oooo, flippin' technology...

Right, here I am, now going back to past posts trying to do the hyperlinks.  I have worked it out, but now cannot always find decent links for my 'odd' Japanese craft book, the'reall in Japanese!! I got mine from ebay but you'd have to be lucky. Mmm. And then there's my lovely 1976 Colourcraft, love it. But no photo's so now I'll have to take my own and link to them on those 2nd hand sellers on Amazon....try again tomorrow I think.

Janebean-makes crosses the big pond!!

Well, I am excited, I have my first known viewer from across the pond.  Thank you April in North Carolina! It seems very strange to sit here in my small, chaotic, house with my five year old shouting at me "are you fed-up or cross"..."ARE YOU FED UP OR CROSS" - yes, Noah, I am now.....and somewhere someone might be casting an eye upon my blog......rabbiting on now, but I was chuffed that someone found me.  

I have also discovered people have been leaving comments, since March, doh! I will work this out one-day.

I have also just spotted how to do hyperlinks I hope, will try later, when the smalls are in bed......

New week, new group....

I've had a great week, started two new groups and started inspiring new learners straight away with new ideas.  

These are pin cushions, at their flat stage.  It just shows how ideas develop across groups, the first ones I did in a class were simple stitches round in a circle.  These ladies looked at those and a few other ideas people had tried and came up with their own variations.  There is also some inspiration from different art cultures- brilliant, well done. 

This work in progress, uses a simple circle starting point and basic stitches.  It's worked in felt and a lovely lush woven fabric.  M may now be inspired to make another one slightly different.
J. Is working really well on this cushion, we have altered the stitch to cover the seams in the middle, two blanked stitch rows which interlock with each other.  It's probably got a posh name, but I think it looks like a caterpillar stitch! The colours remind me of mint-choc chip ice-cream, I like that thought.

the FAB 3....

These little lovelies were made by E. who didn't even like sewing and would avoid it like the plague.  She gives me the credit for inspiring her, which is a huge credit and what its all about in these classes.

I think they are FABulous and a real inspiration to everyone who doesn't think they can do anything with a needle and cotton.  Thanks for the pictures E ( I will have to improve my photos now). Looking forward to your next project.

Fronts and Backs of three little egg cosies.....

Two updates in one week....What's going on?

I made a point of catching those learners who had avoided my camera for the term, this is what they have been up to.  I have been suggesting that they plan out patches of colour on paper first. This has been a valuable process.  It makes things clearer, gives the learners space to experiment and plan colours and cuts down on mistakes in cutting the felt!

J has made 4 coasters for her dining room and is now planning the table mats.  We are concerned that the felt is not washable and thinking about how they can be protected from inevitable spills.  Lovely mix of colours.
M is working on a collage that grows out from a simple circle.  She is using a variety of fabrics and embellishing the layers with different stitches and beads.
G is planning her cushion cover on paper.  She has been keenly starting a new project each week and managing to finish most of them off during the week.  A brilliant achievement for anyone!

Below is the finished heart cushion from the previous posting, G has experimented with different flowers made in felt.