Nuvo Felt

Weekend Whirl

2009-11-14T14:13:00.000Z

It's been over a week since I had time to blog, so what have I been up to? It's been a busy time, but we've had great fun.

Last weekend saw us travelling 200+ miles north to visit the York branch of the Embroiderers' Guild. What a lovely group of ladies. We were greeted with a lovely lunch, just perfect after our long journey, and then we got ready to give a talk about the embellisher and various techniques. It was well received with some very interesting and observant questions, and a good prelude to the workshop the next day. We had very comfortable accommodation courtesy of one of the members, and we owe a very big thank you to Sandra for her care and consideration.

On Sunday 16 members gathered at the university for a workshop. They were such an enthusiastic bunch! What lovely samples they produced, and they all seemed to enjoy it. Of course, in one day we were only able to scratch the surface of the wonderful variety of techniques that can be used, but hopefully they are well on their way to experiment further now. Here we are at the end of a very busy day, can you see that I wore them all out! (That's lovely Sandra, our hostess, on the left)

Of course, Sunday was Rememberance Day, and we observed our two minutes silence. There was a parade in the city of York, and DH was able to go off and take part in some of the ceremonies.

These occasions are always very moving, but more so this year with so many lives lost in the service of our country.

The weather was beautiful while we were away, but the journey home brought us back to earth with a bump. Our journey was in the dark, finally arriving home in the early hours, and we hit a number of very dense fog patches. They heralded a change in temperature and of course the rest of the week has been damp and somewhat windy at times (it's supposed to get worse later.....) However, we returned home to lots of preparatory work....

On Thursday I recorded a DVD! It's the first of a series, and there will be two featuring the Emebllisher. You will be able to see more details both on my website and on that of the production company in the very near future. I would love to show you some pictures of the experience, which was great fun and not in the least bit scary, but unfortunately the camera hasn't obliged. Hopefully I will be able to borrow a picture from someone else, or point you towards one in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled! The DVD will be out before Christmas, and will be full of hints and tips.

Today we are taking it easy. Off to visit family later, and then another DVD to plan - taking number one a bit further. I'll be recording that in less than a month, so I need to keep on my toes.

Have a good weekend, and watch this space...

I've got my eye on you

2009-11-05T12:34:00.000Z

You may remember that earlier this year we went on holiday to France and while we were there we stayed with Sally and Neil, who introduced us, amongst other things, to the delights of the coffeemaker! Now, each morning is filled with the delicious aroma of freshly made coffee, so much better than the quick whiff as the lid of instant is removed. Of course, then I had to search for the perfect coffee blend, and that was difficult as the one that we loved in France isn't available locally. So.. the search took me both north and south, and HOORAY! I FOUND THE MOST DELICIOUS COFFEE. I'd like to keep it a secret, but it really is one of the best I've tasted, so here is the link to find it. . The picture above is my morning's cup freshly made. Don't you dare pinch it! I've got my eye on you....

Eavesdropping

2009-10-15T20:44:00.000+01:00

Today I had to make a short journey by train. The carriage was sparsely populated, but the seats behind me were occupied by two young girls with very loud voices. I didn't want to hear their conversation, but I had no option. Here is a snippet..

'I hate sleeping with a new man. He might see my feet'

You don't need to hear the rest of the coversation....

Would you believe it..........?

2009-10-13T17:13:00.029+01:00

I've mentioned Talking Threads a few times on this blog. Well, tomorrow is the start of the series. At 7pm you will be able to tune in to either Sky Channel 171 or pop over and view it on the internet at The Country Channel. I have visions of stitchers all around the country huddled around the TV or computer enjoying a half hour of inspiration.

Well, guess what....

I won't be able to join you! We have a long standing invitation to sell in Salisbury, and that's where we'll be! Inspire Stitchers, here we come.

However, (and I'm sure it must be just for my benefit) the stream on the internet will be live when we get home, so that means that I can watch it, even at midnight if I want to!

Tomorrow's programme is about Jill Kennedy. She is a silk painter par excellence, so enjoy the episode. If you can't wait you can see a short taster here.

By the way, I was surprised to find a selection of other interesting textile related programmes at the Country Channel, so have a good look around. You may have to change channels, but that's easy when you find the buttons at the bottom of the screen.

Rust Dyeing Workshop

2009-10-12T09:25:00.002+01:00

There are two places left on the workshop taking place next week, so I thought I'd give you a gentle reminder.

Wednesday 21st October in Aldershot, Hampshire. It will be a fun day, and a delicious lunch is included.

I would like to have inserted a picture here, but Blogger is playing funny games today so here is a link instead

You can read more about rust and workshops here, and here,

Hope to see you there

National Poetry Day

2009-10-08T10:27:00.008+01:00

Today is National Poetry Day in the UK. Here's one of my favourites. It never fails to bring a tear to my eye, and although I don't know exactly when it was written I do know the author, and believe me, she fits into the theme of heroes and heroines. Please feel able to leave a comment, I'd love to pass those on.

Well, Lord,
It's now four years since I first knew the sweetness of Your Presence.
You rescued me from a life that was not worth living.
A life shared with another, but full of emptiness.
No real sharing with him,,
No pleasing him,
No love from him,
No meaning to any relationship.

Then suddenly,
When desperation came,
When there was no way out except the wrong way -
There You were.
Your arms were open, and You were walking towards me.
I didn't need to hunt for You -
You found me.

"Follow Me."
Just two words. That's all you said.
You showed me how.
You opened doors.
You led me every step of the way,
And You are still leading me.

It's still hard to share with him.
I hardly ever please him.
He still doesn't show his love very often,
But You have shown me that there is meaning in all relationships.
You have given me the grace to take all hurts,
Knowing that now You suffer with me.

The grief that I feel now is not all mine.
I know that You grieve too.
My circumstances may not have changed,
Outward appearances may say that they have worsened,
But inside I am slowly being made whole.

The day that I knew You had forgiven me I was able to forgive him.
Not just for the hurts that he inflicted deliberately,
But for those of which he is unaware.
The ones that are part of his background,
The ones from which he needs that deep healing.

You are so gentle' Lord.
You alone know how fast we can go.
Our human side often makes mistakes as we try to hurry Your work along.
You have shown me that You can perform many miracles,
But the biggest of all must be to turn a life around
Without changing the circumstances.

Others condemn,
But You never do.
Others cast sideways glances and mutter under their breath,
But You just keep on loving.
Although the flesh may be weak the heart is willing;
That You alone know, and that is all that matters.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me a glimpse of heaven on earth.
Thank you, Lord, for being so close nothing else matters.
Thank you, Lord, that though I may not see You footprints
They are surely there,
And You are guiding my feet along a path
That You have especially mapped out for me.
Thank you, Lord, for making me special.

What do you keep in yours?

2009-10-04T13:14:00.002+01:00

We take so much of everyday life for granted. Fancy a cold drink? Open the refrigerator. Keep your vegetables fresh? Open the refrigerator. You get the message. Where would we be without this wonderful invention? However, it hasn't always been this easy. I can remember a time when we stored food without a 'fridge. I remember cheese wrapped in greaseproof paper that became soggy during a warm spell, and butter that never set during summer time, soft and almost oily even though it was stored in the larder. I was only a child, so didn't really understand the problems that this caused but I'm sure that some of you will have similar memories.

The area in which we currently live is full of history and rich in artefacts. Food storage has been a problem for 'ever', and one answer is illustrated very well in this area. Ice Houses were apparently 'invented' many many years ago. This article talks about the history etc, however, it is much more graphic to actually see one. Only the very wealthy would be able to have one of their own, and of course it would be contructed and maintained by 'staff' for the benefit of impressing visitors and rivals. Imagine having to cut chunks of ice from the pond during the winter months then pack them quickly into an especially contructed underground chamber, padding it with straw etc. All this for a landowner who probably didn't even know of your existence!

This wonderful photograph illustrates the roof of one such construction. You can find the original here with more information. Aren't the colours amazing? I think it could well inspire a piece of stitching at some point. There are also other examples around, some of them restored and converted into exhibition spaces. One day I would love to do a tour of the UK and view as many as possible. Maybe when I retire? In the meantime - anyone fancy a gin and tonic?

Revealed!

2009-09-29T16:58:00.001+01:00

Oh what fun! Christmas in September! It's over now though. Today was the recording of a Christmas Special for Talking Threads

So, just for good measure, here are the cast and crew.

Do you recognise anyone?

(Oh, and lunch was delicious too. Thanks Ted, who also kindly took this photograph for me.)

Christmas is coming.....

2009-09-28T11:32:00.001+01:00

I couldn't resist the title. My dearest DH absolutely refuses to even think about Christmas until 1st December. This has its drawbacks, but I've learnt over the years to turn those into positives. Before Christmas actually comes, though, we have a busy time ahead, and in fact the last week has been busy.

On Friday we were at Wey Valley Workshop, I was speaking and also running a short workshop. Friday saw us at the AGM of the SE Region of the Embroiderers' Guild and yesterday was a return trip to Urchfont Manor. As I have mentioned before Urchfont is a regular trip, but yesterday meant a somewhat longer journey as a key bridge was closed due to rebuilding. Although we know Wiltshire well it meant a journey along a road we haven't actually travelled before. Wow! We were amazed at the vista that was suddenly before us, and although it was misty we stopped to take a quick snap. (Yes, snap is the word, we'll take a proper photograph another time)

Sorry, it's difficult to see from this image, but I'll improve on it next time we go that way.and you may get a better idea by clicking on it. There's too much in the foreground, but we didn't have time to walk into the field.

The afternoon was spent with our son and family. Our little grandson is taking his watering tasks very seriously

Even though it means a long walk to refill the can!

And who better with whom to share a titbit than DAD!

Now, time to get back to work, I've still a lot to do for Christmas..... Christmas? Find out more here....

Experiments

2009-09-23T17:22:00.001+01:00

It's fun to have time to play, and I don't find that time very often. However when a workshop looms 'playing' is a necessity!

This is made with Szerkezet. Can you see how it has shrunk? I'm doing more experiments tomorrow. No, that isn't gold paint! It's a secret at the moment.....

Inspiration

2009-09-21T14:17:00.002+01:00

You know, the zany thing about this stitching lark is that inspiration can come from the most unexpected sources. Maybe it was a glimpse of something as it flashed by during a journey. A turn of a book page can sometimes result in an interesting idea. Architecture, nature, sources are all around us and can be interpreted in so many ways.

However, this morning, for some totally unknown reason, these colours popped into my head.

I've had fun putting them together, now all I need is to find the time to stitch them. Better do the design first, though! I'll post the result eventually - but don't hold your breath. I have quite a lot to do over the next while.

I don’t believe in air

2009-09-19T22:17:00.001+01:00

I DON’T BELIEVE IN AIR

I don’t believe in air.
no one has ever seen it;
no one has ever felt it
between finger and thumb.
converts talk about
tasting the air
and something in the air
but there’s always another explanation;
the nearby sea, a factory’s pipes',
a pile of fresh manure.
it’s not the so-called air that smells

scientists have complete faith in this air.
they say that it upholds
and sustains our world.
take away the air, they argue,
and we’d go too.
meteorologists attribute
signs and wonders to the air;
people thrown to the ground,
trees uprooted, the landscape rearranged.

it sounds like superstition to me.
if there is air
who made it?
where does it all go?

why doesn’t it show itself
just one time for proof?

friends ask me why windows rattle
and hair goes awry
but I don’t believe in air.

I don’t believe in air
air is just another word
for something that’s not there.

Anon

En France

2009-09-18T09:57:00.002+01:00

This is going to be a long post, so it may be a good idea to make a cup of tea or coffee before reading on!

We have just returned from a wonderful time in France. It was partly a working holiday, but we also enjoyed a few days of rest. Our place of abode is lovely. Set amongst farmland in deepest Charante it is peaceful, and the weather was warm and sunny throughout our stay, encouraging us to take the rest that we really needed.

This picture shows part of the outside. You can see the Pigeonnier and the Grand Salon. More of that later.

The surrounding countryside is beautiful. Fields of Maize, Sunflowers and Corn surround tiny hamlets and ancient villages

The maize was a wonderful golden colour. Lots of texture too, to stimulate ideas for future work.

Sunflowers in different stages of development create atmospheres of their own too,

whether still showing a little bit of yellow or almost ready for harvesting.

There wasn’t much time to settle in, though. First we had to convert the Grand Salon into a shopping area. Not quite ready, but this gives you an idea of what was in store.

The picture was taken from the mezzanine. If I tell you that the dining table seats at least 10 you will get an idea of what a wonderful space this is, and why it is called the Grand Salon! Through the doors at the end you can see the Veranda with a glimpse of the swimming pool beyond.

Such a beautiful blue. The sun glinting invitingly.

The selling day was followed by a workshop.

Everyone had great fun, me included. We created texture using a new technique, first to make a brooch and then a piece that will eventually become the panel for a book cover. I’m looking forward to seeing pictures of the finished pieces. It was hard to choose which one to include here, but finally I ‘plumped’ for this one.

Of course, some of us were able to relax while others were working hard!

Several dips in the swimming pool were the order of the day too!

Our free days were too precious to spend much time travelling, so we visited the local area. A trip to the River Charente at Fleurac was a delight. It is a beautiful spot, calm, quiet, and peaceful.

There are several islands in this locality, and they are all connected by a series of wooden bridges. There is also a working paper mill processing hand made paper. Unfortunately it wasn’t open on the day we visited. The banks of the river were full of autumn fruits.

Hips

Hops

and blackberries in abundance.

Each morning was greeted with the chattering of sparrows in the poplars and evening was heralded with the arrival of flocks of swallows that dipped and dived over the fields, feasting on the insects that they could find. Every night we were treated to another beautiful sunset. This is the start of just one.

One of the most interesting towns in the area is Aubeterre sur Dronne. Only a small town, a walk around won’t take very long, but each corner heralds another view. A cavernous church hewn out of rock is just one of the delights. We have visited there before, so this time we wandered the streets looking for lunch and other sights.

This is a general view over the town, while this next one shows just a little of the beautiful stone carving on the church.

And I just love the higgeldy piggeldy arrangement of these buildings.

We always return to this view, though.

Aren’t the colours lovely.

Let’s face it. Half the fun of a holiday is the food! And when it is locally grown, or picked straight from the tree it tastes even better.

What better way to start the day than with fresh figs and strawberries?

And freshly cooked bread with local ham, melon and grapes for lunch! Yum!

And who could resist figs with local almonds?

We indulged in the odd coffee too, but at one cafe I was more interested in the shadow play of the glasses!

So much to see around the old farmhouses too. Always worth a second look.

Thanks Moo

2009-09-04T16:30:00.002+01:00

Time for a new website! If you would like to take a look, that is. More pages to come, but not for a while.

I ordered some Moo cards on Monday, and to my amazement they arrived this morning. I've lots planned for this little collection. Watch this space.

A little bit of Maine

2009-09-02T15:52:00.000+01:00

Have you ever been to Maine? I haven't - well, not yet. However, I now have a little piece, just about ready to hang on my wall.

It was a surprise in the post this morning from my friend from overseas Carol. Isn't it lovely. She has a shop on Etsy too, you can see some of her other creations here.

Thread of the month and a surprise

2009-09-01T11:09:00.000+01:00

The new thread collection of the month is now posted here and you can purchase it directly from the sidebar there. . There is also a link alongside here.

I also thought I'd tell you about a surprise mail that came this morning. A while ago I made a comment on a blogpost, and, as you do, promptly forgot all about it. Amazingly I won myself a prize. I'll post a picture when it arrives, but in the meantime I thought I'd point you to the artist's work. It was actually really difficult to decide which one to show you because they are all really beautiful but finally I decided this was the one to go for.

However, don't take my word for it. You must take a look at her shop to see the rest of her amazing work.

Talking Threads

2009-08-31T15:51:00.001+01:00

I hinted, in a previous post, about a new TV programme. I'm pleased to say that there is more information available now, and you can keep up to date with the details by registering your interest here. Those of you that were at the Festival of Quilts on the Friday would have seen some filming going on. The first series is 10 programmes, and I've just heard that there is something special planned for Christmas.

All in all it's really exciting for textiles....

Time to reflect....

2009-08-26T11:17:00.000+01:00

As always the Festival of Quilts was a busy show. Here I am, part way through 'set up' wondering if we will have any customers!

Fortunately they came thick and fast once the show had opened, but of course there was no opportunity to photograph that! I hardly saw any of the exhibits, but I did find time to go and see my friend Liz who had a very impressive display

This is just a tantalising glimpse as I think the Exhibition is touring, and it is so good I don't want to give anything away. Well done, Liz

We met up with lots of good friends, customers and sellers alike. Not on our stand, but here is proof that there were some customers around, even in the 'quiet' times!

We were suprised at how many men came with their wives this year. Interestingly enough, most of them were encouraging their spouses to spend money.....

See you next year?

Mmmm Fruity!

2009-08-16T09:34:00.002+01:00

I must be mad. Here I am, furiously trying to get ready for the Festival of Quilts this coming week, and also doing some preparation for a workshop the week after. Fortunately the two can be combined.

Let's just say that the kitchen smells wonderfully fruity.....!

Is anyone coming to the NEC this week? If you are at the Festival of Quilts pop along to Winifred Cottage on Stand H22 and say 'Hi'! I dare say we can find some tempting things for you to look at too.....

Happy Birthday to you ....

2009-08-14T19:02:00.000+01:00

Birthday's aren't just about cake.....

They are also about the secret things

And about sharing them with others.....

What's the secret?

Why, water and bubbles of course.

What a lovely way to spend a birthday!

A quick catch up

2009-08-12T11:20:00.001+01:00

Where is the week going? It's already Wednesday and I can feel it slipping away! I came back from teaching Summer School at Missenden Abbey on Sunday, and this is the first time I've been able to think about posting some pictures.

Ten students, and they got through a lot in one week. Here is some of what they tackled!

We began by colouring paper

It looked much more interesting after it was dried and ironed.

Next, the fabric needed colouring

We had to leave it where we could to dry! Thankfully it didn't rain all the time.

We began with small pieces in paper, then paper and fabric

After learning how to make lovely areas of texture larger pieces were produced.

I didn't make them cut them up, but most of the did as you can see. I showed them how to avoid making this a disaster.....

This is just some of the work which we presented in a mini exhibition at the end of the week. Working in a school classroom is not easy! Well done everyone.

Felt but not as you know it!

2009-07-31T05:48:00.001+01:00

Another small sample. Felted fibres. Not felted in the conventional way, and no embellisher was used either. This is another taster. The technique is simple, and I'm thinking of running a workshop. What do you think?

More landscapes

2009-07-30T05:55:00.005+01:00

Well, the plural is wrong! In fact there is only one. But here it is. Another sample just to whet your appetite.

Another Taster

2009-07-29T10:59:00.000+01:00

Here's another collection of rust dyed fabrics that have been combined. Not yet finished, the hand stitching comes next, it shows some of the texture created by the technique I've used.

Inspired by a bracken and heather landscape the colours are much more subtle in real life than it would appear in this picture. I'll post the finished piece after Summer School!

Rust Dye - What Now?

2009-07-27T18:59:00.000+01:00

Three posts in three days! Don't worry, I've peaked and time won't allow me to carry on for the rest of the week.

I told you that the silk that was dyed with rust would appear in a different form. Here is some of it.

Firstly, a colour study:

Next some preliminary stitching

And finally

It still needs stretching and mounting, but that won't happen tonight. I'm moving on to something else now, there's a lot to do this week.