Textiles at the Library

I think I was planning this exhibition when I posted my last blog way back in May. It's up and running now - hurray! Small, compact but a lovely collection of very great work by 10 textile students from the last 4 years of my teaching.

The work is here for the month of October, do pop along and see it if you can.

There are 36 pieces of work ranging from samples from the Level1 Creative textile award to the Level2 Printed repeated pattern textile length of fabric and the new Level2 Applique and Quilting awards.

Why didn't I take a photograph of everyone with their work!! I don't blooming well know, damn it.

Anyway, lets try and salvage what I have:

Sarah in the black and white dress......is nowhere near her work in this picture.

(there is a catalogue of the work with artists credited you will be pleased to hear)

 Dee stands proudly next to her printed length, while standing in front of mine!! There is another length at the other end of the panels - blue on white.

Deborah on the far right of the picture is again not standing next to her work.

Hilary in the cream cardigan is not either....

Dawn is! The large pieces of dyed shibori looked great on three of the main panels.

Deborah's simple flower printed samples. Lins tryptic.

Judi's Level1 samples

Anthea's printing and devore....with a corner of Lin's work again.

Rose's falling leaves at the top, with Deborah's fallen leaves at the bottom!

Which leads me onto a quick course planned for November:

5 x 2 hour classes of dyeing and printing fabric, inspired by Autumn colours and walks.

Course code J3D194XA

Story of Mum in Milton Keynes

I thought I should write about a project I've been involved in for the last few weeks. A networking a supportive website was set up by a Mother and Daughter duo a couple of years ago. The month of May brings their on-line community to Milton Keynes and knowing the 'Mum' of the family I suggested they might like to show our Community quilt in the exhibition as it was made by Mums in New Bradwell/Milton Keynes.

Story of Mum  is a great on-line support network to CONNECT CREATE AND CELEBRATE.

Our quilt looks amazing hanging in the gallery and has had a great deal of admiration from visitors.

Have a look at the website, be inspired and take part in the challenges!

Here I am with the quilt, a picture never taken before:

Go to the Bramble Patch now!

....if you can

Or have a look at these lovely textile pieces for now.

I had a whole 20mins yesterday to rush to the Bramble Patch and just managed to fly round a very lovely exhibition by SiX and friends as as well as some work from courses they run there. There was no catalogue and I didn't have time to take notes and give credit (very sorry)

But some of the work you may recognise for yourselves.

The exhibition is on until April 6th, not Easter Sunday or Monday though 10-5

There is plenty to see there and for a £2 contribution to the Macmillan money well spent.

And of course you could get side tracked by the amazing fabrics in the main shop, you have been warned!

 This one I bought as a card from the Quilt Centre in York a couple of years ago, so it was a lovely surprise to see it for real.

New classes in a new venue!

I've been chatting with Stef of the Bead Scene at the Wakefield farm estate in Northamptonshire about some Smallbeans stitching classes - hurrah! The crafting room is sunny and warm making it a lovely place to be inspired, create and try something new. We have come up with loads of ideas to try and here are the first two sessions:

Introduction to working with felt and vintage fabrics using 5 simple techniques or stitches. Taking place on the 27th of March from 10am-1pm. These lovely designs can be made into brooches, appliqué or a decoration for a tote bag. Basic materials will be provided and the cost of the workshop is £15.






Just 3 days later the Easter stitch is planned and we will be making a rather lovely felt hen. I shall show you how to create a simple symetrical embroidery design and add quirky details with extra embroidery and fabrics. Your hen can be stuffed with lavender or left open to hold an egg of the chocolate variety ready for Easter Sunday. This workshop includes all the materials you will need to make one hen about 15cms high and costs £20. Stef is running a children's crafting workshop at the same time, so you could have a crafty morning out with your youngster making things for your Easter table.




The Bead Scene is a haven for people of a crafting nature with a huge range of beads, buttons and trims. Stef has also started a Vintage stitch room stocking large variety of haberdashery including beautiful hand dyed embroidery threads, lovely fat quarters and a good range of the Tilda fabrics and kits.
Links to the Bead Scene website workshops can be found here.