tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19546933553225375782024-02-08T00:44:37.227+00:00Mary Moorkens textile artistAbout my love of textiles, embroidery, antique lace, eco dyeing and my fun putting them all together.
For my textile art in exhibitions and galleries and on my etsy shop www.marymoorkens.etsy.com and on instagram (@marymoorkens)
queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-61107630666301091182021-12-26T17:55:00.002+00:002021-12-26T17:58:11.012+00:00Under the Surface<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am delighted to have two of my textile pieces in MADE IN IRELAND exhibition at the National Design and Craft Gallery in Kilkenny.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With work by over 100 makers from all over Ireland I am very proud to be included.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The exhibition is on until end January 2022 with further venues to follow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Big thank you to curators @hilarymorleyvisualartist, Mary Gallagher @blue_egg_gallery, @stephen.o.connell and all the team at @dccireland and @ndcgallery for all their hard work and expertise to create such a beautiful strong collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhofeKMQGcRJa4JOA24nzcv_NOrZe6vLivMzjZ6vZBCsyTbpEd0bptytVMrz2RhlEGTyj7vt0oCedzQD6iURGUPl4xDwH-H58tbJM49gZpkHHZ4obcNpW9uv81EVI7JyeltAfOIAAD8iWWKrSsUODDNsYDtpvejYNCPM0tZAmfqvFshIUAfgQlGsD4tsw=s5020" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5020" data-original-width="5020" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhofeKMQGcRJa4JOA24nzcv_NOrZe6vLivMzjZ6vZBCsyTbpEd0bptytVMrz2RhlEGTyj7vt0oCedzQD6iURGUPl4xDwH-H58tbJM49gZpkHHZ4obcNpW9uv81EVI7JyeltAfOIAAD8iWWKrSsUODDNsYDtpvejYNCPM0tZAmfqvFshIUAfgQlGsD4tsw=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My two pieces are on theme ‘Under the Surface’ , because what goes on underground is as fascinating as above !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is a small blog post about making one of the embroideries,‘Under the Surface (Garden)’ textile art embroidery wrapped on 30cm x 30cm canvas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9DzeE43YQ8-oDKPEWYf9lUIyIustxOAJGdZ73DHdjRlD9QRYVt4L5QQHLdizpoLo6GxEOFk7IkMcJxw39-ZobWK75-3Z_i-5cI2503iYCxAKfw1AbW25mhxJite_GARCandGvSC4hBphGC6xRhjF8vU_QvaBCrIhr6pecmmbTuFh_KBeGZiT-Xw3a0g=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9DzeE43YQ8-oDKPEWYf9lUIyIustxOAJGdZ73DHdjRlD9QRYVt4L5QQHLdizpoLo6GxEOFk7IkMcJxw39-ZobWK75-3Z_i-5cI2503iYCxAKfw1AbW25mhxJite_GARCandGvSC4hBphGC6xRhjF8vU_QvaBCrIhr6pecmmbTuFh_KBeGZiT-Xw3a0g=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I started out with a rough sketch of layout for above and below surface.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilmdJdSQx1m2vBoRzduFPC5TKwRjLTfTu0Hht_QnXRvNO_m9DbWN8Hh3gMUPFZoBpjhVW5PtY_OUMT1Vbg3EuuT4LnQT4mJ6ewgjjTUJ04fZynWimgBpOIUf4yT0yyWFST8CsaR5NRS-Fv8Kxje-Da7_pLQFtRurNMU9W2hwPYMHi3pmWY3aCZ1rdtWQ=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilmdJdSQx1m2vBoRzduFPC5TKwRjLTfTu0Hht_QnXRvNO_m9DbWN8Hh3gMUPFZoBpjhVW5PtY_OUMT1Vbg3EuuT4LnQT4mJ6ewgjjTUJ04fZynWimgBpOIUf4yT0yyWFST8CsaR5NRS-Fv8Kxje-Da7_pLQFtRurNMU9W2hwPYMHi3pmWY3aCZ1rdtWQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I then dyed silk with flowers, leaves and rust to get a base for earth.</div><div>I stitched over felt stone shapes and included scrim and frayed fabric to add texture.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfSZFXMePr1m7jMFY3flXdDJ9FCDuVCyNjAETwd3FDnS_yENlN4dhmKXHc1BIVFSoWkmqx5Cb40wMqchm_CpGgV6KCA6v0tJNsk-t8dXncawI1JFznuWXeS3MYfwqmeWW_wCYrkpjDGvySweOE9RsgVyvEA5azOKz8osnR5LMseHgIKdnDbqt98OJ2LQ=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfSZFXMePr1m7jMFY3flXdDJ9FCDuVCyNjAETwd3FDnS_yENlN4dhmKXHc1BIVFSoWkmqx5Cb40wMqchm_CpGgV6KCA6v0tJNsk-t8dXncawI1JFznuWXeS3MYfwqmeWW_wCYrkpjDGvySweOE9RsgVyvEA5azOKz8osnR5LMseHgIKdnDbqt98OJ2LQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgruK23j9e87amzE5EHJ9hAwf3Aobke0aBEw3AC5cSRjoEY680nIU2GItiXEyEKWATjFtLyD8a-ZNfmmbyXzfqsZw4D26RmTHuM3Kj83hHqHx5oifvf-vVC5V22fpUTV1pMYegFP1O-fprVK15R4Ck-gncuo9oMyzTBCnoVgPxOckD3LKyG-lLSCCjBeQ=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgruK23j9e87amzE5EHJ9hAwf3Aobke0aBEw3AC5cSRjoEY680nIU2GItiXEyEKWATjFtLyD8a-ZNfmmbyXzfqsZw4D26RmTHuM3Kj83hHqHx5oifvf-vVC5V22fpUTV1pMYegFP1O-fprVK15R4Ck-gncuo9oMyzTBCnoVgPxOckD3LKyG-lLSCCjBeQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2XGC65Gvx3QYpQ5PvNzSHMWEKFsk5q6kowgi5EUWboabLyHJ9ELU0-4V3jh7BtVq40pItOmaqFDl_mAU-cFo0W7UhYiJxIxoxnKM0Qk3rPRF1ldvdAISeHVdlLiZ8UrLdYDPN1NO2Kp5t__Dt_lSlM_7O_gVTIDCx7Ig0_qW4Fby7F7Kf23dnjq2-sg=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2XGC65Gvx3QYpQ5PvNzSHMWEKFsk5q6kowgi5EUWboabLyHJ9ELU0-4V3jh7BtVq40pItOmaqFDl_mAU-cFo0W7UhYiJxIxoxnKM0Qk3rPRF1ldvdAISeHVdlLiZ8UrLdYDPN1NO2Kp5t__Dt_lSlM_7O_gVTIDCx7Ig0_qW4Fby7F7Kf23dnjq2-sg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted bright strong flowers to contrast with the roots beneath.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I choose deep reds and purples and strong centers of bullion stitch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjxJhasqOPqTKVZzyuaFk8eHKt0qaUoY6Ja2JUlbBi19bwODyzwb8MZu9TkWxiLxprSEG-i2-89pC3yZ4O6lX6EtXW0Zb5kzL8lJAlyZza38eHqmdo_8cqQ7am-iu-XhGUA1zmBbdiHHhk5Gxa7Qb-HzAVQQT-VNMmSJVT_HW4jccR4nCrZXRd7oHYfw=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjxJhasqOPqTKVZzyuaFk8eHKt0qaUoY6Ja2JUlbBi19bwODyzwb8MZu9TkWxiLxprSEG-i2-89pC3yZ4O6lX6EtXW0Zb5kzL8lJAlyZza38eHqmdo_8cqQ7am-iu-XhGUA1zmBbdiHHhk5Gxa7Qb-HzAVQQT-VNMmSJVT_HW4jccR4nCrZXRd7oHYfw=w400-h400" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQY5lYna2YqkfmsCKqyCdwc18C5EOvWp1EFx6oKWqfnAmAKgxSzp6Onu818J23hBy_4zf5k09mSs8envmDl7fE-MeVGmGvYPc37USfc09QcbHvr4CSyztUKycBChUP-iEoU-FESplVsVpm38DFgy67oyz2hj7cYx6ZWME0H-iO2-E2iuGeFXaOQtq0rw=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQY5lYna2YqkfmsCKqyCdwc18C5EOvWp1EFx6oKWqfnAmAKgxSzp6Onu818J23hBy_4zf5k09mSs8envmDl7fE-MeVGmGvYPc37USfc09QcbHvr4CSyztUKycBChUP-iEoU-FESplVsVpm38DFgy67oyz2hj7cYx6ZWME0H-iO2-E2iuGeFXaOQtq0rw=w400-h400" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK5bw7zIM3ujCRvHTpyizNAjTgtE0WxgUndSYdNi3f6uWch9OXE7Q6lFa_yrGoq6JsNPbrHZOX5izmQUJgeNXFVHIX_w34emUiigFG9DlGtAwu8rw0mMf7z6WDhWg7A10MHT2oa5myTUf3c84178vYwEhMp0kwYNDDBwDqO7SgHisWHhLPYys7fKE-kA=s3189" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3189" data-original-width="3189" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK5bw7zIM3ujCRvHTpyizNAjTgtE0WxgUndSYdNi3f6uWch9OXE7Q6lFa_yrGoq6JsNPbrHZOX5izmQUJgeNXFVHIX_w34emUiigFG9DlGtAwu8rw0mMf7z6WDhWg7A10MHT2oa5myTUf3c84178vYwEhMp0kwYNDDBwDqO7SgHisWHhLPYys7fKE-kA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To link the story of above and below I embroidered a bluebird pulling up worms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love hand stitching because it gives me so much control of movement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stitched the bird separately and then carefully cut close and restitched into place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the worms . . . I added some antique nails (salvage from Spanish church c1750 )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCI4os_PnZ0-VcR0hnbCZ20z47dlUpqU4TXBU3miigCRuB8ZVbv7ujNyttb9FzlZjuToKDZILCD22t6fRBbaLNYGN5ojHDNoSCcg7WpUnz6T2HYkoNuplfsMqXw8tCslsd_opjVUKNbY9DuiZvKeH6GU1ObMpbh6tuU5xfRm16FfOIUGiAS8DAx_SM4w=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCI4os_PnZ0-VcR0hnbCZ20z47dlUpqU4TXBU3miigCRuB8ZVbv7ujNyttb9FzlZjuToKDZILCD22t6fRBbaLNYGN5ojHDNoSCcg7WpUnz6T2HYkoNuplfsMqXw8tCslsd_opjVUKNbY9DuiZvKeH6GU1ObMpbh6tuU5xfRm16FfOIUGiAS8DAx_SM4w=w400-h400" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn5EtOyIrBW4ZnVDbl8XwzyHqm1Z2p8-_MMg-yzTO4hp2SB9L451QXtOHklRdnIBAxEPReZ-ikwExHhOlPY6aBuOzcd4QjSraFfaieQnUeCC0xZ1oK6LgK4FX4dfD-XAYbqQJf1yBrmGvFUCJ7hVaVltBWarg18t3dCm6i0huds8X4KaLBVsdU7qQKvQ=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn5EtOyIrBW4ZnVDbl8XwzyHqm1Z2p8-_MMg-yzTO4hp2SB9L451QXtOHklRdnIBAxEPReZ-ikwExHhOlPY6aBuOzcd4QjSraFfaieQnUeCC0xZ1oK6LgK4FX4dfD-XAYbqQJf1yBrmGvFUCJ7hVaVltBWarg18t3dCm6i0huds8X4KaLBVsdU7qQKvQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Underground is a fascinating place, full of interacting roots and hidden treasures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the structure of bulbs and rooting that seem to dance under the surface.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used some natural mulberry bark as it has so much fiber and texture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To give some colour I dyed with tea and a little rust, then teased it out to form the network of roots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggJ5ED1UZWIllwp7okhRaD81VaFH9NKF5Do1Tt2ItItke-jwHNETZzH2d0v_GujbvSgrSrotpXDklFgcbssmqyNbde51lYZDxrWx_wzqSX-C4c4LWBOI0RGCk_nnxyB4XqlyuVhP5JdCiufa1ZR95TihV1GmrK39-3Gpl_Oh8qreSrPN8t6g3S1hxwsg=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggJ5ED1UZWIllwp7okhRaD81VaFH9NKF5Do1Tt2ItItke-jwHNETZzH2d0v_GujbvSgrSrotpXDklFgcbssmqyNbde51lYZDxrWx_wzqSX-C4c4LWBOI0RGCk_nnxyB4XqlyuVhP5JdCiufa1ZR95TihV1GmrK39-3Gpl_Oh8qreSrPN8t6g3S1hxwsg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9KZdKO-6pI-we_kT7MOFM2rns9WerPBV_rflIGvmlSTQPBdeaT5ufgseAzMEtfwSSyXORD971OPd2TVdNhdNwo2rcOJSJKIBLnRw9Hmaiji5uCU6X5p15kJdFx9vQL1-K9-n6VJ7PmjHVhtDDfig16tumbSohj9_2c-PorRUVVG1h12tRHabsYXNyrQ=s2480" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9KZdKO-6pI-we_kT7MOFM2rns9WerPBV_rflIGvmlSTQPBdeaT5ufgseAzMEtfwSSyXORD971OPd2TVdNhdNwo2rcOJSJKIBLnRw9Hmaiji5uCU6X5p15kJdFx9vQL1-K9-n6VJ7PmjHVhtDDfig16tumbSohj9_2c-PorRUVVG1h12tRHabsYXNyrQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Flower bulbs are amazing things and I tried to show some of their layers with</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">different fabrics and frayed tulle. I used watercolour pencils to shade the bulb.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqQeROT6_zvaLr0XmQ0EtpHrnLIsBKYxkWGewInt3Txa4BOqW1djiPgYWm1Cv_96cQ6nj8l9wWQbO_kgejezV5GbP8a40X0U3ifRbwfBCKygcASSiAf4b0hQdey9nnpSXctXOg6JZJm3MKnR17NcY2TdgqWZ13Bjy_YUl6uwo5CMRS-ELhe7mKp2n8ZQ=s3189" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3189" data-original-width="3189" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqQeROT6_zvaLr0XmQ0EtpHrnLIsBKYxkWGewInt3Txa4BOqW1djiPgYWm1Cv_96cQ6nj8l9wWQbO_kgejezV5GbP8a40X0U3ifRbwfBCKygcASSiAf4b0hQdey9nnpSXctXOg6JZJm3MKnR17NcY2TdgqWZ13Bjy_YUl6uwo5CMRS-ELhe7mKp2n8ZQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdrhwc7cPKRICZNp48I9hG7Iq-Onn4GabwB8dr1DyFVSqlAujtHy6fkr9r7te4Ue199yujcObtRgVgWhxvLzBnmQWvjwM9UtXFb2axWxY_Y-aiwKdw1PJUXm68EGErI4FOPv-NRkA03B3O93-x9mOflov-i3Vcr5XdQY_gvj9LkGdGoCEwaYyPL6254A=s3189" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3189" data-original-width="3189" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdrhwc7cPKRICZNp48I9hG7Iq-Onn4GabwB8dr1DyFVSqlAujtHy6fkr9r7te4Ue199yujcObtRgVgWhxvLzBnmQWvjwM9UtXFb2axWxY_Y-aiwKdw1PJUXm68EGErI4FOPv-NRkA03B3O93-x9mOflov-i3Vcr5XdQY_gvj9LkGdGoCEwaYyPL6254A=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My duo of ‘Under the Surface’ textile art on canvas hang in the ‘Made in Ireland’ exhibition until end January 2022 and then on to further venues </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqc9uXygm1NDZ6Jj_PqH73h31pAdMMRv2oqjHCJ7lm0UTJixH8sciTPX7ubWlH1QDU7Vblk4FMb2cs2WCoabzu4bwUmyUiSGQzt9c6E02loWvtpl4TN2y6dd7U38dnvqX-4JjSzGyKy17AjgNyoJZXiyS9GKF76zYdoHSLak43SRRebr_CTlQunVJUwg=s3189" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3189" data-original-width="3189" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqc9uXygm1NDZ6Jj_PqH73h31pAdMMRv2oqjHCJ7lm0UTJixH8sciTPX7ubWlH1QDU7Vblk4FMb2cs2WCoabzu4bwUmyUiSGQzt9c6E02loWvtpl4TN2y6dd7U38dnvqX-4JjSzGyKy17AjgNyoJZXiyS9GKF76zYdoHSLak43SRRebr_CTlQunVJUwg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">INSTAGRAM: @marymoorkens</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-21249877730061426182021-09-22T02:14:00.002+01:002021-09-22T02:14:45.860+01:00'Elements of Nature'<h4 style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEUE0m8fNDeP9ofxuh4CMxHWbpDwlK-NjIoA6W4zxGhSfreOUC7K1EJB3tLFNtB1gHP56nLQe0fy2xw6zC6iihXzAtcSI3EK6ETWMlj-f2TpqC4BXCqDNyysxNL3BDMBI6zJBzz1lFPtf/s2048/Mary-November-80x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1102" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEUE0m8fNDeP9ofxuh4CMxHWbpDwlK-NjIoA6W4zxGhSfreOUC7K1EJB3tLFNtB1gHP56nLQe0fy2xw6zC6iihXzAtcSI3EK6ETWMlj-f2TpqC4BXCqDNyysxNL3BDMBI6zJBzz1lFPtf/w344-h640/Mary-November-80x150.jpg" width="344" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">‘Elements of Nature’ is my largest textile piece in international exhibition Texnet2 at Carrefour Européen du Patchwork 2021 </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">and also the largest piece I have ever tackled!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It is 80cm x 150cm and I dread to think how many hand stitches over the months of making. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Many times I asked myself what had I started . . . but it was still a total joy to make and I loved every minute.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYvAPlmOMxJ-WRk3XOTxdHXlxRR2MVOldeO4NASYGAY0XG41yZa4MlpF5LVflVcG4nSSGJMVM57756WPPD1V-DcDMTADvILh32s_9QEwM-elS0R0OHfiha9WMMYM-_Qiw_QsD9u43Achv/s2048/large+lace+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYvAPlmOMxJ-WRk3XOTxdHXlxRR2MVOldeO4NASYGAY0XG41yZa4MlpF5LVflVcG4nSSGJMVM57756WPPD1V-DcDMTADvILh32s_9QEwM-elS0R0OHfiha9WMMYM-_Qiw_QsD9u43Achv/w400-h400/large+lace+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">‘Elements of Nature’ is the four elements - Fire Earth Air Water</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The background is vintage cotton and silk noil that I dyed naturally with flowers, leaves and some rust.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I added antique lace top and bottom to bring some history and lots of texture and because I always </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">find a way to include lace ! To make it easier to handle and as it was stitched on my lap I made the decision </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">to work on it in four parts. So after carefully stitching my full background in place I took out a big sharp </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">scissors and cut in quarters to be carefully rejoined later !!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For the element <span style="color: red;">Air</span> I stitched two birds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A Bluebird for the lightness of air and blue of the sky and a Dark bird for the strength of the wind.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYCEyLMSYx981JAGLxgI2LpSPIguO6FGBI3JR0-2Zg597Cpc5VCcBHsMTQuxKihfNKKkDsGtC7iZaqg2o68VKbsIiPXLO-a0t14klUZxFKAREZ0rAkNiMD4eGJK9IRPj4xTsAF-LZ9hiS/s2048/bluebird-stitching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYCEyLMSYx981JAGLxgI2LpSPIguO6FGBI3JR0-2Zg597Cpc5VCcBHsMTQuxKihfNKKkDsGtC7iZaqg2o68VKbsIiPXLO-a0t14klUZxFKAREZ0rAkNiMD4eGJK9IRPj4xTsAF-LZ9hiS/w400-h400/bluebird-stitching.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoO8usiw0_OgtzgvT0BNBR55CRVkn7hfx3QIJVgqwYNCPz1vQUNCPlirurKJztWyyeZziVWtNZmkUwclbjHXHfwrs91dxcfaPE7H0KXUDjb_N3__kipWUBg_RUIWbS8W1yyXNoVZQNhk2/s2048/bluebird-stitched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoO8usiw0_OgtzgvT0BNBR55CRVkn7hfx3QIJVgqwYNCPz1vQUNCPlirurKJztWyyeZziVWtNZmkUwclbjHXHfwrs91dxcfaPE7H0KXUDjb_N3__kipWUBg_RUIWbS8W1yyXNoVZQNhk2/w400-h400/bluebird-stitched.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I drew the basic outlines and then filled and layered with thread.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hand stitching is a slow process but I love the control I have to build up the shades.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I stitched the birds separately and then added to the background.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AOc6_D2XDj9JjVMrKWXoV-L6DsGnX-M7z0nPjDmLTNnHzjntrvcaNd42wxGM53kAg_RD2FRBclLSWnCGtA7nqos-XfDivRtEYquteJarFCuZjlORrLWXtQ02LJzRemsngitYSpWCOfi8/s2048/making+crow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AOc6_D2XDj9JjVMrKWXoV-L6DsGnX-M7z0nPjDmLTNnHzjntrvcaNd42wxGM53kAg_RD2FRBclLSWnCGtA7nqos-XfDivRtEYquteJarFCuZjlORrLWXtQ02LJzRemsngitYSpWCOfi8/w400-h400/making+crow.jpg" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82RzomWiF-KpL9GFC1kL6DE7eLAneb5gf-sJ9YF-wxsYgaMWaY_Ec2PKf4IeSqwnYOJ_hz9YmtsfW4bt4snBAehyphenhyphend0dEDTUW2tcJ4fbK5cedtWkSRUAjFv7UkL-0auE_FbtbtRsdpeHuQ/s2048/crow+%252B+cord+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82RzomWiF-KpL9GFC1kL6DE7eLAneb5gf-sJ9YF-wxsYgaMWaY_Ec2PKf4IeSqwnYOJ_hz9YmtsfW4bt4snBAehyphenhyphend0dEDTUW2tcJ4fbK5cedtWkSRUAjFv7UkL-0auE_FbtbtRsdpeHuQ/w400-h400/crow+%252B+cord+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For the element <span style="color: red;">Earth</span> I choose to stitch one of my favourites, seedpods.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I stitched lots of bullion stitches and french knots to give very dense detail.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I cut small circles of silk for detailed colour flashes . . . and a little more antique lace!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuTMkvkhd6GsamHq26T7To-OHP0PJDHFZxLpdzSP3mzjVbXy3_-_kIwrf42nCd68PiiiDQxdqHNqgIQbiemozwXWGv0iMEayEaV4OOZxRxtMjz5JmVbSk2KoTc5gXvCI8FM3ZghL8XrZd/s2048/making-seedpods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuTMkvkhd6GsamHq26T7To-OHP0PJDHFZxLpdzSP3mzjVbXy3_-_kIwrf42nCd68PiiiDQxdqHNqgIQbiemozwXWGv0iMEayEaV4OOZxRxtMjz5JmVbSk2KoTc5gXvCI8FM3ZghL8XrZd/w400-h400/making-seedpods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kNNkZxlN2Sdba3NjoQFjntkmORdxEOB47e4g4OcIwnpjKk6nR13lw-KCl-iHtTcnCME9SNJRGAjn06aqwIy3rvxqul73G9-AuwOQ-BOLTuWYjWboEFlK5S7sGRxYhyphenhyphenNucn6C9Lqtvgf4/s2048/stitched-seedpods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kNNkZxlN2Sdba3NjoQFjntkmORdxEOB47e4g4OcIwnpjKk6nR13lw-KCl-iHtTcnCME9SNJRGAjn06aqwIy3rvxqul73G9-AuwOQ-BOLTuWYjWboEFlK5S7sGRxYhyphenhyphenNucn6C9Lqtvgf4/w400-h400/stitched-seedpods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The stems of the seedpods are overlapping sari silk strips and dyed scrim and couching stitch on top of that. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lots of detail.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrCwjBo_pdV9xGc8be_ZV2cmZCge8i52lVwM9nvxcojhjNID9nrIZni2jzKc4NV7eqAab2RA07fp8BlbMZQT6_CPcPGnDG0ij8IFDROp4BoxoNCP00LS19bhuF7CfgkR3rjHV7GDXXt7c/s2048/stitched-stems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrCwjBo_pdV9xGc8be_ZV2cmZCge8i52lVwM9nvxcojhjNID9nrIZni2jzKc4NV7eqAab2RA07fp8BlbMZQT6_CPcPGnDG0ij8IFDROp4BoxoNCP00LS19bhuF7CfgkR3rjHV7GDXXt7c/w400-h400/stitched-stems.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Also included in the Earth element are some mushrooms.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">More of my dyed silk and again I stitched separately to add to background later.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The mushrooms needed to have a small bath in watercolour to give them shading.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">First time I painted a mushroom ! (And I added antique lace of course.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaqhde49ORgTneBkNE8tJ-ENC3LYUDqUtAOpTVBkPQwDnzi-ln7_rOYlphRbOgCyMDoQYPwfk1YVqDX0dsPe1WBG4Bywwf1jZ1e4GFPeDWDD5CXcbSw8hXHsOjkALggXeUo4bKbZPzrkj/s2048/painting+mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaqhde49ORgTneBkNE8tJ-ENC3LYUDqUtAOpTVBkPQwDnzi-ln7_rOYlphRbOgCyMDoQYPwfk1YVqDX0dsPe1WBG4Bywwf1jZ1e4GFPeDWDD5CXcbSw8hXHsOjkALggXeUo4bKbZPzrkj/w400-h400/painting+mushrooms.jpg" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBABbKFjKh4oGfbjAZx3y2c8g985zqTQd4CFhIn84jILjxz1xR542vwpiSSuNBUpamtt6_9nGnCXKZZxa5rsRb2nJ0bmF1FP-JopMQygQYvpHruSco6s3UBvCfgFBDOFy4fh1yLcgeheQ/s2048/mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBABbKFjKh4oGfbjAZx3y2c8g985zqTQd4CFhIn84jILjxz1xR542vwpiSSuNBUpamtt6_9nGnCXKZZxa5rsRb2nJ0bmF1FP-JopMQygQYvpHruSco6s3UBvCfgFBDOFy4fh1yLcgeheQ/w400-h400/mushrooms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For the element <span style="color: red;">Fire</span> I stitched fireflies.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I researched these tiny creatures - they are very magical.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">These are my versions of them and my two birds were given the task to catch some in a jar!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The jar is made with antique netting that was part of an Edwardian wedding dress.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74kico1dYkGfHha9y3fmQ9wVseS_39kFiCVhYmkMI_vEn58J8I9DqU7_lXdrv3VeB04xxpAQ4mNTgcRM3qYNn-KMgvCo8Y1aqxmVWKISDKDErZM2jvir2v07nfMW4Ra-YVM18sM6GiaBw/s2048/fireflies+%252B+fossils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74kico1dYkGfHha9y3fmQ9wVseS_39kFiCVhYmkMI_vEn58J8I9DqU7_lXdrv3VeB04xxpAQ4mNTgcRM3qYNn-KMgvCo8Y1aqxmVWKISDKDErZM2jvir2v07nfMW4Ra-YVM18sM6GiaBw/w400-h400/fireflies+%252B+fossils.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For the element of <span style="color: red;">Water</span> I stitched two fish in a little pond.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lots of antique netting to soften the blue of the water as it was standing out too strongly.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Their pond is surrounded by deeply dyed silk noil and I added naturally dyed prints taken from leaves.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes there was a lot of dye pot days before I ever started stitching this large piece !</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx7bWvfBjkh1-1b16vzVuNfg1RbB9xmE4P39F0aIqdxSY7YFLignC9gZBj69RQifXwwkRWmwOAEll6iJw9uMLvg7Lk0wOZcIc0oh94NubhyphenhyphenoxD5uZK9P5qum8X2Kegt4pH7AHepW9aCVt/s2048/fish+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx7bWvfBjkh1-1b16vzVuNfg1RbB9xmE4P39F0aIqdxSY7YFLignC9gZBj69RQifXwwkRWmwOAEll6iJw9uMLvg7Lk0wOZcIc0oh94NubhyphenhyphenoxD5uZK9P5qum8X2Kegt4pH7AHepW9aCVt/w400-h400/fish+close.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68wVXFQX0OAk6p2lkdlZm-B9a-buppPztGY1JaoZiL8M71LFfNk6I-0z7yEZu9LMWyQm7gbQ3Kr1JOQUzrDp0kAxByhpaL2CUD_IgNhQBiRHSoJ7DpiE1TPChziwjN4mIiGga8n9E-yfS/s2008/fish+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2008" data-original-width="2008" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68wVXFQX0OAk6p2lkdlZm-B9a-buppPztGY1JaoZiL8M71LFfNk6I-0z7yEZu9LMWyQm7gbQ3Kr1JOQUzrDp0kAxByhpaL2CUD_IgNhQBiRHSoJ7DpiE1TPChziwjN4mIiGga8n9E-yfS/w400-h400/fish+b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufMjHp689TlqQAi75nZo0srYtfqJMlPNmNpoLuLcV0U0lUuatmurw50bhgYT8qVzjA8scngNuPvW7wHtIUI3o78ox5_KLZTpNLIAQH9pK0wgB5w9lYDSf8iD0KS4CII-oE-y87VJBb3Lg/s2048/favourite-tool-needle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufMjHp689TlqQAi75nZo0srYtfqJMlPNmNpoLuLcV0U0lUuatmurw50bhgYT8qVzjA8scngNuPvW7wHtIUI3o78ox5_KLZTpNLIAQH9pK0wgB5w9lYDSf8iD0KS4CII-oE-y87VJBb3Lg/w400-h400/favourite-tool-needle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The many different sections were finally linking together . . . and I used one needle for it all.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The needle and I deserve a rest !</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></h4>queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-32635406031968014202021-09-18T17:30:00.005+01:002021-09-18T17:30:33.404+01:00'Lost Glove'<p>Another piece as part of the international exhibition called Texnet2 in EPM (Carrefour Européen du Patchwork) in 2021</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwJ3asalbFOggVjOeZdmm9JQkFdxIN-rQb23gSaeNo5WTeH5df16lZs5MLwiazmqfrAHUN718rIuSYjGsYxW2FI23Pi5SIYGkvcujS6ANWAhciMBVRR7fC39lyjazmDYQ7c_KeXrfwASI/s2048/Lost+Glove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwJ3asalbFOggVjOeZdmm9JQkFdxIN-rQb23gSaeNo5WTeH5df16lZs5MLwiazmqfrAHUN718rIuSYjGsYxW2FI23Pi5SIYGkvcujS6ANWAhciMBVRR7fC39lyjazmDYQ7c_KeXrfwASI/w400-h400/Lost+Glove.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was made to be part of the October section of our Texnet2 exhibition calendar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For me October in Ireland has a ‘rusty’ feel and I decided to depict it as a lost glove.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I imagined an antique glove lost by a lady . . . perhaps in a park . . perhaps during a romantic rendezvous !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The abandoned glove is left to be taken over by nature and eventually to become part of the landscape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVVTtc4UBefRyuBtQ0wHNEpVB7Lynz9tXAHN_Az-Lfrum7im1LM0wV5iIeyLliQg6zWbW-_sha3n7taOOOFzc3u1xctybfrcxSuUqFn2wpqF45TWzvRQ_X727IGCjqArZKELyEv7JH6Ik/s2048/bought+antique+gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVVTtc4UBefRyuBtQ0wHNEpVB7Lynz9tXAHN_Az-Lfrum7im1LM0wV5iIeyLliQg6zWbW-_sha3n7taOOOFzc3u1xctybfrcxSuUqFn2wpqF45TWzvRQ_X727IGCjqArZKELyEv7JH6Ik/s320/bought+antique+gloves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I bought some antique gloves and I dyed them using flowers, leaves and lots of rust sprinkles !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQYYX5_X8e3vUoyXV-UlgKzuo5UjeNlea8dM5jPGeca9RoRFw4yZS-zSA66jZZOxd8JfZ2vuyPgcmPpI2TYjEJ4sRPDfhIc8MIlyfw3-m5lgcl6zrlODnYPQ0ztZYogI9EZm5VG74d5dT/s2048/Dyed+antique+glove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQYYX5_X8e3vUoyXV-UlgKzuo5UjeNlea8dM5jPGeca9RoRFw4yZS-zSA66jZZOxd8JfZ2vuyPgcmPpI2TYjEJ4sRPDfhIc8MIlyfw3-m5lgcl6zrlODnYPQ0ztZYogI9EZm5VG74d5dT/s320/Dyed+antique+glove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The background layers are silk, vintage linen and cotton which all got a dip and steam in natural dye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I added lots of delicious antique lace for more history and to add to the story.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswiafb7fyMdcyl1G7eWel7croiwxbCKPhwZlqcq6nG_KhOOEWBriySqYXD6SQTBXDo-8txr6Qx5Y7g5-TZKmZLd2skp4ElX43vmgDzx4-3rJFIv4aYchIoJmMPwxEPzEewKmRn4UsOYX3/s2048/Glove+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswiafb7fyMdcyl1G7eWel7croiwxbCKPhwZlqcq6nG_KhOOEWBriySqYXD6SQTBXDo-8txr6Qx5Y7g5-TZKmZLd2skp4ElX43vmgDzx4-3rJFIv4aYchIoJmMPwxEPzEewKmRn4UsOYX3/s320/Glove+A.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstjcLWrWWsJUT1wEQs3VFroiJLxVPRFPrOETRUFjXpeWAXwG1RpgLoLtUMNLrB2tbS4mn2XsK1DCAucvLAkumpwuRIav1T7ykCw0is6Dn5R7s9F-WNkFPM_FksZUKKepEvxKhdDv8UzyG/s2048/Glove+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstjcLWrWWsJUT1wEQs3VFroiJLxVPRFPrOETRUFjXpeWAXwG1RpgLoLtUMNLrB2tbS4mn2XsK1DCAucvLAkumpwuRIav1T7ykCw0is6Dn5R7s9F-WNkFPM_FksZUKKepEvxKhdDv8UzyG/s320/Glove+B.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmS5uJGL7saurRaKUxL4SrZ96pwOfllpHVCrr1ZXqoov6Cn5k4ta5gu6aT1b31gQYXbk50wIdxwgRxeL0kAIeRZZgtcWaUg6-sdWCyr95w09qld8SCPN8SoldillgcS2gK_fINGmAoaQ9/s2048/Glove+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmS5uJGL7saurRaKUxL4SrZ96pwOfllpHVCrr1ZXqoov6Cn5k4ta5gu6aT1b31gQYXbk50wIdxwgRxeL0kAIeRZZgtcWaUg6-sdWCyr95w09qld8SCPN8SoldillgcS2gK_fINGmAoaQ9/s320/Glove+C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then I hand stitched fossils and started adding deep rustic looking flowers intertwining themselves through the glove. Lots of chunky bullion stitches and french knots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq6AW28TRcyhplCzdv0fQF4PKVXjPR8UXwBCHv2l3eLLuFSjEzX_g-NL6IDjcna66i_I0Lpg9RrZWPrdnu3hpt2dUvXNxs6VZjeXLd8Lxu1ROjfG_b_vuknLM0kYV_ji2S_bUHBXwcmqG/s2048/Glove+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq6AW28TRcyhplCzdv0fQF4PKVXjPR8UXwBCHv2l3eLLuFSjEzX_g-NL6IDjcna66i_I0Lpg9RrZWPrdnu3hpt2dUvXNxs6VZjeXLd8Lxu1ROjfG_b_vuknLM0kYV_ji2S_bUHBXwcmqG/s320/Glove+D.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpvPm2k8z84FrNbNLQFf1vLHVxz21uVs5Yxy6zkT4Z33Gb65wuH3Pwbzpz_dK_dv4bStdT_if88ak2nW03J7UiG9kHJrN4nrKAHY75REC7PVghwGWrFmWgixMN_GaJbTtH41xEVNfB0EH/s2048/Glove+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpvPm2k8z84FrNbNLQFf1vLHVxz21uVs5Yxy6zkT4Z33Gb65wuH3Pwbzpz_dK_dv4bStdT_if88ak2nW03J7UiG9kHJrN4nrKAHY75REC7PVghwGWrFmWgixMN_GaJbTtH41xEVNfB0EH/s320/Glove+flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNdK545FZpzKx0aHoGeHjB6OF_aFYNkpXLtjpw8IrIO2jvkQDyO6Uq7WhQ-l4eAxIvffJZXFWtla2b1M1PEhVCxdyqsfGtbcs_9FR-ARjOsL35klLfFBlpZN-vJJS-MfpTxGCG2BgsGt0/s2048/side+glove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNdK545FZpzKx0aHoGeHjB6OF_aFYNkpXLtjpw8IrIO2jvkQDyO6Uq7WhQ-l4eAxIvffJZXFWtla2b1M1PEhVCxdyqsfGtbcs_9FR-ARjOsL35klLfFBlpZN-vJJS-MfpTxGCG2BgsGt0/s320/side+glove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lady who dropped the glove has her secrets safely hidden forever !!</div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /></div><br />queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-59503093125994022572021-09-14T18:28:00.000+01:002021-09-14T18:28:51.006+01:00'She Dreamt of Growing Antique Lace'<h1 style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z5m4RWr_UmvlEl63j7a_YylwvdCbwmVJftghIeSoVvJDSj9Tm78CdB3iVA9xPb6JT8bp_PzLw-vmaY-t1o_QiuTpI4IqdBu8bVhlb2WlNtvsP0utZ_Abro6-Gc8nA4QjnnUTvrQ5GHwr/s2048/32+x+32++18th+March.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z5m4RWr_UmvlEl63j7a_YylwvdCbwmVJftghIeSoVvJDSj9Tm78CdB3iVA9xPb6JT8bp_PzLw-vmaY-t1o_QiuTpI4IqdBu8bVhlb2WlNtvsP0utZ_Abro6-Gc8nA4QjnnUTvrQ5GHwr/w400-h400/32+x+32++18th+March.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J6pmatPaGTrsIIRFhqnW9O7BLr2n8xLb0CEeiEXx_foKM9bxmoTHUnvjJqO7iQXfXlGF-IY6OiFh7qZNM1ButOSn9OCCITOmhkYfdafu5DlODbFhENMgVd6UW06WqcGR4HQqwlCDhRO7/s2048/poem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1657" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J6pmatPaGTrsIIRFhqnW9O7BLr2n8xLb0CEeiEXx_foKM9bxmoTHUnvjJqO7iQXfXlGF-IY6OiFh7qZNM1ButOSn9OCCITOmhkYfdafu5DlODbFhENMgVd6UW06WqcGR4HQqwlCDhRO7/w259-h320/poem.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></h1><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is a very personal piece based on a poem written by my very talented cousin the writer Geraldine Moorkens Byrne.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">It is a poem she wrote about my crazy love for antique lace, the woman knows me !</span></p><p style="text-align: left;">It is part of the international exhibition called Texnet2. I am delighted to be part of this wonderful project which is a collaboration of 21 international textile artists. We are artists from Europe, United States, Canada and Australia and have interacted, discussed, planned and inspired each other via a facebook group since 2018 under the guidance of Juliette Eckel.</p><p>The result of our project Texnet2, a collection of 377 textiles works.</p><p>It was a joy to work on as well as so wonderful to get to know fellow textile artists who I have never actually met ! The pandemic canceled our chance to exhibit in EPM (Carrefour Européen du Patchwork) in 2020, but going ahead September 2021.</p><p>My first challenge was how to draw myself . . . fun. I used light flat felt as base and drew guide markings, then it was hand stitching in many shades of thread.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ0JqrAhZwO7gK7P40bWBI978vDDzhgIYVK3b3rYg9dGBFRRzEx2cLnXXHxch-YrGQ3rk_bgeZ53nSizSVKKUFKZl8FRIbK_zYNgHmx9B6RCGVDdHFFxufUO7ydzi45aIi8CLX_OjcRaS/s2048/start+figure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="2048" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ0JqrAhZwO7gK7P40bWBI978vDDzhgIYVK3b3rYg9dGBFRRzEx2cLnXXHxch-YrGQ3rk_bgeZ53nSizSVKKUFKZl8FRIbK_zYNgHmx9B6RCGVDdHFFxufUO7ydzi45aIi8CLX_OjcRaS/w400-h205/start+figure.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLT9Y0eZXXnZ_zolHTxdk77VoyVOsupgGSgPalHPgCKpRy5MJ-8UOtXUalweJUZotlLUPxNzmQDvN0avmgk_GAnEhCLk2Fscgit0N0NHFEb6yZ_FDO9kV1qxgWUx9qGV7K-HDnD7eU2yz/s2508/stitching+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLT9Y0eZXXnZ_zolHTxdk77VoyVOsupgGSgPalHPgCKpRy5MJ-8UOtXUalweJUZotlLUPxNzmQDvN0avmgk_GAnEhCLk2Fscgit0N0NHFEb6yZ_FDO9kV1qxgWUx9qGV7K-HDnD7eU2yz/w400-h200/stitching+face.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to depict the dream of growing the lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stitched layers to form a bulb shape and then painted extra detail of colour with watercolours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hands were tricky !!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjKTIhaw7186-KSx45W3oLyO7dJ43TEkw9sVrHpk8PeTpRkLUW4FgfseVbSub1Idrm8OR0AMuKA9WqDdBWp9Oai-55BVZWW4c9j9NsUbSBslrGM2uk67SnjzabM8ps67B22R6rj1V77AH/s2508/bulb+and+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjKTIhaw7186-KSx45W3oLyO7dJ43TEkw9sVrHpk8PeTpRkLUW4FgfseVbSub1Idrm8OR0AMuKA9WqDdBWp9Oai-55BVZWW4c9j9NsUbSBslrGM2uk67SnjzabM8ps67B22R6rj1V77AH/w400-h200/bulb+and+hands.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The background was silk noil I had dyed with flowers and leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1B4fnaHoo_QiGdxYb5tgQxeyZebhYilrvEkJCG4iadacr6H6Dh5037-Op8ipr9uJVKk9hj7QpBWy8dIK7Spfz7aBfHtjyrHjgm1TWW8ny5einh9TvNPCGYZ2itV7noSL4QBBG2uzq_us/s2048/hands+added.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1B4fnaHoo_QiGdxYb5tgQxeyZebhYilrvEkJCG4iadacr6H6Dh5037-Op8ipr9uJVKk9hj7QpBWy8dIK7Spfz7aBfHtjyrHjgm1TWW8ny5einh9TvNPCGYZ2itV7noSL4QBBG2uzq_us/w400-h400/hands+added.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I tried various ideas for hair but because it was a dreaming figure I ended up going very detailed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I mixed thick knitting yarn with thread and ribbon and of course lots and lots of antique lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally I wanted to include the poem that started it all, printed on cotton.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2rfJ0C1S1svh_fbgYPtswqEYcLQ1TcBu3hwlLELuwcntzYOyn6PXqFhtM9GG1u1PL8S1MVh8EJMRrKMVLUfUpPYozGYmBNTwR1cbVxAZA4gkBiaWw1K_ScX4ZDjgbNZZzlFfi_SEw587/s2508/asleep+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2rfJ0C1S1svh_fbgYPtswqEYcLQ1TcBu3hwlLELuwcntzYOyn6PXqFhtM9GG1u1PL8S1MVh8EJMRrKMVLUfUpPYozGYmBNTwR1cbVxAZA4gkBiaWw1K_ScX4ZDjgbNZZzlFfi_SEw587/w400-h200/asleep+hair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-60705725870889426682021-03-08T17:04:00.000+00:002021-03-08T17:04:00.289+00:00Texnet2 International Exhibition<div style="text-align: left;">Introducing two pieces that I made for an international exhibition called Texnet2.</div><div>I am delighted to be part of this wonderful project which is a collaboration of 21 international textile artists.</div><div>We are artists from Europe, United States, Canada and Australia and have interacted, discussed, planned and inspired each other via a facebook group since 2018 under the guidance of Juliette Eckel.</div><div><br /></div><div>The result of our project Texnet2, a collection of 377 textiles works.</div><div>It was a joy to work on as well as so wonderful to get to know fellow textile artists who I have never actually met ! </div><div>The pandemic canceled our chance to exhibit in EPM (Carrefour Européen du Patchwork) in September 2020, perhaps it will be kinder in 2021.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q4tv75f37fLZmuH3mT_36uP0yPNKNxWSLaBvqBtHXmhBPYWFKsZzvoW5_sOjoA6cQTo6fTKSbQgymmnCRjzqVL1lDoMIw9PT5M9OZcN0ZiyCueaZp4_orAmCAkEhsUGHWbvW-faBh0H6/s2048/texnet2-exhibition-mary-moorkens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="2048" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q4tv75f37fLZmuH3mT_36uP0yPNKNxWSLaBvqBtHXmhBPYWFKsZzvoW5_sOjoA6cQTo6fTKSbQgymmnCRjzqVL1lDoMIw9PT5M9OZcN0ZiyCueaZp4_orAmCAkEhsUGHWbvW-faBh0H6/w400-h265/texnet2-exhibition-mary-moorkens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first piece called ‘Say Rabbit for Luck’ is a very special lady.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our family have always followed the tradition of saying ‘rabbit’ on the first of the month.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was always the challenge to be the first to say it on the day and grab the luck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I was young I thought it was only our family until I realised this tradition is widespread with people saying ‘rabbit’ ‘white rabbit’ or ‘pinch punch’.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was made with naturally dyed silk, lots of antique lace and hand stitching.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Layers of fabric I dyed with flowers and leaves and antique lace for texture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dandelions are embroidered to add to the luck and wishes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I gave bunny a blush watercolour bath before hand stitching and adding a lace collar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The piece is 32 cm square.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcPhnPQsCtzZK_FUp3C64Vx1YSXy_3sfgnV8SOLuoB4NxnH1VWTzLxo_Gt5zduZEyUDDT3wDfzbTfsLnR3xhWJ3I_cYYhRfrZ2Q8dBsHQ_LY845KHgC-fLthRyKfn8tCTvp0Vj45YE4KR/s2048/textile-art-rabbit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcPhnPQsCtzZK_FUp3C64Vx1YSXy_3sfgnV8SOLuoB4NxnH1VWTzLxo_Gt5zduZEyUDDT3wDfzbTfsLnR3xhWJ3I_cYYhRfrZ2Q8dBsHQ_LY845KHgC-fLthRyKfn8tCTvp0Vj45YE4KR/w266-h400/textile-art-rabbit.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXvy76gOJ7rVkhm6nT4iT56Gyf9UNsWZhCTRimMFV0ID_mLsldebGH-ubOuILlLrpvHqdR_c_ixwUYtH179i9bXXkEI_soVYjd4d7TLcZfdi6fLikLBkhIyRZlJjSDg4qCapmK1rCS3Sp/s2048/say-rabbit-for-luck-mary-moorkens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXvy76gOJ7rVkhm6nT4iT56Gyf9UNsWZhCTRimMFV0ID_mLsldebGH-ubOuILlLrpvHqdR_c_ixwUYtH179i9bXXkEI_soVYjd4d7TLcZfdi6fLikLBkhIyRZlJjSDg4qCapmK1rCS3Sp/s320/say-rabbit-for-luck-mary-moorkens.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">‘Wish Nest’ is the second textile piece I made for the Texnet2 exhibition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is a 15 x 32 cm piece and features a bluebird of happiness building a nest of words.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I dyed the background silk noil with flowers and leaves and then hand stitched the bluebird.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The nest is a mix of dyed silk ribbon and ripped fabric with an antique lace soft centre.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The words and wishes are printed on cotton and stitched and woven through the nest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbmKJJ1tApKr219tFp0Iyfn25Un-KSVA6F9a3GML_V_MnT2mJ-7hJOj5pSj0dXyjzjSDV5aUWxc_q2JaE67GTlIsw9GPxipvfkaAWWrCIYgJgRsWsijJ6Ot4SyBvaBSDe2kgMgwrKgWBd/s2048/Bird+Progress+stitch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbmKJJ1tApKr219tFp0Iyfn25Un-KSVA6F9a3GML_V_MnT2mJ-7hJOj5pSj0dXyjzjSDV5aUWxc_q2JaE67GTlIsw9GPxipvfkaAWWrCIYgJgRsWsijJ6Ot4SyBvaBSDe2kgMgwrKgWBd/s320/Bird+Progress+stitch.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ-BXWXXoGiPIh3AgEZXaaVMErvPTxuOz70jHICYN5981IIZseC3YtvqsDdxoyHkxkkjMjIw2yYJI9JcugnRboSpHUlQeqigzcezX_JcV5IP9iZReA7wQkK0dGYCKptbBQ9L9nk4274s_/s2048/making+nest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ-BXWXXoGiPIh3AgEZXaaVMErvPTxuOz70jHICYN5981IIZseC3YtvqsDdxoyHkxkkjMjIw2yYJI9JcugnRboSpHUlQeqigzcezX_JcV5IP9iZReA7wQkK0dGYCKptbBQ9L9nk4274s_/s320/making+nest.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvytfuBF_41-W-KmI3ON5Xu4ylE0Wgh5CLnPyFwDndodXHrKstSlYZEQ0q9skJr6fMh_3UqaPrzxAAuC2Uin21lZTMCQ6L-R6RhrdFnpkYx6Er7TJQcR1toM7dEP6UXvmLy9lPLcNCH3o/s2048/wish-nest-mary-moorkens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1138" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvytfuBF_41-W-KmI3ON5Xu4ylE0Wgh5CLnPyFwDndodXHrKstSlYZEQ0q9skJr6fMh_3UqaPrzxAAuC2Uin21lZTMCQ6L-R6RhrdFnpkYx6Er7TJQcR1toM7dEP6UXvmLy9lPLcNCH3o/w223-h400/wish-nest-mary-moorkens.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In all made 11 different medium size pieces for this exhibition and then one very large piece </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">80cm x 150cm that I stitched throughout lockdown in Dublin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is the largest embroidery I have made and hope to share images soon . . . . . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhbc6APmEmLNQsIrngkl1lGWUd5Hu8O3kvyIFedGnhmYgnOwmYJO_6wuwO5z9o51J3KUarIKjkRaO5V-ptwLur3FYYnQr3dUhWatyJ-fJ84GHarWDO4JWbaCjgTh0-KWN57s2NfPY5p0y/s2048/night+stitch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhbc6APmEmLNQsIrngkl1lGWUd5Hu8O3kvyIFedGnhmYgnOwmYJO_6wuwO5z9o51J3KUarIKjkRaO5V-ptwLur3FYYnQr3dUhWatyJ-fJ84GHarWDO4JWbaCjgTh0-KWN57s2NfPY5p0y/s320/night+stitch.jpg" /></a></div></div>queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-90888980164863502692021-02-23T16:19:00.001+00:002021-02-23T16:21:43.407+00:00‘I am my inner stitch . . . the needle dreams my journey’<div style="text-align: left;"><div>August 2020</div><div>The Irish Guild of Embroiderers exhibition in the Lexicon called ‘2020’ celebrating 20 year Anniversary of the guild.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXe02XTdAkOLigqrvVH-UV0JE-MEBSU8y2d29ZBjtn0_ghThfcFuCZTSm6-FIw3Yxpjx_l3ohrqRtsYEFVLaMNyIkh3W8dp2n0ksLPxEEYWiPMAmrMKqFqzsKn9NcPMpwcmNtty4Isisi3/s2048/My+needle+dreams+its+journey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXe02XTdAkOLigqrvVH-UV0JE-MEBSU8y2d29ZBjtn0_ghThfcFuCZTSm6-FIw3Yxpjx_l3ohrqRtsYEFVLaMNyIkh3W8dp2n0ksLPxEEYWiPMAmrMKqFqzsKn9NcPMpwcmNtty4Isisi3/w494-h640/My+needle+dreams+its+journey.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>One little needle and lots and lots of thread and the journey begins.</div><div>I celebrate the magic of embroidery that creates worlds just by moving that needle in and out of cloth.</div><div>I have learnt to trust it and go where it takes me.</div><div>My flowers and creatures are not accurate species, they appear on fabric with their own personalities mixed with mine.</div><div>I love the wildness of free stitching that can be unpredictable, satisfying, therapeutic and totally addictive.</div><div>All of the elements I love are in this piece, naturally dyed fabric, antique lace, vintage textiles and very slow hand stitching. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOTzw9YoFAoxWuX4hpHeR-AEHEqtW8R0KUpepGxtGDe2KMoX5fl_sNz8xKubj35lwXckKb__pY5WdyvgXf4kF1ciT0a0mvy_JUiTz3ZcPsaH9M5FVZtCs2RwR4j8BamQ0-TZfI1tJBTyb/s2508/stitched-flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOTzw9YoFAoxWuX4hpHeR-AEHEqtW8R0KUpepGxtGDe2KMoX5fl_sNz8xKubj35lwXckKb__pY5WdyvgXf4kF1ciT0a0mvy_JUiTz3ZcPsaH9M5FVZtCs2RwR4j8BamQ0-TZfI1tJBTyb/w400-h200/stitched-flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVJHmXf5zpK9SN5PdcN-DlBGFCCoueiPIm0RWCMAbO67wC2yJxsu0rq3iAmA_FSUyir-pSfHFT_thQZAQ997ZgG1zotoFSBqCYnFub7Bo211ZtQnE1QMecVKnZ_NEf-z8btg8g73Blq8M/s2508/embroidered-pods.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVJHmXf5zpK9SN5PdcN-DlBGFCCoueiPIm0RWCMAbO67wC2yJxsu0rq3iAmA_FSUyir-pSfHFT_thQZAQ997ZgG1zotoFSBqCYnFub7Bo211ZtQnE1QMecVKnZ_NEf-z8btg8g73Blq8M/w400-h200/embroidered-pods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First I made the flowers, a little alien and imagined. Then some seed pods . . . even more dreamed up !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEUcFkXoJnMYBvhiKv3LI-9R8eSoLNT99PxJ_JKBBYDYagiAKDcb61bNpWKMh0kjqrAvQE-pOF9Nb2vj57KaVCj3LEg-9L6fpttWttkR7B1btIXnPQGyqILTe5gyqj6v7xGLA60wJN_bU/s2508/stitched-mushrooms.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEUcFkXoJnMYBvhiKv3LI-9R8eSoLNT99PxJ_JKBBYDYagiAKDcb61bNpWKMh0kjqrAvQE-pOF9Nb2vj57KaVCj3LEg-9L6fpttWttkR7B1btIXnPQGyqILTe5gyqj6v7xGLA60wJN_bU/w400-h200/stitched-mushrooms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I always like to add a few mushrooms, they are part of fairy tales and magic and I love their stalks and textures.You can really have fun texturing a mushroom !</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA5mjekvfXJaumFPnt_SUBnd6olGIxwGyvlKqIk1QoAZkDsbHryNr2HdjpA7jQpK-KKoRAf8BDnWwD2eNgYHH7kL3NhNGQQVKZs9o7oNHHPaLGjdMwWwrbbWlrT1H7KBQx6E-HixWi2Py/s2508/stitched-birds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA5mjekvfXJaumFPnt_SUBnd6olGIxwGyvlKqIk1QoAZkDsbHryNr2HdjpA7jQpK-KKoRAf8BDnWwD2eNgYHH7kL3NhNGQQVKZs9o7oNHHPaLGjdMwWwrbbWlrT1H7KBQx6E-HixWi2Py/w400-h200/stitched-birds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLg-eJXxk8EyHGhAXIj5ZoGHqo8TslPjpx5j-atiLWugorTfz3d4orYN0A1POizWbNNdFl1huatIXvK6OIj1Gm-K_gBcmt6vfjjRYCKBBNboDgDvnsrjk6TOHgvL_Ter8aKz0TMjhjqkHR/s2508/birds-in-embroidery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLg-eJXxk8EyHGhAXIj5ZoGHqo8TslPjpx5j-atiLWugorTfz3d4orYN0A1POizWbNNdFl1huatIXvK6OIj1Gm-K_gBcmt6vfjjRYCKBBNboDgDvnsrjk6TOHgvL_Ter8aKz0TMjhjqkHR/w400-h200/birds-in-embroidery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I prefer to stitch birds on a separate fabric and they cut out very close to the stitching and add to background. I find it is easier to position and also can give a slight three dimensional feel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When the birds had taken their perches I added the needles they hold and linked them all together with a thread to form my stitch journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfvtpc0cfWjwU9FQPH36jSU88nvPLQm6tETjFHYOBEGzsoE0EPn4hPqXTumstWzttydOqy_n8AHVGzJoeuBVik0wRawK7MsK2QgRIWJ_JHq1mJE3bu9hLitVPae3kf-F7uvh_PNF7dwAm/s2508/antique-lace.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfvtpc0cfWjwU9FQPH36jSU88nvPLQm6tETjFHYOBEGzsoE0EPn4hPqXTumstWzttydOqy_n8AHVGzJoeuBVik0wRawK7MsK2QgRIWJ_JHq1mJE3bu9hLitVPae3kf-F7uvh_PNF7dwAm/w400-h200/antique-lace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Antique lace is a big part of my textile embroidery and it is the texture and history I always add to my work. For me it brings the story together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiiVL8A6wQpmPiAbczbi2N9IKgpm3f9VjdZ7A2Eybgtf2gCFEePf-Pdq9izpD2VeBzPUAwTk2QBg3c31xQA65QJvnQtoNOMxl4Nkk0YH3gtlULcgH45mUt2PEe8M9xS0_g76-vAvHFP_v/s2048/stitch-needle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiiVL8A6wQpmPiAbczbi2N9IKgpm3f9VjdZ7A2Eybgtf2gCFEePf-Pdq9izpD2VeBzPUAwTk2QBg3c31xQA65QJvnQtoNOMxl4Nkk0YH3gtlULcgH45mUt2PEe8M9xS0_g76-vAvHFP_v/w400-h400/stitch-needle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-31583126887315362432021-01-31T16:29:00.000+00:002021-01-31T16:29:36.699+00:00One Little Needle<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EfPumlvSALfTwH8oVLqzlbydQ_GmhJru4JpZwsKQBovR62lcS5x604l8ex8b5JQX35z3Ze5lkdlazv7iSppVWaRFdMckOUFRwi9vKjmKY9AXeAPFdGm6VLGTr6c8tDjA-3tTpCXQbnMt/s2048/A+20+final.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EfPumlvSALfTwH8oVLqzlbydQ_GmhJru4JpZwsKQBovR62lcS5x604l8ex8b5JQX35z3Ze5lkdlazv7iSppVWaRFdMckOUFRwi9vKjmKY9AXeAPFdGm6VLGTr6c8tDjA-3tTpCXQbnMt/w400-h400/A+20+final.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><div>This small square of 20cm was part of the Irish Guild of Embroiderers exhibition at the 2019 Knitting and Stitching Fair in RDS Dublin.</div><div>The canvas squares were a forerunner to the full exhibition of the guild in the Lexicon called ‘2020’.</div><div>The theme for larger exhibition to be started , teased and introduced at RDS.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the time of making this piece I was thinking about the tools of embroidery.</div><div>I have many packs of needles, bought at trade fairs and in craft shops and even online. </div><div>Yet I realised that for over two years I had hand stitched with the one needle !!</div><div>It is a little bent and perhaps not as sharp as it was but I love the feel of it and it knows me.</div><div><br /></div><div>So that was my starting point for this project and going forward into the main exhibition in 2020.</div><div>Like an old fashioned typewriter being part of the novel, or that special paint brush helping the portrait emerge,</div><div>my needle is very much part of my stitching progress and always influences my making.</div><div>Well that’s what it feels like to me !! It is my typewriter, my paintbrush . . . and the means by which I tell my stories.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYl7ugerdwn3oX7ZPbdqLKvNUiQM4kgCuVI81HQl6hHpY6Fm_98lcjCQWAtU09opAdy-KXkMUMTGB8M9FB1J-GL0g1U0IyrytGMXlrjWh153omALxc8D6dtm9JlWszLe6rRtaUpP4gJm7l/s2048/B+bird+progress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYl7ugerdwn3oX7ZPbdqLKvNUiQM4kgCuVI81HQl6hHpY6Fm_98lcjCQWAtU09opAdy-KXkMUMTGB8M9FB1J-GL0g1U0IyrytGMXlrjWh153omALxc8D6dtm9JlWszLe6rRtaUpP4gJm7l/w400-h400/B+bird+progress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not wanting to actually put myself in the picture, I choose a bird to tell the tale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But the central character in the story is the needle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started by drawing guidelines for my bird, which is a bluebird for happiness . . why not !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Making the sketch on a separate fabric gave me the option to place it easily and change my mind a few times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The background fabric was silk noil . . so lovely to stitch into.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At bottom I added a flowerbed of silk that I had dyed with flowers and leaves and over that some lovely antique lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once everything was tacked into place I could stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1be49PUQt5FQNXkMBJFuO2jTdqeKMp05xCCbI3lGlYvknmbfHp7U70HGzJqaB86gliVEDTirMiez5XQrmsseDYKplAiuFIgJYFxuZ9065WuQCWkl4GqcrEnP6H3RR_BfgRzJnY2g3-8zr/s2048/C+more+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1be49PUQt5FQNXkMBJFuO2jTdqeKMp05xCCbI3lGlYvknmbfHp7U70HGzJqaB86gliVEDTirMiez5XQrmsseDYKplAiuFIgJYFxuZ9065WuQCWkl4GqcrEnP6H3RR_BfgRzJnY2g3-8zr/w400-h400/C+more+progress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I gave myself room in layout for the wording . . ‘ I am my inner stitch in and out of cloth the needle dreams my journey’.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlSb7EhHHYu72yFRFBMbGgJWYmBaCbsuyzfWAKTWF3mJsY1oPyr_qbcNJewSJxPzV3KwAdXtq6anNSudRCRBDuJtWGb3g9oHeNicYNecjukMZ14lC06StpT9d-5IOJJmg5y4SP0Km_T8I/s2048/D+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlSb7EhHHYu72yFRFBMbGgJWYmBaCbsuyzfWAKTWF3mJsY1oPyr_qbcNJewSJxPzV3KwAdXtq6anNSudRCRBDuJtWGb3g9oHeNicYNecjukMZ14lC06StpT9d-5IOJJmg5y4SP0Km_T8I/w400-h400/D+bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I gave the bird a flower to stand on and the needle to hold.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW0iKAlhJkMX97iaCytQ3C4gsdkvfphwwNCGgzWCUnkBCjdLTS1ZhZbXwoGFPsk-FgPoBQbO_sri-qUv379ZM39Vog91IXyKsF_vwwm-JofBlW7TzLT8ryd35m9rMa3l3CQoGiVLp_iQ5/s2048/E+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW0iKAlhJkMX97iaCytQ3C4gsdkvfphwwNCGgzWCUnkBCjdLTS1ZhZbXwoGFPsk-FgPoBQbO_sri-qUv379ZM39Vog91IXyKsF_vwwm-JofBlW7TzLT8ryd35m9rMa3l3CQoGiVLp_iQ5/w400-h400/E+bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC7UspD3RzEvnol-7bC3mPyg-WU5Ci_kE4mrncr_TsStrbw1ujUsYJunuW8pQDKgIfeHNBH7QJFtvC7KgwD8osL1p6LFBZnK8gSyDawspPilbphblTjmKuyKI7qoHnd3nX8_W4DNEiN1V/s2048/F+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC7UspD3RzEvnol-7bC3mPyg-WU5Ci_kE4mrncr_TsStrbw1ujUsYJunuW8pQDKgIfeHNBH7QJFtvC7KgwD8osL1p6LFBZnK8gSyDawspPilbphblTjmKuyKI7qoHnd3nX8_W4DNEiN1V/w400-h400/F+side.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I write this post finally in January 2021 . . still using the same needle !! </div><br /><br /><div><br /></div>queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-13926974458196933362021-01-29T18:06:00.014+00:002021-01-29T18:17:41.372+00:00'I'm Still Here'<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Textile embroidery wrapped on canvas 50cm x 70cm</span></h3><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwnIaq1Ie3eDZVsUfbgvZYzMEJdsIKHwRzUPBoNViiQSaidnEzgZNmpKbJscL8BiRZB1SuRe0Pk0hnyU7ASoSM-ar6tZsKp990LxvUnv-pddSM9YSu1GrLt_BP8xM86g0oHDs_Tp5GPxG/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwnIaq1Ie3eDZVsUfbgvZYzMEJdsIKHwRzUPBoNViiQSaidnEzgZNmpKbJscL8BiRZB1SuRe0Pk0hnyU7ASoSM-ar6tZsKp990LxvUnv-pddSM9YSu1GrLt_BP8xM86g0oHDs_Tp5GPxG/w400-h400/Finished.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span><div><br /></div><div>Exhibition theme</div><div>I was delighted to be part of the Irish Guild of Embroiderers exhibition at the Lexicon Library, Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin.</div><div>The theme was ‘Meetings’ and the selection of embroidery and textiles by members was fantastic.</div><div>The exhibition in August 2018 (took me awhile to finally write this blog post).</div><div>Here are some photos of parts of the process.</div><div><br /></div><div>I always start a large textile textile piece for an exhibition with a mixture of excitement and buzz of ideas.</div><div>Then after the initial flurry of looking at materials and scribbling notes I get that uncertain stage . . . what exactly do I do ???</div><div>Eventually I decided that my slant on the theme of meetings would be . . . meeting time head on !</div><div><br /></div><div>This ended up a very personal piece about awareness of ageing.</div><div>Contrasting the different seasons and physical changes in flowers / pods etc</div><div>My mother told me only ever admit to age of 37 - no more.</div><div>No matter what happened in her life she would say “I’m still here”</div><div>Now I find myself saying it.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Starting </div><div>I started off with a black felt background to give depth to my colours.</div><div>I dyed my silk background with flowers, leaves and some rusty bits and then did some water ripple effects with free machine embroidery. I added felt under the silk to form stones.</div><div>I always start with stitching my first elements individually, so that I can change my arrangement as I go along. Elements get added and eliminated as I go . . like chopped up the fabrics to fit until I was eventually content !! (after lots of standing back and looking at it !)</div><div>Starting to take shape.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycFhu9uTgi8-iiMMtYhQXlXX4286RkkfylrH0m6xVI5YhYA0K1l9n98TZjMvKE9WPw9KkFKxDg6wVudUln22B-8qCZChT5rrCrH_j5S1IlntV1bSq8KLXnIKVm9STIK019uk7h68jf2DT/s2048/cut+size.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2048" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycFhu9uTgi8-iiMMtYhQXlXX4286RkkfylrH0m6xVI5YhYA0K1l9n98TZjMvKE9WPw9KkFKxDg6wVudUln22B-8qCZChT5rrCrH_j5S1IlntV1bSq8KLXnIKVm9STIK019uk7h68jf2DT/w400-h351/cut+size.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On my lap</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I enjoy seeing the beautiful work done in embroidery hoops. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I am not a ‘hoop girl’ . . . I am an ‘on my lap girl’ and apart from some small amount of free machine embroidery, I hand stitch every tiny or huge project on my lap and love the control I have.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However that might be cosy in winter months but can be a bit too warm on hot days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like having a constant heavy blanket on my knees !!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMW70lb2kEbVvf8UrmyOzGRHdM8luHpoGI6XaQQbvQbtL_rBMMKbG7VnWFXGJMNvgnhH9jEYka4pUQMiZ6FYBjQYvd_HtnTnlE19kxkPuYsoBF3fiy5Y7lSIKPTM-fuspUlUFUwnCXmh-/s2048/on+my+lap.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMW70lb2kEbVvf8UrmyOzGRHdM8luHpoGI6XaQQbvQbtL_rBMMKbG7VnWFXGJMNvgnhH9jEYka4pUQMiZ6FYBjQYvd_HtnTnlE19kxkPuYsoBF3fiy5Y7lSIKPTM-fuspUlUFUwnCXmh-/w400-h400/on+my+lap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Flowers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wanted the top flowers to be the big bright full bloom ones, the vibrant young ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I used silks mixed with antique lace and a mix of texture stitching like french knots and bullion. I added lovely deep green scrim as a mossy base for them to grow on !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vRYtj0Ea-P4Ot02YDt1prdj-2PHbnMI4n8hKzHdgZOqXeo06cx7kZ9NCWuVyuKmaN-bimMYgXIxL0eLJE2ohYVhMBkQ3-MIityLLfYE4tVdQ1LaMrKkDieQsHlgNR5iQAPQ8s1cGPYKt/s2508/flower+A.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vRYtj0Ea-P4Ot02YDt1prdj-2PHbnMI4n8hKzHdgZOqXeo06cx7kZ9NCWuVyuKmaN-bimMYgXIxL0eLJE2ohYVhMBkQ3-MIityLLfYE4tVdQ1LaMrKkDieQsHlgNR5iQAPQ8s1cGPYKt/s320/flower+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnH6YaXJF9Lj9TXOQelCsdYZ5vTiI-XzO9P1hb-2Edlgvkn6MXL9ffy0-onnLjzo7FM02OcmvgDZPhgGZAOSLkY3vVOAGaUEJ0WHSrBNt3lh9LB2ZZbu_p6VSuHGOlspyvL60f4A8vZCXv/s2508/flower+B.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnH6YaXJF9Lj9TXOQelCsdYZ5vTiI-XzO9P1hb-2Edlgvkn6MXL9ffy0-onnLjzo7FM02OcmvgDZPhgGZAOSLkY3vVOAGaUEJ0WHSrBNt3lh9LB2ZZbu_p6VSuHGOlspyvL60f4A8vZCXv/s320/flower+B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mVP0X4wAUOSEbTFGR78Ub4bJx6zXpM66k1S_mivMqyoei6_Rl1g_nsIYGq_eyxmB2Jv9LAOR4Czl0Vr8ar2wMkmkj-Q0NlYGpCeU_6mGh-jJzH0V2-r67JiUuie-5z50w7rn5BdBMQIM/s2508/flower+C.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mVP0X4wAUOSEbTFGR78Ub4bJx6zXpM66k1S_mivMqyoei6_Rl1g_nsIYGq_eyxmB2Jv9LAOR4Czl0Vr8ar2wMkmkj-Q0NlYGpCeU_6mGh-jJzH0V2-r67JiUuie-5z50w7rn5BdBMQIM/s320/flower+C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4UDF109CSUsys4Az8GfdvnE1iB5SQtuWtgaNzUBZP39nyCqSBy1ecooaqgox3dX3m7tLKUj0jUyL6Q3FqUJD6udeYjvgMN6n_lYCQghhMNvUGYD0GVVZtltpjSQIHs9v6LOwsn7KgqOh/s2508/flower+D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4UDF109CSUsys4Az8GfdvnE1iB5SQtuWtgaNzUBZP39nyCqSBy1ecooaqgox3dX3m7tLKUj0jUyL6Q3FqUJD6udeYjvgMN6n_lYCQghhMNvUGYD0GVVZtltpjSQIHs9v6LOwsn7KgqOh/s320/flower+D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Seed pods</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the things I love to stitch the most is the gorgeous seed pod.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love the complex layers they have and most of all that although they are often the end cycle of the flower or plant they are still so beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I again used silk I eco dyed with dark flowers and rust and of course more yummy antique lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I often buy the antique and vintage lace other people reject - the damaged torn pieces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love the history and I will rip and intertwine it with my stitching.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK5z5kng2pRiju5WXB1lmpfSbhYc5ZVLxeT0miz_ZjqAni2KO-ZCDKWTC04eErWv3uGxPIQ3YjIB-DMeqKHQUS5Jc7cYRhSZ2kk9IVDKtU-nPMRMqvA5LUTOjdTd1ffXjaX941ErflYyQ/s2508/PODS+A.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWK5z5kng2pRiju5WXB1lmpfSbhYc5ZVLxeT0miz_ZjqAni2KO-ZCDKWTC04eErWv3uGxPIQ3YjIB-DMeqKHQUS5Jc7cYRhSZ2kk9IVDKtU-nPMRMqvA5LUTOjdTd1ffXjaX941ErflYyQ/s320/PODS+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFnoZOP0Y7hZM51Tl5w6v0nTBogfzNrLLRn5RqXeJ_91uDR_mXZstNY6RIwzb38R8QFAJhNozcbtNiwLTd711dJxfaWcE1pNBIF4Xp1i5sLZ2hHl1fg2OUo94R-2ES67hmxfUSLdnhoj6/s2508/PODS+B.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFnoZOP0Y7hZM51Tl5w6v0nTBogfzNrLLRn5RqXeJ_91uDR_mXZstNY6RIwzb38R8QFAJhNozcbtNiwLTd711dJxfaWcE1pNBIF4Xp1i5sLZ2hHl1fg2OUo94R-2ES67hmxfUSLdnhoj6/s320/PODS+B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzJ4uBKY15t5Ldke2z7vGrD-Xgv-nG6Gq5jRbAgYGfTYuvw1uUlQIWrCL7RMT2xtIg3O5YiQ0l8lf7pKm4a8S8Rru2kFzFBbJv_TrK7wejMArxWzv5csCwnBLJWRDyn8mL5QOp_VP3CO4/s2508/PODS+C.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzJ4uBKY15t5Ldke2z7vGrD-Xgv-nG6Gq5jRbAgYGfTYuvw1uUlQIWrCL7RMT2xtIg3O5YiQ0l8lf7pKm4a8S8Rru2kFzFBbJv_TrK7wejMArxWzv5csCwnBLJWRDyn8mL5QOp_VP3CO4/s320/PODS+C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Painting lace</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sometimes the lace, although very old, need to look darker so I paint it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I use watercolour pencils and deepen the colour to suit my textile piece.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Love the way this is often call ‘to sadden’ !!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ksxgdhh9B2t_aGUIkkMPpLXWY-t8MhhNu_vpRGMOwRw6oa5dhTbSeuAQBYAEz0GlXDExOGD9JTZju0LeIWyEmrJLCC5FDtcbV7ByLep5du927lNxj2TBSbhyddX1Zpzu08sIfDrcAuHc/s2508/colour+lace.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ksxgdhh9B2t_aGUIkkMPpLXWY-t8MhhNu_vpRGMOwRw6oa5dhTbSeuAQBYAEz0GlXDExOGD9JTZju0LeIWyEmrJLCC5FDtcbV7ByLep5du927lNxj2TBSbhyddX1Zpzu08sIfDrcAuHc/s320/colour+lace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dandelion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another thing I love to stitch . . dandelions at the seed stage. The make a wish stage !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Antique lace at the centre and work around it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgX6G6IxOrDB345Nejvi9u_vPDENP-3fCgOMFLJlUrCpMsVFlb0WsiQUeI8VQWtnn__FpbadYFzPbPKBzdKNsgZ5OMJenUhXlUwPtHTVY_URTmRz1IBuqQOFEevsbHUqjOG3NO_dKNPUR/s2508/make+dandelion.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgX6G6IxOrDB345Nejvi9u_vPDENP-3fCgOMFLJlUrCpMsVFlb0WsiQUeI8VQWtnn__FpbadYFzPbPKBzdKNsgZ5OMJenUhXlUwPtHTVY_URTmRz1IBuqQOFEevsbHUqjOG3NO_dKNPUR/s320/make+dandelion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJObHHG_T-ONeGqHDJZd6XqITQmsvyz44p3fZgfAjgzooNXt8BPLSzKp-7OY6njLN2Dm9RsyhZ4gwCZ-hzs_V52nFQ7BVkSbfC087S-FQhKJA83IOLQrbfi0ubavbSkY6Jr1v1TSH6kxZ9/s2508/dandey+make.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJObHHG_T-ONeGqHDJZd6XqITQmsvyz44p3fZgfAjgzooNXt8BPLSzKp-7OY6njLN2Dm9RsyhZ4gwCZ-hzs_V52nFQ7BVkSbfC087S-FQhKJA83IOLQrbfi0ubavbSkY6Jr1v1TSH6kxZ9/s320/dandey+make.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mushroom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another addition to the older section of my textile art are mushrooms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Who doesn’t like stitching mushrooms?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More of my dyed silk and antique lace.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn8nZgaxwVroLIUpn8hLtnWtSHSXdI69y60e7TbAtxUyc66aUXtXpPdJTD7VYc2zOH5qVunPYAFJVmr3RRn4CqTZvPpCWiav__qcr5WTrtiliIgOyVGIjPgxsQUK2Kg8rj5QNzZBmR1R4/s2508/Mushrooms.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn8nZgaxwVroLIUpn8hLtnWtSHSXdI69y60e7TbAtxUyc66aUXtXpPdJTD7VYc2zOH5qVunPYAFJVmr3RRn4CqTZvPpCWiav__qcr5WTrtiliIgOyVGIjPgxsQUK2Kg8rj5QNzZBmR1R4/s320/Mushrooms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stems and roots</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They were such fun to make !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I suppose partly due to the fact that at this stage I was well into the project and also finally feeling I was making progress and also because I just love making them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some I made by wet felt rolling out for roots and then I had to ‘dirty up’ with watercolour and coffee.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can get lovely thin root ends by hand rubbing felt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Others I made by ripping and twisting fabric to form stems and thicker roots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyA1HXF-avAPeMChwvGOWFLJqPYgUvXT8zb_q6fHS2pIJ9rIVnSxtMEZ5QnWpCvldREyJz-aVPO1SL3Irz2Qw0pSt9HUCxBJX-LFBPbDlpdSz6Jv7FcVzaITjNan5qZoa8nZSSIndN89Em/s2508/stems.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyA1HXF-avAPeMChwvGOWFLJqPYgUvXT8zb_q6fHS2pIJ9rIVnSxtMEZ5QnWpCvldREyJz-aVPO1SL3Irz2Qw0pSt9HUCxBJX-LFBPbDlpdSz6Jv7FcVzaITjNan5qZoa8nZSSIndN89Em/s320/stems.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0mMhb0dYJ_7MHCluiwNKcLeNn2ChpELagIlJA4b4uF3iV_3IdAAVxHVrftXMyN0yPU4i6l9jcGSHzvIJaWZRovmeMeXisrjgto3fLV11F0xIak5UGmDkn5exQafi978iiwjMc9b9-DSP/s2508/roots+two+sorts.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0mMhb0dYJ_7MHCluiwNKcLeNn2ChpELagIlJA4b4uF3iV_3IdAAVxHVrftXMyN0yPU4i6l9jcGSHzvIJaWZRovmeMeXisrjgto3fLV11F0xIak5UGmDkn5exQafi978iiwjMc9b9-DSP/s320/roots+two+sorts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lace ending</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finally I gave the mixed garden a strong base and anchor by lots of dark antique lace at bottom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5qb2EAklNqOFiuPvtLQ9PNVbmnx1JATgJ3GlVv3NgxooOSBVPCPegIQVecpgYO6zm-Se7sObWIGozEm9aFjW_2EzRFYXVw7MXqSdiwaw3JC4Uh69vzunNBQVSF1cRX_HwEkTLq6pSirf/s2508/lace+at+end.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5qb2EAklNqOFiuPvtLQ9PNVbmnx1JATgJ3GlVv3NgxooOSBVPCPegIQVecpgYO6zm-Se7sObWIGozEm9aFjW_2EzRFYXVw7MXqSdiwaw3JC4Uh69vzunNBQVSF1cRX_HwEkTLq6pSirf/s320/lace+at+end.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sign off</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I added my wording ‘I’m still here’ just like my mother </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">. . . and stitching keeps me that way . . still here </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJacSwfpOapDyMat-8Rhx6EtY0xxPyuGsIUe23RzxHyU4SQI81ZrWdvpxS5NOEZeIwdcmUt3EkWoRBsal2iC2IGMcWCiV12cvh_SpUeaeiKjMKeI8g8TOp6qsC5gSUh6UxX-Cdt_mx0ob/s2048/Mary+Moo+M.jpg" style="clear: left; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-76861540531029019032018-05-09T02:59:00.001+01:002018-05-09T02:59:30.617+01:00Salvage TextilesSometimes inspiration for a textile piece comes from found objects and materials.<br />
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I came across some beautiful antique nails in a market that were from church salvage in Malaga.<br />
They were dated 1750 and I wanted to include them in some textile art.<br />
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I naturally dyed silk with flowers and leaves with some rust in dye mix to add depth and darken.</div>
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I also included vintage linen and some frayed scrim.</div>
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Bits of antique lace for further history, including some parts of French lace Edwardian wedding dress sleeves.</div>
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I made a few pieces each with added antique nail and the motifs I embroidered were of arches and doorways to echo where they were salvaged from.</div>
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I love that someone thought to keep the nails and hold onto a piece of historic craftsmanship.</div>
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I choose titles that reflected their history.</div>
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They are wrapped onto canvas and framed into box frames.</div>
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<br />queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-29406336248206510602016-12-22T20:59:00.001+00:002016-12-22T20:59:14.094+00:00Making an Embroidered Purse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PZZ_xDKFyDnk9fJ9VZ9b-BNvzl-aVZnGNJgloqQypoB3FnBGu4lgBSwBrJ5dcNa6Z9nNQiKNFb7wbvb7Ud5z6mf4TpEk68v_iTvjnQjESkgMurgwnuD8YqPhmw252-AMPaXdZRpWBgzy/s1600/A+heading+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PZZ_xDKFyDnk9fJ9VZ9b-BNvzl-aVZnGNJgloqQypoB3FnBGu4lgBSwBrJ5dcNa6Z9nNQiKNFb7wbvb7Ud5z6mf4TpEk68v_iTvjnQjESkgMurgwnuD8YqPhmw252-AMPaXdZRpWBgzy/s400/A+heading+photo.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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This is my first embroidered purse ( a gift for a friend ). She was looking for a glasses purse that she could wear around her neck. I’ve wanted to make a purse for ages so this was my Christmas project !</div>
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My biggest problem was sourcing the purse frame as I wanted one that had two links to attach the chain. The only size I could find to order was slight smaller than I would have liked and I was worried that glasses might not squeeze in !!</div>
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First I eco dyed some silk noil as a background. The silk noil has more ‘bite’ that slippery silk and is easier to embroider into, also a lot hardier for use as a purse.</div>
There are less blooms to choose from in winter but I have a kind local florist who had some roses and eucalyptus that were about to be binned. I wrapped and steamed my silk noil and left for a few days to dry. When unwrapped I was pleased that the flowers had given soft shades and the eucalyptus had blended with the rose leaves and given defined green shapes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotX8h8k3OL4TCLFHzslTHOyvp0ETb54PEwAaaT7yTTZBej8l4KUNwYywFOT9nCkwc7Uxppgv1kc6s8JLXdA0BF7StKC9x6YqwUjsgi9Ekww2roa0DRfzNnYOLQwfZ8IZxVUmEhkeGb6k2/s1600/C+layout+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotX8h8k3OL4TCLFHzslTHOyvp0ETb54PEwAaaT7yTTZBej8l4KUNwYywFOT9nCkwc7Uxppgv1kc6s8JLXdA0BF7StKC9x6YqwUjsgi9Ekww2roa0DRfzNnYOLQwfZ8IZxVUmEhkeGb6k2/s400/C+layout+sketch.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
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I gave myself a basic shape to embroider into and tacked the dyed silk down.<br />
The base under material I choose was cut from a discontinued upholstery fabric swatch book - my purse was starting to be very eco ! The grey fabric had a slight sheen was a nice neutral starting point to lay the dyed silk over.<br />
It is so easy to be nervous and take too long to pick the ‘perfect’ section to cut and this part of a project is the hardest for me. Once I am committed I enjoy the process but the first choices of colour and layout selection are often painfully long for poor indecisive me ! <br />
Really . . . you have no idea how long I debate and agonize !!!<br />
To help with this I usually photograph my fabrics in position and then print a few A4 sheets where I can draw some ideas for embroidery before I start to stitch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlESIJg3TVTIFjlmSeCqUcYE1lNGd6X8BZgZvQw1pJPHavL_AFk2Fxeh3zSTQ5BYpAU4QWGhWrVA-Af3TiI19KiWI_ugoM8w32D67to7E-0cjXQFzGrFOZ4akeup00_yK0jXnjS8JqQDx/s1600/D+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlESIJg3TVTIFjlmSeCqUcYE1lNGd6X8BZgZvQw1pJPHavL_AFk2Fxeh3zSTQ5BYpAU4QWGhWrVA-Af3TiI19KiWI_ugoM8w32D67to7E-0cjXQFzGrFOZ4akeup00_yK0jXnjS8JqQDx/s400/D+start.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Choosing the antique lace is much easier. I have a large collection of Edwardian and Victorian lace and I have divided it into shades and style and size. Old lace is very beautiful and so any choice is a good one. You can’t go wrong with antique lace.<br />
I took inspiration from the natural marks that the flowers and leaves had left on the silk noil to layout the lace and build a flowerbed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqdSrBlyISPiMKgekqB6FKJ1MahSuXJPgbV9B1OntNZH01NcCTQ3hMe-czrnukGb5Fv6T80Z4lTEQ5GLc0fmaW_pJWsuKgluHdNjHSfWkQjvcUqnGd-DmNooKg6hvoBIeyH6CR_nPJH78/s1600/E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqdSrBlyISPiMKgekqB6FKJ1MahSuXJPgbV9B1OntNZH01NcCTQ3hMe-czrnukGb5Fv6T80Z4lTEQ5GLc0fmaW_pJWsuKgluHdNjHSfWkQjvcUqnGd-DmNooKg6hvoBIeyH6CR_nPJH78/s400/E.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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On one side I stitched wild lavender and daisy and a fossil spiral. The shades of purple and pink give a very vintage style to the purse.<br />The other side I embroidered an open pod with small scraps of antique lace trapped inside. Also some cow parsley as I always love to include french knots.</div>
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For an extra bit of colour I stitched a blue moth - an exotic little creature to sit in my antique garden. The moth was born out of reused work . . even more eco! </div>
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Years ago I had some designer knitwear in a fashion awards show and had silk painted a dress for the model to wear with it. It had swirls of marine colours and fish and has been a fantastic source of scrap silk for some time now. I have never been afraid to cut up past work to reuse and relove !</div>
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Stitching the purse together and onto the frame was certainly a learning curve !!<br />It was not easy and there are things I will change next time . . . but all in all I did very much enjoy making my first fabric embroidered purse.<br />I put it in some tissue and Christmas wrap and it is now ready to give to my good friend Barbara <br />. . . . just hope her glasses fit !<br /></div>
<br />queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-47993297153793974292016-09-26T19:03:00.000+01:002016-09-26T19:03:01.443+01:00Sea Queen finally crowned !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY791GKQzM7qvtp9utPyrlYSgrLTUCNU_s6DUn7ALs2yE-kamVgrpHkjPl9oQk6p2pfR8ktsA6YQ2wMqVo_0ik1v9M266iM8HyhuTXc0_44GlmaUzuKPS-Q6Ul_FA4QmR9yhZg0lGJdUm/s1600/seaQueen+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY791GKQzM7qvtp9utPyrlYSgrLTUCNU_s6DUn7ALs2yE-kamVgrpHkjPl9oQk6p2pfR8ktsA6YQ2wMqVo_0ik1v9M266iM8HyhuTXc0_44GlmaUzuKPS-Q6Ul_FA4QmR9yhZg0lGJdUm/s400/seaQueen+header.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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This year I was delighted to be part of the Irish Guild of Embroiderers exhibition at the Lexicon Library, Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin.<br />The theme was ‘Marine’ and the selection of embroidery and textiles by members was fantastic.<br />The exhibition from 10th September until 5th November 2016 (so still on while I write this blog post). Here are some photos of parts of the process.</div>
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Whenever I complete a complex large piece of textile art that has lived so long on my work table, on my sewing machine and on my lap<br /> . . . it feels strange to stitch the last stitch and cut the last thread.<br />I do love making small portable pieces but every now and then it is lovely to get absorbed in planning and making a large one.<br />But I never think about just how much time it will take at the start !</div>
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The theme was ‘Marine’ and immediately I had the idea to make a sea lady with a dress made of a shoal of fish.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzOBGc2Fbs0W38bpL6t-12Ed5ScqddeIW8Eny4K17l1PzpG6b0sy6WR0o7bUqqwNeOs-YtMx3QiQkNRtCtzTLHMV1byjuilNVFaZ7ujvcsB1aCMS-7OcBr8AjBjnb7KLazbr2ruYmUjQ7/s1600/A+flowers+wraps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzOBGc2Fbs0W38bpL6t-12Ed5ScqddeIW8Eny4K17l1PzpG6b0sy6WR0o7bUqqwNeOs-YtMx3QiQkNRtCtzTLHMV1byjuilNVFaZ7ujvcsB1aCMS-7OcBr8AjBjnb7KLazbr2ruYmUjQ7/s400/A+flowers+wraps.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEEv1MzxsOIeIuETqqBvuvDUvDXPQbbkFJrzcvcwEtBX0dWvqEo09FhBa_A0IegIw11uRvUO_jYo8sj0mS9I_G0ghd9E9MM-3BBUDguNpPOFoK8BY8H0Ke292L4JqbMXU4TwqXMVOc4bx/s1600/B+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEEv1MzxsOIeIuETqqBvuvDUvDXPQbbkFJrzcvcwEtBX0dWvqEo09FhBa_A0IegIw11uRvUO_jYo8sj0mS9I_G0ghd9E9MM-3BBUDguNpPOFoK8BY8H0Ke292L4JqbMXU4TwqXMVOc4bx/s400/B+start.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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I eco dyed silk with flowers and rust and added this to indigo dyed silk and did a rough layout of the fabrics onto black felt.<br />The black felt deepened the colours of the silk and gave me a nice base to stitch to.</div>
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Next came the sketching and layout of my figure (which at this stage I had upgraded her to a queen). I wanted her to be at the centre of a deep underwater sea cliff.</div>
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I drew my figure onto some natural flat felt (using black biro actually!) and then painted shadow and tone with watercolour.</div>
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I choose a palate of threads and started to build up her face and arms with hand stitching.<br />I think this was my favourite part of the work and a total experiment as I had not embroidered a face before.<br />I realised that for this piece less was more and did not fill in everywhere. The watercolour shading was a huge help.</div>
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For her hair I used dyed wool fleece attached with tiny hand stitches ! </div>
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I used some lovely blue tulle for her dress and stitched this flat before adding the fish.<br />I am lucky to have a friend who designs curtains and soft furnishing for period homes and who kindly gives me pieces of delicious high end silks from sample books and discontinued collections.</div>
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My shoal of fish were born in this way and after making some basic traced shapes I spent a few days cutting out fish. I them machine embroidered the edges, scales and details. I could then add them one by one to make the dress.</div>
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One of my passions is antique lace and it features in most pieces I make.<br />So here and there I added some, softening the whiter pieces with tea stain.<br />The main lace (Edwardian and Victorian) is in the crown and through her hair.</div>
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After all the main elements were finally in place I had fun with the other hand embroidered details. </div>
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I made an anchor with some silk I had rust dyed - and ‘aged’ it with stitched marks.</div>
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Then I ‘grew’ lots of underwater plants and algae to decorate the queen’s garden.</div>
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Rocks made with cut felt shapes, seaweed made with silk strips, embroidered shell fossils on the cliff sides . . .</div>
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and then an octopus cloak !<br />Each addition made the piece heavier and heavier to twist and turn !</div>
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I worked on my textile Sea Queen for quite awhile and the very last part I added was the antique lace crown !! She is stretched and wrapped on 50cm x 100cm canvas.</div>
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queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-27544229044850667562016-08-07T19:30:00.000+01:002016-08-09T18:21:50.234+01:00Cultivating lace and felt bulbs . . Somnium sublacerum (she dreamt of growing antique lace)<br />
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I love felt and use it as a base for much of my embroideries. It is a pleasure to stitch into and I love the steady sturdy feel. I often eco dye pieces of felt with flowers and leaves or rust.</div>
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When entering a piece for the curated Feltmakers Ireland exhibition ‘Kaleidoscope’ I decided to make 3D felt pods. The exhibition was to celebration the changing shape of felt and the constant inspiration from the natural world. As the venue was to be National Botanic Gardens Dublin I took my inspiration from the bulbs and plants in the majestic vintage greenhouses. Their exotic structures are almost alien and the roots especially interesting and lace-like.<br />
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I made both felt pods using natural fiber shades and a large plastic resist sandwiched inside the fiber layers. I gained some valuable lessons in this 3D felt adventure.<br />
(1) It takes a lot of rubbing and rolling.<br />
(2) Best to use strong plastic that can be easily pulled out of the pod.<br />
(3) The opening hole you cut will get a lot lot bigger before pod is finished.<br />
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I made a large pod shape and then when finally felted I manipulated the felt into a bulb shape by sewed ridges all around. </div>
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I then made a second smaller ‘younger’ bulb with layered shades of brown and grey felt. </div>
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I wanted lots and lots of felted roots . . . and that took lots and lots of rolling ! The olive soap made my hands the softest and cleanest in Ireland by the time I had made them all !</div>
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To dirty the end of each root I first tried rust water but it was too hard on my hands.<br />
So then I tried tea - but the colour was too yellow - so in the end I mixed some watercolour paint in the perfect shade of earth/soil brown and dipped my roots in one at a time.<br />
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I made holes in the pods and attached the roots all around.</div>
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Next I made the folds of felt to make up the layers in the pods. They had to be soft curved shapes - as natural as possible. ( I used onions and flower bulbs as my reference. )</div>
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The leaves were the only green in the bulbs and I shaped them to stand up inside each. </div>
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I imagine my bulbs producing a constant supply of antique lace - how great would that be !! So I added some wonderful 120 year old antique lace scraps onto the larger pod and inside the folds of the bulbs.</div>
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Larger flat sections of felt wrapped on a canvas were my ‘soil’ base and I embroidered here and there added ‘stones’ and a little more antique lace.</div>
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It was a fun and very interesting project and one I really wish could actually grow me some lace . . . . but like the name it is a dream ! (thanks you to my scientific sister for the lovely title.)</div>
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I was thrilled to have my finished piece chosen to be part of the fantastic Feltmakers Ireland exhibition in the Botanic Gardens in August 2016.<br />
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These are a few images from the venue.<br />
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<b><i>Somnium sublacerum</i></b></div>
<i>. . . she dreamt of growing antique lace.</i><br />
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<i>It is delightful to imagine a hybrid species that could produce<br />120 year old antique lace from the natural folds of felted bulbs,<br />to snip off little pieces from your own personal textile terrarium. </i><br />
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queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-17495367387266403692016-01-08T22:13:00.001+00:002016-01-10T19:48:54.048+00:00"Becoming - Thread Song"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A textile exhibition November 2015 called ‘Thread Song’ was organised by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of poet W.B Yeats.<br />
A curated collection of 18 artists work inspired by the poetry and life of Yeats.<br />
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I was very thrilled to be chosen to take part and this is the story of the making of my piece called ‘ Becoming’.<br />
‘Becoming’ is a textile art piece based on the poem ‘The Song of Wandering Aengus’ by Yeats and inspired by the magical nature in all the works of W B Yeats.<br />
He was a master of myths, legends and symbolism wrapped in dreams and folklore of the Irish landscape.<br />
I eco dyed my silk backgrounds with flowers and rust objects to get a palate of dark deep shades and add a touch of age.<br />
I embroidered stylised flowers and seed pods that are rooted into the earth.<br />
The mythical water creature emerging from the equally mystical fish of the beautiful poem.<br />
I incorporated 19th century lace of the same era as the poetry.<br />
Yeats loved to show us a glimpse of a world just beyond our grasp . . . there, if we choose to see it.<br />
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I choose silk because it absorbs the colours of flowers and the marks of rust deeply and always surprises me.<br />
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I had a general idea of the way I wanted to layout my ‘moment of change’ in the poem, and sketched the long shape I had in mind. Then it was a case of picking the piece of silk that had her hidden somewhere in the dyes !<br />
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I cut a felt shape and placed under the silk and started to mould with stitch to give me the fish and lady. I wanted her dress to naturally fan out with the fish tail and I twisted and twirled more eco dyed silk to form the link. I machine embroidered the selection of silks in waves and curves. </div>
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I like to give a good structure to a piece on the machine but prefer to add all the rest with hand embroidery.</div>
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To get the detail I wanted in the fish I needed to be able to embroider on a stable fabric.</div>
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After a bit of experimenting I painted sections of my dyed silk with fabric stiffener.</div>
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After hanging on some pins I found it dried quickly and gave an interesting and almost fishey/scaley texture.</div>
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I then layered and hand embroidered the details (trying hard to know when to stop !)</div>
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I outlined sections with couching but French knots are always my stitch of choice.</div>
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I delayed for a long time trying to decide how to finish the face and hair.</div>
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In the end one of my favourite materials, antique lace was the way to go.</div>
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The piece of Victorian lace I choose was from the same era as the poem.</div>
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However it was far too light in colour, almost cream. I dipped and painted it with tea and madder until it looked ancient enough.</div>
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For the ‘apple blossoms in her hair’ I dyed dressmakers interfacing in pinks and again darkened with tea and some coffee.</div>
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To surround the elusive maiden I wanted unworldly wild flowers. I embroidered various stitches in deep shades and pod like shapes.</div>
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A small amount of wooden buttons and beads to give more texture and the very last thing I added was her ( very slight) smile !</div>
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The silk was the stitched onto black felt backing to give further depth to the light material.</div>
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I choose to wrap around a canvas rather than frame - I wanted the landscape to disappear over the sides.</div>
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It was a fantastic experience taking part in the ‘Thread Song’ exhibition.</div>
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Seeing the stunning and diverse textile pieces from other artists on the opening day was amazing.</div>
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It was so interesting to see how each artist interpreted the theme in their own unique way.</div>
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A great big thank you to the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland for the opportunity. It was fun !</div>
queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-61320234405695652722015-07-30T17:44:00.000+01:002015-07-30T17:44:23.723+01:00Textile Postcard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPY3UZweMsauXdDDBrm8L0W9xGcALryWbF47UTTpvVBTEqIxsUW1QM87VO8Ad4hbmr3rONPMoWfswbd40YMZPtLosv09lMNf4VGulVdjQYofPfIb-ELzZccuDmEFtkJGv79_cwz4zmipR/s1600/A+textile+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPY3UZweMsauXdDDBrm8L0W9xGcALryWbF47UTTpvVBTEqIxsUW1QM87VO8Ad4hbmr3rONPMoWfswbd40YMZPtLosv09lMNf4VGulVdjQYofPfIb-ELzZccuDmEFtkJGv79_cwz4zmipR/s400/A+textile+card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sending stitches through the post is such fun !</div>
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I remember the great Spanish holiday postcards with lace fabric dresses on the flamenco dancers. They were an fancy extra dimension arriving through the letterbox.</div>
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I swop fabric postcards from time to time with crafty friends and it is always such a delight to get one.</div>
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This one started off with some silk I eco dyed in February. I picked a section that had the pink from rose petals and the deep imprints from my rusty antique keys.</div>
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It begged for a little dark Victorian lace to echo the rust and deepen the wild scene !</div>
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I choose rich embroidery threads for the 'wild' flowers growing in this landscape.</div>
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Maybe they bloom once a year and have magic properties . . or they are picked for a special spell . . . well that's my story anyway !!!</div>
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It was posted today . . . gobbled up by big green mouth of the local postbox !!</div>
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Heading for Co Wicklow.</div>
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queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-45737344044439768992015-07-20T17:20:00.001+01:002015-07-20T17:20:10.656+01:00"Wild Lace" . . . planted.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1QkuGk5Vo48j9s6aU5x6CMzbEv2P5dH3uwoK0Jn7E_wSQJZlyNMWF0aNaJ5LwMrZk4sJnhDt2paS_NHdtkY3p8wBHi0a4t9DjX1wxREeLLOYs-UarVX2Ul7FQZy_hTIh21RyHn9LYzbR/s1600/A+wild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1QkuGk5Vo48j9s6aU5x6CMzbEv2P5dH3uwoK0Jn7E_wSQJZlyNMWF0aNaJ5LwMrZk4sJnhDt2paS_NHdtkY3p8wBHi0a4t9DjX1wxREeLLOYs-UarVX2Ul7FQZy_hTIh21RyHn9LYzbR/s400/A+wild.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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These two cream Victorian lace flowers were hand embroidered 130 years ago . . how wild is that ! They are the main elements in this embroidery piece.<br />
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I choose as a background some silk I eco dyed with petals, leaves and a little rust.</div>
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I liked the soft pinks from the roses and the dark deep browns and purples from the rust.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVYYQns11EsZTW0KLNnFJYAeDwbFfBmk7jstU1FsxDNKirDESs267q3-qFXOIzKI50v4_FYWNTCSBJB0xDSoQ7Lfdr2C9hgy7-xgcYkm6Y0O_57PILfvFA-dvvBghrTxoaiLP_fi9WLKL/s1600/C+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVYYQns11EsZTW0KLNnFJYAeDwbFfBmk7jstU1FsxDNKirDESs267q3-qFXOIzKI50v4_FYWNTCSBJB0xDSoQ7Lfdr2C9hgy7-xgcYkm6Y0O_57PILfvFA-dvvBghrTxoaiLP_fi9WLKL/s400/C+start.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I also like to ‘anchor’ my embroidery onto 3mm natural felt as a neutral base - it is also a dream to embroider into. I made a fabric collage on the silk with Victorian cream flowers, a little strip of Edwardian lace and some small script cotton print.</div>
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I ‘grew’ extra elements from the lace flowers with stem stitch and couching.</div>
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A few seed beads, lots of French knots and more stitched tall flowers to make a wild meadow. I added some Victorian black netting to link the dark and the light areas.</div>
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. . . and so the two old lace flowers have a new wild home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_ahJYg7scLZTqbD9kvmnDm_jU5xjbN7CFvGDF81AHpt_ihmhJD-qRF0F6QGOu_NwRz83rHz10nRXy0MlrNQfdFBZHNMWRU9W8Js0YEGRWS2EjyDNyhA5WncXqonBHdg6hl1YvDeLiCpI/s1600/G+wild+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_ahJYg7scLZTqbD9kvmnDm_jU5xjbN7CFvGDF81AHpt_ihmhJD-qRF0F6QGOu_NwRz83rHz10nRXy0MlrNQfdFBZHNMWRU9W8Js0YEGRWS2EjyDNyhA5WncXqonBHdg6hl1YvDeLiCpI/s400/G+wild+wall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The finished embroidery is stitched to a deep 20cm x 20cm grey canvas.</div>
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queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-47078727229684591622015-06-24T03:06:00.000+01:002015-08-08T17:40:11.200+01:00My Hoffman Bouquet Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAMx9gYkULtbOFCBDseyvLVfx-0Hu4QMQO3cpN7uECWM8hVTvTeluhkOgFSD7S1Vz-jqbOnApFQJIGc1tV93BZpYuFYBkV5Jmq2JvcB_ofLU88PgHb06nGTHqQWRUD3fZNRytlmbBGVoz/s1600/A+adventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAMx9gYkULtbOFCBDseyvLVfx-0Hu4QMQO3cpN7uECWM8hVTvTeluhkOgFSD7S1Vz-jqbOnApFQJIGc1tV93BZpYuFYBkV5Jmq2JvcB_ofLU88PgHb06nGTHqQWRUD3fZNRytlmbBGVoz/s400/A+adventure.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each year Hoffman create a fabric, never seen before, and specifically released for the Hoffman Challenge.</div>
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The delicious rich colours and shades invite and challenge you to play and create something special.</div>
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If you explore the fantastic archive of past challenge fabrics and the truly amazing pieces people have made you will want to have a try !! http://www.hoffmanchallenge.com/</div>
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They are all there to inspire you and before you know it you will be sending off for the challenge fabric and then the fun begins !!!</div>
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There are six categories, Pieced Quilts / Appliqued Quilts / Mixed Technique / Dolls / Clothing / Accessories.</div>
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This years fabric when it was unveiled was bursting with colour and shapes. There are also a selection of co-ordinate fabrics each year should you choose to add some and of course you can mix other fabrics of your own choice too.</div>
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When I saw the 2015 fabric I thought . . . ‘wedding bouquet' .</div>
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What follows is my adventure . . .</div>
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I have only ever made one little fabric bouquet before and that was with chiffon.</div>
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This was a whole other approach. I wanted to make a structured flower arrangement, so rather that gather or fold the fabric I decided on cutting individual petal shapes and sewing on one by one.</div>
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I wanted to have a back to each petal - so I used a blue Hoffman fabric for that.</div>
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At this stage I suddenly realised the amount of petals I would have to cut out and sew !!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV0gMBW9IMj2osux6X__FZ6hpeu7lbDsHs4cVpuTl0lPYUJa1tw85eAuzhI05pqlxkXR7X9WcS8YlNXIBy9pPsLTF1CEdoUuBPab5rvykz4x2C_1mVLAHSVk9OZj2zKvR_uChyphenhypheniiXkP38/s1600/A+shapes+cut+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV0gMBW9IMj2osux6X__FZ6hpeu7lbDsHs4cVpuTl0lPYUJa1tw85eAuzhI05pqlxkXR7X9WcS8YlNXIBy9pPsLTF1CEdoUuBPab5rvykz4x2C_1mVLAHSVk9OZj2zKvR_uChyphenhypheniiXkP38/s400/A+shapes+cut+out.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lace is a big part of any textile art or fabric jewellery I make so I knew I wanted to include some. In addition to adding antique Edwardian lace here and there I wanted to echo this in the stitching I used.</div>
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I love using water dissolvable fabric in my art, but had never tried using it to edge fabric. I am delighted I did try - it is a new favourite technique for me now (after so many petals - I have lots of practice).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtwQSrdXGfafXHBZXntqcSycEL9mSUnNJrm0OeQuGV_fgg6PbyCgBdZNR_kylZMe8UrCM1zQximG6fu2qYJyuorhkYcV1A22HmsrDH_23dQZiEhTU52A-QOxc6-e2IpQVXFxPlxvv0Ilp/s1600/B+sew+petals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtwQSrdXGfafXHBZXntqcSycEL9mSUnNJrm0OeQuGV_fgg6PbyCgBdZNR_kylZMe8UrCM1zQximG6fu2qYJyuorhkYcV1A22HmsrDH_23dQZiEhTU52A-QOxc6-e2IpQVXFxPlxvv0Ilp/s400/B+sew+petals.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you haven’t tried it - please do. To make machine sewing easier sandwich the fabric between two pieces of solvy. Then just make sure the stitching all overlaps, so you don’t have stray threads. </div>
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( I love free machine embroidery. From the day I bought my sewing machine the feed dogs have stayed dropped and I don’t think I have ever stitched a straight line. )</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKANpkZrQvSUMsOeNMt2s0nx5LxeP6ymzz7kh9Zoi1fFNDp1XbexqNzeSZWzXIpDN3Z20WO-bpPfc6DSdHmEYPT8lvZx6BrCThvAmR478oIpnvKnV6qrJTxhz9RGrm8A_Ny3Juer3iIQ8/s1600/C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKANpkZrQvSUMsOeNMt2s0nx5LxeP6ymzz7kh9Zoi1fFNDp1XbexqNzeSZWzXIpDN3Z20WO-bpPfc6DSdHmEYPT8lvZx6BrCThvAmR478oIpnvKnV6qrJTxhz9RGrm8A_Ny3Juer3iIQ8/s400/C.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Free stitch away in whatever edging style you want - then wash under water and the solvy disappears leaving a lacy edging . For hours I had them drying out like a lovely Hoffman meadow !</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnv2Sxn72mHfbNTOocRO1WxIQYJDNPioYr_0K5yt4C4F8rn3_16PmVwvZryLOd0MypUOuA2Ii-LS8Mv39DFex1IQkm6nBHHA8Nz1Pq9otLUXvKrt-QLXmLxK99pkyIVADz3UX4a6RvOFB/s1600/D+drying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnv2Sxn72mHfbNTOocRO1WxIQYJDNPioYr_0K5yt4C4F8rn3_16PmVwvZryLOd0MypUOuA2Ii-LS8Mv39DFex1IQkm6nBHHA8Nz1Pq9otLUXvKrt-QLXmLxK99pkyIVADz3UX4a6RvOFB/s400/D+drying.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I edged more section lengths of fabric in the same lacy way and wrapped into buds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJUqmRbgn09ObvhzPSKzRk6oXV2G2oQIChCtdxMHyo75w4dBUkFqlO9AerARahOOBFwZbdFyhsi6NkuZwZMM_3G4Z2PbipdB88dfE9UnzX0Ur49b9xCuhaHyWLw5pwc2B3QhkuDW-FPAu/s1600/E+edges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJUqmRbgn09ObvhzPSKzRk6oXV2G2oQIChCtdxMHyo75w4dBUkFqlO9AerARahOOBFwZbdFyhsi6NkuZwZMM_3G4Z2PbipdB88dfE9UnzX0Ur49b9xCuhaHyWLw5pwc2B3QhkuDW-FPAu/s400/E+edges.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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But they needed an extra bit of structure so that I could get the petal shape I wanted so I experimented with fabric stiffener.</div>
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Although the spray ones are handy I found that they kept getting clogged. I ended up painting the stiffener on each petal and shaping them and then literally handing them out to dry !</div>
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I made flower centres by wrapping the Hoffman fabric over wadding and attached to florist wire for stems.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pEpyhtIBKvQIGypBZr3Ekj_qIBwNVzCLndeHglxDqtVZoBDh5VSw-4JV1p4ZiZFoDuU_X9cYN0uqDAkWVQmNOMACvhZAR_XilBY_2EEtgrluh8sRe_JPEYaBn1xnAksWmY6cZtdz6N4F/s1600/F+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pEpyhtIBKvQIGypBZr3Ekj_qIBwNVzCLndeHglxDqtVZoBDh5VSw-4JV1p4ZiZFoDuU_X9cYN0uqDAkWVQmNOMACvhZAR_XilBY_2EEtgrluh8sRe_JPEYaBn1xnAksWmY6cZtdz6N4F/s400/F+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I stitched five petals per flower and added Edwardian lace and some seed beads details.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QCVIycJMAWms3P5mv4mikt-oVJ4pvudXTPfBnEOAncTGMhaxMJBdSB96_iYnU2QyAdc3azPxpocbPKUUzJ_gxUFmSt_PhzsNaopgLTIzwgzha2Lw14RpzF8KBLFvsSC-UEqkjaylhHoV/s1600/G+making+stems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QCVIycJMAWms3P5mv4mikt-oVJ4pvudXTPfBnEOAncTGMhaxMJBdSB96_iYnU2QyAdc3azPxpocbPKUUzJ_gxUFmSt_PhzsNaopgLTIzwgzha2Lw14RpzF8KBLFvsSC-UEqkjaylhHoV/s400/G+making+stems.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I tried various ways to cover the wire stems and in the end settled on three layers.</div>
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Wrapping wadding, then florists green tape (which is slightly tacky and grips well) and then finally long strips of Hoffman fabric. I allowed the natural ‘fraying’ of the cut fabric to give the cottage ‘shabby chic’ finish. Finally at the top some hand dyed fabric in pale yellow.</div>
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Those three layers on all the stems were done watching a box set of ‘Boston Legal’ and a few episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy ! !</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqb2y_mbBQWOe0SSx7xu31WpkZHfjNdmAEmuF7kt7Fg6P04Scc6Pg7qqsinbJ21dL4Sry4gLqSvWgzj33xGUmU8xQU7BSrQM4LB2Gj-GNNekVXtVlrmALZaMobsRExJS6IPFg8_qTK3RJL/s1600/H+white+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqb2y_mbBQWOe0SSx7xu31WpkZHfjNdmAEmuF7kt7Fg6P04Scc6Pg7qqsinbJ21dL4Sry4gLqSvWgzj33xGUmU8xQU7BSrQM4LB2Gj-GNNekVXtVlrmALZaMobsRExJS6IPFg8_qTK3RJL/s400/H+white+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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At this stage I realised that the flowers were making a hugely ‘busy’ display.</div>
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I did not want the fabric to be lost in the mix. I was getting a little lost myself and feeling over challenged ! My colourful flowers needed to be spaced out by some solid shades.</div>
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So I made some pale cream tulle flowers (with Hoffman fabric centres) and also added some deep green Irish tweed leaves.</div>
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At this point I had lots of individual flowers and had to start thinking how I would make a bouquet of them. A least a day of head scratching here.</div>
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For this challenge I did not want a bunch in the round - I wanted a flat display - as you would get in a box.</div>
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No matter how I tried tying them together they would not behave and stay in place. So I started sewing the stems to each other until I had a solid bouquet. I intertwined the stems like a little sculpture root system.</div>
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The next day looking at the stems I thought . . . bug, this really needs a bug.</div>
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That is what was so great about this years Hoffman fabric design - you can find things there in the pattern . . and I found my bug (of course I called him Hoff).</div>
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The next challenge was to make ribbon for the bouquet.</div>
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I cut long strips of fabric and added tulle and used the dissolvable fabric again to embroider it all together. A wash in water - dissolve the solvy and I had a custom ribbon.</div>
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A little bow . . . and it's a wrap !</div>
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Although I had a doll display stand that would hold the bouquet upright I still wanted to present it as flowers in a box. I found a lovely neat box that would protect during postage and also present the bouquet the way I wanted.</div>
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For the lining of the box I used some vintage linen. It was a tablecloth from my childhood that was only brought out for ‘special occasions’. I associate it with Christmas and Birthdays and visitors from America ! </div>
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I love reusing vintage fabric and giving it a new life.</div>
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I made my first attempt at cutting out fabric letters . . hopelessly !</div>
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I then painted the fabric with stiffener and when bone dry I cut them out . . easily.</div>
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Another new trick learnt !</div>
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A dab of stiffener and a quick iron onto my linen and I had lettering ready to embroider.</div>
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French knots are one of my favourite embroidery stitches. </div>
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Lots of them here - took at least three episodes of ‘Friends’ to do !</div>
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The final element I wanted to add was words.</div>
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I few favourite quotes printed onto cotton and a few tiny flowers (those small coin motifs in the fabric were begging to be used) and I was nearly done.</div>
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I just edged the linen with antique lace (in the straightest line my dropped feed dogs would allow) and the challenge adventure was over.</div>
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It is always a mixture of emotions finishing something that had taken awhile to do.</div>
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I was great to see it made - and it was also sad to be done.</div>
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I loved every minute . . . I wonder what next years Hoffman Challenge fabric will look like . . . </div>
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Edited : I was so very thrilled and delighted to hear that my bouquet won first in the Accessories category !!! Thank you Hoffman for the fun and the award !!</div>
queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-53974296073822882372015-06-02T17:37:00.001+01:002015-06-02T17:37:09.896+01:00Lovely RustIn a previous post in February I explained my own starter method for eco dyeing.<br />
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I wanted to add more that a small rusted key or two for my next eco fun.</div>
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I was delighted to find some wonderfully old antique pieces in a market.</div>
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They didn’t cost much and were perfect for wrapping silk around.</div>
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The sellers were eager to tell me how I could clean them up and surprised when</div>
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I said I would be keeping them in their non pristine crusty rusty state.</div>
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They worked a treat for wrapping long pieces of silk and meant that rust was interacting with my leaves and rose petals evenly with each turn.</div>
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Wrapping around these larger bases also seemed to speed up the drying time,</div>
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always a good thing when impatience for the reveal is unbearable . . . here is one as I unwrapped.</div>
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I love the way the colours darkened the closer the silk was to the rusted center.</div>
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These two antique beauties will be my dye friends again and again,</div>
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and are out in the rain growing a new fashionably deep brown coat.</div>
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queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-20115159779938684372015-02-13T18:12:00.000+00:002015-02-13T18:12:24.469+00:00Anatomy of a Brooch<br />
These brooches are part of a small collection of jewellery pieces I made for the Rijks Studio project. The Rijksmuseum unloaded a large part of their collection to the internet and then encouraged artists to use the images in their work.<br />
Who could resist that generous offer !!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuG-STRn2bBYit99DbPD7BBWBZzaxHwoSDZkUKV6-c0vmsQ3s-T07jH025divG5oennHzKxXeG5H3ZwlU_TgUaJn2BrXbBy6LNGcYge4PzMDopCWiDKcGCTnVRHZ9NYm_bVWVND-6gSdb/s1600/B+Brooch+Anatomy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuG-STRn2bBYit99DbPD7BBWBZzaxHwoSDZkUKV6-c0vmsQ3s-T07jH025divG5oennHzKxXeG5H3ZwlU_TgUaJn2BrXbBy6LNGcYge4PzMDopCWiDKcGCTnVRHZ9NYm_bVWVND-6gSdb/s1600/B+Brooch+Anatomy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided to combine the wonderful Renaissance portraits of very strong and imposing ladies with the texture of quality Donegal tweed.<br />
I decoupaged the paper prints onto black wood and sealed them. Then I choose a mix of ceramic beads, seed beads and some Czech glass flower beads to attach the portraits to the padded tweed.<br />
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The tweed is ‘fringed’ to give a country style look and the brooches are backed with felt.<br />
Little historic portraits to pin on a coat !<br />
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queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-20169828294934347642015-02-10T11:56:00.000+00:002015-02-10T11:56:36.257+00:00Wild Garden Embroidery<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7dDGZKkyNvF6Sa8iNSEycYkhoXE2wzfWD-bxXGPGG67d6K4PNmThmb2N_yplXGA5Oowfe1awZu2hAHoxLnOAUzWcGJ9lzYDQ7wlhUJQKn-1plExEVcWLXxiUCvEOWNO0rVnMogOMb_sM/s1600/A+Wild+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7dDGZKkyNvF6Sa8iNSEycYkhoXE2wzfWD-bxXGPGG67d6K4PNmThmb2N_yplXGA5Oowfe1awZu2hAHoxLnOAUzWcGJ9lzYDQ7wlhUJQKn-1plExEVcWLXxiUCvEOWNO0rVnMogOMb_sM/s1600/A+Wild+Garden.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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Here I used some wonderful 3mm thickness felt that is a dream to stitch on. It took the eco dye of petals and rusty keys beautifully and already looked like a wild garden before any embroidery threads were added !<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x3kRntJzSMJIwyrrMXLtiFfunwCOm09r-fjzkEc8H1xZJfGRmtX0xmL6dEnw95Z3G4d4x4utnWZ95E86m5NFhUsw_QHNmU4UpWj3n23DhpFsBy-unPWRJfXv03fvo-tTWDBRgKhPm9JV/s1600/B+eco+dye+felt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x3kRntJzSMJIwyrrMXLtiFfunwCOm09r-fjzkEc8H1xZJfGRmtX0xmL6dEnw95Z3G4d4x4utnWZ95E86m5NFhUsw_QHNmU4UpWj3n23DhpFsBy-unPWRJfXv03fvo-tTWDBRgKhPm9JV/s1600/B+eco+dye+felt.jpg" height="400" width="277" /></a></div>
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I have included some black Victorian lace c1890 and vintage wooden buttons to add some history. I attached matt black beads as a dark contrast and for depth.<br />
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Hand dyed sari silk ribbon became roots and greenery with inner seed pod French knots within the folds. I twisted the silk and frayed here and there.<br />
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I choose rich deep colour threads, purples, pinks, lavender, berry shades.<br />
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The end result is quite dark and a little mysterious, the flowers are not any particular varieties - but wilder and untamed.<br />
Well that’s my story !!!<br />
queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-25119813246692548972015-02-09T19:26:00.000+00:002015-02-09T19:26:31.438+00:00Eco Dyeing<br />
This is by no means a tutorial - I am only at the experimenting stage myself.<br />
There are many experts writing in blogs and there are beautiful books on the subject.<br />
This is just my playful and fun attempts!!<br />
I was first prompted to try this form or dyeing having seen the amazing work of India Flint. I am starting with baby steps, to test a few pieces and mainly to have backgrounds for my embroidery and textile art.<br />
I choose to try dyeing with rose petals, eucalyptus leaves . . . and because I love dark shades . . . some rusty keys (take care when using these - don’t lick your fingers!)<br />
<b>(1) Choose the Eco Dye</b><br />
First have a look at what you have in your garden or if like me you have no garden, find a friendly florist who might sell off or kindly give discarded blooms or cuttings. <br />
Gather petals and leaves, darker colours give richer stronger shades. There are lists and colour charts of what’s achievable from various flowers, vegetable skins and leaves to be found on the internet and in the ‘must have’ books like <i>Eco Colour</i> by India Flint or <i>Colours from Nature</i> by Jenny Dean.<br />
Impatient me just jumped in and winged it with these pieces !!<br />
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<b>(2) Choosing the fabric.</b><br />
I found that silk and felt took the colours best. (Cotton / scrim etc were more hit and miss.)<br />
I soaked the fabric pieces in water with a little vinegar for about an hour. But there are other ‘fixatives’ you can use to attract the dye.<br />
<b>(3) Design a layout.</b><br />
I then put down waterproof covering on my table (oil cloth or a black bag) and laid out my fabric flat. I arranged the petals / leaves / rusty keys and then rolled into bundles. I found that a thick branch or piece of wood was good to start the rolling. Then I wrapped and tied up with twine. (if you tie up with white or cream cotton knitting wool you get that dyed as well !!)<br />
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<b>(4) Steaming.</b><br />
Next I steamed for 3 hours. I bought a large saucepan to use just for this purpose.<br />
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<b>(5) The hard part - waiting.</b><br />
Allow to dry completely - may take 3 days - 1 week.<br />
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<b>(6) The best bit - unwrapping.</b><br />
Unwrap - pull away all the petals and leaves (dry and keep keys for next time) Iron if you want a flat look and to seal the colours more.<br />
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<b>(7) Results.</b><br />
Then think of what you are going to do with these unique fabrics.<br />
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Such fun to do - always a surprise result !!</div>
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queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-11848284616839066052013-02-21T23:23:00.000+00:002013-02-24T13:06:06.940+00:00Introducing Madrigals . . .<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>'Madrigals' are unaccompanied vocal composition popular during the Renaissance ; </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>a piece for several voices set to a short poem, usually about love. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>They express the emotion contained in each line, and sometimes individual words.</i></span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I have wanted for a long time now to try making a series of collections - pieces, linked by style and ideas, even though they were often quite individual. This collections of cuffs, art pendants, brooches, earrings and amulets will be grown and named Madrigals. I picked the name ‘Madrigal’ for my collection of Renaissance art cuffs and jewellery because it represents the individual elements that combine to celebrate that richly elaborate era.</span></h2>
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My Renaissance ladies will be adorned with rustic ceramic beads and delicious Czech picasso glass, a little Victorian lace, a little embroidery and lots and lots of love.</div>
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Here are some ladies in waiting . . . .<br />
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I have picked Renaissance portraits as they are so deliciously dark and moody. A celebration of deep colours and use of light. I have tried something new this time to add to my fabric jewellery- lovely wooden beads and some decoupage. I printed and sealed the images onto wood and then played with adding antique lace and acrylic paint sheen to the mix. I have to admit I am indulging myself in picking mixtures of gorgeous rustic dark ceramic beads and Czech picasso glass beads - such amazing beauty - so hard to resist.</div>
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Here is the style of cuff I have started with. I just added some to my etsy shop today.</div>
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Other pieces are in the form of textile amulets.</div>
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Some pieces of teased out vintage cotton fabric combined with deep purple felt. I knitted some yarn and then felt embellished and finally cut and embroidered - trapping silk fibers of deep rich shades. All of the pieces are bound together with threads and make a light sturdy pendant. </div>
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I thought immediately of an amulet - worn for luck and protection. The beads added were chosen to reflect the Renaissance style where rich dark beaded jewellery was seen in portraits of the era.</div>
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The pendants also echo the style with portraits on wood and selections of wired stacked beads.</div>
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I hope to be adding brooches and earrings soon to my Madrigals.</div>
queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-3084991692704979972012-12-02T18:59:00.001+00:002012-12-03T19:09:21.869+00:00Two Whimsical PendantsTwo Whimsical Pendants<br />
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I have added two ‘old/new’ pendants to my etsy shop.</div>
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The focal point for the first pendent is love of antique buttons!!<br />
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I wanted to have a pendant celebrating the beauty of Victorian buttons - each one special.</div>
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I choose a wonderful round Victorian brass button from c1870.</div>
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Then hanging from that I put a most unusual late Victorian c1900 button.<br />
It is a drop shape - it could have been opened but I have sewn it shut.</div>
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It is so distinctive - anyone know the reason or history for this type of button - I would love to know?</div>
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I added two apple green wood beads, some moss green seed beads and some metal beads to hand the button.</div>
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They sit on platted green silk ribbon that is attached to a divided 18inch bronze plated metal chain.<br />
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For both of these pieces I cut the chain and extended with ribbon - just wanted to try a less formal look. Whimsical with a historic Victorian twist !</div>
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One of a kind.</div>
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The second pendant is called - Fly Birdie</div>
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Another ‘old/new’ piece - just like memories are.</div>
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A blue distressed platted silk ribbon is again attached to a divided 18inch bronze plated metal chain with blue seed beads twisted around the tie knots.</div>
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A little collection hangs from the ribbon.</div>
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A bronze bead cap (lovely open work) holds some more ribbon, some Victorian lace and a small bird charm. </div>
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On more blue seen beads hangs more Victorian lace and an antique watch key. (on one side a flower, on the other number 7). A nice pretty key - small enough to be delicate.</div>
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See them both on etsy</div>
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https://www.etsy.com/listing/116908530/antique-button-love-pendant</div>
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https://www.etsy.com/listing/116910316/fly-birdie-pendant</div>
queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-24267044423528961972012-11-29T14:02:00.003+00:002012-11-29T14:20:54.185+00:00Embroidered ButtonsI have been having fun making more buttons !!<br />
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I blogged in July about my first buttons for my etsy shop.</div>
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I have since made some more and now I don’t want to stop!</div>
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Buttons really are little mini embroideries and can be added to so many things,</div>
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tops, dresses, bags, scarfs, slippers, art . . . . </div>
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For these I have used cotton thread embroidery, mostly on linen as it is so nice to work with. I added some lace, antique Victorian + 1910, vintage 1920’s + 1930’s to add the history. I am in a ‘French Knot’ phase at the moment - so they appear everywhere !</div>
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I first give myself the button size guidelines - drawn with a fabric marker (that is invisible in a day). Then I embroider that outline (because I don’t always finish before the ink disappears!) </div>
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I set up the Linen in an embroidery frame and picked my lace and threads.</div>
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Here are some photos taken as I worked.</div>
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Then I carefully cut to the edges and made the buttons onto metal backings.</div>
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I found it best to have a layer of interface backing so that the shine of metal does not show through. So this is my latest little batch.</div>
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I have put them onto cards in two and threes for etsy.</div>
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Such fun - a capsule collection.</div>
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More styles soon - I am hooked !</div>
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queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-36741137574232472052012-10-03T16:19:00.001+01:002012-10-05T10:32:07.660+01:00Making a Fabric Flower BouquetMy First Fabric Flower Bouquet !<br />
A very special couple just had a wonderful celebration - namely a 60th wedding anniversary - a truly great occasion. . . wow. !!<br />
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I wanted to make a personal anniversary gift and decided on a mini bouquet. </div>
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As I was travelling to the event I was not sure how fresh the flowers would be on arrival so decided I would try my very first fabric bouquet.</div>
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Here is how it went !!</div>
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I looked at some complex and some simple styles on web and then there was lots of making it up as I went along.</div>
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I can tell you it does take a bit of preparation and some time but it is such a fun thing to do.</div>
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(1) Cut and singe</div>
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I bought some chiffon in white and some in pale pink and cut lots of circles - approx 6 inches diameter. You don’t have to be too careful with exact shape of circles.</div>
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But patience is needed for next stage - carefully singeing all around each circle - just heating enough to seal but not burn - not so easy. If you do burn a little - just cut off that piece of black and singe again. I found the easiest way to do this is over a candle.</div>
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(2) Making the flowers.</div>
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I folded and gathered a circle - loosely sewing at the end - four of these together made the flower size I wanted.</div>
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(3) Stem</div>
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I used hobby/florist wires for the stems.</div>
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I bent the wire and sewed on the flower and then to soften the stem and give a little body I used padding - just wrapping thread around to hold. I finished off by wrapping with green florist tape. At tops I added some dyed silk petals - looks pretty and also helps secure the flower neatly.</div>
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For centers of flowers I picked nice white / pink fabric sewn around padding into little balls. The detail is made by embroidering knots with white cotton yarn and then lots of seed beads. ( I find it hard to make anything without adding seed beads !! )</div>
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(5) Wrap</div>
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I wrapped the bouquet with 1940’s white open work lace and at top added 1920’s thin lace. I printed the wedding date on cotton as a final touch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKS1gC4iWCWsyv58VNLgJcAc3BzOw7j7a88Ml2pHJPEk1D65tS9e16exqASAejIgXOKK6InuI1GE1qoqxQS07CwzMepZVtSDZjCZddluYemsHG6q7Yl6VkHin4hyphenhyphenyn0mkvSGfrAm7DkUj/s1600/lace+on+fabric+bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKS1gC4iWCWsyv58VNLgJcAc3BzOw7j7a88Ml2pHJPEk1D65tS9e16exqASAejIgXOKK6InuI1GE1qoqxQS07CwzMepZVtSDZjCZddluYemsHG6q7Yl6VkHin4hyphenhyphenyn0mkvSGfrAm7DkUj/s400/lace+on+fabric+bouquet.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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The individual flowers can then be adjusted - fluffed up - tweeked until it looks done !!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Sicb0vYIxZ38u3mOhyf_iULVcU6P0Zy3QkC2CYiX5dV1dbo0Nw51weFpCW5pdwk-f1TTiNPRVkI7DkY3KuZueONCbzOrJlpKqjfiz8orzlQMe1zkxBJ5wRvUf_kSCmcPHP7rSZ5aShOD/s1600/H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Sicb0vYIxZ38u3mOhyf_iULVcU6P0Zy3QkC2CYiX5dV1dbo0Nw51weFpCW5pdwk-f1TTiNPRVkI7DkY3KuZueONCbzOrJlpKqjfiz8orzlQMe1zkxBJ5wRvUf_kSCmcPHP7rSZ5aShOD/s400/H.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEX-fngu8h0SzlrnuN5I09ZhqpDFhkwU7GJjWZ6f50hExmez4syfNZtnDYWic3loX1XosmKLpcsoKaWvMdrtfPMVyK9ZhQyw06DcVQbTuJKlrXpFlaK1ZP7nBGRD8ZQiSY8lXaxZIi_Bfd/s1600/Fabric+Flower+Bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEX-fngu8h0SzlrnuN5I09ZhqpDFhkwU7GJjWZ6f50hExmez4syfNZtnDYWic3loX1XosmKLpcsoKaWvMdrtfPMVyK9ZhQyw06DcVQbTuJKlrXpFlaK1ZP7nBGRD8ZQiSY8lXaxZIi_Bfd/s400/Fabric+Flower+Bouquet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are so many amazing fabric bouquets to be seen on the web - I am in awe at the detail and beauty of them. There are many ways to make one - mine is just my idea of how to go about it. </div>
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It turned out a light bouquet to hold - just what I wanted to make - and I learnt a lot making it !!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMytIjDJKHnvDGUGtJbDq4DOwjoeXuE5PXFsTR_lfFCJ0KTigoZoT9qIHYx3HQSlJDUO91pzXHtgQ-dxYfPrmclYHd_ZtIEcIy0_IjR_X3wSJPmYJOGZajQBqjEB9EevDz-jQ5LLOfLawO/s1600/Fabric+Bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMytIjDJKHnvDGUGtJbDq4DOwjoeXuE5PXFsTR_lfFCJ0KTigoZoT9qIHYx3HQSlJDUO91pzXHtgQ-dxYfPrmclYHd_ZtIEcIy0_IjR_X3wSJPmYJOGZajQBqjEB9EevDz-jQ5LLOfLawO/s400/Fabric+Bouquet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954693355322537578.post-20967951796189072842012-09-17T14:22:00.001+01:002012-09-17T14:22:49.587+01:00Drum roll !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRV-nvKisgg3QOjSBWMc8XRIf7_orTcX1-zorsQcD79BhCpgOjTHaEs9ZKXzE__JYTXuS2fzFzEnLyk7uBYk2oJRroqnPCYqDtedXLzJXYhJncyKQbFDyK_Xv9i0kUe87XZBOO_GESFUR/s1600/announcing+GIVEAWAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRV-nvKisgg3QOjSBWMc8XRIf7_orTcX1-zorsQcD79BhCpgOjTHaEs9ZKXzE__JYTXuS2fzFzEnLyk7uBYk2oJRroqnPCYqDtedXLzJXYhJncyKQbFDyK_Xv9i0kUe87XZBOO_GESFUR/s400/announcing+GIVEAWAY.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The winner of my little antique lace wrist wrap is . . . .<br />
. . . new-girl-on-the-blog - from beautiful Greece<br />
Her comment (number 6) was picked by the random number picker.<br />
The wrist wrap will be packed up and sent on it’s way.<br />
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Many thanks to all who looked in and to those who took part - it was fun fun fun to do !!<br />
queenofcuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16885209575743582294noreply@blogger.com0