One of the samples from the first day.  I will write up this post in two parts as the group produced lots of gorgeousness.  Paper, Stitch, Print and Play is my newspaper and painted Bondaweb based workshop that also uses Solufleece and free machine embroidery to enhance your work with extra texture. A three day workshop is a great luxury - it enables a student to work through several processes and still have time to stitch. The group mastered the 'Pretty' and 'Background' technique quickly, which meant they produced some fabulous samples quite fast.      Who would have thought that old books and newspapers could produce such stunning work?    With only six in the group we had plenty of room to spread and makes lots of mess . . . Some of the first samples -                 Most of these samples have been decorated with the new Blingy Bitz. Little squares of...

 A a section of a fine interpretive stitch sample by Val.  Last weekend was the 4th weekend of my Experimental Textiles course at The Old Needle Works in Redditch. The 4th weekend involves a large scale still life on the Saturday and then paper collage on the Sunday. Drawing, particularly in front of others tends to terrify most students but it is a very important part of the 'looking' process.  But first we looked at the homework the group had done since we last met - They were to stitch into their 'spaces inbetween' samples. Stitching into paper can be a challenge - particularly if you are used to stitching into fabric. The front can be fabulous - . .  . .  but so can the back . . . After discussing the homework, we launched into the still life that I had set up. I had asked the group to bring in 3 objects each to help supplement the arrangement I had created. The idea was to start with a 30 minute la...

A fine figure of a man - one of the wonderful sculptures at Hole Park. I've just returned from a few days in Kent with my Dad. We had a fabulous time wandering around gardens and vineyards - I feel as though I have been away for a week. It was great to drive about, not having to be somewhere by a set time. We visited three gardens, Sissinghurst Castle, Marle Place and Hole Park. I haven't been to Sissinghurst for a few years and it is just as beautiful as ever - but very busy and very - National Trust. Wonderful shadows created by the nut walk at Sissinghurst. Beautiful borders on a large scale. Stunning structure created by the well tended hedges and trees. And glorious colours . . . Marle Place Gardens is a different kind of garden altogether. A private garden open to the public every day apart from Thursday. It is an exquisite place to wander for the best part of a day. They don't serve lunch - just teas and coffees and de...