Thursday, November 1, 2012

Getting Ready for a Workshop

Last Sunday I spent the afternoon doing the homework in preparation for a workshop I am taking with Effie Mitrofanis from the NSW Embroiderers Guild.
The class is on Creative Canvaswork which I have wanted to do for ages but it has terrified me because I struggle with any embroidery that I have to work in squares.
Now-- I can count to four as well as the next person but put a needle and thread in my hand and give me some fabric that needs to be worked in lots of four and my fingers take on a mind of their own.
I don't know what it is but I spend more time reverse stitching than I do going forward.
Anyway I am going to do this class if it kills me.
I have done a class with Effie before back in 2005 and I found her to be a very good teacher so I reckon if anyone can help me conquer this problem it will be her.
We will be working on a piece of 30cm square 14 count canvas which we had to paint gold and also paint two smaller pieces 12cm square that we had to stitch onto calico to use as our doodle cloths (Effies words).
Here I have stitched and laced the painted canvas onto the frame.



I have chosen a colour theme from some fabric- ribbons and threads that I dyed several years ago in a jar using Procion dyes.
It is strange when you see the difference in the colour between the silks and the cottons seeing as they all came out of the same dye bath so I am going to use them on the canvas together.
I have added other threads to the collection to give it a lift (I hope).
This is a piece of silk fabric---



And here are the other items.
I still have to get together the beads and other bits to go with it.
I think this should look very nice when it is finished.




The class is on the weekend of the 10th and 11th on November---bring it on.

14 comments:

Sue McB said...

I'm sure you will enjoy this class - I have been using one of Effie's early books as reference for my Intermediate Canvas Certificate, and I imagine doing a class with her will be great. Good luck with it, and I look forward to seeing some results.

Penny said...

lucky you, I love what Effie does, mind you I am not sure if I could do it!

Aussie Jo said...

Have fun Doreen, I'm sure you will do magnificently!! Say hello to Effie from the Geelong crew.

Maggi said...

A lovely selection of colours for your class Doreen. Can't wait to see what you do. I have one of Effie's books and it is inspirational.

Stitching Lady said...

Promising! Lovely colours of threads - as you are "my forerunner" (I don't know is this the right word...? - you remember the button class.....) for classes - I am very interested in this one, though I won't be able to attend it - but I own a book of Effie and maybe she does a class online?

Jenny said...

Your class sounds fabulous Doreen... and just love the gorgeous color selection you have chosen... hope you enjoy it immensely...

Jenny ♥

Suztats said...

Your colours are wonderful, Doreen! I hope you have lots of fun in class, and I'm looking forward to seeing your creation. I find I often miscount when I'm rushing, or if I'm distracted.

Heather said...

I love Effie's work and have one of her books. You are bound to enjoy her workshop and I'm sure you will master your fears. I love the colours you are going to work with and look forward to seeing the results. Have a great time.

shirley said...

How lucky are you having this opportunity. I did one of her workshops in Townsville and she is truly an inspiration.

Janet said...

Your color palette is beautiful. I can't wait to see what you do with all the threads and ribbons...and on gold cloth!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I'm definitely intrigued! The colours you've chosen are so lovely together - can't wait to see what you're going to create!!

Linda said...

Have fun Doreen. I believe Effie is a truly inspirational teacher. Love the bits and pieces you've gathered for your workshop, and have fun shopping the rest of the goods. Cheers.

Dot said...

I agree with Janet that your color palette is beautiful! Looking forward to seeing what you create in this class -I know you will do a wonderful job xxx

Robin Mac said...

You will have done the workshop by the time you read this, I hope it was as inspiring as you hoped. Your colour choice is lovely. I look forward to seeing the results. Cheers