread, beads and sequins – very delicate! The fabric looks different colours in different light.
Sarah
Still working on my Margins theme (Agricultural decay) I am now working to create a collection of fabrics for the front. I have then been trialling possible quilting patterns. I really love this very creative part of the process with decisions affecting the success of the outcome.
I am currently machine quilting this piece, with Hobbs 80/20 wadding and a cotton backing cloth. The stitch pattern I am using is the one show far right above.
Still working on my Margins theme (Agricultural decay) I am now working to create a collection of fabrics for the front. I have then been trialling possible quilting patterns. I really love this very creative part of the process with decisions affecting the success of the outcome.
I am currently machine quilting this piece, with Hobbs 80/20 wadding and a cotton backing cloth. The stitch pattern I am using is the one show far right above.
Chris
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Whilst I've had little time to spend at my sewing machine, I've been inspired by Anne Brooke's HanneMADE project to do some Boro style hand stitching. Highly enjoyable!
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My little stitched map of Horner Woods has actually been finished, just needs mounting and framing.
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I've also been book making and printing. The first two images on the right are pages from a journal I started earlier in the year and will continue to work into.
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And inspired by Jude Kingshott's workshop at this year's Virtual Festival of Quilts, I tried my hand at plant printing on watercolour paper. The prints have been made into a concertina book and again I plan to work into them further.
I find making these little books is a great way to experiment and familiarise myself with different media. |
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August 2020
With lockdown still running for us as a group we are continuing to work on our own on projects that we feel able to pursue or have the time and energy for. Creativity has been a little patchy!
Sarah.
I am delighted to have a small piece accepted for the Suitcase Collection that Contemporary Quilt offers for hire to groups. The theme of the new Contemporary Quilt collection is "On the Road".
My submission is a piece made as a reminder of the long drive south to the Lot, in south west France, along the roads lined with trees to keep the traffic out of the sun. So much more important when in open carts and coaches or marching with the troops the trees kept travellers out of the mid day sun.
The pieces in the collection go"on the road" for groups to hire and see a collection of 50 - 60 A3 quilts
I am delighted to have a small piece accepted for the Suitcase Collection that Contemporary Quilt offers for hire to groups. The theme of the new Contemporary Quilt collection is "On the Road".
My submission is a piece made as a reminder of the long drive south to the Lot, in south west France, along the roads lined with trees to keep the traffic out of the sun. So much more important when in open carts and coaches or marching with the troops the trees kept travellers out of the mid day sun.
The pieces in the collection go"on the road" for groups to hire and see a collection of 50 - 60 A3 quilts
Gill
Wood block printing is very effective and versatile. The base fabric already had pale gold squares on it from a previous experiment so I used acrylic paint on a gelli pad and then applied the wood blocks and then pressed the fabric on.
Wood block printing is very effective and versatile. The base fabric already had pale gold squares on it from a previous experiment so I used acrylic paint on a gelli pad and then applied the wood blocks and then pressed the fabric on.
Chris
Creativity has continued to be sadly lacking these last few months. Sewing time has diminished as lockdown eases due to increasing demands of grandchildren without school and nursery who need constant entertainment! Masks are being sewn and UFOs continue to be worked on as time allows. But this weekend I managed to spend time in the studio on some breakdown printing, good fun and even maybe the start of a new piece of work .... it's good to feel a frisson of creativity again!
Creativity has continued to be sadly lacking these last few months. Sewing time has diminished as lockdown eases due to increasing demands of grandchildren without school and nursery who need constant entertainment! Masks are being sewn and UFOs continue to be worked on as time allows. But this weekend I managed to spend time in the studio on some breakdown printing, good fun and even maybe the start of a new piece of work .... it's good to feel a frisson of creativity again!
Sarah
One of the positive things to come out of the lockdown has been the time to consider what it was that I wanted to devote my time and energy too now that all the constraints of the exhibition were passed. Through discussions with people over lockdown and realising that I really missed the wide open spaces and sea breezes.
The notion of being 'At the Margins' physically, coast and desert margins, financially and practically through destitution and the pushed out, refugees, such as the Rohingya Muslims. These margins conjure imagery and feelings which I felt I had the time and energy to explore now.
Largely because I had a ready supply of my coastal images and that I was interested in the notion of a Strand line where the flotsam ends up this is where I started. I am now near to completing the first work in this series and you can read about the process and see the piece at all the stages in its development on the Blog on my Website.
http://www.sarahshowers.com/blog.html from 13/7/20 and below
One of the positive things to come out of the lockdown has been the time to consider what it was that I wanted to devote my time and energy too now that all the constraints of the exhibition were passed. Through discussions with people over lockdown and realising that I really missed the wide open spaces and sea breezes.
The notion of being 'At the Margins' physically, coast and desert margins, financially and practically through destitution and the pushed out, refugees, such as the Rohingya Muslims. These margins conjure imagery and feelings which I felt I had the time and energy to explore now.
Largely because I had a ready supply of my coastal images and that I was interested in the notion of a Strand line where the flotsam ends up this is where I started. I am now near to completing the first work in this series and you can read about the process and see the piece at all the stages in its development on the Blog on my Website.
http://www.sarahshowers.com/blog.html from 13/7/20 and below
Philippa
"I decided lockdown was a good opportunity to finish a rag rug I started many years ago. Fortunately, I already started a little round the edges and in the middle. I also had a number of old jumpers ready for a hot wash. I am thrilled it is no longer a big bag full of unfinished work on top of the wardrobe!".
"I decided lockdown was a good opportunity to finish a rag rug I started many years ago. Fortunately, I already started a little round the edges and in the middle. I also had a number of old jumpers ready for a hot wash. I am thrilled it is no longer a big bag full of unfinished work on top of the wardrobe!".
June
This is a detail from my forthcoming ERTF Exhibition piece - block print made in Jaipur workshop embellished with hand stitch
This is a detail from my forthcoming ERTF Exhibition piece - block print made in Jaipur workshop embellished with hand stitch
Diana
My creative stitching has slowed down but my sewing machine has been busy. At the start of the Covid 19 outbreak, carers needed facemasks and many people started making the pleated versions with a layer of interfacing between two layers of cotton fabric. Some liked elastic behind the ears, others preferred the long ties. The masks were not hospital quality but were good enough and were machine washable. I used some of my fabric mountain, initially plain fabric in subdued colours but the masks in bright colours and bold prints were more popular.
My creative stitching has slowed down but my sewing machine has been busy. At the start of the Covid 19 outbreak, carers needed facemasks and many people started making the pleated versions with a layer of interfacing between two layers of cotton fabric. Some liked elastic behind the ears, others preferred the long ties. The masks were not hospital quality but were good enough and were machine washable. I used some of my fabric mountain, initially plain fabric in subdued colours but the masks in bright colours and bold prints were more popular.
After about a month there was a better supply of disposable masks so I stopped making them. Once people were allowed out again there was a call for lighter weight face coverings. A friend started making them for people from our village to collect from our community shop, asking for a donation towards a local charity. As demand grew, I joined in and have now made over forty of this design, two layers of tightly woven cotton material. Again, the bright and bold fabric is more popular.
Sarah
I have found some solace in working with fabric and have split my time between therapeutic repetitive hand stitch which has been calming and has made a very small dent in the large stash of fabric.
I also set about some thoughtful planning with the overall theme of "At the Margins". I have enjoyed trawling through my substantial bank of images taken over twenty years. In a throw away world the bits that are discarded or left to decay are all around to see. I have found it interesting to make a selection of images that could be used as a basis for this piece of work. I also decided that I wished to use some of these images in the work but not as a picture quilt. I used Photoshop to distort, change enhance and recolour some of these images. I experimented printing on fabric. Initially, I used pre-prepared sheets for Ink Jet printer and latterly with sending images away to be commercially printed on full widths of fabric. http://www.sarahshowers.com/blog.html
May 2020
Chris
I've managed to complete just one of my unfinished projects! In 2017, I participated in a challenge in which we had to use the pantone colour of the year which for that year was Greenery. I decided to make a small quilt using complementary colours and at the same time trying to improve my piecing skills. The quilt was never finished in time for the challenge deadline but three years later and lockdown has given me the time to complete it!
In the last couple of weeks, I've been printing and dyeing fabrics to make a quick and cheerful throw for my kitchen. I'm also having fun mono printing leaves and creating a journal to capture this strange and unusual spring of 2020. As the weather seems set fair for the next couple of days, I'm planning some sun printing and cyanotyping to incorporate.
I've managed to complete just one of my unfinished projects! In 2017, I participated in a challenge in which we had to use the pantone colour of the year which for that year was Greenery. I decided to make a small quilt using complementary colours and at the same time trying to improve my piecing skills. The quilt was never finished in time for the challenge deadline but three years later and lockdown has given me the time to complete it!
In the last couple of weeks, I've been printing and dyeing fabrics to make a quick and cheerful throw for my kitchen. I'm also having fun mono printing leaves and creating a journal to capture this strange and unusual spring of 2020. As the weather seems set fair for the next couple of days, I'm planning some sun printing and cyanotyping to incorporate.
Sarah
While working on the dyed fabrics from March I have been experimenting with the remaining fabrics from the Contemporary Quilt Summer School in September last. It's a learning exercise rather than a piece of my art. I realise more and more that regularity and standardisation are really not my forte! I have also learned that I have overdone the pattern and that I need to know when less is more. Here are a few images of the experiment in progress.
While working on the dyed fabrics from March I have been experimenting with the remaining fabrics from the Contemporary Quilt Summer School in September last. It's a learning exercise rather than a piece of my art. I realise more and more that regularity and standardisation are really not my forte! I have also learned that I have overdone the pattern and that I need to know when less is more. Here are a few images of the experiment in progress.
April 2020
Sarah
At our March meeting I worked to produce a group of bag dyed, used fabrics. I wanted an unusual combination of purple, gray and muddy yellow.
I have used these fabrics to create a simple block, not unlike Attic Window, using these three colours. I have now succeeded in getting twenty five blocks made and all of the gray and purple fabric is now used up. I shall be working to determine exactly how to frame these blocks with a border and will post again then.
Meanwhile details of my daily activity can be found at: http://www.sarahshowers.com/blog.html
At our March meeting I worked to produce a group of bag dyed, used fabrics. I wanted an unusual combination of purple, gray and muddy yellow.
I have used these fabrics to create a simple block, not unlike Attic Window, using these three colours. I have now succeeded in getting twenty five blocks made and all of the gray and purple fabric is now used up. I shall be working to determine exactly how to frame these blocks with a border and will post again then.
Meanwhile details of my daily activity can be found at: http://www.sarahshowers.com/blog.html
Gill
I have been quite industrious and finished the Kantha quilt and also made more cards. I sent some before I photographed them, but here are two that I made.
I have been quite industrious and finished the Kantha quilt and also made more cards. I sent some before I photographed them, but here are two that I made.
We were all saddened to loose the opportunity to exhibit our work this year, but completely understand the need to do so and remain in our homes.
We are now working away at a number of projects now that we have a little more time. For many of us this is an opportunity to complete pieces and be a little more experimental!
We are now working away at a number of projects now that we have a little more time. For many of us this is an opportunity to complete pieces and be a little more experimental!
Philippa
"Just before the schools closed I was able to have my annual visit to a local primary school. I am one of a variety of artists invited into the school for their week of art. I love showing them quilts and embroidery and they show great interest. It is a very satisfying experience"
Chris
I'm using my time to finish some of the many unfinished projects I seem to have accumulated over time. In the last two weeks, I've managed to make or finish two quilt tops and a batik tote bag. I'm also hand stitching a map of one of my favourite places that I started at a workshop with Ekta Kaul just before the world changed - usually we would be walking these footpaths at Easter but sadly not this year, hopefully in a few months we will.
I'm using my time to finish some of the many unfinished projects I seem to have accumulated over time. In the last two weeks, I've managed to make or finish two quilt tops and a batik tote bag. I'm also hand stitching a map of one of my favourite places that I started at a workshop with Ekta Kaul just before the world changed - usually we would be walking these footpaths at Easter but sadly not this year, hopefully in a few months we will.
Gill
This is a scrap quilt that I put together ages ago and I’ve decided to Kantha quilt it. I’m going to use a variegated thread and will send a photo when it’s completed.
(From left to right)
I made these cards using more of my indigo scraps and adding hand stitch. I have sent them to my tennis friends to hopefully keep everyone cheerful, it makes a change from a text message !
As the weather has been so glorious I attacked the shed ! When in there I found some old door hinges that were beautifully rusted so I wrapped fabric around them and left them to soak in a vinegar and water solution. What a great result. I haven’t got a project in mind yet but I’ll keep the fabric in a safe place until inspiration strikes.
This is a scrap quilt that I put together ages ago and I’ve decided to Kantha quilt it. I’m going to use a variegated thread and will send a photo when it’s completed.
(From left to right)
I made these cards using more of my indigo scraps and adding hand stitch. I have sent them to my tennis friends to hopefully keep everyone cheerful, it makes a change from a text message !
As the weather has been so glorious I attacked the shed ! When in there I found some old door hinges that were beautifully rusted so I wrapped fabric around them and left them to soak in a vinegar and water solution. What a great result. I haven’t got a project in mind yet but I’ll keep the fabric in a safe place until inspiration strikes.
Sarah
A new member of the family has arrived safely among all this chaos! As all the older "greats" have has quilts, I had to do a new one, one for a girl. Its been quite relaxing working with Triangles over paper and then using a zig-zag stitch to join it all together. I have made these completely by hand in the past but that much handstitch isn't very comfortable now.
A new member of the family has arrived safely among all this chaos! As all the older "greats" have has quilts, I had to do a new one, one for a girl. Its been quite relaxing working with Triangles over paper and then using a zig-zag stitch to join it all together. I have made these completely by hand in the past but that much handstitch isn't very comfortable now.
March 2020
all Threaded Together are delighted to announce their new exhibition, "Changes" to be held at 78 Derngate, Northampton NN1 1UH from 25th April to 19th July Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.
We hope to be able to announce dates on which we will be holding "Meet the Artist" sessions.
all Threaded Together are delighted to announce their new exhibition, "Changes" to be held at 78 Derngate, Northampton NN1 1UH from 25th April to 19th July Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.
We hope to be able to announce dates on which we will be holding "Meet the Artist" sessions.
February 2020
Abandoned by Sarah Showers
Sarah
"Abandoned" (inspired by the clearance villages in the western highlands of Scotland. where former communities now lie ruined and abandoned to the weeds and weather) sells at Milton Keynes Gallery!
"Abandoned" (inspired by the clearance villages in the western highlands of Scotland. where former communities now lie ruined and abandoned to the weeds and weather) sells at Milton Keynes Gallery!
Be Creative (with Work Box) magazine publish our article about our forthcoming exhibition at No 78 Derngate , Northampton opening on 25th April 2020. Here is a pdf from the publisher.
https://www.creativewithworkbox.com/
https://www.creativewithworkbox.com/
Article from Be Creative. Published on 19/2/20
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Sarah is delighted to have sold her piece "Abandoned" from the Sense of Place and Time exhibition at Milton Keynes Museum.
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Philippa has completed her Blackwork module for the Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery. She is a waiting for her assessment results. The picture is part of the completed piece - more will follow once the assessment is complete
Sarah has been experimenting with rectangles and creating abstract pieces using the collection of fabrics she dyed and printed while at CQ Summer School with Leah Higgins in the Autumn. One commercial fabric addition complements the collection and has been incorporated into the samples being made towards a larger piece.
Chris : In between spending time stewarding at Art 2 Stitch's exhibition at the Milton Keynes Museum Gallery, Chris has started working on a new piece for the forthcoming exhibition at 78 Derngate. Here is a first glimpse of work in progress.
January 2020
Things have been quiet over the festive season with members taking time out from stitching. We are now working at full steam to be ready for the opening of our exhibition at 78 Derngate, Northampton on 26th April.
We will share some glimpses of the pieces to be exhibited over the next few weeks.
We will share some glimpses of the pieces to be exhibited over the next few weeks.
November 2019
Sally, Chris and Sarah and now exhibiting at Milton Keynes Museum Gallery with a show titled "A Sense of Place and Time" as members of the textile group Art 2 Stitch. The pieces shown are themed from Post WW2 Architecture with fifty miles of our homes, and pieces inspired by locations which have meant something to each of us.
The show is now open and continues until Easter. There is a charge for entry, except on Tuesdays when entry is free. Further details on: http://www.miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk/a-sense-of-place-and-time-a-new-temporary-textile-exhibition-23rd-nov-2019-to-26th-april-2020/
The show is now open and continues until Easter. There is a charge for entry, except on Tuesdays when entry is free. Further details on: http://www.miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk/a-sense-of-place-and-time-a-new-temporary-textile-exhibition-23rd-nov-2019-to-26th-april-2020/
October 2019
'all Threaded Together' are delighted to announce that they will be exhibiting at 78 Derngate, Northampton.(the Charles Rennie Mackintosh house) The exhibition will run from 29th April to 18th July 2020.
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Demonstration at Textend
Recently Diana was one of four tutors on a hand stitch teaching day for Textend. Each group of four people spent an hour and a half with each of the tutors. Diana’s theme was herringbone with variations. Some people attending had never tried herringbone, many had tried it as children but not since and a few had used it recently. People were given the choice of working ‘freehand’ on any fabric with any size of stitch or neatly on Aida. Most chose Aida as they wanted to try some of the variations in a controlled way before experimenting and because it was the only ‘neat’ stitch being taught. Diana had two samplers, red and blue below, showing a few of the many ways to enhance simple herringbone. People were encouraged to use a different colour to show how the second row of stitching was applied. Many made exact copies of the samples; some tried experimenting and a few images or their work are shown here. |
Harborough Artists Cluster. In October Diana was invited to give a talk to the Harborough Artists Cluster (HAC) about embroidery and the work of Aspects of Stitch, the Market Harborough branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild. Diana showed some of her own work to illustrate different styles of embroidery, from traditional crewel work to free machine embroidery on a painted fabric background. Most of the time was spent with HAC members looking at Travelling Books from Aspects of Stitch as these contain work from many of its members. It was good to see artists who work in a wide range of media showing an interest in textiles.
In the September section of “Current Activity” on this website is a piece Sarah had in a window as part of HAC’s Artist Windows town wide exhibition. There is more about Travelling books on Diana’s page of this website.
www.harboroughartists.co.uk/
In the September section of “Current Activity” on this website is a piece Sarah had in a window as part of HAC’s Artist Windows town wide exhibition. There is more about Travelling books on Diana’s page of this website.
www.harboroughartists.co.uk/
September 2019
Sarah organised and led the QG Contemporary Quilt Summer School weekend at Hillscourt in Birmingham. Helen Parrott led an autumnal handstitch workshop and Leah Higgins led a colour family workshop. Sarah was lucky to take a late cancellation palce and loved the exploration of colour mixing.
Chris has been working on a piece for the QG Contemporary Quilt Group suitcase challenge 'On The Road'. Her piece 'The Lych Way' maps the medieval 12 mile route for funeral processions used by people living in remote parts of Dartmoor to reach their nearest parish church.
June and Sue have work in the Eastern Region Textile Forum exhibition currently showing in St Albans at their newly refurbished Museum and Art Gallery, Market Place, St Peter Street, St Albans, AL1 3D until Sunday 3 November. 'The Making of a Market Town', curated by Janet Edmonds, showcases a wide variety of original textile art.
Sue's piece is entitled: Bedford: Water, Wool and Lace.
Sue's piece is entitled: Bedford: Water, Wool and Lace.
June's piece is based on Cambridge, the city of her birth.
Sarah is delighted to have "Rosie Apples" featured in Harborough Artists' Windows through her membership of "Aspects of Stitch". This is a month long feature of Market Harborough town centre in September with many artists featured in different shop windows.
August 2019
The summer months of July and August are a quiet time for the group, allowing members to enjoy holidays and some down time. New work is rarely started and only limited progress is made on current work.
We are getting ready for a new start in September with a lot of new work progressing.
We are getting ready for a new start in September with a lot of new work progressing.
March 2019
Sally led us in an exploratory workshop using some of the images we had taken when visiting 78 Derngate in Northampton. (The Rene Mackintosh designed house interiors.)
We worked with Mono printing to create some ideas for work which may flow from our visit to the house. Here a a few images taken on the day.
We worked with Mono printing to create some ideas for work which may flow from our visit to the house. Here a a few images taken on the day.
February 2019
Philippa spent a lovely afternoon at a local primary school as part of their Arts Week. She took an array of work with her and talked to the children about embroidery, applique and quilts.
Sarah reports that she taught a day workshop for 'Aspects of Stitch' in Market Harborough on Saturday on the topic of Abstraction. Attended by seventeen members. She says that it was a lively and thoughtful day with some interesting first attempts created from delegates own images.
January 2019
Sue reports "I had a most enjoyable day at Tate Modern on Saturday. I belong to the Art Fund which gives reduced prices for exhibitions so ‘2 for the price of 1’, I took in the inspiring work of the textile artist, Anni Albers, and then the new exhibition of Pierre Bonnard’s later works with the wonderful title ‘The Colour of Memory’. Anni Albers’ explorations of pattern and line contrasted with Bonnard’s loose painting style and use of intense colour but both proved so interesting with much to inspire and inform”.
to edit."
to edit."
Sarah was asked to deliver a practical workshop to the Textend textiles group . The group who are mainly quilters, meet monthly to develop their skills and augment their techniques. The request was for Oil Stick Paint techniques on fabric.
Sixteen participants explored two stencil techniques and the use of masks to develop areas of colour on fabric.
Sixteen participants explored two stencil techniques and the use of masks to develop areas of colour on fabric.
December
Sarah has been making cushion covers to complement wall hangings for a client.
November
aTT are delighted to welcome new member Chris Marchant. Go to her page for more details about her work
https://www.allthreadedtogether.com/chris-marchant.
https://www.allthreadedtogether.com/chris-marchant.
Sarah demonstrated a couple of techniques for Paper Lamination on Saturday. Working from photocopied images, which would have been more effective if they had been laser printed, we tried adding images below and on top of the organza surface. We also learned that using a polyester organza produces sharper images than nylon.
Using Golden Matte Medium we screen printed the medium onto organza over photocopy.
Using Golden Matte Medium we screen printed the medium onto organza over photocopy.
These were left to dry thoroughly thern iron between baking parchment to set before soaking in cold water to loosed the paper off the back.
The second technique involves painting Golden Matte Medium on the reverse of the image and placing it on the right side of the fabric. Allow to set, press through baking parchment and then use as a piece of fabric. If some of the paper is left without matte medium it can then be torn off to give a partial image on the fabric.
October
Additions have been made to the Current Work folders for June and Diana
September:
Philippa
The weekend of 22nd and 23rd September is "Open House London". The Royal School of Needlework opened its doors at Hampton Court Palace and I volunteered to spend a morning there demonstrating Jacobean Crewel Work to visiting members of the public. So lovely to share your passion with people.
The weekend of 22nd and 23rd September is "Open House London". The Royal School of Needlework opened its doors at Hampton Court Palace and I volunteered to spend a morning there demonstrating Jacobean Crewel Work to visiting members of the public. So lovely to share your passion with people.
Sally and Sarah exhibit at Milton Keynes Literary Festival:
As members of Art to Stitch Sally and Sarah were invited to exhibit literary themed textile pieces in this weekend long show. Works made in response to a quotation from a book common to all members and individual literary related quilts were shown. Here are two of their literary related pieces.
As members of Art to Stitch Sally and Sarah were invited to exhibit literary themed textile pieces in this weekend long show. Works made in response to a quotation from a book common to all members and individual literary related quilts were shown. Here are two of their literary related pieces.
Sarah Sally
New Member welcomed:
Sally Hutson joins all Threaded Together. Sally's original and exciting work can be found on http://www.stitchywoowoo.co.uk/art-quilts.php. Her members page is in preparation, to loaded soon.
Here is a flavour of her work:
Sally Hutson joins all Threaded Together. Sally's original and exciting work can be found on http://www.stitchywoowoo.co.uk/art-quilts.php. Her members page is in preparation, to loaded soon.
Here is a flavour of her work:
The group sets new Challenge:
The theme for our challenge is "DECAY"
Group members are free to interpret this word in any way that they choose with the following constraints:
The finished piece should be 30cm x 50cm Landscape orientation. This piece may then be finished in any way that the artist chooses.
A number of photograph were considered as possible starting points, the following image was circulated as it was of interest to a number of members.
Group members are free to interpret this word in any way that they choose with the following constraints:
The finished piece should be 30cm x 50cm Landscape orientation. This piece may then be finished in any way that the artist chooses.
A number of photograph were considered as possible starting points, the following image was circulated as it was of interest to a number of members.
Tracy
I am easing myself back into it by turning the scraps shown below into a vibrant strip quilt. My goal is to spend the next year of creating using only fabrics, materials and supplies I already own - and I have plenty.
I am easing myself back into it by turning the scraps shown below into a vibrant strip quilt. My goal is to spend the next year of creating using only fabrics, materials and supplies I already own - and I have plenty.
Philippa
I have been asked to make a "Fidget Quilt" for someone with dementia. These quilts are really quite small - mine is 21 inches by 16 inches. I concentrated on touchy feely items for fiddling with. Sometimes these quilts include memory items and pictures for people - more of a challenge if you don't know where yours will be going - and to whom (as is the case with me). It was good fun searching for the bits and pieces and it should be robust and washable.
I have been asked to make a "Fidget Quilt" for someone with dementia. These quilts are really quite small - mine is 21 inches by 16 inches. I concentrated on touchy feely items for fiddling with. Sometimes these quilts include memory items and pictures for people - more of a challenge if you don't know where yours will be going - and to whom (as is the case with me). It was good fun searching for the bits and pieces and it should be robust and washable.
Sarah
Taking a break from my usual work to enjoy the freedom of 'just making'. A collection of indigo and kola nut fabrics from the African Fabric Shop and a piece of hand dyed fabric from Jo Lovelock was just too gorgeous not to play with. I've used a simple irregular grid and squares and rectangles of fabric some of which have been pieced. The top is now complete and I've sandwiched up the quilt ready for quilting. I've loved doing this!
For details of how I've done this visit:
Taking a break from my usual work to enjoy the freedom of 'just making'. A collection of indigo and kola nut fabrics from the African Fabric Shop and a piece of hand dyed fabric from Jo Lovelock was just too gorgeous not to play with. I've used a simple irregular grid and squares and rectangles of fabric some of which have been pieced. The top is now complete and I've sandwiched up the quilt ready for quilting. I've loved doing this!
For details of how I've done this visit:
July
Philippa Laughton - RSN Prize winner
Philippa Laughton went to Hampton Court Palace on Monday 2nd July to attend the 2018 award ceremony for the Certificate and Diploma students at the Royal School of Needlework. Philippa passed the Certificate in Technical Hand Embroidery with Merit. In addition, Philippa was thrilled to receive a prize. She was the winner of the Wendy Hogg Prize which recognises the student with best overall marks for Mounting.
During that week the students work was exhibited at the Palace and Philippa's Canvas Work featured in the publicity.
The photographs show Philippa with her lead tutor, Rachel, Philippa's certificate for her prize (she got a cheque as well) and the publicity promotion for the exhibition.
During that week the students work was exhibited at the Palace and Philippa's Canvas Work featured in the publicity.
The photographs show Philippa with her lead tutor, Rachel, Philippa's certificate for her prize (she got a cheque as well) and the publicity promotion for the exhibition.
Diana Sharvill and Sarah Showers exhibited at Market Harborough Artist's Cluster Exhibition May 2018
Diana Sharvill and Sarah Showers exhibited with "Aspects of Stitch" in central Market Harborough. Work that had been created for the 'Contrasts' exhibition was shown.
June Jessop : Eastern Region Textile Forum
Our member, June Jessop, is very pleased to have had a textile piece accepted for the forthcoming exhibition of work by members of the Eastern Region Textile Forum. The theme of the show is 'Kaleidoscope' and the exhibits were selected by textile artist Janet Edmonds. The exhibition runs from 28th March to 21st April 2018 at the Michaelhouse Cafe and Gallery, Trinity Street, Cambridge from 8am to 5pm with free entry.
June says:
This is a picture of my Kaleidoscope piece in it's early stages: the background is heavy cotton onto which I'd quite literally thrown remains of dye after a dyeing session in the garden a couple of years ago. At the ERTF Conference in Spring 2016 we were asked for a suggested theme for this year's juried exhibition and the majority decision was for Kaleidoscope: many of the group weren't enamoured with this idea however, but I immediately thought of my dyed piece and that it would lend itself very well to the theme. I've embellished it with stitch, organzas, sequin waste, shisha mirrors, and other glittery bits to represent the multi-coloured patterns and sparkle in a kaleidoscope.
June says:
This is a picture of my Kaleidoscope piece in it's early stages: the background is heavy cotton onto which I'd quite literally thrown remains of dye after a dyeing session in the garden a couple of years ago. At the ERTF Conference in Spring 2016 we were asked for a suggested theme for this year's juried exhibition and the majority decision was for Kaleidoscope: many of the group weren't enamoured with this idea however, but I immediately thought of my dyed piece and that it would lend itself very well to the theme. I've embellished it with stitch, organzas, sequin waste, shisha mirrors, and other glittery bits to represent the multi-coloured patterns and sparkle in a kaleidoscope.
Exhibiting at The Big Textile Show : Leicester Racecourse : 28 /29 October 2017
Following her 'Abstraction' day teaching with Textend earlier in the year. Sarah has been asked to show two pieces which show the finished abstraction process. Dunstanburgh Beach is an abstraction from a photograph taken at dawn while 'Levels' is an attempt to show the inundation of the Somerset Levels several years ago. An area Sarah is very familiar with from childhood.
Following her 'Abstraction' day teaching with Textend earlier in the year. Sarah has been asked to show two pieces which show the finished abstraction process. Dunstanburgh Beach is an abstraction from a photograph taken at dawn while 'Levels' is an attempt to show the inundation of the Somerset Levels several years ago. An area Sarah is very familiar with from childhood.
Sarah Showers: Exhibiting at all ICHF shows for twelve months
Sarah is delighted that "Fire and Ice" will be exhibited in the Elements Gallery at all ICHF shows from October 2017 until September 2018. This is a good example of her use of hand stitching to create textured background. This was the first time she employed this technique and it's now a key feature of her work.
Philippa Laughton : RSN 30 Year Anniversary Exhibition : 2017
Philippa Laughton was delighted that her peach and gold coloured silk shading embroidery was selected by the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) to be part of their current exhibition at Hampton Court Palace. The exhibition is to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of the RSN at the Palace and is open until 13 August. Entrance to the exhibition is included in the price of entry to the Hampton Court Palace. Here is Philippa next to the showcase that features her peach and gold lily.
Diana Sharvill : Painted Bondaweb Workshop
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In March 2017 Diana Sharvill ran a day workshop for nineteen members of Textend at North Kilworth in Leicestershire on the topic “Painted Bondaweb”. Diana showed how using different colouring media, such as silk paint or acrylic, and different techniques for applying the Bondaweb to fabric, can give different effects. She demonstrated some techniques for people to try before everyone had a go for themselves. Some people were very organised and produced a range of well labelled samples for future reference. Others tried a few ideas then, having found something they liked, used the technique to produce a piece they could stitch into later. A few used fine layers of painted Bondaweb, removed from its backing paper and torn into interesting shapes, to add to previous textile pieces. In July Diana will be back with Textend helping to run a workshop on traditional embroidery techniques. |
Sabi Westoby : Monoprinting Workshop
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I ran a workshop on monoprinting with a gelli plate - many of the participants owned the plate but hadn't ever taken it out of the packaging! It was a successful day with some beautiful work produced, much of which could well be the inspiration for stitched pieces.
I always have a sketchbook next to me when monoprinting - once the paint has been applied to the plate the roller needs to be cleaned, so rather than roll the paint off onto scrap paper I roll it onto a sketchbook page. These pictures show some of the coloured pages created by cleaning the roller. |
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Teaching beginners 'Abstraction' workshop
Sarah Showers enjoyed teaching a Saturday workshop for 'Textend' at the end of January. The structured programme was designed to help quilters and embroiders take concrete images and produce an abstract piece that reflects and reminds them of the original image.
As an introduction members were invited to quantify the amount of each colour in an image and very simply use fabric strips to reflect the colours.The following photograph from show these first steps taken to explore abstraction.
As an introduction members were invited to quantify the amount of each colour in an image and very simply use fabric strips to reflect the colours.The following photograph from show these first steps taken to explore abstraction.
School Visit : Philippa Laughton
Philippa Laughton had a lovely morning at a local infants' school on Monday 13th March 2017. She was taking part in the school's Arts Week where a variety of artists are invited to the school to demonstrate all sorts of different art forms. Philippa showed them some patchwork and quilting and traditional hand embroidery. Philippa said the children were delightful and particularly taken with her hexagon English patchwork.
TEXTILES EAST FAIR 2017 : June Jessop and Sue King
Textiles East Fair is a new two-day event which has taken the place of Textiles in Focus. This had run successfully at Cottenham Village College and subsequently Camborne Village College for a number of years. For 2017 the event had a new organiser and a new venue – Swavesey Village College, near Cambridge.
Members of The Eastern Region Textile Forum (ERTF) were invited to mount an exhibition for this event on the theme of ‘Diversity’. ERTF , launched in 2008, is a proactive group run by members with the aim of taking textiles forward into the mainstream of 21st century art. Textile Artists of all disciplines in the Eastern region can come together to create, exhibit, sell and network. Thus, this exhibition would showcase the variety of work done by members of the Forum. A total of some 50 exhibits, including several of our pieces, were displayed showing work with hand-dyed and painted fabrics, contemporary lace, felt, hand and machine embroidery and quilting. Inspiration was drawn from a variety of sources and included the site-specific work made for an exhibition at Denny Abbey and Farm Museum near Cambridge in 2015.
Apart from the Exhibition, there was a Demonstration Hub, where it was possible to have ‘hands on’ experience of felting small animals, creating sketchbooks, goldwork, making tiny sheep, and patchwork. There was also a small virtual studio where two artists demonstrated various ways of adding and discharging colour from cloth.
A number of rooms in the college were given over to traders, where one could purchase silks and wools, some hand-dyed or spun by the vendors, plus fabrics, beads, general art supplies, books, carved wooden stamps etc. There were also a number of organisations offering information on courses and workshops.
The excellent catering facilities provided the necessary refreshment and welcome pauses to sit and assess the works seen and purchases made.
The show seemed to be very successful and it is expected that it will be run in February again next year.
Members of The Eastern Region Textile Forum (ERTF) were invited to mount an exhibition for this event on the theme of ‘Diversity’. ERTF , launched in 2008, is a proactive group run by members with the aim of taking textiles forward into the mainstream of 21st century art. Textile Artists of all disciplines in the Eastern region can come together to create, exhibit, sell and network. Thus, this exhibition would showcase the variety of work done by members of the Forum. A total of some 50 exhibits, including several of our pieces, were displayed showing work with hand-dyed and painted fabrics, contemporary lace, felt, hand and machine embroidery and quilting. Inspiration was drawn from a variety of sources and included the site-specific work made for an exhibition at Denny Abbey and Farm Museum near Cambridge in 2015.
Apart from the Exhibition, there was a Demonstration Hub, where it was possible to have ‘hands on’ experience of felting small animals, creating sketchbooks, goldwork, making tiny sheep, and patchwork. There was also a small virtual studio where two artists demonstrated various ways of adding and discharging colour from cloth.
A number of rooms in the college were given over to traders, where one could purchase silks and wools, some hand-dyed or spun by the vendors, plus fabrics, beads, general art supplies, books, carved wooden stamps etc. There were also a number of organisations offering information on courses and workshops.
The excellent catering facilities provided the necessary refreshment and welcome pauses to sit and assess the works seen and purchases made.
The show seemed to be very successful and it is expected that it will be run in February again next year.
SAQA - Sabi Westoby
Our member Sabi Westoby's piece, depicting the concrete brutalist architecture of the National Theatre on London's Southbank, was selected by the Studio Art Quilts Associates for a touring exhibition of venues in the USA and Europe. The exhibition, Made in Europe, shows the work of textile artists living and working in Europe and the Middle East.
Sabi says: This piece was inspired by photographs taken at the Southbank Centre, and the National Theatre in particular. I mono printed fabrics in greys, blacks and whites and cut out the relevant shapes, fusing them onto the backing fabric. Machine stitch and paint sticks gave further colour and texture.