The dynamic duo - Viv and Kevin Change is a part of all our lives. It is important to mark certain changes, particularly one that will affect so many people in the creative textile world in the UK and further afield. Art Van Go is winding down . All good things must end! Art Van Go was started by Viv Arthur in 1989.  Viv bought herself a van, filled it with art materials and travelled around the country to colleges, schools, and textile groups. Her mission? To 'take the art shop to the artist'. Through travelling the country, meeting artists from far and wide and building contacts, this led to the need for a solid base. And so, in 2001, Viv and her partner Kevin, bought the bricks and mortar shop in Knebworth to be able to connect all the artists they had met, and continue building the Art Van Go community! The brilliant Art in Action stand at The Knitting & Stitching Shows Over the last 34 years, Art Van Go has become an institution. An artistic hub for artist...

 Wild Atlantic Inspiration  OK!!! The time has come to announce the dates for my teaching at home in Ireland in 2018. I am just winding up my teaching for this year, I will be at a couple of shows, then that is it in the UK for a while. The basic information is as follows - Land, Sea and Sky Retreats – Look . Draw . Stitch . Time for you – A relaxing retreat on the beautiful Loop Head Peninsula, County Clare, Ireland. Be inspired by the local dry stone walls, incredible geology, the lighthouse and friendly welcome. Depending on the weather we will go out to take photos/draw or stay inside and draw from the wonderful views and artifacts in and around my colourful and interesting home.. You will create several drawings, which can then be made into printing blocks. We will print onto paper and fabric to create beautiful layered surfaces on which to stitch - by hand. (the following images of the Art Van Go workshop will show yo...

The cover of Lynda Monk's latest book. I love looking at new books, stroking the pages - and yes - inhaling them . . .  I think a lot of you will know what I mean. I do read a lot of books, but being totally honest, not all of them. I do mean to . .  Lynda's new book is one you can't put down and doesn't take long to read. It is a real page turner. The book is full of gorgeous images and the information in the book is very clear. Lynda is a great tutor, always encouraging and so generous with all her information. The way Lynda develops and shares her techniques is always well set out, and quite frankly, very exciting.  Lynda's book are published by D4Daisy books under the watchful eye of Maggie Grey. d4daisy.com The book covers many layering techniques including two products that I am very fond of - Decovil and Bondaweb .  Here a few images from the book. I don't want to show you too much or you won't enjoy the lovely surprises that...