Wednesday, February 16, 2011

What have I been up to recently--well there has not been any blogging which is quite evident-but I have been busy.
Last weekend I did a 2 day workshop with Isobel Hall at the Embroiderers Guild on Embroidered books.
Isobel is a mixed media artist from the UK and has written several books including "Bags with Paper and Stitch"-"Embroidered Books" and her latest book"Mixed Media :new studio techniques" was written in conjunction with Maggie Grey.
There were 15 of us in the class and we all had a great time and learnt so much from such a giving teacher.
We found new ways to use "stuff" that we already had-different ways that is.
Isobell's husband Eric travels with her and what an asset he is-doing all the odd jobs for us like drying our painted papers so that we could get on with the next new technique.
I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed a class so much-no stress involved-no pressure to get things completed-which is a good thing because my book is far from being completed.
We made the book pages and stitched them to the tapes and then went about making the covers.
I am not going to show you much at present------------------
Here I am with Isobel having a good time-----




-----------but here is a sneak peak of my paper which had been stencilled with Light molding past using a floral stencil.
I know it is a bit hard to see but that adds to the mystery.
I won't be able to do anything more to it until the weekend because I have a fellow blogger coming for a sleepover on Thursday night and there won't be much time for craft when there is so much chit chat going on.





On Monday I started the first of 3 x 2 hour classes in Pattern Darning which I never thought I would do because counting stitches and rows on even weave fabric is not my idea of fun.
But I have admired the work of the person who is teaching it at the Guild so I decided to bite the bullet and give it a go.
I had to enlist the aid of a magnifying glass because I am working on a 28 count fabric and perle 8 thread-need I say more.
So far the stitching and "unstitching" are about even in time spent-- because if you make a mistake (and I do) you have to correct it otherwise it stands out like a sore thumb.
If you don't know what Pattern Darning is go to Sharon Boggans blog here and see how it is done.
I will show you my efforts when I finish the sample (that's if my eyes hold out).
Next week we are doing Kogin embroidery and you can see a sample here
And lastly the OWOH event finishes tomorrow and if you want to enter my giveaway you still have time --just scroll down to the previous post and leave a comment just remember that I must be able to contact you to let you know should you be the winner.
Oh and I have decided to give another prize as well because of all the comments.
It will be another Quiltie but not the same type as the first one.

11 comments:

Val said...

It sounds as if you really had a geat time at the weekend - the 'taster of things to come' looks amazing! Can't wait to see more of the book as you progress.

Heather said...

Great to have a workshop with Isobel Hall - I have two of her books and love her work. Looking forward to seeing your book. That's very fine fabric - good job you have a magnifying glass - sounds interesting. Lovely photo.

Sandy said...

That sounds like a super workshop. I have her books.

Nancy said...

Workshops are so inspiring. Looking forward to seeing your completed pages.

Shane Pollard said...

My you have been busy!
I imagine Isobel enjoyed your company like we all do Doreen!!!

I love blogs that point one in the right direction and you always do. Sharon's blog is a favourite stop off for me with a cuppa in hand!

First class with the guild last night, with baby steps a new part of my journey begins!

Our family arrive from France today so it's been a madhouse here in the last month or two getting everything tickity boo for the VIP's!

As you'll see by the time 4:10am I can't sleep - I know you understand that problem!

Catch up soon
hugs
Shane x

Suztats said...

I like the texture and mystery of your paper, and look forward to seeing what develops.

Françoise said...

It looks like you had fun at the workshop with Isobel Hall! :-)
Good luck with the pattern darning. The Kogin embroidery is so beautiful.

Janet said...

I can tell by the smile on your face that you had a great time at the workshop. You're always so busy creating beautiful pieces....I can't wait to see what you do with the book.

Penny said...

I didnt manage to catch up with Isobel when she was here, had a wonderful 5 day class with her in Ballarat a couple of years ago , she and Eric make a wonderful team.
Hope the eyes hold out.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Another new-to-me type of embroidery - Kogin. Sounds like you've been a busy girl - good for you!

Maggi said...

I am so glad that you enjoyed your workshop with Isobel. I would love to do one of her books workshops.