tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56173339419459986942024-03-27T23:53:36.349+00:00Somerset StitchInspirational and sustainable stitch making in Somerset and beyondSomerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-79143808660023638042024-01-17T19:55:00.014+00:002024-02-13T19:36:56.706+00:00Hand Needles<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLeg02ZHA_GYYnQJlnDrYJe9Aix_85-S7FItG8qo0lsFiuK88K62uP-WlB6djUuMAFI_UUrjnoRvDigZlUzTcbz6x4wuCf79QGYvPJ6u_aVDqikEd_VUYzfLAo6b7PfM18K070l6PN0F5L7xACHF0UruqaC59mF-QTekERvc5QzbX-cpcEi_SujNj6ngy/s2581/GoldEyeNeedles.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2581" data-original-width="2581" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLeg02ZHA_GYYnQJlnDrYJe9Aix_85-S7FItG8qo0lsFiuK88K62uP-WlB6djUuMAFI_UUrjnoRvDigZlUzTcbz6x4wuCf79QGYvPJ6u_aVDqikEd_VUYzfLAo6b7PfM18K070l6PN0F5L7xACHF0UruqaC59mF-QTekERvc5QzbX-cpcEi_SujNj6ngy/w320-h320/GoldEyeNeedles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As my passion for making hand stitches has grown, so has my knowledge of hand needles. Whilst aware of the various types since filling up my first hand needle case may years ago, I can vouch that my recent excellerated use of hand needles has taken my understanding to a whole new level. <div><br /></div><div>Observing that others are equally enjoying the pleasures that come from making hand stitches, I thought that an account of my more recent hand needle experiences may be of some help. Trust me when I say that choosing the correct hand needle for making hand stitches can be revolutionary! <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WxnCRcft_tIcWZ833iWGje3dsAFVWXnIuA30AptAynUNQlAx8jchSpxWLvlgTqwe6-L2hWxJ8zWfXGYIETvHMrNQmhKkreqD-wZfiTs9F9Qi377Y-WXrFDB9ZiWd_X18Z2WElMK2vTlsieGwuwDw_IOL3I27LDGPLjwhrVW0A7paAKCZZXP8CH6SN940/s3810/HandNeedleSelection.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2188" data-original-width="3810" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WxnCRcft_tIcWZ833iWGje3dsAFVWXnIuA30AptAynUNQlAx8jchSpxWLvlgTqwe6-L2hWxJ8zWfXGYIETvHMrNQmhKkreqD-wZfiTs9F9Qi377Y-WXrFDB9ZiWd_X18Z2WElMK2vTlsieGwuwDw_IOL3I27LDGPLjwhrVW0A7paAKCZZXP8CH6SN940/s320/HandNeedleSelection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I use around 7 types of needles in the main and my make of choice is <b><span style="color: #38761d;">CLOVER</span></b> - a long standing Japanese manufacturer, so named because the founder used clover leaves as book marks. There are numerous needle types and I particuarly like their <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Gold Eye</span></b> feature for ease of threading. Most important is that when used correctly, Clover needles do not bend and they glide smoothly through fabric. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Each needle type comes in various sizes and their mixed size packs are handy for working out size preferences. The basic rules in choosing is that the needle eye should be large enough for the thread to pass through without distressing it - and the needle shaft needs to make a large enough hole in the fabric for the thread to smoothly pass through without resistance, or leaving a gap around the stitched thread - quite a tall order!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_yHsx-5BOSZSBIfuEP0Afn_1j2r8qGuT6z5bEDHM_nsljdPCffvmtyg6_E4WP4DQPQFjJgFAicbbiBfBxJ00ZVlpyFz93OWa3bWMTK9_ENwH230yCcpg7yD71wnQQeE2MO2A1hdl2nQZ2uJqdt7wsrMhpGJAv4W9b0gdNbrHlv1oF90L2lKE-HplzAbJ/s3957/SelfThreadingNeedles.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2226" data-original-width="3957" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_yHsx-5BOSZSBIfuEP0Afn_1j2r8qGuT6z5bEDHM_nsljdPCffvmtyg6_E4WP4DQPQFjJgFAicbbiBfBxJ00ZVlpyFz93OWa3bWMTK9_ENwH230yCcpg7yD71wnQQeE2MO2A1hdl2nQZ2uJqdt7wsrMhpGJAv4W9b0gdNbrHlv1oF90L2lKE-HplzAbJ/w400-h225/SelfThreadingNeedles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So to start with a general purpose needle. 'Sharps' took me through many years of every day use, however, however, they have recently been replaced by wonderous <b><span style="color: #38761d;">SELF-THREADING NEEDLES</span></b>! No more searching for magnifiers or needle threaders, as they quickly thread by placing the thread in an indentation at the top of the needle and pulling the thread downwards - job done!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NzM9b6Lx-BoFnrBFUL-23vaSPleijG6Dp8_dD3G9TmD5YzYt2k-qzNUhkoZW4AXtWD9sZsZ_-iMC9cvzvgM3SFjGLIqF8-88rXbYJKDdRfkRrWgjwexELJ4Z2Ck3i-6A-cwdHaTqy2NSGYzPOBRGP33ta6_TwHJyfqGweNUbRwfSXQaULLYD6tfx7qQZ/s3892/EmbroideryNeedles.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2189" data-original-width="3892" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NzM9b6Lx-BoFnrBFUL-23vaSPleijG6Dp8_dD3G9TmD5YzYt2k-qzNUhkoZW4AXtWD9sZsZ_-iMC9cvzvgM3SFjGLIqF8-88rXbYJKDdRfkRrWgjwexELJ4Z2Ck3i-6A-cwdHaTqy2NSGYzPOBRGP33ta6_TwHJyfqGweNUbRwfSXQaULLYD6tfx7qQZ/w400-h225/EmbroideryNeedles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Next up are the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">EMBROIDERY NEEDLES</span></b>, that I have long used for all kinds of embroidery. This mixed size pack is really useful as the needles will accommodate all kinds of thread. All sizes pierce fabric without too many layers easily and they have my favoured 'gold eye' - which brings me to the crucial topic of needle threading. I have a few tips to share on this, all of which avoids poking a frayed thread end at a needle eye!</div><div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANx87ee5YkU33OmjBprgDDn2oqWRSoAyNxokVInO0rh3PfFRyQgMht2xHmKWQ83dhEZ2FcNhIpzw0CKW5FHoFK7mkKV6PYv2JvL9AJx2p7iLG46bjWktAp3swElrvzFRSRE0HDun5UHSc15t4dGvNLC5QfjhZBJNZuM4p65lQWP7XrCmljNmOAOpIgGor/s4000/NeedleThreading.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANx87ee5YkU33OmjBprgDDn2oqWRSoAyNxokVInO0rh3PfFRyQgMht2xHmKWQ83dhEZ2FcNhIpzw0CKW5FHoFK7mkKV6PYv2JvL9AJx2p7iLG46bjWktAp3swElrvzFRSRE0HDun5UHSc15t4dGvNLC5QfjhZBJNZuM4p65lQWP7XrCmljNmOAOpIgGor/w200-h150/NeedleThreading.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So here's my first tip on easy needle threading - ALWAYS start with cutting a blunt end on the thread. Some folk like to cut at a 45 degree angle, but I find that a straight cut usually works best with this method. It starts with putting the cut thread end between a thumb and forefinger and pushing the eye of the needle down onto the small amount of exposed thread. This method can feel very fiddly when learning, but once mastered, it has truly saved me hours of threading time.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKWsvvHzpF07HVqqfoa0BC-hPqGro8xb3DGBYTUM6Zz-Ym5ZGmcJ8sIjryrkZhkHvuitMh5LOzixqXFioogfQ9hEtGcbayVLiWl0yBz2Z1l1xzcoMhTLiamhNrjaRoL5byi2tM4L88KXVUtrpqj6J3b-U78_prpsg_IDnLdKPAfuyn2tCkOnSYJN9RfF5/s3971/SashikoNeedles.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2234" data-original-width="3971" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKWsvvHzpF07HVqqfoa0BC-hPqGro8xb3DGBYTUM6Zz-Ym5ZGmcJ8sIjryrkZhkHvuitMh5LOzixqXFioogfQ9hEtGcbayVLiWl0yBz2Z1l1xzcoMhTLiamhNrjaRoL5byi2tM4L88KXVUtrpqj6J3b-U78_prpsg_IDnLdKPAfuyn2tCkOnSYJN9RfF5/w400-h225/SashikoNeedles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Next is a more recent needle find. <b><span style="color: #38761d;">SASHIKO NEEDLES</span> </b>came onto my radar when I began hand stitching recycled Kimono fabric and needed to pierce a more densely woven fabric. A longer version is also available to enable making several stitches at a time. Stronger than embroidery needles, they also have a slightly larger 'gold eye' which is great for thicker threads.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLtDXZjNllRaqmzINFLKja6Tvx-Vb0GDYPVn_lBCcf6yq7bsqbefGmQMzFcRUY5z8-MQ-l3eFgPL4fDodmRN6mZUHTwN1zSqw776ocWwTnmSyodNwq27jMrRebo7fOXB2kUbNXGoS1wM2V-1-aSzjY7XrdJvOOsOwJI1bgU2evF3PgocqMXrB0UBP9f2I/s3648/ChenilleNeedles.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2052" data-original-width="3648" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLtDXZjNllRaqmzINFLKja6Tvx-Vb0GDYPVn_lBCcf6yq7bsqbefGmQMzFcRUY5z8-MQ-l3eFgPL4fDodmRN6mZUHTwN1zSqw776ocWwTnmSyodNwq27jMrRebo7fOXB2kUbNXGoS1wM2V-1-aSzjY7XrdJvOOsOwJI1bgU2evF3PgocqMXrB0UBP9f2I/w400-h225/ChenilleNeedles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Staying with sharp needles, there are larger <b><span style="color: #38761d;">CHENILLE NEEDLES</span></b>, which I have used a liitle less. They have a large long eye which is perfect for threading yarn type threads. With their sharp point, they are most useful in chenille, crewel and gold work. I avoid using for techniques such as tapestry weaving and darning though, as the sharp point easily splits yarn.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRWpuo_hFqi8xm9yNh_hrRHUw5ul1tzPn6L8kyXRaGNrPHdFP_soWIe_5tzWBS5Mnkv6-jyBA-OC_rEE3UhiFeAZeTtswQmYekr1fhlxdFjgrFbT4OfIklNltnsulggsKXRKlSDLQGMXC8RE4T98CdKw5jzEVdQYsiHUxY2owmcYO0hjA83ENrah6dswb/s4000/NeedleThreading2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRWpuo_hFqi8xm9yNh_hrRHUw5ul1tzPn6L8kyXRaGNrPHdFP_soWIe_5tzWBS5Mnkv6-jyBA-OC_rEE3UhiFeAZeTtswQmYekr1fhlxdFjgrFbT4OfIklNltnsulggsKXRKlSDLQGMXC8RE4T98CdKw5jzEVdQYsiHUxY2owmcYO0hjA83ENrah6dswb/w200-h150/NeedleThreading2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>At this point I'll cover my method for threading larger needles. Particularly with wool thread, which rarely cuts a solid blunt end and and is best folded. To do this, I fold the yarn over the needle just past the eye and add a bit of tension. Then I move my fingers up to the fold and pinch and slide the folded yarn over the eye and off the needle. At this point I treat the fold as before, pinching between my thumb and forefinger and pressing the needle eye down onto the visible thread fold.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21zAwkqduokhBmzLyRz3zszW1IcmlsNSAeVv7J5xVJAMZlhv17kXczYnLtGD8MD8zT4jWnErh__nfqt277b9_6Y0On7nHemMxV9xLcW2w6XsmRMHcZ2u4UKvNVAQz2JqfnRjUiGDWpmopw5dGoo1qJ5_Y_BnHxLviCfZ1Iq_waVGzdM0rNSp44p7_qGE5/s2241/BeeswaxCandleMaking6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2033" data-original-width="2241" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21zAwkqduokhBmzLyRz3zszW1IcmlsNSAeVv7J5xVJAMZlhv17kXczYnLtGD8MD8zT4jWnErh__nfqt277b9_6Y0On7nHemMxV9xLcW2w6XsmRMHcZ2u4UKvNVAQz2JqfnRjUiGDWpmopw5dGoo1qJ5_Y_BnHxLviCfZ1Iq_waVGzdM0rNSp44p7_qGE5/w200-h181/BeeswaxCandleMaking6.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Some people like to use a little beeswax with either or both of the threading methods as described. Personally I'm wary of using as it is very easy to coat the thread with too much wax and the excess then transfers to the cloth being stitched.</div><div><br /></div><div>While many say not to use spit to get rebelling yarn ends to hold together for the purposes of threading, I have to say that just a touch very often works for me and also is excellent for removing blood from beastly needles pricks!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQb-PlW65qAuzcXJbbqYo5a94io9zWzg3HjACwvpii0x60H7mSvGPwg4LDdEN5EQbJQBz3M3lAVH3K31p8NwW28PblKL5MnBcWIqbdfqNY2d1BWWGMx2e6x0IdWcjO6DO4Rq51ZVvueO3QmObUG_OFsEZRGPc7wcqjsYu_UCaN_I25R3MoYnVof9vOlxq/s3974/TapestryNeedles.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2235" data-original-width="3974" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQb-PlW65qAuzcXJbbqYo5a94io9zWzg3HjACwvpii0x60H7mSvGPwg4LDdEN5EQbJQBz3M3lAVH3K31p8NwW28PblKL5MnBcWIqbdfqNY2d1BWWGMx2e6x0IdWcjO6DO4Rq51ZVvueO3QmObUG_OFsEZRGPc7wcqjsYu_UCaN_I25R3MoYnVof9vOlxq/w320-h181/TapestryNeedles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So on to needles that I've used plenty of late - <b><span style="color: #38761d;">TAPESTRY NEEDLES</span></b>. These look very much like Chenille Needles, except the end of the needle is blunt and is therefore perfect for using with threads in techniques like tapestry weaving, cross stitch and knitting and crochet - and any other craft where splitting the yarn or thread is to be avoided at all costs.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGMXB7K8sqM7OswqCqljFVLmAIMfxbXte6b2UhyphenhyphenD4flDpUyOkFiiWNI57eytUCv3-krgJW4dqyn_OssHtxbICzBR_bODUw5a35K4sBXjpTlOP8GGN9VhtEEd4Uw05HMStgr1C6NOHK_0ItXk8c7uiW5UN843abGCehiMaq2xkilCx3tR_Gv6H7xn4n88s/s3879/BeadingNeedles.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2182" data-original-width="3879" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGMXB7K8sqM7OswqCqljFVLmAIMfxbXte6b2UhyphenhyphenD4flDpUyOkFiiWNI57eytUCv3-krgJW4dqyn_OssHtxbICzBR_bODUw5a35K4sBXjpTlOP8GGN9VhtEEd4Uw05HMStgr1C6NOHK_0ItXk8c7uiW5UN843abGCehiMaq2xkilCx3tR_Gv6H7xn4n88s/w320-h180/BeadingNeedles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While my use of <b><span style="color: #38761d;">BEADING NEEDLES</span></b> is more occasional, they come in extremely handy when I'm looking to add a bit of surface beading to my projects. This is the needle that is most likely to bend or even snap and I use just to get beads with small eyes on to a length of thread and then I often switch to a more robust needle for the actual stitching - a fiddle sometimes, but a time saver in the long run.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIO6TaEFDHLCK1mrif8ePrJmbmYuOhWe8VVVTtsP7UjlGif6n_bos0MMdj1x5A4B1LCiErlIIXSjc3NrClCTO2ecdVd6-649TU-dztFFd8eWgyQOi-b-8KeZmk0mugtQYnSs4rf8a6SX831gyzJypgWkwlZ6t8rEjTXzkqjGrA7YULrNuPrsj0wMga1y3A/s3659/MillinerNeedles.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2058" data-original-width="3659" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIO6TaEFDHLCK1mrif8ePrJmbmYuOhWe8VVVTtsP7UjlGif6n_bos0MMdj1x5A4B1LCiErlIIXSjc3NrClCTO2ecdVd6-649TU-dztFFd8eWgyQOi-b-8KeZmk0mugtQYnSs4rf8a6SX831gyzJypgWkwlZ6t8rEjTXzkqjGrA7YULrNuPrsj0wMga1y3A/s320/MillinerNeedles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last but my no means least are <span style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">MILLINER NEEDLES - </span><span>also known as Straw Needles. With a fairly small eye, they are traditionally used in hat making for their very sharp point - which I can say from my one hat making experience was vital. Their length also makes them very useful for any embroidery stitch, such as a Frenck Knot, where the thread is wrapped around the needle during the creation process.</span><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5ObGg2En87IBsyo0vW8TNzvpLeRddAJF50ze5Xk5zP4-lAtp3Lhg8dSdAvS4G0Js3j-h1At7HF8m1GGmi4tL52wngt3CPGBzgfVCWagIItLHV7aTPLYQMp3mGNWvFptEOpw3qB86NIDveAKnH_3cKWP_GqkEX_VCstBmqeJvAKkXwVGJM31zNFmxaPiw/s4000/LeatherThimble.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5ObGg2En87IBsyo0vW8TNzvpLeRddAJF50ze5Xk5zP4-lAtp3Lhg8dSdAvS4G0Js3j-h1At7HF8m1GGmi4tL52wngt3CPGBzgfVCWagIItLHV7aTPLYQMp3mGNWvFptEOpw3qB86NIDveAKnH_3cKWP_GqkEX_VCstBmqeJvAKkXwVGJM31zNFmxaPiw/w200-h150/LeatherThimble.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>And one final tip for using a needle, particularly if like me you keep any length of nail. While mine are pretty short these days, a metal thimble is still beyond working for me and I have used a leather thimble with my hand stitching for many years. Having recently tackled projects with thicker layers and requiring a bit more welly, I've more recently found this Clover <b><span style="color: #38761d;">COIN THIMBLE</span></b> with a metal piece on one side of the thimble to be useful for giving a needle a hard push.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4JQRK6VfurJO8luRfPXyO_9g0sPIvrWIqBEvi9du3kmnOeXEIeusshzgL7HJazUtDbxicRL0hl6sck5Zvnnmid5Lse0kmA9f_mc3aUeDUsoTq7cKb5IcVutlMs859Ny31O0tZbdb1_L9jKntwTOUbXFRSjTP2LtVItrJGEABgZ3Gbi5XEdK9a6oR0cwH/s3042/SashikoNeedleCase1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3042" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4JQRK6VfurJO8luRfPXyO_9g0sPIvrWIqBEvi9du3kmnOeXEIeusshzgL7HJazUtDbxicRL0hl6sck5Zvnnmid5Lse0kmA9f_mc3aUeDUsoTq7cKb5IcVutlMs859Ny31O0tZbdb1_L9jKntwTOUbXFRSjTP2LtVItrJGEABgZ3Gbi5XEdK9a6oR0cwH/w400-h355/SashikoNeedleCase1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>For anyone who has reached reading to this point, I commend you on your staying power through a pretty dry subject! I hope in recompense that I've been able to offer you some point of interest, if only that you will give a little consideration the next time you reach for a hand needle. An upside of writing this post is that I decided that a new needle case was long overdue - with hand stitching of course! My creation with Sashiko stitched bark fabric with silk thread, and silk and wool inners will add to my pleasure of hand needle selection I am sure - and I hope others too.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY1IlOyQEhSOyNLn2bDMy4HZoQHry44lkrDZpWZ7hGJdRHNHHjCAXRSPBNY2ArW4cbj7Txw8u7AP0VnQ5vTaKuTE8lHl9yCW9EV-BNCye6L-UTBZeCkmh127MTaqWzCr8K-J_nTpjOkoHyBuVZ7qLJX9RfmPW64Rb3UDXOLsvdAk6pqlU1a2tqKRipJzI/s3882/SashikoNeedleCase3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2562" data-original-width="3882" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY1IlOyQEhSOyNLn2bDMy4HZoQHry44lkrDZpWZ7hGJdRHNHHjCAXRSPBNY2ArW4cbj7Txw8u7AP0VnQ5vTaKuTE8lHl9yCW9EV-BNCye6L-UTBZeCkmh127MTaqWzCr8K-J_nTpjOkoHyBuVZ7qLJX9RfmPW64Rb3UDXOLsvdAk6pqlU1a2tqKRipJzI/w400-h264/SashikoNeedleCase3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div></div></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-84976866935808316942023-11-26T09:23:00.009+00:002024-01-21T17:13:01.903+00:00Quick Stitch - Origami Box<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIq0pbFnUxEp9SlW3agi-v2oQVvpCdiZPLiBa-PHaBYWFLzxGB80o5a85bWiFPBlSSCIEKiKl7n-_8wiZF6_2OsARPsql_LpIR4yonAbrNjCFdi17X_TWV6-pGZb-CHwGfVYvZK4JCHJypTfhOMqrqmnQZL_3UnWhUWHAayPf1X0x7hTn1l0IIBUqhZId/s1468/OrigamiBox5.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1468" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIq0pbFnUxEp9SlW3agi-v2oQVvpCdiZPLiBa-PHaBYWFLzxGB80o5a85bWiFPBlSSCIEKiKl7n-_8wiZF6_2OsARPsql_LpIR4yonAbrNjCFdi17X_TWV6-pGZb-CHwGfVYvZK4JCHJypTfhOMqrqmnQZL_3UnWhUWHAayPf1X0x7hTn1l0IIBUqhZId/w400-h247/OrigamiBox5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It's interesting how early childhood activities find their way back around! Origami paper folding was one such activity that my small fingers delighted dabbling with - did I ever master the jumping frog I wonder?! <p></p><p>Origami made a lasting impression all the same and folding with fabulous fabric adds to the appeal. Reworking this box project from a few years back with recycled Kimono fabrics was most pleasurable - it's a very simple, yet striking project that can be created using any thin fabrics that give a sharp fold. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtcRPaoxqkBIazzlORcMsXjG0EHlmme9r6bASaf74bcNOI9RoIKiKrOoVKYi8oeUzS65g4WWzm3LvMD-RkkP9bs8L__ZB5Rf2cQHpjcbbej2KdaNnUroJ6cbA2WVlcNyneURSZ0traIQb_-_8cU9sAOWyPpYqT7zv6JntAylJkRZ9uPmHJfe42q0yZn1s/s4000/OrigamiBoxA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtcRPaoxqkBIazzlORcMsXjG0EHlmme9r6bASaf74bcNOI9RoIKiKrOoVKYi8oeUzS65g4WWzm3LvMD-RkkP9bs8L__ZB5Rf2cQHpjcbbej2KdaNnUroJ6cbA2WVlcNyneURSZ0traIQb_-_8cU9sAOWyPpYqT7zv6JntAylJkRZ9uPmHJfe42q0yZn1s/w400-h301/OrigamiBoxA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The starting point is cutting 12 equal circles of fabric, 6 each in two toning fabrics. Cut one of the pair of circles needs to be cut 0.25cm larger all around as this will become the box lid. <p></p><p>Then to take one of each circle colour and stitch right sides together with as scant a seam as possible, leaving a gap of around 3cm in the seam for turning. Then turn the circles right sides out, neatly hand stitch the gap closed and carefully press the seams.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zQoQYr9hEQ9coY1B0lhlDmTo8yh1O4St9CDbN0FBLGlSo2J4p5IltbWjsD74HBQDCyyR0Qx6vN6QQMnPFcr23TtXrOkwa0s4imrD1EIXOeKaRJD90gyn1WB_c6G15pp6dpOVORcaC2GQKzrsGOARYetPrLA6WW-e9TfzQc34nV3cwslPfZBrZNcF_ypn/s4000/OrigamiBoxB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zQoQYr9hEQ9coY1B0lhlDmTo8yh1O4St9CDbN0FBLGlSo2J4p5IltbWjsD74HBQDCyyR0Qx6vN6QQMnPFcr23TtXrOkwa0s4imrD1EIXOeKaRJD90gyn1WB_c6G15pp6dpOVORcaC2GQKzrsGOARYetPrLA6WW-e9TfzQc34nV3cwslPfZBrZNcF_ypn/w400-h300/OrigamiBoxB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Then the origami bit comes into play by folding in the circled edges to create a squar. Do this for all size pieces, noting which of the 6 pieces is the slightly larger piece for the lid. <p></p><p>Then the points of each square are folded back on themselves to make a smaller square, keeping tabs on that larger piece.</p><p>Take time with both of these folds to keep the pieces square and consistant - this will make the final construction very much easier.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIxKC68WnD60w1Y7Bzv4UitBRsRh5ZnDDZgCFISNJwaVeAH8kwlIaOkPggUou4bbkvlRzL0xskY298DSD9kF4gtG91UIL-BfkvIrO-SICLP7R4XipzCthuFtbqnXIvChPG6mswESH5qNm1gmyO4hyphenhyphenJUJU0bXcyVMhMf3NpeFErdRxyqC3SHiQCVBdPOKW/s4000/OrigamiBoxD.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIxKC68WnD60w1Y7Bzv4UitBRsRh5ZnDDZgCFISNJwaVeAH8kwlIaOkPggUou4bbkvlRzL0xskY298DSD9kF4gtG91UIL-BfkvIrO-SICLP7R4XipzCthuFtbqnXIvChPG6mswESH5qNm1gmyO4hyphenhyphenJUJU0bXcyVMhMf3NpeFErdRxyqC3SHiQCVBdPOKW/w400-h300/OrigamiBoxD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A stiff insert is then made for the box sides - I used traditional pelmet vilene with an adhesive on one side - stiff card could also be used. Cut 5 inserts to tuck into the inside corners of the folded box sides and cut a slightly larger piece for the lid piece. <p></p><p>Cut pieces of fabric larger than the inserts (1cm all the way around) and adhere these pieces to one side of the stiff insert. Fold over the edges and adhere to the back side of the card/vilene.</p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz-FE-90fAEB11Ajn4b1hoanjbTJ3RDQrDkj6JEjUiHzWL8F1GmO_xRccoVHX94TqaXq6SdI70uNi7EY1qvbrUCt4vivZtRK3pDDujEDzdzLmU0Fpia-b5c3iqyeN2O5JV3gRWwwDZUhmnJSPUzE5JcZGhmXUindmTKE6yqO0kiwhn0JTQ-Pqu5qXRLhO/s1482/JoBirkenheadOrigamiBox3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1482" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz-FE-90fAEB11Ajn4b1hoanjbTJ3RDQrDkj6JEjUiHzWL8F1GmO_xRccoVHX94TqaXq6SdI70uNi7EY1qvbrUCt4vivZtRK3pDDujEDzdzLmU0Fpia-b5c3iqyeN2O5JV3gRWwwDZUhmnJSPUzE5JcZGhmXUindmTKE6yqO0kiwhn0JTQ-Pqu5qXRLhO/w400-h239/JoBirkenheadOrigamiBox3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Tuck an insert into the corners on the back of each of the box sides - again remembering which one is the lid. The final construction into a box starts with the base piece and neatly hand stitching one of the side pieces to each of the 4 sides. I used polyster beading tread for this as a single strand is very strong and I changed colour on each seam for best toning. I then stitched up the box sides and finally stitched on the larger lid piece. There are many creative possibilites for making this box by mixing up fabrics and I'm sure you will agree that Jo's use here of recycled Indian textiles at a recent workshop looks stunning.<p></p>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-37178526734975753322023-10-18T08:41:00.078+01:002024-01-10T08:17:13.751+00:00Welsh Woollen Wanderings<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRRJoH-b9NxsKNUyMiVNzhKibTIQAv2gwx6x491Y-LcWUuOw3KI2jjzS7xYUkIcY8nk1u44taB-HPw_p8prTYY3-ETWA4hXxUG-jkDmuZKaqP_7raJz_a-YAiAW3b5_oTAHtuO4wwmimt_EUroBy5imTnW5JXw5YYe6LzEMhlzSYaBQkhl49qnedzt3ch/s4000/SugarLoafBeach.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRRJoH-b9NxsKNUyMiVNzhKibTIQAv2gwx6x491Y-LcWUuOw3KI2jjzS7xYUkIcY8nk1u44taB-HPw_p8prTYY3-ETWA4hXxUG-jkDmuZKaqP_7raJz_a-YAiAW3b5_oTAHtuO4wwmimt_EUroBy5imTnW5JXw5YYe6LzEMhlzSYaBQkhl49qnedzt3ch/w320-h242/SugarLoafBeach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>For all that the Welsh border is a skip and a hop from my home county, Wales has strangely remained unexplored textile territory and 2023 was the year where I got to turning this unexplained shortfall around.<p></p><p>Extending my textile wanderings in a westerly direction across the dramatic Prince of Wales Bridge has been very long overdue - as I've often been reminded when observing faintly on the horizon from one of my favourite Somerset coastline chill outs.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj8MDEq4eKWLuFB9PE03w6hcowP4srSRpv0S84G15n3pzf4Hp4tYG4ZqXTBWzPgloAGazQbG1vmKIFKtf0W9JPwMi9w3XpoE6E9tNi6DMCU_s0c5ALVXUYRJIX91FLOuhPnXQl_UC_01BqKhfYBE_gwoK7-SuuK4MAQ94ucKJ6FfArE-I6EZM1TodVlX2/s1770/Wonderwool2023.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="1770" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj8MDEq4eKWLuFB9PE03w6hcowP4srSRpv0S84G15n3pzf4Hp4tYG4ZqXTBWzPgloAGazQbG1vmKIFKtf0W9JPwMi9w3XpoE6E9tNi6DMCU_s0c5ALVXUYRJIX91FLOuhPnXQl_UC_01BqKhfYBE_gwoK7-SuuK4MAQ94ucKJ6FfArE-I6EZM1TodVlX2/w400-h356/Wonderwool2023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This said, my first wandering in Wales this year actually began on a Spring return journey from my Northern homeland - my first ever drive down the Welsh/English border to Builth Wells. This medieval market town has been the venue of <a href="https://www.wonderwoolwales.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wonderwool Wales</a> since its inauguration in in 2006 - to promote wool and fibre producers in Wales. <div><br /></div><div>A highly successful and popular annual event, Wonderwool is now attended by traders and visitors from far and wide across the UK, and of recent years I have greatly enjoyed being one of the latter.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzpZBMOAUdDz6wkxa2EzZwtX2BBcmJ-xroOw_Im-f1UcGqpYn4crHBEEBdHVStHn0zwioQWden-DrzEkTsA_AvE-qzKYpgUaVELeKVNBD8RwCcZWCZKItPHWRoCrvIWLaLmtXAfnge4_xji8rnhQKG3OhvXNwtWuMwydf5q1q8pIYjZb341655QpGkQON/s3396/HerringAlphaSpinningWheel.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3396" data-original-width="2018" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzpZBMOAUdDz6wkxa2EzZwtX2BBcmJ-xroOw_Im-f1UcGqpYn4crHBEEBdHVStHn0zwioQWden-DrzEkTsA_AvE-qzKYpgUaVELeKVNBD8RwCcZWCZKItPHWRoCrvIWLaLmtXAfnge4_xji8rnhQKG3OhvXNwtWuMwydf5q1q8pIYjZb341655QpGkQON/w238-h400/HerringAlphaSpinningWheel.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>I have found much that is new and novel to enjoy during my Wonderwool visits and this year my eyes delighted on this simple display of sheep breed fibre in it's raw and spun form. This said, I'm becoming increasingly aware that wool is far from a simple affair and with the UK having over 70 sheep breeds to explore, I'm confident that it is going to take many years of wandering to get any where close to seeing every single one!<p></p><div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I so enjoy spinning fleece from the breeds that I research and it is fascinating how differently the fibre from each sheep breed feels and responds in our fingers. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I ever appreciate advice from others who are more skilled, especially when the friendly spinner is demonstrating on a spinning wheel as beautiful as this Herring Alpha. </span></div><div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The nuances of carding, drafting, spinning and plying are many and they are sure to generate lively debates! Thankfully spinners are a friendly breed in the main and they are happy to share and inspire those seeking to develop their skills.</span></span></p></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lvtOUqsIgufyEfJF-xKuQH7skdQ8I3Ndzd71a0SMseTSBpHYCBMXzIoRu2wO_3rG_d0w1RlBWJlTgwLKMyQ-Av6hU-zo53FEMhjO-zv1OqZ42NMBLi3m-LDSq4tEqq1MoKFLP3vkugnDr6yPUZkf78_IPXWEjeHn0QY2zP_o27wKtlUqpRmshvrOaUjm/s4032/WonderwoolBalwenSheep.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lvtOUqsIgufyEfJF-xKuQH7skdQ8I3Ndzd71a0SMseTSBpHYCBMXzIoRu2wO_3rG_d0w1RlBWJlTgwLKMyQ-Av6hU-zo53FEMhjO-zv1OqZ42NMBLi3m-LDSq4tEqq1MoKFLP3vkugnDr6yPUZkf78_IPXWEjeHn0QY2zP_o27wKtlUqpRmshvrOaUjm/w320-h240/WonderwoolBalwenSheep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And of course there are those amazing animals without which there would be no wool! Fossilised remains suggest that wild sheep evolved over 10 million years ago and that a wool industry has existed in the UK for over 4000 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>Breeding over time has led to many different sheep breeds and I love finding new ones and learning about their history. Here is a fine male specimin of a Balwen Welsh Mountain sheep that I saw at Wonderwool - I believe!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOhZ1nx__KEQb1rwQNuw6JZAJtL7PxN3MsCH4n6uMTlMmRzZ_WKGw4NiM3zUvpL_KEh252SpeyoR3r27Ghzebhdsa_ZBYPspjk-UhEOjTguRM8_6WEhoO_o4_Z4x1pL7wCt2aJprXtO_hEQvq6y5X6WMD0p2DyRbmxiMI5JUlv3esE-joiMyRb5ay99NX/s3610/CurlewWeavers10.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="3610" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOhZ1nx__KEQb1rwQNuw6JZAJtL7PxN3MsCH4n6uMTlMmRzZ_WKGw4NiM3zUvpL_KEh252SpeyoR3r27Ghzebhdsa_ZBYPspjk-UhEOjTguRM8_6WEhoO_o4_Z4x1pL7wCt2aJprXtO_hEQvq6y5X6WMD0p2DyRbmxiMI5JUlv3esE-joiMyRb5ay99NX/w446-h252/CurlewWeavers10.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>For all of the delights to see at Wonderwool, and of course to touch, it is these friendly chats that open new doors for me to wander through. It was one such chat this year with friendly mill owner Roger Poulson of <a href="https://curlew-weavers-woollen-mill.business.site/" target="_blank">Curlew Weavers</a> that wetted my appetite to finally get my act together and learn more about Welsh wool textiles. Roger's parents started his mill at Rhydlewis, Llandysul in 1961 and fibre has been worked at the mill ever since in a variety of ways. Curlew has a long tradition for weaving woollen fabric and this distinctive and very appealing stripe has been one of their staple designs.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2x1gurgvTg7Vid0v3nrBw6fgq7QY8R91BR-Z7RelK7YYrH0qML1r7NRTpWCVUQZaNv7E5FipWkjMYBTwjstLzynLmmNE__MqJHGUcNk1DlUEFdmYU-Z7JLP1bOjRaR9TPn4OD406n9ksVWVRvVL8-mWItRE4q5Pmgia7oX4C2vqfKZmPvQb3LMaBguZ0/s3249/CurlewWeavers8.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2262" data-original-width="3249" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2x1gurgvTg7Vid0v3nrBw6fgq7QY8R91BR-Z7RelK7YYrH0qML1r7NRTpWCVUQZaNv7E5FipWkjMYBTwjstLzynLmmNE__MqJHGUcNk1DlUEFdmYU-Z7JLP1bOjRaR9TPn4OD406n9ksVWVRvVL8-mWItRE4q5Pmgia7oX4C2vqfKZmPvQb3LMaBguZ0/w400-h279/CurlewWeavers8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I was delighted to visit Roger's mill on a bright autumn day and learn much from his accounts. The need to adapt the mill processes to an ever changing market and to understand what makes for saleable goods has been key to the mill's survival. </div><br /><div>For the past 20 years Curlew Weavers has specialised in processing rare breed fibre for owners of small flocks throughout the UK. An area of growing interest, I have learnt from chatting with rare breed owners that it can be difficult and costly to get small amounts of fibre processed and spun and or/woven and Curlew fills this requirement that is happily expanding. These fibre natural colours have particularly called me in this year and I have enjoyed experimenting with them with natural dyes throughout the summer months.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CMWEJ2E0PtnJi9DFfadHNcDiPq7ITbxvoD7N7xSZ8FiNQBuCM6_8draRCvNqYA35f1mKV-odhPulr1yDYO8XwSB9X7AvL4xU1iSHZEAIDAMAcJy2ue-y0XH1HFzJUrcfhmzN8qn6KNnHeGv-MlZ7Eckvipxi0I9A_pORO7AM4wlxgIIHyf3kdCAIcopT/s3720/NationalWoolMuseum1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2538" data-original-width="3720" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CMWEJ2E0PtnJi9DFfadHNcDiPq7ITbxvoD7N7xSZ8FiNQBuCM6_8draRCvNqYA35f1mKV-odhPulr1yDYO8XwSB9X7AvL4xU1iSHZEAIDAMAcJy2ue-y0XH1HFzJUrcfhmzN8qn6KNnHeGv-MlZ7Eckvipxi0I9A_pORO7AM4wlxgIIHyf3kdCAIcopT/w436-h297/NationalWoolMuseum1.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>My research happily continued at at the nearby <a href="https://museum.wales/wool/" target="_blank">National Wool Museum of Wales</a>, housed in old Cambrian Mills buildings in Drefach Felindre in the Teifi valley. From its opening in the mid 19th century the Cambrian Mills expanded to become the largest of the 52 mills in Drefach Felindre. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1919 and the current buildings were rebuilt in the years following. With a boom for wool fabric during the two World Wars, the area became known as the 'Huddersfield of Wales' and provided employment for most families living in the area. Sadly wool production declined in post war years and after losing its foothold to mills in the North, the buildings were converted to the current museum in 1976.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwky5xBIEM2rsliZXoJHpnEszxEP3m_FttWYO3gZhD5wzFFSKHtp0BYEPIXi5h6XIAOSTsB7HVVJkQH-v8X1I_mhzkBp6lPF7qsxIENVFrJR0KF-7nJ81sVMERYimEv0G9dzFALTWhuoJ0cN70bE0fnEaxhQDr38jBtGY9EYI5MjXRzK_-ahOdfb-ggDWq/s3804/NationalWoolMuseum4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2688" data-original-width="3804" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwky5xBIEM2rsliZXoJHpnEszxEP3m_FttWYO3gZhD5wzFFSKHtp0BYEPIXi5h6XIAOSTsB7HVVJkQH-v8X1I_mhzkBp6lPF7qsxIENVFrJR0KF-7nJ81sVMERYimEv0G9dzFALTWhuoJ0cN70bE0fnEaxhQDr38jBtGY9EYI5MjXRzK_-ahOdfb-ggDWq/w320-h226/NationalWoolMuseum4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It was likely one of the first mills to produce Welsh tartans, after bringing in unpopular weaving expertise from Scotland! </div><div><br /></div><div>A symbol of Welsh nationalism and pride, there is also a tradition for 'cilts' or 'Ysgrepan' as they are known in Wales.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZNgvvtKeOkASCdw-WCGKC31GPr1GYXBxl0lTu9eJ6pfGg7y6kgMFoXh-iw9j-ICdi9qeKKs76nzA25XQ2T6IP_8H5tSAC10lVkY-ufbjr1QPs8VpP6h2YAtGfCswseMEpKeAAg0UijLEFKV1diHXQ1qWIe-jWDsXVmiAeARpy4-NEVEO3s_2kR4_arYa/s2466/NationalWoolMuseum6.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2466" data-original-width="2252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZNgvvtKeOkASCdw-WCGKC31GPr1GYXBxl0lTu9eJ6pfGg7y6kgMFoXh-iw9j-ICdi9qeKKs76nzA25XQ2T6IP_8H5tSAC10lVkY-ufbjr1QPs8VpP6h2YAtGfCswseMEpKeAAg0UijLEFKV1diHXQ1qWIe-jWDsXVmiAeARpy4-NEVEO3s_2kR4_arYa/w293-h320/NationalWoolMuseum6.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>Processing wool was, and still, is a messy affair and this image dispels any romantic notions of working life in a mill in times past. Wool fibres are all very different to process and even today, there are some that mill owners today are keen to avoid.</div><div><br /></div><div>Heavy duty machinery was required for all textiles process and this in turn generated work for other manufacturing industries - the name of the many Northern manufacturers are very often emboldened with pride in the metal casings. </div><div>In the mid 20th centuruy, Cambrian Mill was owned by John Lewis and David Evans following this, however, the mill processes became dated and unable to complete with competitors, it closed completely in 1982.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wlC2oIZlwUToNjkH-her5ec4mU8_KvWwY9eR6U8vgaAewlyegzYgT6uovIBtOUAJKE_4qzPN3IhyphenhyphenjH45bT904kqlJ-WSyriy-JDsMDRQVoamoxhF2MlwfzmcdZf20iAkBiqBQoyzmRolyPcz6phXPTgsImaXdr13anVTVmhkBAikEVHjOqiTQ0nufO0w/s3666/TeifiMill.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2502" data-original-width="3666" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wlC2oIZlwUToNjkH-her5ec4mU8_KvWwY9eR6U8vgaAewlyegzYgT6uovIBtOUAJKE_4qzPN3IhyphenhyphenjH45bT904kqlJ-WSyriy-JDsMDRQVoamoxhF2MlwfzmcdZf20iAkBiqBQoyzmRolyPcz6phXPTgsImaXdr13anVTVmhkBAikEVHjOqiTQ0nufO0w/w320-h218/TeifiMill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Cambrian Mill weaver Raymond Jones and his wife Diane set up 'Melin Teifi' in one of the old Cambrian Mill buildings in 1982. They had worked at Cambrian Mill for over 20 years and wanted to continue with the work that was 'all that they ever knew'. Now retired after weaving for 60 years, Raymond is currently training staff at the museum to ensure that the Melin Teifi looms continue. I had the great pleasure of visiting him and his wife Diane in their nearby home amd I will long remember chatting with them over coffee about their weaving lives.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQYIhITMqvvK-DD-wBBduWIv_YwzpnS1pNd4fn6m0o5WPmuiqIMfdq7L4L47uQfCNZ70xJdTJ46cfzROEiOnHrpvYc1KVy7DVgp65pDEWk97EyNBwPKmGerUHgIpEhzo9WyKhOxVsBCveT-JYoUM5gAIAEUMQw6oNnnEhfV7kgOrZBZcfvw6wk-9tgsY0/s2172/QuakerTapestry2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="2172" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQYIhITMqvvK-DD-wBBduWIv_YwzpnS1pNd4fn6m0o5WPmuiqIMfdq7L4L47uQfCNZ70xJdTJ46cfzROEiOnHrpvYc1KVy7DVgp65pDEWk97EyNBwPKmGerUHgIpEhzo9WyKhOxVsBCveT-JYoUM5gAIAEUMQw6oNnnEhfV7kgOrZBZcfvw6wk-9tgsY0/w320-h239/QuakerTapestry2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One woollen fabrics has long been on my radar, as Raymond was for some years the weaver for the distinctive wool fabric used in the <a href="https://www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk/about/the-tapestry-panels/" target="_blank">Quaker Tapestry Panels</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have long relished this delicately striped fabric first that was first desgned and woven in Somerset and I have encouraged others to similarly enjoy using in their heartfelt textile creations.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8ZEErkTkktZFXawTcmoP9YTqIALM2RJ8wQxX-PZE2B-B571w-u4ilV4nn5LW0OfVFEtyHuZFbStEtqlzQ1V_Rifh7Qr85yKaggWSGK5GVnPRVkshVdrKGbnFFMG40PFD6q4_OpTXxsXfAD4kaIZfm2l1VdgWFGfRXwlJEc_p-ovl7iBbDbm3gJtvK8iY/s3757/TregwyntMill1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2854" data-original-width="3757" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8ZEErkTkktZFXawTcmoP9YTqIALM2RJ8wQxX-PZE2B-B571w-u4ilV4nn5LW0OfVFEtyHuZFbStEtqlzQ1V_Rifh7Qr85yKaggWSGK5GVnPRVkshVdrKGbnFFMG40PFD6q4_OpTXxsXfAD4kaIZfm2l1VdgWFGfRXwlJEc_p-ovl7iBbDbm3gJtvK8iY/w320-h243/TregwyntMill1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>With abundant river water in Wales, in the late 19th century there were around 325 mills in operation. As with all Welsh woollen mills, <a href="https://melintregwynt.co.uk/pages/visit-us" target="_blank">Melin Tregwynt</a> is one of the very few who are fortunate to continue in 2023 with around 30 employees. </div><div><br /></div><div>Starting its life as a 17th century corn mill, it took another 100 years before wool became its mainstay. The mill once performed every stage of wool production, from raw fleece to finished material and provided, work and in doing so it provided a valued a sense of community.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmvMNih0e0Ei259UYomKUYyutBp0opC73LhWMOO6SSw8DSG5QsuXW926gnClRDxhuA3fpUCSItL8tQ1hnu0n8VovxilhB2nfGViMIUw1nZGofrrOfBAi4z3gv8wZZgxVajeNkba4ZsJoyzaQMJn8yHNYbHugj9QFSFwTdCl_hh2KdCQxx8nzINanKiPJa/s2774/TregwyntMill3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2489" data-original-width="2774" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmvMNih0e0Ei259UYomKUYyutBp0opC73LhWMOO6SSw8DSG5QsuXW926gnClRDxhuA3fpUCSItL8tQ1hnu0n8VovxilhB2nfGViMIUw1nZGofrrOfBAi4z3gv8wZZgxVajeNkba4ZsJoyzaQMJn8yHNYbHugj9QFSFwTdCl_hh2KdCQxx8nzINanKiPJa/w320-h286/TregwyntMill3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In 1922, the Directors of Tregwynt transferred management of the mill to an employee-owned trust, making the skilled and passionate staff the community to take the mill forward in the 21st century. </div><div>The wool used for weaving at Tregwynt is sourced from free to roam sheep in the Cambrian mountains. This premium wool is called 'Welsh Mule' and it is known for its lustre and firmness. </div><div>Their shop next door to the mill is stocked to overflowing with their contemporary designs in stunning colourways. It was very easy to see why their weaving is highly revered and sort after in the 21st century.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDRrRguc7DcO4I491vRomerUIX32L0es1S7L4-Q2h0ggZsWo5u-MLf2EKabAfNwwu9qHULHaOzQ9e6gy_2L5sDKxOjM-y0tKvbM5WUD3jmSlD7dptqS3-NfO5gDExpYYKGX1cn_0Ww0pF4-94PH0Itg_xi8dRP5tuWF-XYLeiQGeJDfojyIsZS2YU-tW8/s3882/SolvaMill2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2760" data-original-width="3882" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDRrRguc7DcO4I491vRomerUIX32L0es1S7L4-Q2h0ggZsWo5u-MLf2EKabAfNwwu9qHULHaOzQ9e6gy_2L5sDKxOjM-y0tKvbM5WUD3jmSlD7dptqS3-NfO5gDExpYYKGX1cn_0Ww0pF4-94PH0Itg_xi8dRP5tuWF-XYLeiQGeJDfojyIsZS2YU-tW8/w320-h228/SolvaMill2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://www.solvawoollenmill.co.uk/themill" target="_blank">Solva Woollen Mill</a> is one of the oldest mills in Prembrokeshire and also continues a modern and thriving operation in 2023. Located one mile inland of the very attractive River Solva inlet, it has a weaving shed and shop tucked away in the picturesque Prendergast woodland.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to weaving traditional woollen fabrics, the mill specialises in rugs and floor coverings and visitors can watch weavers at workon the Dobcross looms.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-cZaIVvCK4jAY2Rk1BBTdVlD5gaKVB7AH0qAYxxZmVKf3JIhfd-bEunuy1s4aRf9cW6J-WUiWpzHBy8Gnqdq1-NKS_qMnoI7M5DKj4aK-QgdwHdvUsp3Yxk1pMS1PudijzAQCMtSx_LWzrDS_wzSErxGN2PqtKqBMVyRCXFwZaL1qJn3DjzVw08cUdow/s2952/SolvaMill4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2952" data-original-width="2430" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-cZaIVvCK4jAY2Rk1BBTdVlD5gaKVB7AH0qAYxxZmVKf3JIhfd-bEunuy1s4aRf9cW6J-WUiWpzHBy8Gnqdq1-NKS_qMnoI7M5DKj4aK-QgdwHdvUsp3Yxk1pMS1PudijzAQCMtSx_LWzrDS_wzSErxGN2PqtKqBMVyRCXFwZaL1qJn3DjzVw08cUdow/w264-h320/SolvaMill4.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>Their 'portuculis' pattern, also known as 'Caernarfon', is an iconic Welsh textile pattern and like many textiles it is usually woven as a double weave cloth. These old designs are steeped in history and it is believed that this particular pattern was the precursor of many North America folk art traditions that became widespread following Welsh emigration in the late 18th century.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Colour pallettes are of equal importance in all weaving designs and this display at Solva Mill typifies the colours used in their current day designs. Traditionally worked in 2 or 4 colours, Welsh mills now also produce contemporary designs that sometimes include a few more colours to very good effect.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKAVcZS9Kpgg7qF3YzqR1fsX5qjXuYbm5AnBUQWDl0kaiRtg47CKyK33O3-sivJbgYYgQ0nm9uNfDLo0bqpz2ur92fO32PU5-3gGO2LHR8jcKxZJIc4zZYPZ5DIYJgj96YuAqij-tYIJPg3X2ZTkhMkFCGr7Is7Xbi_Y-4ybY58oXFWS8-c5nU-kOFOnw/s4000/Solva6.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKAVcZS9Kpgg7qF3YzqR1fsX5qjXuYbm5AnBUQWDl0kaiRtg47CKyK33O3-sivJbgYYgQ0nm9uNfDLo0bqpz2ur92fO32PU5-3gGO2LHR8jcKxZJIc4zZYPZ5DIYJgj96YuAqij-tYIJPg3X2ZTkhMkFCGr7Is7Xbi_Y-4ybY58oXFWS8-c5nU-kOFOnw/w400-h300/Solva6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It feels fitting that my story of Welsh wool wanderings so far concludes with this watery capture. The inlet at Solva is the source of the river that long generated power for Solva Woollen Mill and it gave me numerous hours of pleasure during my visit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wool and water are intrinsically linked and while no longer required as a production power source, it remains key to parts of modern day woollen processes. It also without doubt continues to provide inspiration in abundance - for me and many many others :)</div></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-5381834923322098042023-08-05T08:00:00.060+01:002024-01-07T18:53:17.598+00:00Tea Bag Fabric<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tQQBMJPGpZ2WmJjrdxFisCK3_c3RGOiYn10ZShZA76K8jJeZSAl3_Mq-f9bI26Yma0rb1P0coxVUHb6kSp1mMgCibOl_jngtmXWaHchAtmVfSzlyH4tSlk6yaHknheQOyEK2V_ruDoGWXjEh_KIF_pr3_08GnIm6jCT_MSX-hX5f2FWflCHWyAFx57Cw/s1736/JaneGray3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1405" data-original-width="1736" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tQQBMJPGpZ2WmJjrdxFisCK3_c3RGOiYn10ZShZA76K8jJeZSAl3_Mq-f9bI26Yma0rb1P0coxVUHb6kSp1mMgCibOl_jngtmXWaHchAtmVfSzlyH4tSlk6yaHknheQOyEK2V_ruDoGWXjEh_KIF_pr3_08GnIm6jCT_MSX-hX5f2FWflCHWyAFx57Cw/w320-h259/JaneGray3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tea is consumed aplenty in my Spring Farm studio, just not by me - a childhood aversion from mandatory sweet, milky tea has never abated! All the same, I was totally wowed this Spring by this magnificant wedding dress created in used tea bags by Cornish Textile Artist - <a href="http://www.janegraydesigner.co.uk/the-tea-bag-wedding-dress.html#/" target="_blank">Jane Gray</a> - the colours just glowed even on a grey low light day. <p>With sustainable fabrics becoming increasingly difficult to source, I thought that I would try my hand at making some tea bag fabric this summer and my kindly students have been helping out by drinking tea in abundance :)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTviqKo0wwFvzkunpgeGNR7U17uyghfloZwejB2TAcwS9OpseY708Cm_DWDNDWr4oJTEn8L6_zzpoAux1J1ZaveF5v5ODV1rQoNA6OxZMvwUspcVfzHGtED483Z1g57WQ8dyktQPlvkqmsFJVsV70Y0Fn9YyEjeeT54Gl6vHmUaIahsY_bjGIIWLm0V7L/s4032/TeaBags1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTviqKo0wwFvzkunpgeGNR7U17uyghfloZwejB2TAcwS9OpseY708Cm_DWDNDWr4oJTEn8L6_zzpoAux1J1ZaveF5v5ODV1rQoNA6OxZMvwUspcVfzHGtED483Z1g57WQ8dyktQPlvkqmsFJVsV70Y0Fn9YyEjeeT54Gl6vHmUaIahsY_bjGIIWLm0V7L/w400-h300/TeaBags1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So here's my starting point - a typical view in my kitchen area at the end of one of my workshop days. My tea bag of choice took a little researching as I sadly found that polypropylene plastic is still used in quite a few brands tea bags. With a strong desire to use an eco-friendly bag, I ultimately followed Jane Gray's lead and plumped for 'Clipper' Everyday Organic Tea for my initial experiments. The drying process is pretty simple - I leave the tea bags scrunched up as they are after use on a warm window sill with a bit of residual tea in the bottom of the dish.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cxAYZXIEXyOv8BDKc3u4sTtB7RcuR1l1FNwsvqyma3pKAQWKt-auXm5fn2ZSnvxQQli0HOH8hJc3xFHk2hmqLRdjjI98uWanc6b3od6NzMzBL1bq6s5AoU082WAXxsRZoktEgprmOEnXrL5_6QVyFscq5jHUWTZ-s1e9SO1r99fR5kUj_6z__-mqjoBj/s4032/TeaBags2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cxAYZXIEXyOv8BDKc3u4sTtB7RcuR1l1FNwsvqyma3pKAQWKt-auXm5fn2ZSnvxQQli0HOH8hJc3xFHk2hmqLRdjjI98uWanc6b3od6NzMzBL1bq6s5AoU082WAXxsRZoktEgprmOEnXrL5_6QVyFscq5jHUWTZ-s1e9SO1r99fR5kUj_6z__-mqjoBj/w400-h300/TeaBags2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Once they have got to the point of being just damp, I open them out to finish drying off completely. Here are a near to dried bags in all their glory, with a beautiful patina and delicate patterns on the bag fabric. <div> <div>This appealing and organic colouring is created by 'tannin' which black tea has in abundance, and provides a strong and lightfast bond on natural textiles. The tea bags need to be reasonably dry before the tea is emptied out.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBCho3k3acMxX0a2-zxKtgY5-JbibKqT9UmXOh11vz9ay9FbhrLyun8Cz959y68TVY9RHn2l06UvGssWvX4uvpIhmEsl04ZzIJIsBcfItH-FvgwkQu4L6UtJE-PYv5mBtOQ8mm2gkOHozIUPHLHDhFhMzTrkacgaQWV-hnflJWrXdJc-RaAZncaremG7l/s4032/TeaBags3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBCho3k3acMxX0a2-zxKtgY5-JbibKqT9UmXOh11vz9ay9FbhrLyun8Cz959y68TVY9RHn2l06UvGssWvX4uvpIhmEsl04ZzIJIsBcfItH-FvgwkQu4L6UtJE-PYv5mBtOQ8mm2gkOHozIUPHLHDhFhMzTrkacgaQWV-hnflJWrXdJc-RaAZncaremG7l/w400-h300/TeaBags3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Emptying the tea bag takes a bit of patience to keep as much of it as possible intact. My fingers had to learn how to best tear the bag and I found that the longer side tore more easily than the shorter one - I ended up over tearing a fair few bags at the beginning by being too heavy handed. </div><div>I eventurally found a light touch which allowed my fingers to gently nibble away and create lovely soft edges.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa1qw0x0js8_mBkwDUTu3b9-vSHekeU0jAvfe-lo7m3O8YsPN_HPJ2fOvK_dNkF7C5x_J3XNcvbuAEZRCL05fIbTU0UaOx9zbhQ0bCGt-NiY4A9jG4-rVDgmbZrQBsMq9_bAqJsRbdNFhhsHeuPvGZRpVDOEk5EbtkHJAEPPdiaxhlYRUHkCPQBT5rfc8/s3001/TeaBagsFabric.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2164" data-original-width="3001" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwa1qw0x0js8_mBkwDUTu3b9-vSHekeU0jAvfe-lo7m3O8YsPN_HPJ2fOvK_dNkF7C5x_J3XNcvbuAEZRCL05fIbTU0UaOx9zbhQ0bCGt-NiY4A9jG4-rVDgmbZrQBsMq9_bAqJsRbdNFhhsHeuPvGZRpVDOEk5EbtkHJAEPPdiaxhlYRUHkCPQBT5rfc8/w400-h289/TeaBagsFabric.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And so the day finally arrived when I had sufficent processed tea bags to attempt my first fabric sample. I have created 'fabric' from all sorts of papery products over the years, however, it felt important that this fabric had minimal additions. Knowing that the project I had it mind would require a fair amount of stitching and prodding, </div><div><br /></div><div>I tried various options to create a stable fabric and it was interesting how precious these little bags that had once easily been discarded became! Thankfully my day of experimenting came good and here is the backed fabric sample that I found stood up to a many lines of silk hand stitching - hooray! </div><div><br /></div><div>And here is my first tea bag projects after many weeks of careful collection and pondering. I created a patchwork on my chosen backings for all of these projects, chosing the colourings of tea bags that felt most pleasing. The first project was the hand embroidered notebook with natural dye silks and lined with tea dyed silk - of course! Then came the tea chest - an obvious choice for keeping my studio tea bags in. Finally came the spa slippers following on from a project I'd made in velvet. The last two projects were both machine stitched with backing and waxing and both fabrics stood up to this well. What has amazed me most of all is how satisfying this whole process has been for me - a non tea drinker who has shyed away from brown since school years!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3O9Vx1pVdoKb0s036A4j5MjmBCZy_4h5ZfXh6evujEK1yre8diziJrCJxtMImohyphenhyphenFmihfhtJAz62xijtkqK-aRdCh92ziPmR8M3J_5EQnv_hEyi_3wNCzwBBGumy1-2E-Lz4ibsAjpvUVOcLM1dLH44m-YSsXKF7b79GK3fKG_Np5ji1zuCOi39TX_o7/s608/TeaBagProjects.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="608" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3O9Vx1pVdoKb0s036A4j5MjmBCZy_4h5ZfXh6evujEK1yre8diziJrCJxtMImohyphenhyphenFmihfhtJAz62xijtkqK-aRdCh92ziPmR8M3J_5EQnv_hEyi_3wNCzwBBGumy1-2E-Lz4ibsAjpvUVOcLM1dLH44m-YSsXKF7b79GK3fKG_Np5ji1zuCOi39TX_o7/w640-h556/TeaBagProjects.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-25973934254459952262023-06-18T12:40:00.104+01:002024-01-08T07:43:11.648+00:00Orkney Sheep & Seaweed<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg2Tt611VxyL_02TenxTD0Y4YPaXMdIvRrZI-7a7eo8lf4CG980s7wTE7YQk0qx1Dxwg79hWtdFZnbMaFDguhTCnOmbieyhkgpj1H8aBYbyLm675gDL7OBjmQxsnWMRlV-SnT0PBoHw3bgxsPQC3UGtaFen8IRVEMVjnVslY-cCTx9-m-BBdcxyUR0A/s4000/NorthRonaldsaySheep2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg2Tt611VxyL_02TenxTD0Y4YPaXMdIvRrZI-7a7eo8lf4CG980s7wTE7YQk0qx1Dxwg79hWtdFZnbMaFDguhTCnOmbieyhkgpj1H8aBYbyLm675gDL7OBjmQxsnWMRlV-SnT0PBoHw3bgxsPQC3UGtaFen8IRVEMVjnVslY-cCTx9-m-BBdcxyUR0A/w320-h240/NorthRonaldsaySheep2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Seaweed and sheep may sound a rather contrived combination, yet it is very much a pairing that engaged many of my days this Spring. This long awaited shot taken one beautiful May morning was proceeded by a journey of 755 miles via road, ferry and the smallest aeroplane I have ever travelled on. <p></p><p>Getting myself single-handedly to the Orkney island of North Ronaldsay had taken time, patience and a fair bit of holding my nerve - all of which paid off and gave me what had to be the most magical day of the year.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfEJEBCWN77AJnC13mErEuN_dDcYZ5KlMZ-yfYBypGfz7AUMmSHqvfo1A0CBg0TKK_PM-hB5aA2eZlsLUmt7U51kQ1VNgbNmsn0kO_9JU0Sl1TcJmBtwwbkDWFIoslOhwxJ9cOYcxOy8rMnib0c7b2PAqky-KRuT4wLUBTLs7WamBmIsJ5nGWWWrETg/s4000/NorthRonaldsaySheep43.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfEJEBCWN77AJnC13mErEuN_dDcYZ5KlMZ-yfYBypGfz7AUMmSHqvfo1A0CBg0TKK_PM-hB5aA2eZlsLUmt7U51kQ1VNgbNmsn0kO_9JU0Sl1TcJmBtwwbkDWFIoslOhwxJ9cOYcxOy8rMnib0c7b2PAqky-KRuT4wLUBTLs7WamBmIsJ5nGWWWrETg/w400-h300/NorthRonaldsaySheep43.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>North Ronaldsay sheep are a primitive breed that live in the main around the 12 miles of coastline of this most northly Orkney isle of the same name. The popular story of their shoreline and seaweed eating lifestyle began in the early 1800s, with the creation of a 5ft high dyke being built around the island's shoreline - to keep the sheep from ravaging precious farmland. While a successful creation for landowners and sheep alike, maintaining such an immense structure intact on an island exposed to fierce elements is a mammoth task for a declined island population. An annual festival now helps to secure extra resources to enable repairs to the dyke, however, wall breeches throughout the year are inevitable. Combined with the fact that North Ronaldsay sheep can jump up considerable heights, it was soon evident that they happily eat grass and seaweed in equal measures - which can have serious consequences.<p></p><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVw7rufzNW9erf-MhBgQg6P_67Sa9tHUICAsugPpC0C8OASouVXORopQRzd-XsisNq6Ybl7LYQzTlxsNWQV9JQo6HSu6E6fVtJWkvoJiihjX7oHdRfiH72S89i0Q4Hed8I113PNmeAjuCtmCnUvg1pTaq742I6iSN0GR6JK29EknjcgyfUCVD1V4dUw/s4000/NorthRonaldsaySheep35.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVw7rufzNW9erf-MhBgQg6P_67Sa9tHUICAsugPpC0C8OASouVXORopQRzd-XsisNq6Ybl7LYQzTlxsNWQV9JQo6HSu6E6fVtJWkvoJiihjX7oHdRfiH72S89i0Q4Hed8I113PNmeAjuCtmCnUvg1pTaq742I6iSN0GR6JK29EknjcgyfUCVD1V4dUw/w400-h300/NorthRonaldsaySheep35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My day of obsessive observation on North Ronaldsay was truly illuminating and it felt like stepping back in time on many levels. With many similarities to the bone structure of sheep found at Stone Age village of Skara Brae, modern day North Ronaldsay sheep are also indentical to the remains of Iron Age sheep found throughout the Orkney Islands. </div><div><br /></div><div>Their fleece coloured from the softest cream to the deepest chocolate brown and many shades in between, consists of a double coat of fine inner fleece, and outer guard hair and some kemp. Both males and females can have horns, although the former are by far the most spectacular.</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/AVvXsEj_6sZ7QLCQ1kEOj48wEnXcKxIO2geMtTS5azqDUzD0v1aCjBiowIxJ_UZNBFf-Hh6ufCMhUvLEqtPgQkZNvf99y6Iq3qynThBQil4ssEJEF-sFFBwrJoY5MbpXhAtR3hht9I2afc7xCL2Cgoutb82c79VcukvgYX9NhJiZEn1x-m_QrWdY54bZVNb5lg/s4000/NorthRonaldsaySheep34.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6sZ7QLCQ1kEOj48wEnXcKxIO2geMtTS5azqDUzD0v1aCjBiowIxJ_UZNBFf-Hh6ufCMhUvLEqtPgQkZNvf99y6Iq3qynThBQil4ssEJEF-sFFBwrJoY5MbpXhAtR3hht9I2afc7xCL2Cgoutb82c79VcukvgYX9NhJiZEn1x-m_QrWdY54bZVNb5lg/w400-h301/NorthRonaldsaySheep34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>An intelligent and resilent breed, they live in groups of varying sizes called 'clowgangs'. Some groups consist of a ram and his harem and others are mixed sex and age. While some sheep can naturally lose their fleece, the ewes are usually clipped in the summer months after being collected into 'punds' around the foreshore - a task that requires considerable skill and strength. </div><div>It soon became evident how quickly this nimble breed can move around and keeping pace to photograph them made for an energetic day! </div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztk_yYWRpyCWIGiMpm2X6X3U3iOEw7Lvmd5npud5iwKEkh2dOq0-zwvSPRDljMV1-BISIoq5DzOeASQtSFxTAR7KdzWLCd_EJCb6BtgwKlI7lM55YjDKOr5JWSQya3w0oJjsaRCe6Nod7KrYW55EuBFkOPaGSljN-_alFDhpyWkfJy8skg8hexNLQhg/s4000/NorthRonaldsayLamb6.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztk_yYWRpyCWIGiMpm2X6X3U3iOEw7Lvmd5npud5iwKEkh2dOq0-zwvSPRDljMV1-BISIoq5DzOeASQtSFxTAR7KdzWLCd_EJCb6BtgwKlI7lM55YjDKOr5JWSQya3w0oJjsaRCe6Nod7KrYW55EuBFkOPaGSljN-_alFDhpyWkfJy8skg8hexNLQhg/w400-h301/NorthRonaldsayLamb6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In April, pregnant ewes are generally seperated out to grass to lamb, although not all are caught and some will lamb on the rocky foreshore. While the peddie lambs can have very different colourings to their mothers, the 'yowes' of course will always know there own. </div><div><br /></div><div>Their mixed diet of kelp and grass has to be carefully managed, as seaweed contains high levels of copper which the breed has adapted to and this adjustment is lost when grass consumption is resumed. Severe health problems can result and I learnt from spending a little time with island resident Helen that her job to maintain sheep health takes much dediction, time and energy.</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/AVvXsEiiekoh_4ZTz1xhIDfRubWgueK2HxI-Am1x3wWLJctnMXtNKmfClbrwjXQ4IQyNc37Xc1LzJwVXSJzVlNbzrgHoGhpTHZVE-nsgccjxkI3wQawlImwMKJZpCr1vbv1C-PHI4lM7wKQOx13ZFkg5fHuNOyn7TWFJnAniwFJQNS8OtPtywDqXb0YE87z_Rw/s4000/Pierowall3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiekoh_4ZTz1xhIDfRubWgueK2HxI-Am1x3wWLJctnMXtNKmfClbrwjXQ4IQyNc37Xc1LzJwVXSJzVlNbzrgHoGhpTHZVE-nsgccjxkI3wQawlImwMKJZpCr1vbv1C-PHI4lM7wKQOx13ZFkg5fHuNOyn7TWFJnAniwFJQNS8OtPtywDqXb0YE87z_Rw/w400-h300/Pierowall3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The dietry needs of North Ronaldsay sheep aside, Orkney has a long history of using the seaweed washed up in abundance on its shores to good effect. Throughout the 18th century, seaweed was gathered and used in a variety of ways including spreading on the land as fertiliser and burning in large pits above the waterline to produce an ash much sought after for soap and glass making. The burning of kelp, also known as 'tang', generated considerable profits for landowners and also health problems for workers on many Orkney islands. Low kelp drying walls can still be found on around the coastline of islands such as Westray, although thankfully kelp, wracksgrasses and all manner of other seaweeds are now left to adorn the coastlines.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztVlnYXQaBC6krnUvLXNvoznwQRm1jbWbrGF9yelTGXkVn4sHkp2PRwL1ur7aA69H13ptAX0FjVWbjHlAB9igX2LzYGzHeZPHCVGzaQbsBT68RbIFM04qsmg26x8gSNRI85kZmbcWgV3hIqIx1x6Ev8PPO7uBSdzCNB6MPufBADNS7NtsZQtWpmlldA/s4032/SeaWeed3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztVlnYXQaBC6krnUvLXNvoznwQRm1jbWbrGF9yelTGXkVn4sHkp2PRwL1ur7aA69H13ptAX0FjVWbjHlAB9igX2LzYGzHeZPHCVGzaQbsBT68RbIFM04qsmg26x8gSNRI85kZmbcWgV3hIqIx1x6Ev8PPO7uBSdzCNB6MPufBADNS7NtsZQtWpmlldA/w400-h301/SeaWeed3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And so Westray was to be the island where I went on to spend a number of delightful Spring days examining seaweed like never before. I was amazed how much there is to learn about a natural resource that I have observed on beaches all of my life - there are over 600 species of seaweed around the British Islands alone. </div><div>Just gazing into this small rockpool on the Bay of Swartmill was clear evidence of this and I can still recall the different textures on my fingers as I swished my hand around in the warm water.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vQUrDsfjZj-Xr9G8AEgwZYUJxad-NOPfHxqbxjtdVYiQ416CSO8eZGVbURiNV51HOn3C5ik3NXb6uEKi8gUHhg_PwvfJiGXLUnsCp5RK-zbi9YfmcTIzPDc5ydH0ixCLzFoW1HWUe-vi-ECGtFPOs8HS7vuNhChOeNgyb9HIhN6E2CcR7eXc4wPUQA/s4000/EastSousBeach.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vQUrDsfjZj-Xr9G8AEgwZYUJxad-NOPfHxqbxjtdVYiQ416CSO8eZGVbURiNV51HOn3C5ik3NXb6uEKi8gUHhg_PwvfJiGXLUnsCp5RK-zbi9YfmcTIzPDc5ydH0ixCLzFoW1HWUe-vi-ECGtFPOs8HS7vuNhChOeNgyb9HIhN6E2CcR7eXc4wPUQA/w320-h240/EastSousBeach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This bay, along with that at East Sous beach, provided a small group of coast loving tapestry weavers many happy hours are we collected seaweed samples in abundance to inspire us in the days that followed. </div><div><br /></div><div>The variety and volume we gathered from just a few bays was immense and we happily splashed around the crystal clear waters on a glorius Spring day to fill our bags and buckets to overflowing.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNQmWwb0D95nZWuMgDnNiQNJVQ0h5J8qYMYHbzdp3jo_CRYa2CpKuyut9cwN1tvMj_OuGETGrnOwF3khwN5L-fvlq-6aAcaBf2qfttUpd9lTWzxw8Pvd6ezltZo-1ipQ8sHArNT1AS5WWNBZSX7FvLcq_-2hW1Lcak85_V4iy0yswMZgXT1kDIwkkbg/s3960/SeaWeed5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2658" data-original-width="3960" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNQmWwb0D95nZWuMgDnNiQNJVQ0h5J8qYMYHbzdp3jo_CRYa2CpKuyut9cwN1tvMj_OuGETGrnOwF3khwN5L-fvlq-6aAcaBf2qfttUpd9lTWzxw8Pvd6ezltZo-1ipQ8sHArNT1AS5WWNBZSX7FvLcq_-2hW1Lcak85_V4iy0yswMZgXT1kDIwkkbg/w400-h269/SeaWeed5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The variety of textures and colours from our hoard enthralled us as we laid them out on a table and poured over reference books in an attempt to name them. </div><div>While the unusual names delighted us, in truth we were much more interested in feasting our eyes and allowing our fingers to experience textures that were new territory for most of us. Each seaweed piece became as precious as gold and this new commodity became all embracing and consuming.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGVzF_Yo6MjBOt9-7UPckPbPTsOvIbY_M4-gkv5plsWDU0Z9uB5S36-KRiz_i_B3H3vLDquJvqF7G95cCbTwSNnYCi7d3iHlU4iTIzqv4eX3VbKTERcw-xX-OpH_1t3v2SlCgOZGi4KkHVKqBvb0G-iaJNYv1uXnwCVarMs6_FG2vWqWtbKFOeOPFLA/s4032/SeaWeed4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGVzF_Yo6MjBOt9-7UPckPbPTsOvIbY_M4-gkv5plsWDU0Z9uB5S36-KRiz_i_B3H3vLDquJvqF7G95cCbTwSNnYCi7d3iHlU4iTIzqv4eX3VbKTERcw-xX-OpH_1t3v2SlCgOZGi4KkHVKqBvb0G-iaJNYv1uXnwCVarMs6_FG2vWqWtbKFOeOPFLA/w400-h300/SeaWeed4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We carefully hung pieces around our working studio and we delighted in watching how the colours changed with each passing day. As the week progressed, there was also a recognition of our limited time and that our new treasures would mostly be lost at the weeks end.</div><br /><div>We were most grateful that our tutor <a href="http://www.louisemartintapestry.com/" target="_blank">Louise Martin</a> helped us to each dry a few carefully chosen pieces - using her very effective method of J cloths changed daily.</div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqtNBDJLeBMWdAnNvA5NQjWp6uBI3pBpChnmGUP3_09a0ADGdFWjVkJ_kZ9lfrxKQN6yC1yn6zIRxqjLH-p8M-xOZSSu-VsUvS6wK7DF_1_XQYjs5MUmPF2AFSDSHSaLsA76JA1XLplswTEfvzRJ5cWFmYgMChhkcBFIJ96sk6wrUgEz-YXcjUWA7vglW/s3665/WestrayYarns.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2151" data-original-width="3665" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqtNBDJLeBMWdAnNvA5NQjWp6uBI3pBpChnmGUP3_09a0ADGdFWjVkJ_kZ9lfrxKQN6yC1yn6zIRxqjLH-p8M-xOZSSu-VsUvS6wK7DF_1_XQYjs5MUmPF2AFSDSHSaLsA76JA1XLplswTEfvzRJ5cWFmYgMChhkcBFIJ96sk6wrUgEz-YXcjUWA7vglW/w400-h235/WestrayYarns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>With my North Ronaldsay sheep experience only a few days earlier, creating a seaweed inspired tapestry in wool yarn felt very fitting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully Louise's studio offered up a huge range of yarn colours and I diligently gathered a selection of fine yarns that I could blend on my weaving. This stage can take a surprising amount of time and while always keen to start weaving, I find it time well spent.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM9HTYY1zkZAUAN_h1rhBmYc_4r0GDZZOg6u6vQTcJBP5qtaQZsPcIPuSHwzaaU9lBBbGSogXibbBpRJ90UUZCTqDCH8Vm9UdVtXQA0SPd3tkBgSyX_iJUgPgt6Wmj4516sQILZOS8BV8NruwgRbpLN0mr_VL3NufxLE-wy7abi5IfLRDBXQOs_AARg/s3348/SeaweedWeaving2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2910" data-original-width="3348" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM9HTYY1zkZAUAN_h1rhBmYc_4r0GDZZOg6u6vQTcJBP5qtaQZsPcIPuSHwzaaU9lBBbGSogXibbBpRJ90UUZCTqDCH8Vm9UdVtXQA0SPd3tkBgSyX_iJUgPgt6Wmj4516sQILZOS8BV8NruwgRbpLN0mr_VL3NufxLE-wy7abi5IfLRDBXQOs_AARg/w400-h349/SeaweedWeaving2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I opted to challenge myself to try a new tapestry weaving technique and create a modest 'eccentric' weaving with extensive colour blending.</div><div><br /></div><div>I using a technique called 'exposed warps' which requires gaps to be left in the weaving. When the weaving is complete, the warp threads are pulled to close the gaps and this creates an indulated effect on the weaving. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is hard to predict exactly what effect will be created and this was the moment that I took one last look at my weaving before the warp pulling commenced!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE80xEtqM0-EfIU6QCiPd8IQsij4tco28Liaw9MUfvdySXZ_A9r15i--ppijL-rG37PszWWw-cNIXkm_xXJ0CH55vtzSCQ7kRx6L1LwFxQDX-fAGLJctsPSN4dWd8icAHofo7HYWiQKS4dg-9q1-LscoRRcrG27OtIA44oiL_J5ktboEnT-d6Mh5AoQ/s4000/MaeBeach13.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE80xEtqM0-EfIU6QCiPd8IQsij4tco28Liaw9MUfvdySXZ_A9r15i--ppijL-rG37PszWWw-cNIXkm_xXJ0CH55vtzSCQ7kRx6L1LwFxQDX-fAGLJctsPSN4dWd8icAHofo7HYWiQKS4dg-9q1-LscoRRcrG27OtIA44oiL_J5ktboEnT-d6Mh5AoQ/w400-h301/MaeBeach13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And so as with all adventures, an end is reached and there is a period of reflection. I travelled as ever this Spring, with an open mind to fully engage with all that was offered up and avoid the distraction of hopes and desires. </div><div>I'm ever aware of how easy it is to be wowed by first impressions, particularly for such a location as stunning as the Orkney Isles. Thankfully I have long learnt that it is vital to delve beneath glittery surfaces to find pure gold. There is no doubt that I achieved this on my return visit to the isles of sleeping whales this Spring and as I gathered seaweed one final time on Westray's idyllic Mae beach, I knew without doubt that there was still Orkney gold aplenty awaiting to be unearthed.</div></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-64694610813497649622023-03-27T10:47:00.087+01:002024-01-08T07:44:06.880+00:00Natural Dye Eco Printing on Silk<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CkyMjzuAmuMY7bhd-CCmxC19Vu-ECl-SRP4d4jbyaKR83RScS65J4pYSt0tHo38OlAnJaXb_tgJEimQ2FFg1Lh33lTH9BDY-pwAO_quFqcUSSVEGX93tnf7KsOSZiLPr1SHA6y4tNYRNG3mEZubAux8uA6My8pxAkYCRh5_WoCOe0Um0QvM6uGO2HA/s527/BundleDyeingWorkshop15.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="527" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CkyMjzuAmuMY7bhd-CCmxC19Vu-ECl-SRP4d4jbyaKR83RScS65J4pYSt0tHo38OlAnJaXb_tgJEimQ2FFg1Lh33lTH9BDY-pwAO_quFqcUSSVEGX93tnf7KsOSZiLPr1SHA6y4tNYRNG3mEZubAux8uA6My8pxAkYCRh5_WoCOe0Um0QvM6uGO2HA/w400-h302/BundleDyeingWorkshop15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My messing around with the gifts of nature began around age 4 - creating rose 'perfume', which to my dismay lost its delightful aroma at speed! My nature messing has contined in various guises since and these days is focussed on visual results. Combining my passion for plants and textiles through natural dyeing has been joyful and will without doubt, continue as work in progress for many a year. <p></p><p>There is much to learn from those who have long experimented with diligence and <a href="https://www.jennydean.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jenny Dean</a> has been my UK natural dye guru from the off. After 7 or so years of my own experimenting, I now feel that I have something to share with others and my opening offering this Spring is tutoring eco printing on silk. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh31x4d96-QEaz1Mju0JSTU0ex3ec4h3Uz9fliTHaIcdyg7oBR2Hn8Pfq-ME5Z0QYDsG6GinDBy-YLnsI9uUd8CAIR51H8Why9wuWG3NClcyLFgjh1ddUDfskrVp_m3_DUm4QcFqAz580RgA8VJm3akdbEAIR6M28f2baMbKw-THQYwMCk6WMVT9BgTA/s4032/MordantedSilk.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh31x4d96-QEaz1Mju0JSTU0ex3ec4h3Uz9fliTHaIcdyg7oBR2Hn8Pfq-ME5Z0QYDsG6GinDBy-YLnsI9uUd8CAIR51H8Why9wuWG3NClcyLFgjh1ddUDfskrVp_m3_DUm4QcFqAz580RgA8VJm3akdbEAIR6M28f2baMbKw-THQYwMCk6WMVT9BgTA/w400-h301/MordantedSilk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>While achieving colour through natural dyes is hugely exciting, I learnt early on that amazing colours in nature do not automatcially transfer to cloth. Understanding what creates a strong and lasting bond between cloth and natural dye stuff is vital, along with recognising that results from experiments can be unpredictable. Of the three generic types of fibre, <i>cellulose</i> and <i>protein</i> fibres can take up natural dye and <i>manmade</i> fibres generally do not. Cellulose fibres such as cotton are where many begin their natural dye journey, however, I find that protein fibres are a more kindly start. Silk and wool take up and retain colour from natural materials with comparative ease, compared with cellulose fibres such as cotton, linen, flax and hemp. This said, there is still a little preparation to be completed on the white silk awaiting its colour transformation.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmT9zpgCjIRudBBF5vxrlR-YhxFt-npwKSyL3pbjI2KRFWvcmpjoRAe-Kp0kLylw_nmJmv0l__dYdN2UMFgagKqcihoWzOBf7mHmW9Yu0wA34cN2kl22EHvVRWWyTEuDSU-Mq_b42DkF6hUXoENc_dqDuhHrvwG7JU7BQ9Dvptl9It1jgJooYL9UCGA/s4032/MordantingSilkNoil.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmT9zpgCjIRudBBF5vxrlR-YhxFt-npwKSyL3pbjI2KRFWvcmpjoRAe-Kp0kLylw_nmJmv0l__dYdN2UMFgagKqcihoWzOBf7mHmW9Yu0wA34cN2kl22EHvVRWWyTEuDSU-Mq_b42DkF6hUXoENc_dqDuhHrvwG7JU7BQ9Dvptl9It1jgJooYL9UCGA/w432-h324/MordantingSilkNoil.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>Which brings me to mordanting, a subject that is worthy of a full independant explanation. Derived from the latin term <i>mordere - </i>"to bite", in simple terms this is a process that prepares fibres to receive the natural colour source. The preparation for silk and wool is straight forward and of the possbile options I have found <i>potassium aluminium sulfate</i>, to be a reliable, safe and easy to source. The amount used is 15% of the weight of the dry silk and the alum powder is disolved in sufficient water for the cloth to be able to move around. The silk cloth needs to be gently simmered for around an hour (avoiding boiling which damages the sheen) and then cooled. I usually mordant silk the day before eco printing and cool in the alum mordant overnight. This is silk noil steeping in alum and its texture and slubbiness makes for interesting results with natural dyes.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QJKZ_a7LWvCCx5t5rJ5YmZvMXRNc5yqUKMvBWOTK4HvqKdOxEgrvldyus2YifaxJuTpNcewKcQLUvzQEF5f4f3b9y8Nrhgl8e-ldaeLPqIP8U78Edpjc1KGv7N_cKfZM7_LnXfzyLxto00UxVW_n_7JPrWZENZcSpLHdpnVFoqWWScx5oaB_wRm7TA/s2553/DriedMaterials.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1856" data-original-width="2553" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QJKZ_a7LWvCCx5t5rJ5YmZvMXRNc5yqUKMvBWOTK4HvqKdOxEgrvldyus2YifaxJuTpNcewKcQLUvzQEF5f4f3b9y8Nrhgl8e-ldaeLPqIP8U78Edpjc1KGv7N_cKfZM7_LnXfzyLxto00UxVW_n_7JPrWZENZcSpLHdpnVFoqWWScx5oaB_wRm7TA/w400-h291/DriedMaterials.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Finally the exciting day of choosing natural dyes arrives - oh where to start! For anyone like me with wild notions of eco printing in the winter months, dried natural dye materials are a must try. Favourites that I have personally experimented with include, madder, weld, logwood, cochineal, pomegranate, osage, lac, fustic, cutch, brazilwood, and sandalwood. <p></p><p>The long standing UK retailer <a href="https://www.winghamwoolwork.co.uk/natural-dyes-mordants/page/1/" target="_blank">Wingham Wools</a> stocks a wide variety of dried dye stuff, along with a range of mordants. There's the added bonus that these dried materials provide strong colour results for years and they are also very appealing to look at.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFl0UzDQ9gUtolfSDryYRZ5CR_WCGThNBfe92CandP7fluL73xbXEaAu2aveqxQVV4KYPROJck5q6l7J4nrB-6oWiwXpy8rCFk5ac0FXuQ9uE_Oo1G84lVINy98Yh7q4D49hKznnElamOFDfWLFDd5xw0rr0qx5OzFMe-zmniw3BxVHrUXy5HtxhngWw/s497/NaturalDyeFreshPlants.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="497" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFl0UzDQ9gUtolfSDryYRZ5CR_WCGThNBfe92CandP7fluL73xbXEaAu2aveqxQVV4KYPROJck5q6l7J4nrB-6oWiwXpy8rCFk5ac0FXuQ9uE_Oo1G84lVINy98Yh7q4D49hKznnElamOFDfWLFDd5xw0rr0qx5OzFMe-zmniw3BxVHrUXy5HtxhngWw/w400-h299/NaturalDyeFreshPlants.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Then on to fresh natural dye supplies, with an even longer list of possiblities. I try to use as many local plants in the flowering season as possible, including some of my own grown - I have observed that plants that have grown freely give better results than those that are forced. <i>Buddlea Davidii</i> grows prolifically around my studio and the white and blue flowers both give a strong and lasting yellow. <i> Calendula</i> from the daisy family is another flower that gives a reliable yellow, while its daisy cousin <i>Coreposis Tinctoria</i> gives vibrant orange tones. With a long love of European plants, I keep a few <i>Hibiscus</i> plants and this genus of the mallow family can produce varying shades of pink. A few of the other easily sourced UK flowers that are strong in their colour offerings are <i>Dahlia, Dandelion, Hypericum, Iris, Nepita, Pansies, Rubeckia, Safflower</i> - each with numerous varieties that behave differently, my workshop list grows longer by the day! This year I am going to experiment with freezing flowers as well as drying and then there is another world of leaves and bark to explore!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfx5LE1rdr9qXzYzHAKVnBuRmPWXSiN3Ro1ZMuoZfV8USMWPt0jzAcpCvoT7oPfXk6dsA7ck3HXZBLxe35ktb9H88YwcKTsH4wVkfc166wKlc_QR1We0nsVAo3eiTxUGF4VLjQZmjoEXxUjDlrhzBVQJ1zBvtonbBIZUdvJwV_nll3ehugqdTV8NgQUg/s4032/BundleDyeingWorkshop1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfx5LE1rdr9qXzYzHAKVnBuRmPWXSiN3Ro1ZMuoZfV8USMWPt0jzAcpCvoT7oPfXk6dsA7ck3HXZBLxe35ktb9H88YwcKTsH4wVkfc166wKlc_QR1We0nsVAo3eiTxUGF4VLjQZmjoEXxUjDlrhzBVQJ1zBvtonbBIZUdvJwV_nll3ehugqdTV8NgQUg/w435-h326/BundleDyeingWorkshop1.jpg" width="435" /></a></div>That moment of starting to transform white silk is exciting and scary in equal measures. Feeling a bit like staring at a piece of white paper waiting to be painted upon, my solution to being paralysed by choice is sampling. Practicing on small fabric pieces is fun and a whole lot cheaper and quicker than making blind dye material dye choices on large fabric pieces. While the results from dry materials are pretty reliable, those from fresh materials can vary enormously throughout the growing season. This sample was a case in point - hopeful of blue dye from pansy petals used on this sample, what transpired was very little and masses of blue from the dark burgundy pansy petals!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsKPmqOJBM9mVNRe_TC3OY_R8hT1ERPza6HDxVeLu2FNnXIcyq74Q9TEAXxHyDB6cB_ED-UTr1bWMIJnK5CUzuzRT_xazdLmOQuBF3Pa9y1xmWfPReUVifNzGs6CaxyIQvILDVTiYM7BNaQF5v6T0nWc7FSlYKIJ8pm-ud-gyIFzQPq826uFiePJaRg/s2293/BundleDyeingWorkshop26.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="2293" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsKPmqOJBM9mVNRe_TC3OY_R8hT1ERPza6HDxVeLu2FNnXIcyq74Q9TEAXxHyDB6cB_ED-UTr1bWMIJnK5CUzuzRT_xazdLmOQuBF3Pa9y1xmWfPReUVifNzGs6CaxyIQvILDVTiYM7BNaQF5v6T0nWc7FSlYKIJ8pm-ud-gyIFzQPq826uFiePJaRg/w430-h265/BundleDyeingWorkshop26.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>Larger silk pieces can be completed with much more confidence after sampling. The intial inclination with eco printing is to create a 'design', yet I and others have often found the randomised approach to start with is very pleasing and exciting. Nicola used the information from her morning of workshop sampling to choose from a selection of dried and fresh early Spring materials. While this looks like there will be lots of white on the finished piece, many of the dye colours flow on the wet silk into the white spaces and create very pleasing effects.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9tkIOp_NzCFkM_Bhe9FNGfYYZ4NR40yOkd8IU0DCSIw9l4dVLx6amg-3d3UlH_qf8IY1IWusExXsPwaeZfFM8_b1Yzgj38fqSCdjhMEq-UyLSam4Y8Uk-rkYcjGHxoIl7xxQf0wcAQgcyLK1IuBbJte4VIMtpM8VpsJJQafRoqmwZr5PwtV9psu93w/s3632/BundleDyeingWorkshop3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="3632" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9tkIOp_NzCFkM_Bhe9FNGfYYZ4NR40yOkd8IU0DCSIw9l4dVLx6amg-3d3UlH_qf8IY1IWusExXsPwaeZfFM8_b1Yzgj38fqSCdjhMEq-UyLSam4Y8Uk-rkYcjGHxoIl7xxQf0wcAQgcyLK1IuBbJte4VIMtpM8VpsJJQafRoqmwZr5PwtV9psu93w/w400-h178/BundleDyeingWorkshop3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I often just place dye stuff on just half of the fabric and then fold over the surplus fabric to cover the layout. A little additional vinegar at this point can also help some materials to provide colour, although the effect can vary from one dye stuff to the next. There is much to learn about pH in natural dyeing and the effects of adding acidic and alkaline solutions at varying stages of the process become clearer with experimentation. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Thgwry4O9CNSFaHLUZu9D3KTtZ5y_5n686wX5UzvD7RS-4O8NaAvrksAcfxVd6LCm9PQROhACudIiwv910-q0swApZfVt4xRCpYeiThcqk9H7ADsJxpfyhYsg08sjmYg6Z2Ey1cl63NGFD7clMIvwjFwjYPMbJJlJTpcOQQ9M5vUyHi6J83sE2uEMw/s2239/BundleDyeingWorkshop18.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="2239" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Thgwry4O9CNSFaHLUZu9D3KTtZ5y_5n686wX5UzvD7RS-4O8NaAvrksAcfxVd6LCm9PQROhACudIiwv910-q0swApZfVt4xRCpYeiThcqk9H7ADsJxpfyhYsg08sjmYg6Z2Ey1cl63NGFD7clMIvwjFwjYPMbJJlJTpcOQQ9M5vUyHi6J83sE2uEMw/w400-h321/BundleDyeingWorkshop18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>For eco printing on silk, steaming is then used to help to transfer the dye stuff to the fibres. I use a very simple method with a deep colander on top of my large dye pot. There are many methods of 'bundling' the cloth to go into the steamer and memories of pastry rolling are helpful. Here are a couple of my favourite rolling methods - all of which require white string tightly bound - along with a label hanging outside the pot to remind me what materials I put on to the cloth! The minimum steaming time is 45 minutes for materials that quickly give out their colour, up to several hours for dye stuff that needs more time. It is important to leave the bundles to cool after steaming and better still, to leave overnight - patience invariably improves natural dye results.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7e7-0bgpGcFiY-u_ObnRpprxLvs6vrDpAqZWDJ55GWemUt2RiQe3G8jWqPRnEZ4OcuGpa86DknBKj7mkudwqhkXF_OHTbiBckapBTTehm9cRosRSlFkuVuHe22y-Ne2jVlrDjiehqqEj68BIN5S2gDg0yk-Sh5hGzSl_XemUxhxOd1jjzFnRAcZcMTg/s3178/BundleDyeingWorkshop16.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1784" data-original-width="3178" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7e7-0bgpGcFiY-u_ObnRpprxLvs6vrDpAqZWDJ55GWemUt2RiQe3G8jWqPRnEZ4OcuGpa86DknBKj7mkudwqhkXF_OHTbiBckapBTTehm9cRosRSlFkuVuHe22y-Ne2jVlrDjiehqqEj68BIN5S2gDg0yk-Sh5hGzSl_XemUxhxOd1jjzFnRAcZcMTg/w400-h226/BundleDyeingWorkshop16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I have been very satisfied with the results of my eco printing experiments on silk, much of which has been completed out of season. My initial eco printing workshop in my studio early this Spring was very well received and I enjoyed inspiring others to create natural colour on cloth and make best use of supplies that are to hand. It is wonderful feeling to know that there is now a summer of plants and colour creativity ahead and there will be more from me on this subject I am sure.Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-66768783210126185752023-01-05T08:43:00.029+00:002024-01-08T07:47:44.672+00:00Quick Stitch - Glitzy Wool Baubles<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMLwTNe08lmZ7AkUVTqRY1n9t8aR0p9Al2S6wbCzzEgTO8h6_9IiKldwyAliEIf_Ew1yPvyEkpc-CfSc7ZxrQysp7ZyOPU-l1n4j8zaFhjYgSDeDauWfkiiJ1yvFlW8sghmpA3_rLHJxQOCGrLYu49lgujiG13her7e-TU-s75V8Q0AIL3IWF1gDRYw/s3636/20230104_140710.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="3636" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMLwTNe08lmZ7AkUVTqRY1n9t8aR0p9Al2S6wbCzzEgTO8h6_9IiKldwyAliEIf_Ew1yPvyEkpc-CfSc7ZxrQysp7ZyOPU-l1n4j8zaFhjYgSDeDauWfkiiJ1yvFlW8sghmpA3_rLHJxQOCGrLYu49lgujiG13her7e-TU-s75V8Q0AIL3IWF1gDRYw/w320-h225/20230104_140710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I so enjoy a touch of winter sparkle - it's for very much more than for Christmas in my book! Metalic textiles can be a troublesome twinkling option though, with endless hand stitching tangles and thread breaks on a sewing machine that can drive you bonkers and swear never to use a metalic thread ever again! <p></p><p>As I will go on to share, I have thankfully found a simple answer to allow for easy working with metalic threads and I was therefore happy to use to good effect in my latest decorative winter offering - Glitzy Wool Baubles</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_YXSd5zigA_IwNdPD4sEl5_bEUwfifqPuZgPKuf0mus4NlAY52MVaYaSmPofEetxL6E6hJYCNshSb6EtRRNfv9BEwE4N2fbxGi5phnIZLLMaK1xucAfapc7xXqUXZI6SRf4Gjo-R3_L3R7gpF9ASZTW4G2Grm80J9cBomNBO8uCzYRrLVt3XH6tBQA/s3264/FeltedBalls7.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_YXSd5zigA_IwNdPD4sEl5_bEUwfifqPuZgPKuf0mus4NlAY52MVaYaSmPofEetxL6E6hJYCNshSb6EtRRNfv9BEwE4N2fbxGi5phnIZLLMaK1xucAfapc7xXqUXZI6SRf4Gjo-R3_L3R7gpF9ASZTW4G2Grm80J9cBomNBO8uCzYRrLVt3XH6tBQA/w400-h300/FeltedBalls7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As for this wonderous thread epiphany, in a nutshell it is ALWAYS avoid cheap and cheerful metalic threads! This may seen counter intuitive for a thread that you may use infrequently, but trust me that this is the only way unless you are aiming to create glittery bird nests! Be it for working by hand or machine, my metalic thread of choice is always Maderia. A German company that has been producing embroidery threads for over 100 years, the quality of all that they produce is second to none.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lwJc_i51bTnVOAndZ-hIagvpj1QTi_8ly4tRvPr6lk6F_E91VEkgjt7vBnvjxJNFk1Phw8MJLNd6CpFHKPFV1qilXNgexw11yUV93rXyfid9F9QqYppz32RZg3FxazK6FohqoG51yz7hnx8SElrq4cakNHR7YXFrVt3glPa7yuci91DiVcYpYv82Pg/s4032/FeltedBalls1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lwJc_i51bTnVOAndZ-hIagvpj1QTi_8ly4tRvPr6lk6F_E91VEkgjt7vBnvjxJNFk1Phw8MJLNd6CpFHKPFV1qilXNgexw11yUV93rXyfid9F9QqYppz32RZg3FxazK6FohqoG51yz7hnx8SElrq4cakNHR7YXFrVt3glPa7yuci91DiVcYpYv82Pg/w400-h300/FeltedBalls1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In a year that has again been filled will wool, it was a given that this would be my material of choice for the base of my decorative winter offering. My first challenge was to determine how to make a felted wool ball that avoided hours of soggy and labourious hand felting. Most thankfully super creative <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mirjamtextiles/" target="_blank">Mirjam Textiles</a> came to the rescue with her instructions on how to easily felt fibre into balls in the washing machine using pop socks - what a revelation this was! I have long been an advocate of Mirjam's funky and fabulous creations with wool and organic embroidery and I highly recommend that you check her out and try this and other of her processes for herself. Here is my first felted ball made with Herdwick fibre that I sourced in Cumbria last summer - I embellished with some hand dyed silk threads using Mirjam's clever hexagonal hand stitch.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGNFmCjk00DcP0Jxo22oXosoPajPGjJ4YOE-2h9RyZTrGFSEUegdMbk-mPYhBAvrUCxjeVi7FC-oKPGJgDtEFHCD-9opyNhmCwIWoVsiNxqsHj1r7bQMtHUNR8ctKF5_4b8ZPGOJfeqNZ8Uq2x3eQSBoBS6_YnPWWy51sKEW9tZMZpKsMsG8bslmnTw/s4032/FeltedBalls6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGNFmCjk00DcP0Jxo22oXosoPajPGjJ4YOE-2h9RyZTrGFSEUegdMbk-mPYhBAvrUCxjeVi7FC-oKPGJgDtEFHCD-9opyNhmCwIWoVsiNxqsHj1r7bQMtHUNR8ctKF5_4b8ZPGOJfeqNZ8Uq2x3eQSBoBS6_YnPWWy51sKEW9tZMZpKsMsG8bslmnTw/w400-h300/FeltedBalls6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This success inspired me to work through my fibre basket and try out various fibre types to see which ones would felt in the washing machine the best. It was an interesting experiement and I ended up with felted creations in all shapes and sizes. I quickly realised that the way to go was to use fibres that are reasonably long with a bit of a crimp, as these created a nice dense ball with a smooth outside. I opted to use some delicious Ashford Corriedale for my final creations this winter and after just a few evenings work, I had achieved this luxurious selection :)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyI63Wjf1ZrMgZuiz62yC7flcar-FA5E6zFC3_jqYPcWKg944KcZoqbtlyBVcCYVEqsUUTWHl60PtLwtzGfit8u6Ei0_I5jmRKbtv8KZWh5YsmOqvGcyjIO6yYhmjekXxUWBoh6niB-zrT3BB_P5eKdPmnWD0I1C0YFu-7fp3qzGKfBgSQpR-uWya8tw/s4032/FeltedBalls4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyI63Wjf1ZrMgZuiz62yC7flcar-FA5E6zFC3_jqYPcWKg944KcZoqbtlyBVcCYVEqsUUTWHl60PtLwtzGfit8u6Ei0_I5jmRKbtv8KZWh5YsmOqvGcyjIO6yYhmjekXxUWBoh6niB-zrT3BB_P5eKdPmnWD0I1C0YFu-7fp3qzGKfBgSQpR-uWya8tw/w400-h300/FeltedBalls4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>An so to the relaxing bit, hand embellishment with Madeira metallic hand threads - they come in various thicknesses. As for the stitches to use, my post on <a href="http://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/2015/04/basic-hand-embroidery-stitches.html" target="_blank">basic hand embroidery stitches</a> gives a useful starter for ten. The wonderful thing with this type of project is that there are no rules and using a mix of stitches, and making up some new ones, is most enjoyable. <p></p><p>Even better for me, was that embellishing these tactile wool creations was equally enjoyable for my December students. Here is student Jo's first glitzy wool bauble in the making - she and others found the hand stitching and chatting a perfect antidote to a cold wintery day and looming seasonal pressures! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vI85o89bXv5MB4LK_f8n6-QSssdkDNhOLH3QjMSzIS66paPQl1diulftzz1FVP7qUkVF2CRD9W5QHxYp4XEzh8Q_i1L1qyO7mItIvTZqbs1NJf6tC6x8K6GtqWUew9Z0nxYAIB0s2t_E514V15A2YSJbbIxJJ5Zz1FMZZJoxpb5GsbdaNNSINr6bXQ/s2701/Montage2022.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2030" data-original-width="2701" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vI85o89bXv5MB4LK_f8n6-QSssdkDNhOLH3QjMSzIS66paPQl1diulftzz1FVP7qUkVF2CRD9W5QHxYp4XEzh8Q_i1L1qyO7mItIvTZqbs1NJf6tC6x8K6GtqWUew9Z0nxYAIB0s2t_E514V15A2YSJbbIxJJ5Zz1FMZZJoxpb5GsbdaNNSINr6bXQ/w400-h301/Montage2022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>For all that my desire to create with textiles by machines will endure, it is slow rythmic working with my hands that most captivated me throughout 2022. Here are a few of my most favoured creations with a mix of both approaches and also my passion for repurposing textiles and working with natural materials. <p></p><p>To create in these ways brought me immense pleasure and satisfaction throughout the year and I hope for my students too. I wish all a happy, harmonious and creative 2023 - my lifeblood and for many others I am sure.</p>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-62159241734005224072022-11-13T11:11:00.013+00:002024-01-09T18:17:00.648+00:00Scottish Tapestry Weaving<div class="separator"><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWtX6O7uU8URyFJL-3jU57x3PApBiNb8azvWFa4OXEMkNOehi7fCjUmleuhbrc-pG6VJpa1Bp2-xrwsuTeUibFXXKboFm8OCU5FJzGu6LNm3Q4gmbPugwIcw3tOpMYzF4wcU34c0FgnsuqbAq_cpr_2jAT7w2At2cc_conc2wQ2wUo0CyG9TPyL6UZA/s4000/Inveraray5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWtX6O7uU8URyFJL-3jU57x3PApBiNb8azvWFa4OXEMkNOehi7fCjUmleuhbrc-pG6VJpa1Bp2-xrwsuTeUibFXXKboFm8OCU5FJzGu6LNm3Q4gmbPugwIcw3tOpMYzF4wcU34c0FgnsuqbAq_cpr_2jAT7w2At2cc_conc2wQ2wUo0CyG9TPyL6UZA/w400-h300/Inveraray5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There have been times this year that my adventures have felt akin to treking the Himalayas - well mentally at least! While my feet have yet to reach any seriously high altitudes, my eyes have certainly fallen upon many a mountain and in doing so, have relished stunning tapestries of colour. </div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator">This soft pallette of blues and greens across Loch Fyne from the shore at Inverary was just one of the delightful vistas that I enjoyed at the start of my tapestry weaving wanderings this autumn.</div><div class="separator"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjwqwgMfPyJfM1ddv94SS6uaotnlE97kxqC4dV35QYqAjLRYaMQ_r7UXb5RB_AYGMOwn_pj6S3Yp6FOlL5-ncPSy68wbFAFXKx5JHLKVylid3yWSLUawf-1oaTbHWlCrmFGM1rHEER_jSkeBBiEW8DN2ZXzXjrT8yQYdkbsQxaZb4dyZNEcLVe_HoEg/s4032/LouiseOppenhiemer6.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjwqwgMfPyJfM1ddv94SS6uaotnlE97kxqC4dV35QYqAjLRYaMQ_r7UXb5RB_AYGMOwn_pj6S3Yp6FOlL5-ncPSy68wbFAFXKx5JHLKVylid3yWSLUawf-1oaTbHWlCrmFGM1rHEER_jSkeBBiEW8DN2ZXzXjrT8yQYdkbsQxaZb4dyZNEcLVe_HoEg/w240-h320/LouiseOppenhiemer6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>One aspect I particularly cherish about my wanderings, is how they unfold in a way that it is impossible to imagine beforehand. While I always make a starting plan, I learnt long ago that these are best kept as outlines to be adjusted as takes my fancy on route. <p></p><p>The beginning of my wanderings this autumn begain with spending happy hours enjoying the creations and wisdom of tapestry weaver Louise Oppenhiemer in her studio in wonderful watery Argyllshire. A year where tapestry weaving has steadily seeped into my fingertips, I have been keen to learn more from those who have mastered and honed their tapestry skills. I approached Louise's pretty home in the Kilmartin Glen with my usual mix of excitement about the place my feet were to settle for a few days.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6c53qzpCUuot55isPeaCWRDLF-YL_gFBiqcgs2r8e94OtdJv_eE4hqD0ceGH2Cpj4bWMN4sePfvWyHEW_oRGf-VCqKuGpDRZrNbVNKX7la-Mr5pBio6pv2TDp_RBKZDmcTi3mokAmSqFJY7goKQZWgOjEDJ-GAbXsq5k3S3pKRMxloTrnI5rMxmAXwg/s3264/LouiseOppenhiemer9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6c53qzpCUuot55isPeaCWRDLF-YL_gFBiqcgs2r8e94OtdJv_eE4hqD0ceGH2Cpj4bWMN4sePfvWyHEW_oRGf-VCqKuGpDRZrNbVNKX7la-Mr5pBio6pv2TDp_RBKZDmcTi3mokAmSqFJY7goKQZWgOjEDJ-GAbXsq5k3S3pKRMxloTrnI5rMxmAXwg/w400-h300/LouiseOppenhiemer9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Louise's striking tapestry creations in her her garden studio with far reaching views made for a magnificent reception. With stunning landscape in all directions, I could immediately understand why she had made Kilmartain Glen her home and weaving base for the 25 plus years. <p></p><p>It was evident from the sheer volume and scale of Louise's work of organic shapes and painterly blends, that she spends a great deal of time weaving - something that I am fast learning is very easy to do.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhanGroN7cioL7PgdMy4R0SDvtl0sZIIk91-BKYKnDFCVj9eqIzZsT-khbxcjz9mfUGuMFB8Jy6Wk-NJGtOTuslFX2x9lrINi8sxZQ2TS3i5fcTSz0AePNi39oR6LlNrZnps1j9XTRyZ45Cn5eZJQR_23NM_BImbd4uY-pnPds4vHbMiTXcL0IvZSvQ/s4032/LouiseOppenhiemer13.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhanGroN7cioL7PgdMy4R0SDvtl0sZIIk91-BKYKnDFCVj9eqIzZsT-khbxcjz9mfUGuMFB8Jy6Wk-NJGtOTuslFX2x9lrINi8sxZQ2TS3i5fcTSz0AePNi39oR6LlNrZnps1j9XTRyZ45Cn5eZJQR_23NM_BImbd4uY-pnPds4vHbMiTXcL0IvZSvQ/w400-h300/LouiseOppenhiemer13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Louise weaves her pieces with wool yarn on nailed frames, which in themselves are most pleasing creations. Like many tapestry weavers, she weaves using 'butterflies' of yarn, which she deftly passes across the warps and tucks behind in-between use. Louise's colour pallette is naturalistic and lively - a combination that I found particularly appealing. <p></p><p>It was a delight to watch her weave organic shapes on her ongoing tapestry work, moving intuitively from one shape to the next and blending colour as she wove.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LG1XF8K3CuxE9YF61xWHD98WvC6co0WfVCSiVDbjO1SjReD8bBXZ6yT9BArJ_WcmtKi0L-AxKcna7U5EHK6QD6WY16TmLvhL7Zs8gtNskcIu0cfguqmZrIQOi9iiuGuzYglCxIuj1fROtl8f4k0LGQPl-rtZBIjZinYvM6gh0LxK5DeumyE2v9BUFw/s4032/LouiseOppenhiemer14.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LG1XF8K3CuxE9YF61xWHD98WvC6co0WfVCSiVDbjO1SjReD8bBXZ6yT9BArJ_WcmtKi0L-AxKcna7U5EHK6QD6WY16TmLvhL7Zs8gtNskcIu0cfguqmZrIQOi9iiuGuzYglCxIuj1fROtl8f4k0LGQPl-rtZBIjZinYvM6gh0LxK5DeumyE2v9BUFw/w240-h320/LouiseOppenhiemer14.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Plus there was the utter delight of being surrounded by a bounty of colourful yarn - Louise's collection is heavenly and with it came that amazing wool smell that I've yet worked out how to capture in a bottle! <p></p><p>Her yarn stash comes from years of gathering, initially from mills in and around her home and now further afield. Sourcing supplies has become increasingly harder for Louise as yarn stocks in old mills steadily dwindle and as I know from my own experiences, sourcing materials can now take as much time as the creative process itself.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtONYk1nv3BxNG71iGl_tgrQVgGxk7e5HD00vnlVn4bW5_44X4GVolVZPuifLlDC1lOJZeK1uXWgGyfjwJjEQbAjqKkvqNhmFj-opMSNcUtb7cvlQ_LKHx7N1QKn4phDJRkMBO94pQJlmyeXaC8Z7l6dF92hjZfHdiMa33MvoFyzQZi_d1UTvqz8iQQ/s4032/DunaddFort.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtONYk1nv3BxNG71iGl_tgrQVgGxk7e5HD00vnlVn4bW5_44X4GVolVZPuifLlDC1lOJZeK1uXWgGyfjwJjEQbAjqKkvqNhmFj-opMSNcUtb7cvlQ_LKHx7N1QKn4phDJRkMBO94pQJlmyeXaC8Z7l6dF92hjZfHdiMa33MvoFyzQZi_d1UTvqz8iQQ/w320-h240/DunaddFort.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Blessed with way more sunshine than I could have reasonably hoped for in Scotland in October, I made the most of every spare moment to enjoy the Kilmartin Glen scenery. <p></p><p>This dramatic sky looking across to Dunadd Fort would have had me don my working boots at speed, had my fingers not been so preoccupied. A rocky outcrop that has been occupied since the Iron Age, it was used as a fort for over 2000 years and was once the centre of royal power of Gaelic kings.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpJqckDN7KOm0c39uZ7ys9MRJDJIbf9hvq1KA6Km6bfcn-SlEeRchtHYLq7A97TMqmyt81E4kSG5a25btAnjb5bcqI-76TUiV4hyXbKeUOd56-9EA10o618BAK2ZCK_xM35_o9XPMILQbd1HW7lyF5diKiXJa866-soOY4uaWeTqVuxzuhb_Nr2JTyg/s4032/TempleWoodStoneCircle.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpJqckDN7KOm0c39uZ7ys9MRJDJIbf9hvq1KA6Km6bfcn-SlEeRchtHYLq7A97TMqmyt81E4kSG5a25btAnjb5bcqI-76TUiV4hyXbKeUOd56-9EA10o618BAK2ZCK_xM35_o9XPMILQbd1HW7lyF5diKiXJa866-soOY4uaWeTqVuxzuhb_Nr2JTyg/w320-h240/TempleWoodStoneCircle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Argyll is very well known for standing stones and circles and there are over 350 ancient monuments within 6 miles of Kilmartin village! <p></p><p>This stone circle at Templecombe Wood which I enjoyed visiting in glorious later afternoon sunshine was the first that I found. I later realised there are two stone circles in this location and I guess that this is a gentle reminder that I will need to return!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZn-u8m6uwoKvKWsdP3XWH2TpuPQ4MpL3HywOqCJ337XZp45nLtgcDAtYU047Fq_bqiIb1iBxjI7LFj2ff95TYRl_iqupppPMSRkAG93FqSvOmuPb1kCAWa635iGyDj_sqWtjzsOQKYstsJeVgWIeR4RDDKe7AmZWKTTmjG5R3q8DjR5AMez9xEtOyg/s4000/AchnabreckRockArt3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZn-u8m6uwoKvKWsdP3XWH2TpuPQ4MpL3HywOqCJ337XZp45nLtgcDAtYU047Fq_bqiIb1iBxjI7LFj2ff95TYRl_iqupppPMSRkAG93FqSvOmuPb1kCAWa635iGyDj_sqWtjzsOQKYstsJeVgWIeR4RDDKe7AmZWKTTmjG5R3q8DjR5AMez9xEtOyg/w320-h240/AchnabreckRockArt3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>An early morning wander through a meandering paths of the Achnabreck Forest led me to a standing platform looking down on 5000 year old rock art. <p></p><p>The spirals and ring marks were clearly visible even in the emerging low light and I wondered at those who would have carved these pleasing shapes and their reasons for doing so.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg754SQg1_8Jyoef0UJAKjakNpdFobi42a6xdMgLKRhEEMqlmGE4nqBHe_Vl-6eRH8FK15NRNmr-Y_PeY4_d4tvg_rQ4W4ZV56Sz0S93xRPMN8hTIX82LqtFgblh89MGM9VaYCiCDRZO5kWkyIBHIUZrfvFNPk5GjN4MyQ3dPVNojkdWAKPiVuKgBpYHQ/s4032/StirlingCastle5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg754SQg1_8Jyoef0UJAKjakNpdFobi42a6xdMgLKRhEEMqlmGE4nqBHe_Vl-6eRH8FK15NRNmr-Y_PeY4_d4tvg_rQ4W4ZV56Sz0S93xRPMN8hTIX82LqtFgblh89MGM9VaYCiCDRZO5kWkyIBHIUZrfvFNPk5GjN4MyQ3dPVNojkdWAKPiVuKgBpYHQ/w400-h300/StirlingCastle5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Wool and rock of course make very happy partners in Scotland - creations of the former have long helped to make creations in the latter a little warmer and brighter! Stirling Castle is a magnificent example of one of Scotland's many castles and is one of the largest. <p></p><p>Steeped in history of Kings, Queens, battles and sieges, I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit, with the added bonus of seeing a set of the most exquisite modern tapestries. Now a first class visitor attraction, it was chosen as the home for seven modern tapestries depicting the <i>Hunt for the Unicorn</i>.</p><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVgbgXGIS75Jt6kdVZSHj6r7DMTWPgnJrJZFUZLr_G3gWCN89JjNK1d74grcWZvMGjAx35R1tN4an4LeD78x5FVVfY6RxIY6OoIO6AZoy8UCO3Wye4aMDyvefX5ndpZbSh5w2aTsPVT46E7IgpDY2LqMsOxVeB0rB3c7cr95WAmG1Nq1UtWYFlpXFVw/s1365/StirlingTapestries8.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1365" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVgbgXGIS75Jt6kdVZSHj6r7DMTWPgnJrJZFUZLr_G3gWCN89JjNK1d74grcWZvMGjAx35R1tN4an4LeD78x5FVVfY6RxIY6OoIO6AZoy8UCO3Wye4aMDyvefX5ndpZbSh5w2aTsPVT46E7IgpDY2LqMsOxVeB0rB3c7cr95WAmG1Nq1UtWYFlpXFVw/w400-h184/StirlingTapestries8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The <a href="https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/discover/highlights/the-stirling-tapestries/" target="_blank">Stirling Palace Tapestries</a> resulted from a 13 year long project started in 2002 and were based on original tapestries held in the <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/primer/met-cloisters/unicorn-tapestries-story" target="_blank">Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York</a>. A total of 18 highly skilled tapestry weavers were involved creating pieces that were 10% smaller than the originals - each piece taking around 16,000 hours of weaving. While the title of the tapestries is a little unsettling, they are equally a celebration of the abundance of nature.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOPzEYdvDeo6dfFHn56DqjJ_uM9o2bl2BABxqg3Ylty80OCStKgyKJYH9icfOXjwJ_aXYmwOdf4gh3YHFFWslOQlfWSoh1dXnGmn5N9ELFZlFW6kEalu_B0yu9yaa-C5tIm272dUIwPYdInwvwk-Cane--z6vWGjGsdoqPzE9XaKpfQQRyaUHn967nA/s2928/StirlingTapestries7.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1900" data-original-width="2928" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOPzEYdvDeo6dfFHn56DqjJ_uM9o2bl2BABxqg3Ylty80OCStKgyKJYH9icfOXjwJ_aXYmwOdf4gh3YHFFWslOQlfWSoh1dXnGmn5N9ELFZlFW6kEalu_B0yu9yaa-C5tIm272dUIwPYdInwvwk-Cane--z6vWGjGsdoqPzE9XaKpfQQRyaUHn967nA/w400-h260/StirlingTapestries7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Four of the seven tapestries were woven in a dedicated studio at Stirling Castle and this remains as an interesting and engaging display for visitors. Throughout their creation, a 'cartoon' secured behind the warp threads provided the design that the weavers worked from from the front. Medieval tapestries were woven from the back in reverse, which is very hard to imagine. With 7 warps per centimetre compared with 4 for the 21st century weavers to work, one wonders how they were ever completed without modern lighting and eye magnification! Thousands of visitors were able to enjoy seeing the weavers working throughout the creation years and a lucky few got to see the ceremonial cutting of the warp threads when each tapestry was completed. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVheD9WLJ0X3pPk8lQt9a_SnPlMYinuA6y5wNz0ihGLW3CzP-q-d9qs8M3TOdc-kWhy_fYWQtAng9g67XlWsfYbD32LG73XQRBfn_HuiWkIAlHP9eO7P8uF96ANZpOVWSmecME8gh6T1rTN4Vp9fTJYFFnOidRzmuk4-0Q7aLBqG5GSKyX9Hqm9G8yw/s1561/StirlingTapestrySamples.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1422" data-original-width="1561" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVheD9WLJ0X3pPk8lQt9a_SnPlMYinuA6y5wNz0ihGLW3CzP-q-d9qs8M3TOdc-kWhy_fYWQtAng9g67XlWsfYbD32LG73XQRBfn_HuiWkIAlHP9eO7P8uF96ANZpOVWSmecME8gh6T1rTN4Vp9fTJYFFnOidRzmuk4-0Q7aLBqG5GSKyX9Hqm9G8yw/w419-h382/StirlingTapestrySamples.jpg" width="419" /></a></div>For all their magnificance hanging in the Queen's Inner Hall, the immense skill of the weavers only became evident when viewing the samples in the weaving studio. The traditional shading created by the use of <i>hachures</i> on each and every subject is incredible and to master tapestry weaving is undoubtedly a lifetimes work. </div><div><br /></div><div>My visit and learning on this sunny Saturday afternoon was made all the more enjoyable by the company of Scottish weavers Marlen and Gill - who patiently answered my endless questions!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1sHnL7x9cBZymaLXj2sGtczcM7jZw3EmfRT-AEWLnjlFKSZVKmAmVbH4GOgnHopjIVwEFLK7BVezVj3F5ex4a9fimeo4ViBc2kdofxMPzIG_lz1x9-mh0HLqRBDUSxqE4tHG-Q-RZ5kEnQ0dmoxPhjnm6JydIji_HBcrszSIEHHAz5PNIQZ_vFA62g/s3264/DovecotStudios2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1sHnL7x9cBZymaLXj2sGtczcM7jZw3EmfRT-AEWLnjlFKSZVKmAmVbH4GOgnHopjIVwEFLK7BVezVj3F5ex4a9fimeo4ViBc2kdofxMPzIG_lz1x9-mh0HLqRBDUSxqE4tHG-Q-RZ5kEnQ0dmoxPhjnm6JydIji_HBcrszSIEHHAz5PNIQZ_vFA62g/w320-h240/DovecotStudios2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Many skilled 20th and 21st century tapestry weavers have honed their skills through the prestigious <a href="https://dovecotstudios.com/" target="_blank">Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Established in 1912, the first Master Weavers Gordon Berry and John Glassbrook came from the workshops of William Morris. Sadly losing their lives in WW1 and leaving unfinished tapestries, many prestigious weavers have since woven at Dovecott and continue to do so. it was a very last minute decision to visit on the final day of my weaving wanderings and how glad I was to have made that decision.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7BQK6dMaBgXcmM_1XB9L0VhaXUR8znQGgdaHLK1NquaKYQ2dj3lb3Uxa5v-ezUbYjKrXPJyzJMzqtevPQxO-p8SxBvKyw4PN7EM2-6nrau_kFkB07itlf4DokOFWEG1n7Ncxh5vx4RVP5NC9azqhacnDbJ9ouZPWfjyIOC5cp4mQYsUTqzq_qzQ6tNMl/s3264/DovecotStudios1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7BQK6dMaBgXcmM_1XB9L0VhaXUR8znQGgdaHLK1NquaKYQ2dj3lb3Uxa5v-ezUbYjKrXPJyzJMzqtevPQxO-p8SxBvKyw4PN7EM2-6nrau_kFkB07itlf4DokOFWEG1n7Ncxh5vx4RVP5NC9azqhacnDbJ9ouZPWfjyIOC5cp4mQYsUTqzq_qzQ6tNMl/w400-h300/DovecotStudios1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It was quite an emotional experience to walk around the gallery of this world-renowned tapestry studio and look down on the working area where so many highly skilled tapestry weavers have created their masterpieces. </div><div>I was most fortunate to enjoy this experience as a lone visitor and in doing so experienced a serenity and peace rarely found in such a large space. </div><div><br /></div><div>There was a solitary weaver working on the Monday morning of my visit and as soft autumn sunshine projected a warm light from above, I enjoyed standing and wataching his dexterous fingers weaving against the cartoon visible behing the warp threads.</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1wyUOCv4dJKfj_WF2tqI5rmJ1mHQwyjuko2j8WeWelQjn56VIM2D2xKLQYT64NjfGn8SH1Lg5fKR9OE62vcQdLKDFQUfO-PD9x7y75OijE-n2cUaiMuvfPlZsOX_z8f2bG6AKEw7O5ozPFRUEEo5aISrSQnte7lqwMjZ7UeahUpUlSTO-aeT4I5w0Iwb/s4000/CairnbaanCanal3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1wyUOCv4dJKfj_WF2tqI5rmJ1mHQwyjuko2j8WeWelQjn56VIM2D2xKLQYT64NjfGn8SH1Lg5fKR9OE62vcQdLKDFQUfO-PD9x7y75OijE-n2cUaiMuvfPlZsOX_z8f2bG6AKEw7O5ozPFRUEEo5aISrSQnte7lqwMjZ7UeahUpUlSTO-aeT4I5w0Iwb/w400-h300/CairnbaanCanal3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My tapestry
wanderings this autumn were over all too quickly and despite the ever
shortening days, I had a very strong inclination to keep heading
North. I pointed my trusty car Southwards and the beautiful vistas of my
days of wandering lifted my heavy heart. This image particularly, taken as I walked along the Crinan Canal at dawn on my first morning.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">I was reminded how colour and form shapes my life in so many ways and that with good fortune, more days of colour and wonder will come to pass. </span></p></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-16189288542124834562022-10-10T08:41:00.023+01:002024-01-08T08:05:22.077+00:00Somerset Arts Weeks 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynDtMsJmE3cT1Tsgjcz66z5E_hegWnZZcIsky77VnVqCNxR9ioC4vo0yIwT0ee49eyG4zI2gbWnLmSAvhnx0KvihtFdHQYFGK1z837JxbGpsoOYhgLn0dp8DzmLDb7Dt9Qp7jRefsZj1Ky_TLEbTIdM8eJ6x1p5LMUnduLdAdQEO22tksc2AxsbUSeA/s4032/Studio1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynDtMsJmE3cT1Tsgjcz66z5E_hegWnZZcIsky77VnVqCNxR9ioC4vo0yIwT0ee49eyG4zI2gbWnLmSAvhnx0KvihtFdHQYFGK1z837JxbGpsoOYhgLn0dp8DzmLDb7Dt9Qp7jRefsZj1Ky_TLEbTIdM8eJ6x1p5LMUnduLdAdQEO22tksc2AxsbUSeA/w320-h240/Studio1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And so after a 3 year break that at times felt very much longer, my studio at Spring Farm in Moorlinch, Somerset opened again this autumn for Somerset Arts Weeks 2022. <p></p><p>Setting up in glorious autumn sunshine felt a very positive sign for my 3rd exhibition in my peaceful studio that has become a haven to me and other textile creatives. As a pottered around tinkering in the late afternoon sunshine, I recalled my displays of years past - and a flood of last minute tasks that had long since faded from memory came to mind! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR40T6jbkVOlvSIqyX5T0dutL1L3aAM9hRFlF_0PQTJKYVgLXhkYNsty7cuW7lYvwd-yuq6WC06GqcxiXt_R4VavKCkLvtDt-j9UbQW-ew-0SXoFJUfhVgl7NoicMmChkpU4WTViny4vALdv7hqchODo-0AIVEyo5IO_KA05inajKFpUsR4E5Q6AP3w/s2554/NaturalDyeDisplay.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2275" data-original-width="2554" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR40T6jbkVOlvSIqyX5T0dutL1L3aAM9hRFlF_0PQTJKYVgLXhkYNsty7cuW7lYvwd-yuq6WC06GqcxiXt_R4VavKCkLvtDt-j9UbQW-ew-0SXoFJUfhVgl7NoicMmChkpU4WTViny4vALdv7hqchODo-0AIVEyo5IO_KA05inajKFpUsR4E5Q6AP3w/w320-h286/NaturalDyeDisplay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In truth, final satisfaction with my displays often comes pretty close to the end of the exhibition. Take my table of naturally dyed textiles from this summer - tinkering with this continued throughout my open days and this became an regular morning activity for most of my displays!<p></p><p>My visitors were really interested to hear about my experiments this summer with <a href="https://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/2022/08/summer-solar-dyeing.html" target="_blank">solar dyeing</a> and eco printing and I was pleased to share my ongoing learning and pleasure of naturalistic ways of colouring textiles.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrhnKSfsuCPkpm3h_Q2ZNYp5LkmShCic2e_JBCTU_gEW9ZbVFY5bPC7DpjB61JiDU5-uzN8QrKLt3f5eho3vjnbpFpeTlWIqkZ4G8FN-KSeIM5qypPBznplTuipDZAZ_6zq4rgBylaZaMIwuq5DTh1s1L-psF_O5m7oGYDPu2EWyklmD0yWwoZljO5g/s4032/AutumnLeaves.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrhnKSfsuCPkpm3h_Q2ZNYp5LkmShCic2e_JBCTU_gEW9ZbVFY5bPC7DpjB61JiDU5-uzN8QrKLt3f5eho3vjnbpFpeTlWIqkZ4G8FN-KSeIM5qypPBznplTuipDZAZ_6zq4rgBylaZaMIwuq5DTh1s1L-psF_O5m7oGYDPu2EWyklmD0yWwoZljO5g/w320-h240/AutumnLeaves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And to hopefully inspire others about the many possibilities and benefits of creating with wool - my passion for this tactile and versatile fibre of my home country grows with each year. Historically, it was absolutely a textile of Somerset and funded the building of many of Somerset church towers. <p></p><p>There are so many new and innovative ways that we can make use of a fibre that we have in abundance and yet place little value on - my new wool duvet and bed mattress being a case in points. These felted and free machined stitched leaf brooches were one of my little wool creations for Arts Weeks this year and for my students to enjoy creating this autumn.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoJ2BzK2iQRFyCrUcl1cofLm_pgh4lcRBQzm80PTynBP7BA_fvqeOc3I5nMVKNGiZM7qxQLN4Cohq2zWYyxc7WfFnsNOUtda3nCNXRDP5ziMh8zKMvEl5miyMVdBKnuaT5HXmSowNCHML-m8suDVXWHkAkWSb17_OGbdHUtXOON0pqAGLQFLVPMM68Q/s4032/CrochetPebbles.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoJ2BzK2iQRFyCrUcl1cofLm_pgh4lcRBQzm80PTynBP7BA_fvqeOc3I5nMVKNGiZM7qxQLN4Cohq2zWYyxc7WfFnsNOUtda3nCNXRDP5ziMh8zKMvEl5miyMVdBKnuaT5HXmSowNCHML-m8suDVXWHkAkWSb17_OGbdHUtXOON0pqAGLQFLVPMM68Q/w320-h240/CrochetPebbles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I also went back to an early summer daliance crotcheting around Somerset pebbles with vintage Twilley Lysecordet - there is something about combining old soft and hard which feels very appealing. <p></p><p>Plus I have discovered that these creations have a number of practical uses - pattern cutting weights for one!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBfe493SQ5itAac3RqnjpJiZUqzH4Guqc9gkcpfgHlcmzy5pfP2EHjWkqz0H8jxXIxbsoAKhTAspbSoOzzgwtWT83eONEcAQfwBMsfgc04AZHqnVKQUb0prwGqiFXh22-yw_hKjgIT-VpMHUTiQPV3fC5wwUofk1JUXLpSGXLWG_fE7FgJ4sVwLDrnw/s4032/TaftsEnd.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBfe493SQ5itAac3RqnjpJiZUqzH4Guqc9gkcpfgHlcmzy5pfP2EHjWkqz0H8jxXIxbsoAKhTAspbSoOzzgwtWT83eONEcAQfwBMsfgc04AZHqnVKQUb0prwGqiFXh22-yw_hKjgIT-VpMHUTiQPV3fC5wwUofk1JUXLpSGXLWG_fE7FgJ4sVwLDrnw/w400-h300/TaftsEnd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I gave pride of place this year to my summer tapestry weavings following a <a href="https://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/2022/06/orcadian-observations.html" target="_blank">life changing adventure to the Orkey Isles this year</a>. My first weaving was inspired by an idylic visit on bright and breezy late Spring morning to the beautiful Tafts End bay on the island of Westray. <p></p><p>The colours in the water ranged from periwinkle purple to aquamarine blue and were a delight to weave in wool and silk across cotton warps - the latter of which I kept visible in the final framing as a reminder that all beauty requires a firm foundation. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLvhrqjkln7uHPNq-X04AbJv8NBkfaEoCLtcsAaGOAAe73cgM2gv1C6No48MZDwdgAIZOWqC_IeE3VUKqknpaFDJDUj3QHgdTEtG21h_DpdhiWwYXH-JdU_B71Yd2OXUXvzVWyI9Hm_9FVzbA_0o1IUYzsIXgczubHIyCkoDU3epWuP_BOlBcDLkOKBX4/s4032/PierowallBay.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLvhrqjkln7uHPNq-X04AbJv8NBkfaEoCLtcsAaGOAAe73cgM2gv1C6No48MZDwdgAIZOWqC_IeE3VUKqknpaFDJDUj3QHgdTEtG21h_DpdhiWwYXH-JdU_B71Yd2OXUXvzVWyI9Hm_9FVzbA_0o1IUYzsIXgczubHIyCkoDU3epWuP_BOlBcDLkOKBX4/s320/PierowallBay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And my second weaving was inspired by a magical moment view memerizing night light across Pierowall Bay in the wee small hours. <p></p><p>A creative Westray resident told me the first blue sky day that she filled herself up with summer light to make up for the lack of in the winter months. How easy it was to do this on Westray and the colours, tones, places and people remain vibrant in me many months after my visit.</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpY7ejYFcE3i0qKYfY_pEJlYU6-RC3g8WfwuthBJl9R7jTBr8bx1B_5Ktr6OTWfJRKe1tF-VH6vZAnkSnbTWQG83S4wZa3cwe5sLsf4mZ32qhlb9UaG3IMTkgBLvsEm9_KKTva_RoUnAuY6GfK0N0A_pw6VtBquXL_aHgzWv_Qavr0xAH1SYHDsDxUtI5/s2203/HawthorneatNythe2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2188" data-original-width="2203" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpY7ejYFcE3i0qKYfY_pEJlYU6-RC3g8WfwuthBJl9R7jTBr8bx1B_5Ktr6OTWfJRKe1tF-VH6vZAnkSnbTWQG83S4wZa3cwe5sLsf4mZ32qhlb9UaG3IMTkgBLvsEm9_KKTva_RoUnAuY6GfK0N0A_pw6VtBquXL_aHgzWv_Qavr0xAH1SYHDsDxUtI5/w320-h318/HawthorneatNythe2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I was blessed by many kindly and friendly visitors throughout my open days and their feedback on my textile work was much appreciated. </div><div><br /></div><div>A number of my textile pictures will be taking up new homes this autumn, including this wool and free stitch creation, inspired by the glowing autumn berries of Crataegus Monogyna. Hawthorn is one of the few trees that can survive and thrive in even the wettest Somerset Levels winter and their autumn berries are a joy to behold just now.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWj5ozzKgy9bfy-ttjfc_Hnrdd9KCvvd6GOvV7qMvGaEDdvkx6-GiY9Cg_TS8amLuBeTQrQmYgjHR8doMg5k_Mmw5GfoLduyqha2NWQGJtn5yDTWPb3xc-4-Ego1i_X3WBGu0Yly7-mvhlGQyjDgK42Cp8N0mxF8NXrftEJSDSJ6VEi0kYb4djEZVqKQ/s3264/Studio3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWj5ozzKgy9bfy-ttjfc_Hnrdd9KCvvd6GOvV7qMvGaEDdvkx6-GiY9Cg_TS8amLuBeTQrQmYgjHR8doMg5k_Mmw5GfoLduyqha2NWQGJtn5yDTWPb3xc-4-Ego1i_X3WBGu0Yly7-mvhlGQyjDgK42Cp8N0mxF8NXrftEJSDSJ6VEi0kYb4djEZVqKQ/w320-h240/Studio3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As I enjoyed a little afternoon sunshine on my last weekend, I recalled the happy conversations throughout my open days this year. As I and many others have come to find, sharing creative tales, highlights and lowlights, is as uplifting as any tangible result. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had the great pleasure of sharing my experience this year with my talented creative neighbours, glassmaking wizards Silver Tree Crystal, painter extrodinaire Tina Spratt and 3rd generation stained glass artist Josh Samways - between us all we will have shared creative words in abundance! Long may this continue - as so many of us have come to find, creativity is life enhancing in the most remarkable ways. </div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-23904615685812554922022-08-11T08:41:00.004+01:002024-01-12T08:21:16.591+00:00Summer Solar Dyeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-_2E09K0ffgpmt3_3l-W2DbJDMUVQNjzULfkp2fQcYw1wOfWIxVj1mcP6Nyr5RDdh8c8jFGRRsYenwaXYtmtLQrnC3wKWl6Dp8In-WCdO2PEOfL2hCZcgluXVeGM4LPlv_C6qtrY3m1W09d2wa4-1xB0cdt-25_bDZiMz_6wkvKyCrxHBXq-je1pweYw/s3684/SolarJarsJuly2022.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2121" data-original-width="3684" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-_2E09K0ffgpmt3_3l-W2DbJDMUVQNjzULfkp2fQcYw1wOfWIxVj1mcP6Nyr5RDdh8c8jFGRRsYenwaXYtmtLQrnC3wKWl6Dp8In-WCdO2PEOfL2hCZcgluXVeGM4LPlv_C6qtrY3m1W09d2wa4-1xB0cdt-25_bDZiMz_6wkvKyCrxHBXq-je1pweYw/w400-h230/SolarJarsJuly2022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>After dabbling with natural dyes for quite a few summers, I made a plan to kick start my 2022 experimentations with solar dyeing. Colouring yarn and/or textiles with natural materials in sun drenched jars is well tried and tested and certainly makes for a most pleasing display. As with all natural dyeing, however, there are no guaranteed colour results and solar dyeing can be even more frustrating as there is a much longer wait for the final outcome! Having worked with some of the natural materials that give reasonable results in a conventional natural dye bath with heat, I made a plan to apply my acquired knowledge to my initial solar jars - here they are after a Spring and early Summer of sunbathing!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5YpLzUX9Td-pMuj5qDkoPp53YV51XuY5Fr1H7gWfzM_znS9dW_AZs2CDAn2Qr7oICUq-fmoFHzBclcLVWyoXwAD7eZ8RMDxBn2izkZvXq3cyC4IF9_KRRCqcNymMgbfkjM6sWXGcGSNlOhhgeMRpoV6qpWBKMitDA0FHVBCXqgLMWM6tByslE9Aa1w/s2799/FirstSolarDyedYarn.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1861" data-original-width="2799" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5YpLzUX9Td-pMuj5qDkoPp53YV51XuY5Fr1H7gWfzM_znS9dW_AZs2CDAn2Qr7oICUq-fmoFHzBclcLVWyoXwAD7eZ8RMDxBn2izkZvXq3cyC4IF9_KRRCqcNymMgbfkjM6sWXGcGSNlOhhgeMRpoV6qpWBKMitDA0FHVBCXqgLMWM6tByslE9Aa1w/w468-h312/FirstSolarDyedYarn.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>I set up my first jar in early March and three other jars quickly joined them. I placed the jars in an inside area that was exposed to a reasonable amount of dappled sunlight - I understood that it was best not to let the jars get too sun scorched. </div><div><br /></div><div>I watched the colours emerge with interest in the weeks that followed, along with a fair amount of acumulated mould on the top of the water! When I emptied my first jar containing indigo and cochineal on a late July morning, I was most pleasantly surprised to find variegated colour that held firm in washing out in tepid water and wool wash.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1C57jwG1_mK1PbC0YAk5qGa2ygzVw6Crd9_9ac2fpwHMRHdDEVy-bc-dDosA1iSqmRIcoG6t55oW51yRcjNdF4rCN2XSGsSDrHbfBvztp4llsXLuupxe74iJazIaZQKRKFjJrnbFZDNuKGFiLG3oifDuUXW3_y9rfAIruiU5Ovy_ZZN5h7EFdVJ3wGg/s4032/SolarDyeing1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1C57jwG1_mK1PbC0YAk5qGa2ygzVw6Crd9_9ac2fpwHMRHdDEVy-bc-dDosA1iSqmRIcoG6t55oW51yRcjNdF4rCN2XSGsSDrHbfBvztp4llsXLuupxe74iJazIaZQKRKFjJrnbFZDNuKGFiLG3oifDuUXW3_y9rfAIruiU5Ovy_ZZN5h7EFdVJ3wGg/w400-h300/SolarDyeing1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Encouraged by this colourful result, I am sharing what what I have learnt so far in support of others who would like to try out this technique. I'll start with the dull, but very necessary prepartion of the fibre. </div><div><br /></div><div>First and foremost, the fibre or any other material that goes into the jar must be 100% natural and ideally protein - wool or silk. While both of these protein fibres take up natural dye materials well, I have found that a preparatory 'mordanting' process greatly increases the take up and fastness of natural dye materials. I used 12% aluminium sulfate and 5% bicarbonate of soda and mixed with tepid water and soaked a 100g hank of blue faced leicester yarn for several hours.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx60qE9PffsXPP-syxNHBkXs5Ij7ZfJ90sbLFocz3SxPqzOKvSddrAT5s3guSatM568Z4mENEnyhnMwvh0VSgXNPyW4bHXFzdE0F2q7HnDpXMB6AgzOnPxWslmkVdMnw1bqvv8huVzx9pubnv-oQC5Uc1H2Mr5eUhqIgtzKoqCm-xSqOqolI8k2bhnA/s3040/SolarDyeing3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3040" data-original-width="2628" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx60qE9PffsXPP-syxNHBkXs5Ij7ZfJ90sbLFocz3SxPqzOKvSddrAT5s3guSatM568Z4mENEnyhnMwvh0VSgXNPyW4bHXFzdE0F2q7HnDpXMB6AgzOnPxWslmkVdMnw1bqvv8huVzx9pubnv-oQC5Uc1H2Mr5eUhqIgtzKoqCm-xSqOqolI8k2bhnA/w277-h320/SolarDyeing3.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>Then to the all important matter of dye materials. These can be fresh or dried materials and a list of those I have found reliable are at the end this post. </div><div><br /></div><div>With all the natural dyeing I have tried, I put the materials I am using in a section of tied old tights as this makes is much easier to wash out the fibre at the end - in this example I had put in a small amount of cochineal. I then put the hank of yarn and alum liquid into the jar to around 3/4 full.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yhtesDLOCuaPyAIid2xGwczhs9PkZSuD0G0pvAFEykCvCMZK375sIU99BkGa_tktG2lfaxtwrPqq39IAsFQCSoYeLpjs0Z9aJ4RgW_D1gE5nLKL7NlkWVcqy2zicRjAVghAziJdX-x-pDIzMNkh11y8gUUscijCEW06bUnDyskwD4XQ2J7GyCHY5Ww/s4032/SolarDyeing4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yhtesDLOCuaPyAIid2xGwczhs9PkZSuD0G0pvAFEykCvCMZK375sIU99BkGa_tktG2lfaxtwrPqq39IAsFQCSoYeLpjs0Z9aJ4RgW_D1gE5nLKL7NlkWVcqy2zicRjAVghAziJdX-x-pDIzMNkh11y8gUUscijCEW06bUnDyskwD4XQ2J7GyCHY5Ww/w320-h240/SolarDyeing4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Next to add a bit of interest with a contrasting colour and for this particular jar I opted for yellow which is easily achieved from a number of flower heads. I've been growning Anthemis Tinctoria this summer and collected a few fresh flower heads and tied them into anther section of tights and put into a small glass with some boiling water. </div><div>After leaving the flower heads to steep for a while, I placed the damp pouch of flower heads on top on the yarn and gently poured the coloured liquid on top, being careful to avoid any agitation. My aim with this method is for a multi-tone effect on the yarn - the colours will seep together over time and likely mix to some degree. Finally to carefully label contents - for all that I think I will remember some months down the track what I included, I know that it reality it is most unlikely that I will!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVprhWScHBdqjrAhZkw7dNMxOzXcX4pZo4lcRBt9QwQ0_44yR51wLGG2uo2Eo-NeZEJpO9ppAr8VaXjaJTA1Mn4k3nwnTjZweP1QWvzS5Li8DblU8EEvaS_KPMo2bLoTluvbr3di-TcH-wDpxYYy-rcD6Qv0shUIBsR2qiD-q7MwOvMhqzIYOxFqIdA/s4032/SolarDyeing5.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVprhWScHBdqjrAhZkw7dNMxOzXcX4pZo4lcRBt9QwQ0_44yR51wLGG2uo2Eo-NeZEJpO9ppAr8VaXjaJTA1Mn4k3nwnTjZweP1QWvzS5Li8DblU8EEvaS_KPMo2bLoTluvbr3di-TcH-wDpxYYy-rcD6Qv0shUIBsR2qiD-q7MwOvMhqzIYOxFqIdA/w240-h320/SolarDyeing5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>Natural dyeing is best approached with an enquiring mind and willingness to learn from results. Backed up with a bit of solid information by those who have long tried and tested, pleasing dye colour can be achieved and here is a short list of potential natural dye materials that I have to be successful. Use fresh where possible or keep materials in an airtight jar until ready to use. Dried materials can also be successful and items beneath marked * are relatively easy to source in the UK from reputable suppliers such as <a href="https://www.fieryfelts.co.uk/product-category/natural-dyes/" target="_blank">Fiery Felts</a> and <a href="https://www.winghamwoolwork.co.uk/natural-dyes-mordants.html" target="_blank">Wingham Wools</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Yellow</b>:- Buddleia Flowers, Anthemis Tinctoria Flowers</div><div><b>Orange</b>:-Correopsis Tintoria Flowers, Dahlia Flowers</div><div><b>Red</b>:- Madder Root*, Cochineal*, </div><div><b>Pink</b>:- Advocado</div><div><b>Purple</b>:- Logwood*</div><div><b>Green</b>:- Weld, </div><div><b>Brown</b>:- Walnut Hulls, </div><div><b>Blue</b>:- Woad, Indigo</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpbGRcMRbHRPYkVGEKWh1lWXoC_N27W5t0R3zRmofzItuhyQtmnUaxthii0cG9xj1MGxcpiuNEr5_00Z3HHkfpYRKrJOL71E2lpQ0CNmSXOMaScsCQDiBRTCnGqW872PwTNV3XJx80njXBGlh9cX2H-0ffy25kx9GfYzGIJf-Yx4G-k4nKNEwOp3hmQ/s4032/SolarDyeing6.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpbGRcMRbHRPYkVGEKWh1lWXoC_N27W5t0R3zRmofzItuhyQtmnUaxthii0cG9xj1MGxcpiuNEr5_00Z3HHkfpYRKrJOL71E2lpQ0CNmSXOMaScsCQDiBRTCnGqW872PwTNV3XJx80njXBGlh9cX2H-0ffy25kx9GfYzGIJf-Yx4G-k4nKNEwOp3hmQ/w456-h342/SolarDyeing6.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>And a special note about blue. A natural dye colour that many aspire to achieve, it is one of the most complicated and time consuming to achieve from natural sources. </div><div><br /></div><div>After a little experimentation with fresh indigo and woad, I came across an indigo derivative called 'Saxon Blue' which I have found to be very reliable and easy to use in conventional dye pots and solar jars. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhnAoq7-Temu8RoUfOrToWPF0ZK55_Bg7s27GhevCx1Hl6_2iQ9KbQ8__sD_2jZwpibiB3vjx4-JttkiByd9pzy1XdSs4kS5MhR3g2Cn-B8Yo0muv01Y1SW7sxZNuSzCyvR3-VuxhskXPmp1bTvSMJ1mA724fu66OA48BI73eXLjzrmda_alSCWjx5Kzz/s4000/OrkneyWool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhnAoq7-Temu8RoUfOrToWPF0ZK55_Bg7s27GhevCx1Hl6_2iQ9KbQ8__sD_2jZwpibiB3vjx4-JttkiByd9pzy1XdSs4kS5MhR3g2Cn-B8Yo0muv01Y1SW7sxZNuSzCyvR3-VuxhskXPmp1bTvSMJ1mA724fu66OA48BI73eXLjzrmda_alSCWjx5Kzz/w200-h150/OrkneyWool.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Feeling pleased with my initial solar dye experiments, I was inspired the following year to use a selection of naturally coloured yarns. I purchased these on a cherished <a href="https://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/2023/06/orkney-sheep-seaweed.html" target="_blank">return trip to the Orkney Isles</a>, with a particular focus on sheep and seaweed! I was delighted to find <a href="https://www.orkneytweed.co.uk/about/" target="_blank">Orkney Tweed</a> - in Victoria Street, Kirkwall close the the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. Owner Nancy has been breeding Zwartble sheep for some years and this great selection of natural colours was perfect for my ongoing experiments.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wSqxF8bYX0I4IP-IG0-Mu9IRitPekkuyZUpaG34FWCkTGDgXk8rFJbrTuTrKxLqvn_MGV6YKty1JWJxH97yigjZUiKH5bMhV7lqAm9q13KhWm0QtrhXZSwHcQlUmfllVhPGLWgr-fin67a9YBFZxi3q7jNYWpIMZfHO6MK_bsn9nk4rNTu0b2tnpGBfW/s2142/OrkneyWoolSeptember2023c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="2142" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wSqxF8bYX0I4IP-IG0-Mu9IRitPekkuyZUpaG34FWCkTGDgXk8rFJbrTuTrKxLqvn_MGV6YKty1JWJxH97yigjZUiKH5bMhV7lqAm9q13KhWm0QtrhXZSwHcQlUmfllVhPGLWgr-fin67a9YBFZxi3q7jNYWpIMZfHO6MK_bsn9nk4rNTu0b2tnpGBfW/w400-h336/OrkneyWoolSeptember2023c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And here are the results of solar dyeing with a similar mix of materials as in the previous year - I was delighted with the results. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am particuarly grateful to Susan and Ashley of <a href="https://www.naturesrainbow.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nature's Rainbow</a> for their inspiration and pointing me in the direction of using natual dyes on wool other than cream. While the results are a touch harder to predicts, the excitement from surprising results is far greater :)</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-76483515391805904042022-06-19T15:54:00.100+01:002024-01-08T17:23:04.351+00:00Orcadian Observations<p _msthash="346619" _msttexthash="268656258"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVppLCRFzSa3FkL-5UVFwP5oRjBF7O6Dkp9m6xsqukyi68Wuuqfy65N0EGe9lwS65ivU_PuyfSLUuxRg1ha0xfPJOqTpDuyJsg8z1Gu77koxF7lsfa36BSU6fcNqIfIexwnGsqrBEGR8gZoGp0FIjAH9H9SgDpKhIM1JvJWM-2QTS99hZwBoz77gPxQ/s4000/Scrabster.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVppLCRFzSa3FkL-5UVFwP5oRjBF7O6Dkp9m6xsqukyi68Wuuqfy65N0EGe9lwS65ivU_PuyfSLUuxRg1ha0xfPJOqTpDuyJsg8z1Gu77koxF7lsfa36BSU6fcNqIfIexwnGsqrBEGR8gZoGp0FIjAH9H9SgDpKhIM1JvJWM-2QTS99hZwBoz77gPxQ/w400-h300/Scrabster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The 50th anniversary of my father's passing called for exceptional journeying. Born to a Northern family with ingrained travelling tendancies, my father's ancestral links to Scotland were never spoken of. This discovery that was at first somewhat surprising has since thrown light on a strong sense of 'going home' on my increasingly frequent travels North. This year I opted to continue journeying until I ran out of road and on a glorious late Spring day, I arrived in Scrabster harbour in Caithness and looked out over a serene Pentland Firth - a most unusual vista I am told. My eyes looked keenly across the stillness of the often treacherous waters to the land mass on the horizon - this was the continued Northly direction I was heading.<p></p><p _msthash="346620" _msttexthash="159223506"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr7e-vJEIv3x1DZm3QyV9e0un-AuspL70PpP-0OvSP0P8LphKMdbj1khBoZMCPQo_nVekSdmQsB7h8wutpiIIxuqHhdRmx78tGfSAdFTc_oVV007NocnLXqn4S2RNMHzEmFnIuRdXww2dxpJPolIdnJE6DYTDHvagIzEXUy1ZbUNEp1R_vtYd7VKBVg/s4000/MaeshoweView.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr7e-vJEIv3x1DZm3QyV9e0un-AuspL70PpP-0OvSP0P8LphKMdbj1khBoZMCPQo_nVekSdmQsB7h8wutpiIIxuqHhdRmx78tGfSAdFTc_oVV007NocnLXqn4S2RNMHzEmFnIuRdXww2dxpJPolIdnJE6DYTDHvagIzEXUy1ZbUNEp1R_vtYd7VKBVg/w400-h300/MaeshoweView.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As I disembarked the morning ferry at Stromster port in Orkney, a smooth and endless landscape unfolded 360 degrees around me. The islands have been described as 'sleeping whales' - a most apt description of the low hills than run from one panorama to the next, broken only in the main by the odd low level building. It was certainly the first time I had witnessed a landscape on the British Isles which for most part, is devoid of trees and this vista from the ancient ground of Maeshowe is typical of an Orcadian view I would view daily, and much to my surprise come to to relish.<p></p><p _msthash="346621" _msttexthash="238856566"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAqG9Du5ZI8Qw8v_HYZYBFTkFd8z_s8tDyBWByEsKUra_gK_-N0vD8j1h1vucMgbLWJk_WyV5fGGMyqlKWhXnG_Gx94Y2LP8d3vpWpjKkhu6noWxLfDGWery_n37FKm7rJxtubDXJ6KtYsevtw98O6Zkqin6ij3Q1rlmISm015kYnvFu5y7yyMNnCmg/s2386/Maeshowe.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1716" data-original-width="2386" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAqG9Du5ZI8Qw8v_HYZYBFTkFd8z_s8tDyBWByEsKUra_gK_-N0vD8j1h1vucMgbLWJk_WyV5fGGMyqlKWhXnG_Gx94Y2LP8d3vpWpjKkhu6noWxLfDGWery_n37FKm7rJxtubDXJ6KtYsevtw98O6Zkqin6ij3Q1rlmISm015kYnvFu5y7yyMNnCmg/w400-h287/Maeshowe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I also quickly found that Orkney has a sense of longevity that that seeps in with every step, something I particulary experienced at Maeshowe on Orkney mainland. The simple, yet pleasing exterior, belied a spectacular stone built cairn that I was coaxed inside to fully view. Maeshowe is believed to have been a Neolithic burial chamber or spiritual site and the complex construction in immense lengths of flagstone that bevel towards the roof were a wonder to behold. The flagstones,which are covered in Viking 'graffiti' from a later occupation, are considered by some to have been 'contributions' from surrounding Neolithic settlements as a means of appeasing declining community fortunes.<p></p><p _msthash="346622" _msttexthash="96822973"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUnQVwjaL3FkATg69cooSs4wdeNxuSAGygYq4FVuedEa3fUnTPekUcsQmHN2NDkmac2ZN2-BXiCK-C9IOvWzsJHOeBHsaiW157gruHVpadBVO4799tvrC3ecRk6w5_UuNxk6Y-65QelfediIjbhi-IeiRw_xTHQOcpEErc6IX8gDDCwseEacuw3eD3A/s4000/SkaraBrae4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUnQVwjaL3FkATg69cooSs4wdeNxuSAGygYq4FVuedEa3fUnTPekUcsQmHN2NDkmac2ZN2-BXiCK-C9IOvWzsJHOeBHsaiW157gruHVpadBVO4799tvrC3ecRk6w5_UuNxk6Y-65QelfediIjbhi-IeiRw_xTHQOcpEErc6IX8gDDCwseEacuw3eD3A/w400-h300/SkaraBrae4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Further enchanting evidence of ancient close knit communities were also to be found in abundance at nearby Skara Brae. <p></p><p _msthash="346622" _msttexthash="96822973">Once considerably further back from the now shore line on the Bay of Skaill, the compact cluster of ten Neolithic stone houses connected by walkways revealed an astonishing detail of daily living. Observing stone hearths, display dressers, beds and toilets that are 5000 years old was both fascinating and truly humbling.</p><p _msthash="346623" _msttexthash="101162997"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx-Z_y2hCyMgxdAhypvSJwMkn0X5HhG0nph2j30ajmMMWfiEK4jSNgwVOve9TLPIcj7SoCE02P4WXJp_xVP9qAXPshfDP2bbE0ubfCWGyV_M9k3LV_d5Ak69sO19ejlnxpm8nJ0QYjIGWonyV82lUjqhQ5vKIHRriIaKiKBrgOPJfbB6fQebMvd2_Zw/s4000/Pierowall5.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx-Z_y2hCyMgxdAhypvSJwMkn0X5HhG0nph2j30ajmMMWfiEK4jSNgwVOve9TLPIcj7SoCE02P4WXJp_xVP9qAXPshfDP2bbE0ubfCWGyV_M9k3LV_d5Ak69sO19ejlnxpm8nJ0QYjIGWonyV82lUjqhQ5vKIHRriIaKiKBrgOPJfbB6fQebMvd2_Zw/w400-h300/Pierowall5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As ever on my journeying, there were totally unanticipated finds. One was wind, so relentless that keeping my feet connected to the earth was a challenge at times. <p></p><p _msthash="346623" _msttexthash="101162997">Then there was the sky which could change from the deepest lead grey to brightest azure blue in a matter of moments. Most captivating was the phenomenal light quality that enthralled me every day and try as I might, my camera lenses always fell woefully short in capturing as my eyes beheld.</p><p _msthash="346624" _msttexthash="108459741"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iSta84ZKukCGS-Ywe2zwDvaBrd3_vcLDh2J4cXwJXq38y13Iemdgif-dwawvdGLs2DewP6qs38GHum6NWt6iPC6DrzDhhj_jT8aBIMTAOwmgD7AI_tbjKE3ZpLFWrqG6ByrLj-JLHUKm2IVaPUfoGr9n-q_f0dDtKiTB_GmpUNu0sFM2G54z6nE-Qg/s4000/Pierowall9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iSta84ZKukCGS-Ywe2zwDvaBrd3_vcLDh2J4cXwJXq38y13Iemdgif-dwawvdGLs2DewP6qs38GHum6NWt6iPC6DrzDhhj_jT8aBIMTAOwmgD7AI_tbjKE3ZpLFWrqG6ByrLj-JLHUKm2IVaPUfoGr9n-q_f0dDtKiTB_GmpUNu0sFM2G54z6nE-Qg/w400-h300/Pierowall9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It was ultimately my final destination of the island of Westray where I spent my most contented hours. My base in the main town Pierowall was so named from the old Norse for 'Small Bay' - the best approximation in local speak is 'Pirro-wa'. <p></p><p _msthash="346624" _msttexthash="108459741">With one modest hotel, a solitary petrol pump, two shops stocked to the gunnels and a chip shop that opens twice a week, the local community easily sources anything over and above through the regular flights and ferries to the island.</p><p _msthash="346625" _msttexthash="154109358"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYeWiUtfM81wNhev2VrY7b7B35EljAhW1w1ZEsri5m1QYX-wRoTXWvUM_NF7WkUXaLpSVOyYTmhvWU0_7SAkvlwuyvPlX9ay37tzUtizuPC50euJkR3_DSksqQhXqPkHEO1UaVDXbJjjc2O6CepXpieWAvnu5lUoaUMEq4JHV6x4kG9qmSU82YLDGCA/s4000/WestManse1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYeWiUtfM81wNhev2VrY7b7B35EljAhW1w1ZEsri5m1QYX-wRoTXWvUM_NF7WkUXaLpSVOyYTmhvWU0_7SAkvlwuyvPlX9ay37tzUtizuPC50euJkR3_DSksqQhXqPkHEO1UaVDXbJjjc2O6CepXpieWAvnu5lUoaUMEq4JHV6x4kG9qmSU82YLDGCA/w400-h300/WestManse1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This ability to secure supplies for all needs enables a creativity in abundance for the island's 500 or so inhabitants. Professional tapestry weavers <a href="http://louisemartintapestry.com/" target="_blank">Louise Martin</a> and Ros Bryant have lived on Westray for some years and after enjoying looking at their striking textile work from a distance, their 2022 summer offering of a combined textile and landscap workshop felt a calling to run with. <a href="https://www.westmanse.co.uk/index.php" target="_blank">West Manse and Brotchie,</a> a sustainable and beautifully restored house high up on a headland just outside Pierowall was our cosy and congenial creative base for the week.<p></p><p _msthash="346626" _msttexthash="149662864"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ShaEKvFHpl9kTXw4Jp1na1h78uAjDrhjUM5cZyw2HKN5TC8MZYflojW2GLS6Bet9SFD9vzpfmbYNqpFHlWqMjNpJguSiFk-dA4KH1XJfxeam3PCMrsoRkoTTdQh4KfNfT1swTPNFcMoh91AdvO8mOVD4QyRRpxnfCC0GpF-e0AgERf-cLBbg5vXDMA/s4032/FirstYarnWrap.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ShaEKvFHpl9kTXw4Jp1na1h78uAjDrhjUM5cZyw2HKN5TC8MZYflojW2GLS6Bet9SFD9vzpfmbYNqpFHlWqMjNpJguSiFk-dA4KH1XJfxeam3PCMrsoRkoTTdQh4KfNfT1swTPNFcMoh91AdvO8mOVD4QyRRpxnfCC0GpF-e0AgERf-cLBbg5vXDMA/w240-h320/FirstYarnWrap.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This was to be far from a conventional weaving workshop and each morning Louise and Ros guided our happy group to an island vantage point and settled us down to work a simple yet highly engaging textile activity - yarn wrapping. <p></p><p _msthash="346626" _msttexthash="149662864">A pastime that was completely new to my fingers, I was truly amazed at the level concentration that was required - and co-ordination to wrap yarn around strips of card in in the Westray wind! Our first wrapping was created was to reflect a slither of the landscape in single colour blocks - a satisfactory attempt by me I thought.</p><p _msthash="346627" _msttexthash="81581305"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ0BNfqvQapNW4OaF-YB646Q0NHoiJFAW3zMyln4Xclg9oAZEOXPlPKFdrWdmThEEY0Sd8uy-xc1PZPV7A7AP_61ILEwNHwj0tp23XjfO7aJFhRUyApyOLtxgg54OH0OJTeqQWNFhktZ78RAhGMV20QKkm8um3_iBZGOFldTKaH6o016nCPYryezhSg/s3340/YarnWraps3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2791" data-original-width="3340" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ0BNfqvQapNW4OaF-YB646Q0NHoiJFAW3zMyln4Xclg9oAZEOXPlPKFdrWdmThEEY0Sd8uy-xc1PZPV7A7AP_61ILEwNHwj0tp23XjfO7aJFhRUyApyOLtxgg54OH0OJTeqQWNFhktZ78RAhGMV20QKkm8um3_iBZGOFldTKaH6o016nCPYryezhSg/w320-h267/YarnWraps3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yarn wrapping became a daily morning activity that we all savoured, translating the colours and tones that our eyes detected in the landscape to yarn creations in our fingertips. <p></p><p _msthash="346627" _msttexthash="81581305">The hours flashed by as totally absorbed, my fingers worked diligently blending colours to reflect the Westray landscape that filled my senses. My sample cards became great treasure and would do much to guide my woven work.</p><p _msthash="346628" _msttexthash="164397519"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRU8IuzMGYGUsiywzfeeOk9gv6B0BnrCP-CYignrdxnGUcRJD5RICINIP2gNpYstab46JI7HqYg5psjOsnc04GYHqpqD8y3ALRTyCldR-4w-FfEdXOCXlZWjdCu8F1P6YHeczMIc6g75WnBxvyozfN52qskWO8hDpWAN2G9mCWXv8rL2wS5I0Q9-baQ/s768/TapestryWeavingSamples2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="768" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRU8IuzMGYGUsiywzfeeOk9gv6B0BnrCP-CYignrdxnGUcRJD5RICINIP2gNpYstab46JI7HqYg5psjOsnc04GYHqpqD8y3ALRTyCldR-4w-FfEdXOCXlZWjdCu8F1P6YHeczMIc6g75WnBxvyozfN52qskWO8hDpWAN2G9mCWXv8rL2wS5I0Q9-baQ/w320-h247/TapestryWeavingSamples2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On our return to West Manse each afternoon, we each began to tapestry weave in a manner that most called. A relatively new craft to me, I could easily have attempted a marathon before I could walk and while commencing a final piece persistantly called me, I was rightly pulled back to the solid ground of tapestry weaving basics and creating oh so vital samples. <p></p><p _msthash="346628" _msttexthash="164397519">Eventually I settled into my task and my fingers gained confidence working the finest of yarns between the warp threads. These are my initial samples, worked onto a block of wood I found at my feet on the first workshop day.</p><p _msthash="346629" _msttexthash="32361602"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_CbPjWTfFm7tlzdSnv8TUMqqxCqK-vD0GMOjm7GN4MtyeSlThFnlRPn2LU1Cbo8rqMyEtjfx-lZM6bpohCMNUSJnyrXaV_G2pciOSJ0rxaiuWN9b5PR5DA-HbUb-lxL2o6R5rE55WIQ2Xu2cwsSuTnqBuntHshEUnjLSXK-J1Ov6KArYxRNvgGYTog/s4000/TaftsEnd6.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_CbPjWTfFm7tlzdSnv8TUMqqxCqK-vD0GMOjm7GN4MtyeSlThFnlRPn2LU1Cbo8rqMyEtjfx-lZM6bpohCMNUSJnyrXaV_G2pciOSJ0rxaiuWN9b5PR5DA-HbUb-lxL2o6R5rE55WIQ2Xu2cwsSuTnqBuntHshEUnjLSXK-J1Ov6KArYxRNvgGYTog/w400-h301/TaftsEnd6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The first tapestry weaving that followed was inspired a by beautiful blue morning sitting with weaving group at a stunning Westray location at Tafts End - one of many beautiful bays. <p></p><p _msthash="346629" _msttexthash="32361602">What a happy morning we had sitting along the top of the bay watching the fast moving skies and colour changes on bright and typically windy Westry day.</p><p _msthash="346630" _msttexthash="115291605"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfY-sNV0bTVOA44Eqwk7PHGXYP9wl9SZp4O5rKkymicRujCeQX4Q1vAfKtaN9mXyyTDbodmUUEaDtRRGfTdLWmKUlOO1u-Jgwcarv-8xTzJel8fBMnjsXQE5LLZoR6eoMYdTkUmC_vFEfy7404HPUTYCQ5zZGwvKrWeeQqs1PxZEB1ZjppVuWLJG0jw/s1634/TaftsEnd.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1419" data-original-width="1634" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfY-sNV0bTVOA44Eqwk7PHGXYP9wl9SZp4O5rKkymicRujCeQX4Q1vAfKtaN9mXyyTDbodmUUEaDtRRGfTdLWmKUlOO1u-Jgwcarv-8xTzJel8fBMnjsXQE5LLZoR6eoMYdTkUmC_vFEfy7404HPUTYCQ5zZGwvKrWeeQqs1PxZEB1ZjppVuWLJG0jw/w400-h347/TaftsEnd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My woven piece started in Westray was completed on my my return to Somerset. Worked predominately in fine wool yarn, I learnt much about warping and weaving using methods to achieve a smooth finish and blending yarn colours to create a painterly effect. <p></p><p _msthash="346630" _msttexthash="115291605">A technique where weaving is an experience where choices are made in moment, I found this to be a very absorbing and pleasurable experience and I immediately rewarped a frame to start a second piece.</p><br /><p _msthash="346630" _msttexthash="151640762"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO4SiQFn7FX9HxLUBvyM1oK84CX1EPScX0r0V5SVGx4PFHYz_L-HLlLDxwhxLxPlubAq4dPPzOIUcc-rwIuYL1SdLam_EbML1Ts3kH2R4MrM6OdEQOtNv55HpuNxsIEAtos-vkIkmIhdPaPHVoTRCm1cjx0mKToqZMxKfhC4Q4Ek6ejomlVzITOPvaw/s4000/WhaleBonesTaftsEnd.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO4SiQFn7FX9HxLUBvyM1oK84CX1EPScX0r0V5SVGx4PFHYz_L-HLlLDxwhxLxPlubAq4dPPzOIUcc-rwIuYL1SdLam_EbML1Ts3kH2R4MrM6OdEQOtNv55HpuNxsIEAtos-vkIkmIhdPaPHVoTRCm1cjx0mKToqZMxKfhC4Q4Ek6ejomlVzITOPvaw/w400-h300/WhaleBonesTaftsEnd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Remembering the detail of my journeying this summer also continues to enthrall me. I quickly came to realise how much I miss coastal waters and all that is offers to daily living throughout the seasons. Aside of their obvious coastal beauty, Westray beaches have a further dimension of regularly offering up diverse natural and historical finds. <p></p><p _msthash="346630" _msttexthash="151640762">I can only imagine the sad day when these stunningly beautiful whale bones first appeared on the beach at Tafts End - a stark reminder that even the mightiest of creatures ultimately returns to the elements.</p><p _msthash="346631" _msttexthash="137362264"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvPSVxm2OIN8lSjw0ZSuFh7awKRn-Ew7l22WGAbw31KOPSWUCY-PCEy8eCTnSkBLNmlwsar3-d4OI2n-V070Zuk6Edqv4oSOvvSMyfDmwWo0Qg3tE-ut6UBhcajoKALy1ecEWm3qtHSxLbor-ULGxxwU6ZKemB5uvDU_wc5FXX22m39GaX_lzUKrQmw/s4000/LinksofNoltland.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvPSVxm2OIN8lSjw0ZSuFh7awKRn-Ew7l22WGAbw31KOPSWUCY-PCEy8eCTnSkBLNmlwsar3-d4OI2n-V070Zuk6Edqv4oSOvvSMyfDmwWo0Qg3tE-ut6UBhcajoKALy1ecEWm3qtHSxLbor-ULGxxwU6ZKemB5uvDU_wc5FXX22m39GaX_lzUKrQmw/w400-h299/LinksofNoltland.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Links of Noltland on the North of Westray have revealed numerous ancient treasures, large and small. Accessed via an overgrown track at the limit of my small car, I felt compelled to continue and my reward was to view the remains of a vast farming settlement dating from 3300 BC to 800 BC - my enchantment was such that I ommitted to fully photograph. <p></p><p _msthash="346631" _msttexthash="137362264">This was a regular experience for me on Westray, for all that a camera is always with me, how easily it was forgotten when I was mesmurised yet again by yet another wonder in front of me.</p><p _msthash="346632" _msttexthash="120217227"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPWInpDx42YN__UWcKHedQ9iH4opQ9VVQSCr53L6YCmfuAT7Rd36f9OROPLwiY9_RDjTOCGM4rimSVWc0AkNOBMPXlOad_nxlxpqEvW2G6tKcFzE9h4tWEbL5xsn7cx3CLGzaW2BnRBhEJZj7s3X-zcyk9QprmSboYlMlQNg1RV4bbOGSYhEVxUeZww/s3669/WestrayWife1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3669" data-original-width="2841" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPWInpDx42YN__UWcKHedQ9iH4opQ9VVQSCr53L6YCmfuAT7Rd36f9OROPLwiY9_RDjTOCGM4rimSVWc0AkNOBMPXlOad_nxlxpqEvW2G6tKcFzE9h4tWEbL5xsn7cx3CLGzaW2BnRBhEJZj7s3X-zcyk9QprmSboYlMlQNg1RV4bbOGSYhEVxUeZww/w248-h320/WestrayWife1.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>One of Westray's most noteable finds was at this location in 2009, a standstone Neolithic figurine 4cm in height which is locally known as the 'Westray Wife'. Believed to be the earliest depiction of a human face found in the United Kingdom, this simple carving also known at the 'Orkney Venus' grabbed my attention some days before my feet set down on Westray soil. <p></p><p _msthash="346632" _msttexthash="120217227">How delighted I was to view quietly and in very close proximity at the most charming <a href="https://westrayheritage.co.uk/" target="_blank">Westray Heritage Centre</a> on the bay at Pierowall.</p><p _msthash="346633" _msttexthash="152012484"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm_M7KVrg_TPwCb5sZYXUjmDA3hddZ2cFM4L082XFmHMPGXD0SiknMp_LpRH2O9ssJyuo4rR9nCudowjIQDOBap8TUpZ5FcyoqKjN7aqLQKrajmmD-bWU3PEgzH8yc1AbXKND88nP5PxaSzWpOygykFPxx_5O8ZKIobaAK7IC5yVf-VowZ_iGDfb51w/s4000/SealPierowall12.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm_M7KVrg_TPwCb5sZYXUjmDA3hddZ2cFM4L082XFmHMPGXD0SiknMp_LpRH2O9ssJyuo4rR9nCudowjIQDOBap8TUpZ5FcyoqKjN7aqLQKrajmmD-bWU3PEgzH8yc1AbXKND88nP5PxaSzWpOygykFPxx_5O8ZKIobaAK7IC5yVf-VowZ_iGDfb51w/w320-h241/SealPierowall12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Whilst the elements were most kindly for all of my Orkney observations this year, I am aware that the typical climate is such that bare arms in summer is a rarity and winter months offer up weeks when daylight is fleeting. There are of course many creatures who are quite happy with these conditions and I imagine they observe us less hardy humans with much interest. <div>My early morning interactions with seals basking in sunshine on the Broughton rocks in Pierowall were magical moments - watching me watching them with curiosity and without expections. <p _msthash="346634" _msttexthash="221075400"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdOV19bVL5y3GgOF_FeYVM64Rj4gpcyZvh_xl9xr_6fh6sHOQpSkaeu_d6F3LgofqjwfqdXKGPWCRXaNLIleawuzsOh7tcFlZwthH2iTORJXxZ_n4Z0q8VEfxRKE70dahziA-E-iaNfXSigkqUKw0G1u4DVj9TDT0mgYLF3f65PutawATGjDyMOedbA/s4000/HomieSheepWestray.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdOV19bVL5y3GgOF_FeYVM64Rj4gpcyZvh_xl9xr_6fh6sHOQpSkaeu_d6F3LgofqjwfqdXKGPWCRXaNLIleawuzsOh7tcFlZwthH2iTORJXxZ_n4Z0q8VEfxRKE70dahziA-E-iaNfXSigkqUKw0G1u4DVj9TDT0mgYLF3f65PutawATGjDyMOedbA/w320-h241/HomieSheepWestray.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I also enjoyed very pleasurable visit to see this Westray 'Holmie' sheep and her lamb. An ancient sheep breed that in the main lives untended feeding on seaweed on the nearby 'holm' of Aikerness. This particular pair were being tended by islander Kim who had relocated from Yorkshire to continue with her work with horses and rare breed animals. Which brings me to another striking Orkney observation, most of the locals I spent happy time with had relocated there their from very different Southerly lives. For anyone questioning the wisdom of such a decision, I can tell you as a well established Southerner, this is something I can totally relate to, if not fully explain.<p></p><p _msthash="346635" _msttexthash="79990937"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1sCwFdPG1rzhs1tGiduxSBlj9O3w0yx_Bu4d_SpeYoQ79avbKozKtlGLjUjAYeR-HVPAPObCktYZjYMxFJUQoLaN_f4zr6TM5leHIFIIrckTknfOJc6zeb5-GT4VPtInCGKfoNFxSU-63qGSCnCJqvNTXVZDlUvd2m537Def7GW3q-yQfMnonBCvTA/s4000/CastleOBurrian.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1sCwFdPG1rzhs1tGiduxSBlj9O3w0yx_Bu4d_SpeYoQ79avbKozKtlGLjUjAYeR-HVPAPObCktYZjYMxFJUQoLaN_f4zr6TM5leHIFIIrckTknfOJc6zeb5-GT4VPtInCGKfoNFxSU-63qGSCnCJqvNTXVZDlUvd2m537Def7GW3q-yQfMnonBCvTA/w442-h332/CastleOBurrian.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>I took my last evening Westray walk at Castle O'Burrian, thinking that a few of the many native puffins might come to join my last few hours of breathing in all that is Westray. <p></p><p _msthash="346635" _msttexthash="79990937">Whilst this was sadly not to be, I was treated to the most ambient late evening sunshine, warmth for bare arms and absolutely no wind! As I had came to learn from living even a short time on Westray, it is best to expect the unexpected!</p><p _msthash="346636" _msttexthash="208747006"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56NW8thO_Y8DeE3HCJx58syxeFB3AECgsxpfDr2R0_s2wCCtY69rLXEoBfnndUrM1jvUIvOl2prPc-FgF2hkFx2XK1KYCt2T1VenmEiHs3e3fVm3ZlCRdaPQdDa95ch0ibipMo_NZz3yJnU6f2fM6FzI2oGzFwoeQKph1SXUGmkeymlicuU37MrIU-g/s4000/BroughtonHorseShoe.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56NW8thO_Y8DeE3HCJx58syxeFB3AECgsxpfDr2R0_s2wCCtY69rLXEoBfnndUrM1jvUIvOl2prPc-FgF2hkFx2XK1KYCt2T1VenmEiHs3e3fVm3ZlCRdaPQdDa95ch0ibipMo_NZz3yJnU6f2fM6FzI2oGzFwoeQKph1SXUGmkeymlicuU37MrIU-g/w320-h241/BroughtonHorseShoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My eyes observed this old horseshoe on a wall in Broughton on each of my seven resident days. Enjoying the many plays of light, I observed on my final day the absence of the seven nail holes that are said to represent good fortune. No matter, as by that point I had already enjoyed greater riches from my Orcadian experiences than I could ever have imagined. <p></p><p _msthash="346636" _msttexthash="208747006">Mindful too that benevolance comes in many forms and grateful for all that I had received, as I journeyed back across another serene Pentland Firth and away from the evocative islands that so many are drawn back to, my eyes fell on this quote - 'keep your eyes forward as this is the direction you are going'.</p><div><p><br /></p></div></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-27571744954162818702022-05-28T06:00:00.009+01:002024-01-08T08:08:36.785+00:00Braided Fabric Bowl<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFedXZE7x0vyr69eKss1hQp9W_iPCUy2NQAC_gaX69NQVXLjrTSZYUGLV7yKNhJ5uzL3F3otAEnnglFaDPMWVJLsU7zhl_EQpnugIil9-yVFFWIFfGzLX8ZZWeG6ojHlV5cosPIRETMKM8eFg8gqkdvg9JV0_Oxj_HNDFSW1NYQRQ8Z7d4gNc0zSdGA/s2707/Braided%20Bowl2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2385" data-original-width="2707" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFedXZE7x0vyr69eKss1hQp9W_iPCUy2NQAC_gaX69NQVXLjrTSZYUGLV7yKNhJ5uzL3F3otAEnnglFaDPMWVJLsU7zhl_EQpnugIil9-yVFFWIFfGzLX8ZZWeG6ojHlV5cosPIRETMKM8eFg8gqkdvg9JV0_Oxj_HNDFSW1NYQRQ8Z7d4gNc0zSdGA/w320-h282/Braided%20Bowl2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While I've worked up a fair bit of hand stitching stamina this past year, my desire to get back to working with machines has been very slow coming. This has happened before and I've learnt that a helpful way to get me started again is to create a small 'play' project. <p></p><p>With a long standing passion for machine stitching bowls, I decided to try out machine stitching a new version of a braided bowl - with the added advantage of using up brown 'dinosaur' fabric that was unlikely to otherwise see the light of day any time soon! This did the trick nicely and resulted in a few very enjoyable hours at my rather neglected sewing machine.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJQhKTwOKuFKvlLCkNIk_40H48SQ42Ki_KOt6g4tDr7pQPzTKBl0POqLnEc458Iv1SCyGPOf21TxnTc8a8jnBZkMFMIUHNDGoTbxyYrGukwSQe5_TxnsEEX0oEm4S1DDeSX_7XeFBVsFmpt8v4GJcFVQEBtBREPElqMBC7tSby1wl2zJFYoMknROc6w/s2907/PlatterWay.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2907" data-original-width="2907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJQhKTwOKuFKvlLCkNIk_40H48SQ42Ki_KOt6g4tDr7pQPzTKBl0POqLnEc458Iv1SCyGPOf21TxnTc8a8jnBZkMFMIUHNDGoTbxyYrGukwSQe5_TxnsEEX0oEm4S1DDeSX_7XeFBVsFmpt8v4GJcFVQEBtBREPElqMBC7tSby1wl2zJFYoMknROc6w/w320-h320/PlatterWay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Interestingly, it was an old gadget that I bought from an antique stand at my first visit to Wonderwool in Wales this year that kind of nailed my new approach. This nifty trio of metal 'folders' for fabric lengths for rug making must be at least 100 years old. <p></p><p>The kit was in surprisingly good condition and with excellent instructions for folding and plaitng fabric, I immediately thought of a 21st century alternative - those metal folders look very much like modern binding tools!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAahvX5Dzcdi0QEHohje497VPb7wcRBAaLaoc5SJFMbThLQl1ZH8FtVekwfciQSQOEdKxIcULj_NI7Gek0Tv2_Sg9EwkMcFOvCiPFJSdArdzEM4eZ3hq06fNvr6YK_6tYv7Z9R2V2k16Zy1ibsJMMJVHiq4vnqcF7FRBZ2stvTtoqZpsIQ8oR7ddJwg/s4032/BraidedBowlA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAahvX5Dzcdi0QEHohje497VPb7wcRBAaLaoc5SJFMbThLQl1ZH8FtVekwfciQSQOEdKxIcULj_NI7Gek0Tv2_Sg9EwkMcFOvCiPFJSdArdzEM4eZ3hq06fNvr6YK_6tYv7Z9R2V2k16Zy1ibsJMMJVHiq4vnqcF7FRBZ2stvTtoqZpsIQ8oR7ddJwg/w320-h240/BraidedBowlA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What I particularly liked about my new braiding approach was no frayed edges! While do like a bit of tasteful fraying, my past experiments with braiding frayed cotton fabric strips has often been disappointing. Modern cottons tend to have lots of white in the fray and with a lesser thread count than times past, they can fray to excess. <p></p><p>Folding in edges using a binding tool was surprisingly speedy and after a bit of trialling fabric widths, a very neat fabric plait was ready read to machine stitch,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7y3awHLZiqjXPi0Ay7ZeJXq-tqMNJJFPO9nu_zJHhAqihwICfiPtY0LyCKkxllgSbs8NB6FB_7WCa1TtEkTEw2_opKAdljLbqNig_fwGnTur0PYxcW-U1qNtdw2aSD6QonQb6JzPE_lccAj78KQvMUEXv8bd9BghJ9HNs76IgMdyj5867YKOJHVV3tA/s4032/BraidedBowlB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7y3awHLZiqjXPi0Ay7ZeJXq-tqMNJJFPO9nu_zJHhAqihwICfiPtY0LyCKkxllgSbs8NB6FB_7WCa1TtEkTEw2_opKAdljLbqNig_fwGnTur0PYxcW-U1qNtdw2aSD6QonQb6JzPE_lccAj78KQvMUEXv8bd9BghJ9HNs76IgMdyj5867YKOJHVV3tA/w320-h240/BraidedBowlB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Having secured one end tightly, I started to make a coil and set a wide zigzag to stitch together. It was a bit fiddly machine stitching the start of a coil and I just got in lots of stitches in no particular order to hold the centre of the coil together. <p></p><p>Once I had a bit of coil to hold on to, machining the rounds together got very much easier. For anyone doing this for the first time, I recommend a toning thread colour that blends into the fabric colours.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2wlp-F1uYrlXRTNsJNlYJAFAf5LiB8hVoqEm5WhNhLWNa2zJ_j9xCTXRCJNuMv3FckaK-lApZsLF-Mpfk14QHr2aKj15QKnY4R8V1PS7B4Db6F-cRRWDKT4kXTH7OFwioNOwJDOrUh-nATY81HeYuUrSI5w9EpIkUk7Q8Mf20u91fD4UkaT4KoXsuQ/s4032/BraidedBowlC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2wlp-F1uYrlXRTNsJNlYJAFAf5LiB8hVoqEm5WhNhLWNa2zJ_j9xCTXRCJNuMv3FckaK-lApZsLF-Mpfk14QHr2aKj15QKnY4R8V1PS7B4Db6F-cRRWDKT4kXTH7OFwioNOwJDOrUh-nATY81HeYuUrSI5w9EpIkUk7Q8Mf20u91fD4UkaT4KoXsuQ/w320-h240/BraidedBowlC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I found it best to keep the 3 fabric strips for the plait at variable lengths to avoid creating a bulk of joins. When I needed to add to a length, a dab of fabric glue was all that was needed to join in the next length. <p></p><p>When the coil had become the desired size of the bowl base, I started to make the sides are by lifting the coil on the left side while I continued machine stitching - I knew from lots of past bowl stitching that the greater the lift the steeper the sides of the bowl would be. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0-6ySGBOPh8C8aULgw6w7XslWp_-67CebflJxxAHswJWQIvsAbewqn13a2ibAla6eQsUTI7YDimg4mTpRZ5VsFA3ivzgOGmO9tBm03YYbVpep6uYooiZLESBN27ZpNDjRl5wm9Wy__MnAYxpEB3I9WMTySkwBfIwIgjk6j_ztFPQA7YDVHhYlNOQfQ/s4032/Braided%20Bowl.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0-6ySGBOPh8C8aULgw6w7XslWp_-67CebflJxxAHswJWQIvsAbewqn13a2ibAla6eQsUTI7YDimg4mTpRZ5VsFA3ivzgOGmO9tBm03YYbVpep6uYooiZLESBN27ZpNDjRl5wm9Wy__MnAYxpEB3I9WMTySkwBfIwIgjk6j_ztFPQA7YDVHhYlNOQfQ/w320-h240/Braided%20Bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>To make a neat join at the top of the bowl, I tapered each of the fabric strip ends into the plait on the previous round and I added a bit of glue and a few hand stitches to secure. <p></p><p>There are numerous possibilties for shaping the bowl from the beginning to make ovals and oblongs and making the shape taper out or in. Alternatively the creation can be kept flat for a mat or rug - a serious supply of excess fabric will be required for the latter! Here are a few of my students creations this summer - everyone really enjoyed creating and all are now looking at their undesirable cotton fabrics in a whole new light :)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitbBs21t2gpb51PdlEHEcyi4nUFVU-Qm4JYo2KiUTq5nvlXJg6yuLtnKGnItFXFi9-MP86QjiVahDjVhQ3mbqEkUlCk99g5ZF9YDVq3-lEI3_ZYa4SXFtg6vQc8gOWRY-5gCr7AeVYfHnFRalyovnQHPWhkeAtQMdItZmW2Q5jBiCCVESBq-bnPNEkQ/s752/BraidedBowls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="752" height="611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitbBs21t2gpb51PdlEHEcyi4nUFVU-Qm4JYo2KiUTq5nvlXJg6yuLtnKGnItFXFi9-MP86QjiVahDjVhQ3mbqEkUlCk99g5ZF9YDVq3-lEI3_ZYa4SXFtg6vQc8gOWRY-5gCr7AeVYfHnFRalyovnQHPWhkeAtQMdItZmW2Q5jBiCCVESBq-bnPNEkQ/w640-h611/BraidedBowls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-61879172115307267492022-02-04T19:45:00.057+00:002024-01-05T19:03:30.196+00:00Siddi/Kawandi Quilting<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQuv3pmVlGS7yPFFRg3grrp8LpZLxahNuQR1YSiM5gwwavHeftL8mSpF3Fry6Wk7Ud76bJYi2uphyG_kQfUnNhwVx6evi2GLD8a_3B-MVdaIXa_yQv6Yo2gP7KYQe78lblDAzVHvFUtYHdYairWchkAqPEj5Q73ShXvajGfX0UPTX3SPijmO0Puf7Ncg=s3543" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3543" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQuv3pmVlGS7yPFFRg3grrp8LpZLxahNuQR1YSiM5gwwavHeftL8mSpF3Fry6Wk7Ud76bJYi2uphyG_kQfUnNhwVx6evi2GLD8a_3B-MVdaIXa_yQv6Yo2gP7KYQe78lblDAzVHvFUtYHdYairWchkAqPEj5Q73ShXvajGfX0UPTX3SPijmO0Puf7Ncg=w400-h342" width="400" /></a></div>I began a textile adventure at the start of this winter that I have contemplated for many a year - hand quilting. For all the amazing fabrics I've been fortunate to have access to, it was ultimately a humble selection of Indian garment remnants that finally stirred me to put a hand needle into quilting action. Sourced on a joyous late summer's day at the vibrant <a href="https://www.sussexprairies.co.uk/event/bazaar-indian-summer-market-4/" target="_blank">Sussex Prairie Gardens Bazaar Indian Market</a>, I lovingly fingered my textile treasures for some weeks and pondered how I could work with them. As autumn gave way to low light winter days, little could I imagine how my treasures would brighten my days and I continue to look at my modest hand quilt achievement in wonder.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg06_eOP5tGoYQo8vgC6czRvpUlhipy4IJc5r5ey5yg2Uyr9cw03ABsNjlR4Xa01J0OE5tVDOLIM2AIylNd5p0M7v3qKtZVgsf1w3IsxT0GtKKn4KjKl1JCDv2B_KvCef9O7zMtvAqNoz4_G8WIF_ttpc_bJBUHCp8v4eCjifMDHnU6NV1MLKsAha1nnw=s3738" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2262" data-original-width="3738" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg06_eOP5tGoYQo8vgC6czRvpUlhipy4IJc5r5ey5yg2Uyr9cw03ABsNjlR4Xa01J0OE5tVDOLIM2AIylNd5p0M7v3qKtZVgsf1w3IsxT0GtKKn4KjKl1JCDv2B_KvCef9O7zMtvAqNoz4_G8WIF_ttpc_bJBUHCp8v4eCjifMDHnU6NV1MLKsAha1nnw=w400-h241" width="400" /></a></div>Whenever I have thought of quilting, there has always been a strong urge to stay true to the roots of this much loved heritage craft. Derived from the Latin word <i>culcita</i> meaning to bolster or cushion, the first known example of quilting was a garment depicted on an ivory carving from the ancient Egyptian First Dynasty. Quilting became part of the needlework tradition from the 15th century for both clothing and housefhold use. Originally quilted items were 'wholecloth' and 'patchwork' quilting started in the late 18th century and was in many respects, the first example of 'upcycling'. It is this repurposing of fabric that would otherwise be relegated to waste that has always appealed to me and these were my modest Indian textile remnants that started my journey. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLs2nyBiuBv98kQP1nfB5Wi-3uB-uojxyr1tCWWs_-EFuzwGvV1cg5jPRohpOuhj98FKPcr6QN3Z9VnvKRYUHtQVscuJyU7b87STbOq_ze7NuRwozewZSQPNsGYPAU2rf13GAQBFxO_6FSeGEw20hH4snVkMnIpJxtcy6lSScbjJkWzFpVkdTrAkHXzA=s1280" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLs2nyBiuBv98kQP1nfB5Wi-3uB-uojxyr1tCWWs_-EFuzwGvV1cg5jPRohpOuhj98FKPcr6QN3Z9VnvKRYUHtQVscuJyU7b87STbOq_ze7NuRwozewZSQPNsGYPAU2rf13GAQBFxO_6FSeGEw20hH4snVkMnIpJxtcy6lSScbjJkWzFpVkdTrAkHXzA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>It also felt important to work with my fabrics in an authentic way and after a little research I came upon the Siddi women of Western India. Early African imigrants, one of the traditions they have retained in their culture is the creation of colourful quilts called 'Kawandi'. Made from patches of well worn clothing and often backed onto old saris, their striking and creative quilts adorn any Siddi village and are routinely used. Others before me have been equally drawn by their tradition and have initiated exhibitions and their own quilting journeys. This short write up by <a href="http://www.henrydrewal.com/exhibit_stitching_history.html" target="_blank">Henry John Drewel</a> gives a little insight into the cultural setting.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr6uiPAA77NSs-4zynFs0UJXlCn-bOV-HAW_YliipGmg6XsinDp-QgHwlLL1Z0frTKWQqrbQ-K2gcZGV8nHgdHZQGzzeeRew3R2prCt0jV3Rk5Sq_SDKfvGptCpw6qg1b_z-1xS5yR5Ys_NsKvXixfEcgeSqywTaoPCwzzSiS12Pcybky6bXPD_SaRHg=s2826" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2593" data-original-width="2826" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr6uiPAA77NSs-4zynFs0UJXlCn-bOV-HAW_YliipGmg6XsinDp-QgHwlLL1Z0frTKWQqrbQ-K2gcZGV8nHgdHZQGzzeeRew3R2prCt0jV3Rk5Sq_SDKfvGptCpw6qg1b_z-1xS5yR5Ys_NsKvXixfEcgeSqywTaoPCwzzSiS12Pcybky6bXPD_SaRHg=w400-h369" width="400" /></a></div>As the UK autumn days shortened, I dilegently researched how this hand quilting technique was worked. How I envied those who had been able to travel to Siddi villages and sit in person to see the technique in action. And so one one early winter's day, I laid a piece of hand blocked printed Indian cotton on a pair of my studio tables followed by a piece of beautiful wool wadding. After folding the edge of the backing fabric around the wadding, I started to cut, position and hand stitch my first line of blocks of varying widths - the constitant height gave me a chance to get use to constructing and hand quilting at the same time.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjncY4KSm-gyKMMFYrXjomZbc7tSCpFmGfOEm00Nru8FIsmzVu3cxLY5Ocu_eo63F_B0L-8NvMAcMNHDx-mK1zbtNYo7HDNU_7_pVwTzo3Hv447-jBGBVsEoEkNBGIKFupNYKxnDrqMYCRQu9s4T2Kum3tU5II1kPMISXg2O13isNxrjmn6EitdKWUGLw=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjncY4KSm-gyKMMFYrXjomZbc7tSCpFmGfOEm00Nru8FIsmzVu3cxLY5Ocu_eo63F_B0L-8NvMAcMNHDx-mK1zbtNYo7HDNU_7_pVwTzo3Hv447-jBGBVsEoEkNBGIKFupNYKxnDrqMYCRQu9s4T2Kum3tU5II1kPMISXg2O13isNxrjmn6EitdKWUGLw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>I had learnt from studying many Siddi quilt photographs, that there were a number of traditions in adding particular shapes and one of these was an 'L' shape in quilt corners. Concerned at the beginning about running out of fabrics, my colour choices for these were conservative and I wished later that I had acquired extra remmants earlier than I did. I hand stitched throughout in a perle 12 cotton thread in a light beige colour - this is much finer than the white cotton thread traditionally used. I kept my hand stitching to a size that I could comfortably work without hooping or putting in a frame, neither of which was an option. <p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwTMjRzeQGJUleHUu3vWDj8iumMg-6q4qFBePHdNyANmvXXNIQb8hcmyGFxY3qRIPdXJwipE4Ixj5RcQtp477J20PaMFOhReIMJNxuEN5_TwJj6r11aEQ1MweH20Kmr1NY7UTECaMaVl1sxNHhoFk5GBQOweZ4YDKo08EmXgQWbOi4sxqJfq3E8A53YQ=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwTMjRzeQGJUleHUu3vWDj8iumMg-6q4qFBePHdNyANmvXXNIQb8hcmyGFxY3qRIPdXJwipE4Ixj5RcQtp477J20PaMFOhReIMJNxuEN5_TwJj6r11aEQ1MweH20Kmr1NY7UTECaMaVl1sxNHhoFk5GBQOweZ4YDKo08EmXgQWbOi4sxqJfq3E8A53YQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>I also have to admit that unlike Siddi women who sit on the ground to work, I sat at a table. While I'm still reasonably adept at sitting on a floor, I had a strong desire to keep my work flat to help me stitching straight lines - old habits die hard! I also admit to using pins to hold blocks in place as I worked. I did try to avoid using an iron to press under seams and used a wallpaper edge roller most of the time which was great for cottons and silks. Siddi quilters use none of these things, which is something I still marvel at.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh6L85Si13LrVbuaUKMeC0eantmT-NYacHUzFeg-rOC1c6uJW5j85uj6vgQK8Qyf7NCNc3XoAMMoX4WTCvDVsfAZBVBY7_csAuoZ3M4ykH_GHS30kHvfZk8qQmgkQqVv4gr58eFTFiUW5rPX9fu2ZGf1G2gNFWWr_SMRKGD7caD9ov7aKW7A4FaziZ8w=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh6L85Si13LrVbuaUKMeC0eantmT-NYacHUzFeg-rOC1c6uJW5j85uj6vgQK8Qyf7NCNc3XoAMMoX4WTCvDVsfAZBVBY7_csAuoZ3M4ykH_GHS30kHvfZk8qQmgkQqVv4gr58eFTFiUW5rPX9fu2ZGf1G2gNFWWr_SMRKGD7caD9ov7aKW7A4FaziZ8w=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>My colour palette is best described as autumnal and I wanted to keep a vibrant feel. Where I had worked with larger blocks that I wanted to break up, I placed small square pieces that the Siddi quilters call 'Tikeli'. I also became increasingly confident in adding flashes of 'bright' in colours that I had disguarded in my intial fabric selections. As I started each line of blocks, I did so without a plan and chose colours and sizes one or two blocks ahead at a time intuitively. Sometimes a whole line of blocks happened comfortably in an hour and sometimes this line took a whole afternoon!</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEh0_voeDf0axSSViOJgc5hDxdQzoet8wQesW1YLdUJyY25X062ThqEXxPnOz_J-hm0yf2YdxDbQvVIqf9qFEju3AyccCOHi6UmrakwkL-fikdZFwCaH34X8Qh6u3u2E0XlEQsQFaKlIebn9Gejwdh4Xb_96OyTBXzcJTG78icLkIHjkrsJvK3rx4tCQ=s3150" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2034" data-original-width="3150" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEh0_voeDf0axSSViOJgc5hDxdQzoet8wQesW1YLdUJyY25X062ThqEXxPnOz_J-hm0yf2YdxDbQvVIqf9qFEju3AyccCOHi6UmrakwkL-fikdZFwCaH34X8Qh6u3u2E0XlEQsQFaKlIebn9Gejwdh4Xb_96OyTBXzcJTG78icLkIHjkrsJvK3rx4tCQ=w400-h259" width="400" /></a></div>Beyond the first row of blocks, I avoided keeping blocks in straight lines as much as possible. I became increasing aware, however, that each folded under horizontal block edge did need to be stitched. The stitch lines are worked in rounds and turning corners generally took the most thinking. I learnt too that some types of remnants were much easier to work with than others and that I could be kindly to myself by folding under edges on the more stable fabrics and placing the less stable ones beneath. While the wool wadding ultimately made the quilt beautifully soft and tactile, it had a life unlike any cotton wadding I had ever worked with! Slowly my fingers adjusted and I became increasingly drawn to work on the quilt and felt excited by the prospect of the next stitching session.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDcafLF-XYX6PbliyuxPWnqT90KnqiqLgiri5hUye9zeNVBKjrZq6q7G8BkSCaILrvmyAXIQ8YFxPXiANXQeJZ7IbGqkE7MIXwqkDQ1054jw0QlBt9A3y14qa4yvilmymBUXDKN4x72zVseceZkhcJ8FUzes3NY_44KVi30zQcZ3o8wfQS5sCuYZ64Yg=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDcafLF-XYX6PbliyuxPWnqT90KnqiqLgiri5hUye9zeNVBKjrZq6q7G8BkSCaILrvmyAXIQ8YFxPXiANXQeJZ7IbGqkE7MIXwqkDQ1054jw0QlBt9A3y14qa4yvilmymBUXDKN4x72zVseceZkhcJ8FUzes3NY_44KVi30zQcZ3o8wfQS5sCuYZ64Yg=w400-h299" width="400" /></a></div>By the time preparations for Christmas came knocking, placing and stitching a round of blocks had became decidely quicker. I felt happy with my colour choices and much to my surprise, there was only one point in the whole quilt where I removed a block - after attempting to introduce a new fabric that somehow jarred with me. While the whole process to that point had been relaxing and medative in a way I had rarely experienced with stitching before, I felt a sense of aprehension as I got closer to the quilt centre. I started to measure where my stitch lines would end up, which was helpful in that it gave me confidence that my 1" spaced stitch lines would work. It did, however, make me feel increasingly concerned about what I would do at the centre point and I found myself mulling this over way too often!</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcUj69hY_bBoUD1Z2mY_OzelB8YRsfr88NOf9Qf7W2Ce1HVreWI-tpkOdP-0pEg87WUbFjdlYiAJ7UC4OBpSc3NAoAwTiUCjTn-kRDtbuh0Nm9Re6bPa214GcDX0qZsP7Tm78mu-JX2BOH4FBpb9CJmCA1jkSPh3UbPx0Z_mlpBa6cImvZlK_Zf4XZxw=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcUj69hY_bBoUD1Z2mY_OzelB8YRsfr88NOf9Qf7W2Ce1HVreWI-tpkOdP-0pEg87WUbFjdlYiAJ7UC4OBpSc3NAoAwTiUCjTn-kRDtbuh0Nm9Re6bPa214GcDX0qZsP7Tm78mu-JX2BOH4FBpb9CJmCA1jkSPh3UbPx0Z_mlpBa6cImvZlK_Zf4XZxw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>On a bleak Saturday after New Year, kindly students Marie and Alison came to look at my progress and listen to my ramblings about how my centre could be worked. While I did make a plan as a result of their helpful comments, the reality was when I started stitching again I did something completely different! And here is the ultimate joy of Siddi quilting - it happens and is enjoyed one block at a time. How fitting it was that I should happen upton this technique in a further pandemic year when living in the day was way easier than any form of planning ahead. And so in the first week in January 2022, my centre was completed and I left the final stitch to be taken quietly on a mellow day.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzpY-M9_P1TzT6rEEiWeG0v-p_-5RKWfq0KJtr1GynrypKkodH5OvEh_cAoWVI4Qa2nBG9Eo57mYoKeOtQYNotwDCqJEa2xd74JNqEuCmQa6GaMXgxII7b5i3rLupBFeNI_TUNt2sAuC9_n7sGurxQDpg-OTKjmzloIiWaBSgX_EDjgauMKi1h7jBvGA=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzpY-M9_P1TzT6rEEiWeG0v-p_-5RKWfq0KJtr1GynrypKkodH5OvEh_cAoWVI4Qa2nBG9Eo57mYoKeOtQYNotwDCqJEa2xd74JNqEuCmQa6GaMXgxII7b5i3rLupBFeNI_TUNt2sAuC9_n7sGurxQDpg-OTKjmzloIiWaBSgX_EDjgauMKi1h7jBvGA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>I am so grateful to all those who suported me in my hand quilting journey. Of particular note, are my friends Chris and Marius, who took interest in my ideas and aspirations from the very beginning. As much as I loved my hand quilting experience beyond words, I would have made it a whole lot easier had I done what I now recommend to others who would like to learn this technique - make a sampler! With Indian fabric remnants now in abundance, I spent a delightful Saturday quietly hand stitching this example for students. How pleasurable and satisfying it was to stitch on a smaller scale and to try out a new colour scheme. Plus I also included the traditional Siddi 'Phulas' at the corners - folded pieces of fabric that must be added for a quilt not to be considered naked! Having realised that I really liked them, I went back and added these onto my main quilt.</div><br /><div>One of the biggest suprises of my hand quilting adventure is the number of people that it has interested. A modest creation by modern quilting standards, there is clearly something about slow stitching with fabric remnants that resonates with others as it has with me. The many hours I sat in this seat in my studio will always remain with me and I am delighted to be inspiring others to work this technique in my <a href="https://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/p/online-learning-supplies.html" target="_blank">studio workshops</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8fEqDlwh3rmiRM8DAJNwA8cSpbPFRNdQEl2tuBLif0ZlkUtGTUIGLJ5Vau-m3JA0RZ9TTR2nrz7sQj6-G0d_byLmG-Oqxs51LNVKhTwO_v4V7cX0Y1ECslW__elwJgHa35rdCUSCPMbB5n4r1AgvHANX0mET-XXd9AUHyHyYGA4-EGJ1kN4VBnBONCw=s3264" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8fEqDlwh3rmiRM8DAJNwA8cSpbPFRNdQEl2tuBLif0ZlkUtGTUIGLJ5Vau-m3JA0RZ9TTR2nrz7sQj6-G0d_byLmG-Oqxs51LNVKhTwO_v4V7cX0Y1ECslW__elwJgHa35rdCUSCPMbB5n4r1AgvHANX0mET-XXd9AUHyHyYGA4-EGJ1kN4VBnBONCw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-47269779337478679822021-11-28T17:29:00.014+00:002024-01-08T08:10:14.273+00:00Silk Fusion & Paper Making<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSrBzs7b0rfObVAACSrYwaODkr7ySV52QUSwgmNJMC_oU423WU7FIlCL9aZfRFJJdKfqje5hTnhCtvfU5QgxM4_qLHmQch8DQdnE8YCoaYSy1hwCnnYt1qcGjLXaLyZpO7czICINhZz0l/s1446/SilkPaperSamples2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1446" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSrBzs7b0rfObVAACSrYwaODkr7ySV52QUSwgmNJMC_oU423WU7FIlCL9aZfRFJJdKfqje5hTnhCtvfU5QgxM4_qLHmQch8DQdnE8YCoaYSy1hwCnnYt1qcGjLXaLyZpO7czICINhZz0l/w400-h300/SilkPaperSamples2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Festive decoration making very often leads me to explore new textile possibilities. This years inspiration came from a most enjoyable autumn visit to <a href="https://whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/" target="_blank">Whitchurch Silk Mill</a>, where the delights of silk 'fusion' were brought back onto my radar. Also called silk 'paper' making, while this lustrious and tactile medium is very much made in the fashion of paper, the feel is by far more of a textile. Making in earnest this month has been a very creative and fun experience, with the added bonus of mega colour fixes! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG60hyphenhyphenfpafQsXykezyaMqpY3daK5nNHgTS65r32FPgbUXIe8EAw-VraK0camg2_fOxk4UlvLGIAF-4TwEs885P64H5iTgCX-I7vk5RkcMeL1LJdYJqKp-pYtiK81hLKJ86ZMGAkqxP1R9/s2048/SilkTops.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG60hyphenhyphenfpafQsXykezyaMqpY3daK5nNHgTS65r32FPgbUXIe8EAw-VraK0camg2_fOxk4UlvLGIAF-4TwEs885P64H5iTgCX-I7vk5RkcMeL1LJdYJqKp-pYtiK81hLKJ86ZMGAkqxP1R9/w320-h240/SilkTops.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tussah and Mulberry silk tops are both suitable for silk fusion and are available from specialist sellers in an array of colours. I spent some very enjoyable hours online shopping for a vibrant selection that I knew would be equally joyful in my fingers. Mulberry fibres are generally considered the better quality of the two and as the fibres that are finer and longer than Tussah they generally make a thinner fusion. Tussah tends to produce a more sturdy product and is therefore more suitable for projects that require some robustness.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2sDbGwfjP07TUDoAT8M1fTix_wL5zxkPLtTu7BHhdClwOoL7VgQ9ht5qwS33taAXZgjXZF3vQN5kMswtYLjT7ODi0y0ZSn7OPA_TJfmPfpfXAPI6bCz-ao48h7Q5MM8VeenRznnZLXAU/s2048/SilkPaperMakingA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2sDbGwfjP07TUDoAT8M1fTix_wL5zxkPLtTu7BHhdClwOoL7VgQ9ht5qwS33taAXZgjXZF3vQN5kMswtYLjT7ODi0y0ZSn7OPA_TJfmPfpfXAPI6bCz-ao48h7Q5MM8VeenRznnZLXAU/w320-h240/SilkPaperMakingA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The creation process starts with laying a piece of plastic on a working table and a piece of netting on top of this - I used floor underlay as my base which had the added advantage of a little padding. Then the silk fibres are layed down onto the net so that they overlap. Fibres can be laid in a structured fashion as in felting with an even layer in one direction and then at right angles to the first layer. I found that this made for a paper that was certainly sturdy, however, a bit too flat for my liking. Aiming for something a bit more vibrant, I found putting down a single layer that overlapped at all sorts of angles worked really well - as long as I ensured that there were no sparsely laid patches. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz_wtZLHFveM8REq8ytXFH5Pvmm_KXDxwoUa41H7WrFIDPqDHIT4lth7c5tpfn3gktM2fyLBYEbmiYl90QAoFV9klUu53qi4GmIBgcxkGH5i8kk92N0QYSoXQboY9DwXxU1VxCqyBRBbM/s2048/SilkPaperMakingB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz_wtZLHFveM8REq8ytXFH5Pvmm_KXDxwoUa41H7WrFIDPqDHIT4lth7c5tpfn3gktM2fyLBYEbmiYl90QAoFV9klUu53qi4GmIBgcxkGH5i8kk92N0QYSoXQboY9DwXxU1VxCqyBRBbM/w320-h240/SilkPaperMakingB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The next step is most important and not to be scrimped on - wetting out the silk. It is vital that this is done thoroughly to enable the fabric medium to penatrate through all the fibres and thus hold it together. A dot of washing up liquid in the water helped with this. <p></p><p>Another layer of net was added on top before wetting out to hold the silk fibres in place.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZxV0D5CKGIPbu2RhX3BczT6iPsFZIfD01-LCVCq8d7vtxqERHNqJKuHTZCt_XFbHbnb1Jv4w3HeSnK7nz80NgzoqOLft1uF06uORndtGeI37I7ddKNERufi_kJ3f_Lmvja-5h3ORcKBO/s2048/SilkPaperMakingC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZxV0D5CKGIPbu2RhX3BczT6iPsFZIfD01-LCVCq8d7vtxqERHNqJKuHTZCt_XFbHbnb1Jv4w3HeSnK7nz80NgzoqOLft1uF06uORndtGeI37I7ddKNERufi_kJ3f_Lmvja-5h3ORcKBO/w320-h240/SilkPaperMakingC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The silk sandwich then needs to be turned over and the wetting process repeated on the other side. <p></p><p>I made a point of tucking in stray fibres at this point to get the maximum amount of serviable fabric for the first project I had in mind. The edges can be left wispy, however, for a more organic piece.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xc8zFwZFue6A_8HCqIl1NwdChhrouCG2BjJ5XfqtbgY5k2wAIUygItZKGhNssWP6DStYCtqaFY3hSsX4PeQ7q0wp2FiC7NY4NGqs6cbU6_2yFZDMcBnnTcmxlMvs04hYQd_cVE47C9mc/s2048/SilkPaperMakingD.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xc8zFwZFue6A_8HCqIl1NwdChhrouCG2BjJ5XfqtbgY5k2wAIUygItZKGhNssWP6DStYCtqaFY3hSsX4PeQ7q0wp2FiC7NY4NGqs6cbU6_2yFZDMcBnnTcmxlMvs04hYQd_cVE47C9mc/w320-h240/SilkPaperMakingD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Then to add the textile medium, of which there are various options depending on what the fused silk is to be used for - there's also the option of watering the medium down. <p></p><p>Again, it's important to make sure the medium penetrates all the layers for the best finish. By the time I got to this stage I usually had a complete white-out which thankfully disappeared as it dried.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw7Pul_buumvL6wI67rKiu3VKT-5BYNG9h_zm7yqZejKscBKkW1aZzAXKrrwebPB4eDTLIqf8bXmvTe0Ui3yFvFYiQ8JlzKRxxYn60dAnDJlZ_e7R7iEbOtBkees1UUZkTFjnHheIknpR/s2048/SilkPaperMakingE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw7Pul_buumvL6wI67rKiu3VKT-5BYNG9h_zm7yqZejKscBKkW1aZzAXKrrwebPB4eDTLIqf8bXmvTe0Ui3yFvFYiQ8JlzKRxxYn60dAnDJlZ_e7R7iEbOtBkees1UUZkTFjnHheIknpR/w320-h240/SilkPaperMakingE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The drying proved to be the part that took the most experimentation - November rarely has good outside drying days in the UK! Hairdryers spoiled spoiled the finish and drying on plastic was a complete no no. <p></p><p>I found that what gave the best result was draining excess liquid on a on old picture frame with a piece of net stapled across. I then laid the damp silk on netting and then on an old towel on a warm surface until it was completely dry.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFgkAPYlHb_j_YZUleH0itI5xRF5vRwXmyDnhFbZqS8pSRFYx8oBNIaP7PNRfDKsskHsmJJiNOdMazj8WENdSIvyVYQj6ORqyLp-gM9ORtWOvpk6MKJ83EwLXg9NECHGIcYbsXtPq2CX6/s2048/SilkPaperMakingF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFgkAPYlHb_j_YZUleH0itI5xRF5vRwXmyDnhFbZqS8pSRFYx8oBNIaP7PNRfDKsskHsmJJiNOdMazj8WENdSIvyVYQj6ORqyLp-gM9ORtWOvpk6MKJ83EwLXg9NECHGIcYbsXtPq2CX6/w320-h240/SilkPaperMakingF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's best to wait until the fused silk is completely dry, at which point the net easily peels away from the back - I did spoil a few pieces with my impatience! The fusion at this point can look quite textured - depending on how flat it was dried. <p></p><p>There is also a final step of sealing the textile medium with a warm iron. While this is not vital for all decorative projects, it gives a smooth finish with a sheen that was perfect for my first projects.</p><div>And so after many hours of damp hands and dripping fibres, I started creating with my treasured pile of silk fusions. I backed pieces with silk organza and free machine stitched with metalic thread before cutting into strips - these hard won creations may well be found handing in my studio way beyond the festive season. Plus I reckon that despite the winter drying challenges, I will be silk fusing aplenty over the months ahead and I will be offering this this as a subject specific workshop at my Spring Farm studio in January.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKabmO1AIIJKdReA1lyxdBFkoRiNGokCAU5FXaW9ojzJMMLRUi31BKYgJabUILRG4AWzRRGu54VT3C5dBHeW9p8f3u31esFLpdHYSzQNd_yh_F3JXM6CoG7HR8amltpPWX2wWI70CHJOp/s1654/SilkPaperDecorations.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1654" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKabmO1AIIJKdReA1lyxdBFkoRiNGokCAU5FXaW9ojzJMMLRUi31BKYgJabUILRG4AWzRRGu54VT3C5dBHeW9p8f3u31esFLpdHYSzQNd_yh_F3JXM6CoG7HR8amltpPWX2wWI70CHJOp/w640-h245/SilkPaperDecorations.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-38812089792168498252021-07-06T10:14:00.010+01:002024-01-08T08:21:05.855+00:00Quick Stitch - Yorkshire Buttons<p>One of my joys last winter was taking part in excellent online learning events by the <a href="https://thebraidsociety.wildapricot.org/" target="_blank">UK Braid Society</a>. My first event by published lacemaker Gillian Dye, was on a technique that surprisingly grabbed my attention - Yorkshire Button making. Less known than passementerie buttons such as the Dorset button, the Yorkshire button has a pleasing rounded organic shape which I recall seeing many a time on historical garments. As my fingers started to learn the technique on a wintery afternoon, little did I realise how much pleasure weaving would give me and others.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCxiv0YYyKhlaIyxgs04ndu4H5C5I9FaPHVavszBBGfo-Rk62YOwfICT52djm3Z-d-_UR6Swo9xU_W8vN0ErgPbYSzfuwQ62KVVz5nXvjxPdZb7fvMjZV1wC27jNfG8sEr9WNPuDkiQh5/s2048/YorkshireButton1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCxiv0YYyKhlaIyxgs04ndu4H5C5I9FaPHVavszBBGfo-Rk62YOwfICT52djm3Z-d-_UR6Swo9xU_W8vN0ErgPbYSzfuwQ62KVVz5nXvjxPdZb7fvMjZV1wC27jNfG8sEr9WNPuDkiQh5/w446-h446/YorkshireButton1.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><p>The 21st century mindset is for buttons that are generally flat, and sadly all to often mass produced in plastic. How often in my stitch work I have come to the end of a project only to struggle with finding a pleasing button. While there are now many other options for making closures, buttons provide a charming decorative edge which is hard to beat and this is actually where their origins lie. Cultures around the world developed their own traditions for button making, which in the first instance were purely for those who could afford to decorate garments. Often soft stuffed like these French antique crocheted buttons, many designs resulted in an uneven shape that is perhaps less appealing to the modern eye. The <a href="https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/button-making/" target="_blank">Heritage Crafts website</a> gives an excellent account of this history of the creation of these passementerie buttons in England.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4bIGFXWCpIXeCyeJCaqqq91H_VVWWZmaoBjBue1wD2Ap5sMMlLH1q7PcNL8yFPMUuom1_ppNo5mxP6UpmYUjlTowUEmtgoePUu5QJKPY3elfiOfbUEWL5pzUk9xV5wu7Hh_HiaCny76d/s794/AntiquePassamenterieButtons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="794" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4bIGFXWCpIXeCyeJCaqqq91H_VVWWZmaoBjBue1wD2Ap5sMMlLH1q7PcNL8yFPMUuom1_ppNo5mxP6UpmYUjlTowUEmtgoePUu5QJKPY3elfiOfbUEWL5pzUk9xV5wu7Hh_HiaCny76d/w445-h333/AntiquePassamenterieButtons.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><p>The beauty of this Yorkshire button is that unlike many passementerie buttons, the technique is reasonably simple and easy to learn. All that is required is a simple cardboard template, a smooth yarn or thread and a tapestry needle. A template of around 4cm is an excellent starting point and should be marked with accurate clock face points that are evenly snipped into by around 3mm.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkm8T9xrA0auWr9uLnaHodCHMElqw16xBUTcoDz5NMUPT4Y8LqMH6wCNKhBWFi8YUa0a5Mbd4Qu3qsC_riUuxXtquLgP0T23MA8d5IluCzZe8sE5zqu9VL_F3qplXFnINbPD4Yxo3r9vy/s2048/YorkshireButtons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkm8T9xrA0auWr9uLnaHodCHMElqw16xBUTcoDz5NMUPT4Y8LqMH6wCNKhBWFi8YUa0a5Mbd4Qu3qsC_riUuxXtquLgP0T23MA8d5IluCzZe8sE5zqu9VL_F3qplXFnINbPD4Yxo3r9vy/w443-h443/YorkshireButtons.jpg" width="443" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For this working example I chose a remnant of variagated sock yarn and started with a length approximately one and a half lengths of my arm. I found it is best to avoid very long working lengths which ususally resulted in thread tangles. Leaving a tail of at least 20cm, the button is started by bringing up through the central point on the card<br /><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/AVvXsEhYTSygnlLWlscZT7XHUmb41DycsP7pJFfgYLd10kWD5lJUyIQ5gJpiXtPT-3svwP3MYezy4mBnBCABYUCKMocBPwmnsAkSYgQrfJo9gGTUJF0jyuxUB6KMStBLTOxNn2iFDKNJJAriHpIk/s2048/YorkshireButtonA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTSygnlLWlscZT7XHUmb41DycsP7pJFfgYLd10kWD5lJUyIQ5gJpiXtPT-3svwP3MYezy4mBnBCABYUCKMocBPwmnsAkSYgQrfJo9gGTUJF0jyuxUB6KMStBLTOxNn2iFDKNJJAriHpIk/w438-h328/YorkshireButtonA.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><p>Then starts weaving the framework around the card, beginning by pulling the thread into the snip at the 1 oclock position and around the back of the card and up into the 2 o'clock position.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBzTwQDbw1Kf45FRo2NY23D4Wjiu7oYHZgq1zl8dSM99i3kXlJL7sDrKm6GiDQ4mTTSqW1U833RZ4Q-YZ76BLVkEPfgFTgytRdZB_iK88pX2vLOB3PjfxYhbtwAu6mNZovl2_e8814bIr/s2048/YorkshireButtonB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBzTwQDbw1Kf45FRo2NY23D4Wjiu7oYHZgq1zl8dSM99i3kXlJL7sDrKm6GiDQ4mTTSqW1U833RZ4Q-YZ76BLVkEPfgFTgytRdZB_iK88pX2vLOB3PjfxYhbtwAu6mNZovl2_e8814bIr/w436-h327/YorkshireButtonB.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><p>The working thread is then taken diagonally over the template and down into the 7 o'clock snip, round the back and up in the 8 o'clock snip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDgpnPglVe5j-8LgIJraN5o6V5NNqlC6Gzw_I-6q9brYQG35nkvVphBpWjc7zC1i84S1sUCH_3jiWOJhyC0ohpu06OYOSxYscOLt8gs2olTub_rEJw2WZmz0vYE8ksLxLURXkT6rAECQT/s2048/YorkshireButtonC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDgpnPglVe5j-8LgIJraN5o6V5NNqlC6Gzw_I-6q9brYQG35nkvVphBpWjc7zC1i84S1sUCH_3jiWOJhyC0ohpu06OYOSxYscOLt8gs2olTub_rEJw2WZmz0vYE8ksLxLURXkT6rAECQT/w439-h329/YorkshireButtonC.jpg" width="439" /></a></div><p>And so this pattern of weaving continues, ove to the 2 o'clock position and round the snip and up through the 3 o'clock snip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIC0E09AC6ldCn3YlqoAg2GVhOR5-x9uOIxQoPfzB0w30VlvNbzJYiKNfrJxDUyIjDWwboDWE9ORdSlDv5UV6Pry095ZLjjvmyVmUYF2IVNLBHXGOpkk5TFFD_HHn-25foSlukm9SPO6at/s2048/YorkshireButtonD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIC0E09AC6ldCn3YlqoAg2GVhOR5-x9uOIxQoPfzB0w30VlvNbzJYiKNfrJxDUyIjDWwboDWE9ORdSlDv5UV6Pry095ZLjjvmyVmUYF2IVNLBHXGOpkk5TFFD_HHn-25foSlukm9SPO6at/w437-h327/YorkshireButtonD.jpg" width="437" /></a></div><p>The framework 'warp' is continued in this way, going diagonally across the top of the card and down and round the back of the card by one snip and up to the right. This is of course perfect for right handed workers and the direction can easily be reversed for those who are dominant with their left hand.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-AAMGuE4NzJxqnDpE_iLlBXH77oV3tW2ekwE2XhWKrZwTkVVjQgZ2DvCleuWwMcWw8Vz2OYxOV4t-4ONFLZFGWZW3Waky6x7imHPQ2JlyU9NcdmIU26JzePV3qia3i0i1kmmJOM-R9W1/s2048/YorkshireButtonF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-AAMGuE4NzJxqnDpE_iLlBXH77oV3tW2ekwE2XhWKrZwTkVVjQgZ2DvCleuWwMcWw8Vz2OYxOV4t-4ONFLZFGWZW3Waky6x7imHPQ2JlyU9NcdmIU26JzePV3qia3i0i1kmmJOM-R9W1/w442-h331/YorkshireButtonF.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When the working thread comes round again to the 12 oclock position, it may look as though something has gone wrong as the 6 o'clock position is empty - this is however as it needs to be.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjIhT1McKaKgjA6ldhAqqmfEWs4ddoFQBME_qK2U0RMe_uNY0ZE3MMnXoFsQt2giP39lMrd0XYGZYHiF4Gl4aVq_n9_TIWPOpSOQ20MJbdA8u0KQWIElZvXxB_hchJJ_jqPKnGmwdn4Lf/s2048/YorkshireButtonG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjIhT1McKaKgjA6ldhAqqmfEWs4ddoFQBME_qK2U0RMe_uNY0ZE3MMnXoFsQt2giP39lMrd0XYGZYHiF4Gl4aVq_n9_TIWPOpSOQ20MJbdA8u0KQWIElZvXxB_hchJJ_jqPKnGmwdn4Lf/w445-h334/YorkshireButtonG.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><br /><div>The warp weaving then continues around the template a second time, finishing with working thread coming up through the 6 o'clock snip.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX11xRUDnPePlt5S9wF_gN2_49Zh3pvN_HQavH4tyV8oaBOMa1xc-Z1YyBrwQ4xL-4ortYdJPelCmQkS7sOUxLyqpU-C_qqW3cXAS9OQGRhwRsl3oI97H5DBZ2esta9CZzvieFtJAK1TZ/s2048/YorkshireButtonI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX11xRUDnPePlt5S9wF_gN2_49Zh3pvN_HQavH4tyV8oaBOMa1xc-Z1YyBrwQ4xL-4ortYdJPelCmQkS7sOUxLyqpU-C_qqW3cXAS9OQGRhwRsl3oI97H5DBZ2esta9CZzvieFtJAK1TZ/w442-h331/YorkshireButtonI.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><br /><div>At this point the back of the template should look like this. It is important that the wraps around the back are reasonably tight and even, as this will ensure more even weaving and gathering at the end.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6x8nsjD5Os52LYpcVhPR582lJJhyphenhyphen5Avq1hbW9Yrc8ngTfF9CtKwCUnSYixMuiabyNScskt7E5T7LjJr-qrXAgvRL4eNp4lAuJT-ieqEp_aSqydru0_f-Af0q0fOuHJwm_L09MFy9KcNA/s2048/YorkshireButtonH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6x8nsjD5Os52LYpcVhPR582lJJhyphenhyphen5Avq1hbW9Yrc8ngTfF9CtKwCUnSYixMuiabyNScskt7E5T7LjJr-qrXAgvRL4eNp4lAuJT-ieqEp_aSqydru0_f-Af0q0fOuHJwm_L09MFy9KcNA/w445-h333/YorkshireButtonH.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><br /><div>Then the needle comes into play. A tapestry needle is a good option and the slightly rounded point will avoid splitting the yarn - choose a size that is comfortable to work in your hand and has an eye which is easy to thread with your working yarn. The first weave is behind the 2 threads that sit in the 12 o'clock snip - this will be the one and only time that you weave behind the threads in a single snip.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBy5MPGhEJXGCfZZHQzCMNtWS_g5Tth4ZlSHS-xO2KvLUEYSEKOHxLeCxgHwqY1crCj5qT2R-axDiH9ikRAmFyyC5q818rUEq9hn64KNounrk1RYR3Dm1be17LJ-J6sDHSx2WMuhQ5S0H/s2048/YorkshireButtonJ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBy5MPGhEJXGCfZZHQzCMNtWS_g5Tth4ZlSHS-xO2KvLUEYSEKOHxLeCxgHwqY1crCj5qT2R-axDiH9ikRAmFyyC5q818rUEq9hn64KNounrk1RYR3Dm1be17LJ-J6sDHSx2WMuhQ5S0H/w440-h330/YorkshireButtonJ.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><br /><div>The next weave is back under the 12 o'clock threads and also under the 11 o'clock threads. For those who are left handed you can work in the opposite direction and move to the right.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeub9Q1bAhZuyS837aLpduLSIwNtMxqWzO2mkT7rCw5hTAjp0dVLqSxLrL8fWVn8-Pmsra45StuwJHTgFaFpBZ8pVpk_U3_kjnxS_-txlHd56bmqIgybrZRmdcVfRH8NIgzKCD-KuTXNXS/s2048/YorkshireButtonL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeub9Q1bAhZuyS837aLpduLSIwNtMxqWzO2mkT7rCw5hTAjp0dVLqSxLrL8fWVn8-Pmsra45StuwJHTgFaFpBZ8pVpk_U3_kjnxS_-txlHd56bmqIgybrZRmdcVfRH8NIgzKCD-KuTXNXS/w442-h332/YorkshireButtonL.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><br /><div>The weaving continues in this way going back under the warp threads immediately to the left of the working thread and ALSO under the next pair of warp threads to the immediete left.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hpZLTH7dxwoSXp6i4cRbTpNyUc_XvcGs1mcnIfUkAsbWNli-eiFyo6i3vujQEMPOUKvgOVX7scivC0nfiYxO16uVx219WvXSRAcHUGu0PPMQZTN0gGnpxLkZykkk9l7aM4vHfoqYhGaJ/s2048/YorkshireButtonN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hpZLTH7dxwoSXp6i4cRbTpNyUc_XvcGs1mcnIfUkAsbWNli-eiFyo6i3vujQEMPOUKvgOVX7scivC0nfiYxO16uVx219WvXSRAcHUGu0PPMQZTN0gGnpxLkZykkk9l7aM4vHfoqYhGaJ/w446-h334/YorkshireButtonN.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The weaving progresses quickly with a sock weight yarn and it is easy to see and correct any misweavings.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxNWXye3WfQ8QvoHqg-AHUh2QOz3q5pHv5nwiuhuQICvQvx_-RmfbxhV3nkSw7tzXSN93c7MO7fzeMwYtnNmYlL0GidGAKBNWtEeRatcsHOq79hTlkig_Q2GLKrVicFwBLpspfNqrkjqi/s2048/YorkshireButtonP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxNWXye3WfQ8QvoHqg-AHUh2QOz3q5pHv5nwiuhuQICvQvx_-RmfbxhV3nkSw7tzXSN93c7MO7fzeMwYtnNmYlL0GidGAKBNWtEeRatcsHOq79hTlkig_Q2GLKrVicFwBLpspfNqrkjqi/w447-h335/YorkshireButtonP.jpg" width="447" /></a></div><br /><div>The weaving is continued and when you run out of thread, simply start a new yarn and weave in the tail of the old yard again a spoke for a couple of rounds. The weaving should then continue right to the edge of the card until it is impossible to fit any more weaving with the working thread.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUx30FeWqrXPTZw8OUg_dsRGOxqO5fMomlM6MDucvsKacgSWXIWSVvIWylftY6T0RXFfKMgX-ZWR7gJIkPX4THqws_0IHMjigRceOnSnyMD1zbop78CztkQdYoqtBHmqr5dEMoLHcqMDv/s2048/YorkshireButtonU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUx30FeWqrXPTZw8OUg_dsRGOxqO5fMomlM6MDucvsKacgSWXIWSVvIWylftY6T0RXFfKMgX-ZWR7gJIkPX4THqws_0IHMjigRceOnSnyMD1zbop78CztkQdYoqtBHmqr5dEMoLHcqMDv/w452-h339/YorkshireButtonU.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div>The weaving can now be removed from the template by turning over and pulling off the securing loops around the snips with the point of your needle.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST8T9J_pP0JJdqJxrviScB7cZNZ169PyCEjDpQpkA8I9St2anOcEYRlu3AMMWXR7A-mqfci6O8c6_tDHuk7TY9PypamNXrcbCQp9wOFCulRGwcvvAmOqPIUHvgyfNGZ376Y_qLhTM2iO-/s2048/YorkshireButtonV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST8T9J_pP0JJdqJxrviScB7cZNZ169PyCEjDpQpkA8I9St2anOcEYRlu3AMMWXR7A-mqfci6O8c6_tDHuk7TY9PypamNXrcbCQp9wOFCulRGwcvvAmOqPIUHvgyfNGZ376Y_qLhTM2iO-/w458-h343/YorkshireButtonV.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div>Then take the working thread and pass the needle through each of the 12 loops in turn and once again through the first loop.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBEc3fsf9QqWcRGuxofuxgjr0OzaMxOHLoZxUwffOeGD3kZfqFrNoPjd-17XvsJ39ElJKePB9rCUYZIdqZVxIzmzOIP_IZYE3nbKNRxXsXSbSmDXZAw7SEscdNdzecWBnXBGWhcnB8Q4L/s2048/YorkshireButtonW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBEc3fsf9QqWcRGuxofuxgjr0OzaMxOHLoZxUwffOeGD3kZfqFrNoPjd-17XvsJ39ElJKePB9rCUYZIdqZVxIzmzOIP_IZYE3nbKNRxXsXSbSmDXZAw7SEscdNdzecWBnXBGWhcnB8Q4L/w456-h342/YorkshireButtonW.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br /><div>The working thread now becomes a drawstring and after pulling a little the emerging shape is stuffed - I used a firm wool for mine.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNVfw3uTpzxgUhXhQxSlG-q5z24Q-PhKvEYKb_HKjtmck57b0WST4KWOg-poAiu8AmT1wi82yq9jb7zpZiYa6FA7ah5OYjuHHfHOeGCj6rzVLXFcvTgp-O0IkNjEwwfSallYN4Vt5l65B/s2048/YorkshireButtonZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNVfw3uTpzxgUhXhQxSlG-q5z24Q-PhKvEYKb_HKjtmck57b0WST4KWOg-poAiu8AmT1wi82yq9jb7zpZiYa6FA7ah5OYjuHHfHOeGCj6rzVLXFcvTgp-O0IkNjEwwfSallYN4Vt5l65B/w458-h343/YorkshireButtonZ.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div>I found it best to leave the tail from the start of the button pulled out of the gathered button and I used this to tie the working thread tighly against.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWXglpgIf5loiMWrGC_TbET2OqETo2JP3Es4F2oU6y2zXGZ85C8SZmCS_MXLA5OJuWA_4nopOnSroi_R6WplAl-AeK4RE6MzdA3V28vh1b6atVkxVfeW7A-4JFaypv6HODkFOop3hagmf/s2048/YorkshireButtonZA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWXglpgIf5loiMWrGC_TbET2OqETo2JP3Es4F2oU6y2zXGZ85C8SZmCS_MXLA5OJuWA_4nopOnSroi_R6WplAl-AeK4RE6MzdA3V28vh1b6atVkxVfeW7A-4JFaypv6HODkFOop3hagmf/w458-h344/YorkshireButtonZA.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div>And one finished woolly button - I really liked the soft fuzziness and the way the variaged sock yarn colours fell.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eswSGKHLPtZ7Fuk6i6c3iWoWASV7QlRZGLUDFnazjMNbh9BVcUuRclIxSu5NEiVgKuQmMhIvbwQuZ_kF2SdetcBD_ih0brX95LkS1MxgHSXAXcaDu3SUXq0fdY3-hH9fNCF8bKN2Ev9l/s2048/YorkshireButtonZB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eswSGKHLPtZ7Fuk6i6c3iWoWASV7QlRZGLUDFnazjMNbh9BVcUuRclIxSu5NEiVgKuQmMhIvbwQuZ_kF2SdetcBD_ih0brX95LkS1MxgHSXAXcaDu3SUXq0fdY3-hH9fNCF8bKN2Ev9l/w454-h342/YorkshireButtonZB.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The thread possibilites for making Yorkshire buttons are many, with the general rule that the working yarn should be smooth. I also enjoying using variagated perle thread in different weights and my students that I shared this technique with did too - particularly for Yorkshire button earrings! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzsa3FAnsqheYY2nka_3nABJjs7m8Vkfoe9f1mZXbqtq9e1XwKyh6m4GaxhyqdhoS8yYRBwXWSIBPaoZIloUx2qBnXu9Brck2SOdNTTY7c-clpcT3ZVQ8paoOaa9jO7jP1Rs6wSHwhSOY/s1626/YorkshireButtonsStudents.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1626" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzsa3FAnsqheYY2nka_3nABJjs7m8Vkfoe9f1mZXbqtq9e1XwKyh6m4GaxhyqdhoS8yYRBwXWSIBPaoZIloUx2qBnXu9Brck2SOdNTTY7c-clpcT3ZVQ8paoOaa9jO7jP1Rs6wSHwhSOY/w458-h326/YorkshireButtonsStudents.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div>This techique can also be used to cover flat button forms or old unintersting buttons that might otherwise not see the light of day.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WKReUgSf3WsWI1aauNNAQ_XOAFw30Wi1y2FzdziEd1MX0iDDdm26C8oRxksc9lS72GODfjpRaIjz2VvTjYK1BnP_VSga9hxj_o3-nmlzKN1GR5WYHJ2rxbBn9h-aoPSQtNCvo51nwznATPDgcUc02fZzhFIVYpytMOsJjpAjGCYSoNUhXD5MlfJ5HfVi/s3236/YorkshireButton6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="3236" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WKReUgSf3WsWI1aauNNAQ_XOAFw30Wi1y2FzdziEd1MX0iDDdm26C8oRxksc9lS72GODfjpRaIjz2VvTjYK1BnP_VSga9hxj_o3-nmlzKN1GR5WYHJ2rxbBn9h-aoPSQtNCvo51nwznATPDgcUc02fZzhFIVYpytMOsJjpAjGCYSoNUhXD5MlfJ5HfVi/w462-h146/YorkshireButton6.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><br /><div>One of my students Meg, so enjoyed the weaving and covering old buttons that she continued until she had sufficient buttons to create this marvellous picture - just perfect for a technique that gave so many of us pleasure and a sense of simple achievement working with our hands.</div><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/AVvXsEjzyFApY7eT41FVA86HbcimSmRrWSh_P2DPepZtlL-gQryFx1m9XSnNs9dEkEwAa4z44RZu4Ql5xP7YVfvoyV01Vmi6nqrjoLIII2LxVM1i-d-XvVDB5YdRgmrw26Bj7gUo809ZC6uoE11P/s1340/MegWhitearYorkshireButtonPicture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1340" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyFApY7eT41FVA86HbcimSmRrWSh_P2DPepZtlL-gQryFx1m9XSnNs9dEkEwAa4z44RZu4Ql5xP7YVfvoyV01Vmi6nqrjoLIII2LxVM1i-d-XvVDB5YdRgmrw26Bj7gUo809ZC6uoE11P/w461-h461/MegWhitearYorkshireButtonPicture.jpg" width="461" /></a></div><br /><div>And a few summers later on a wonderful return <a href="http://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/2023/06/orkney-sheep-seaweed.html" target="_blank">trip to the Orkney Isles</a>, I adapted this most enjoyable technique on broken limpet shells - I have a feeling that this simple pleasure will morph into yet another creation along the way :)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYeOWC5B50EcgCNy1EsKE4-iABioltH-c6O0KOI30u5SAqz01OHZOL3NifBVvo1QET3jhFrEVRZh14oVdStgd5PT2BjwGPmwQGUi1zzUVlWNzAZKL9p2x7w4i492xxAKOHSrXrfNABc5mzQ4Q-tT-KxUxU3ZgGT2JzO4H6ljeYtrppzRkhFGdHfZ_gDcI/s4032/LimpetShellDarning.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYeOWC5B50EcgCNy1EsKE4-iABioltH-c6O0KOI30u5SAqz01OHZOL3NifBVvo1QET3jhFrEVRZh14oVdStgd5PT2BjwGPmwQGUi1zzUVlWNzAZKL9p2x7w4i492xxAKOHSrXrfNABc5mzQ4Q-tT-KxUxU3ZgGT2JzO4H6ljeYtrppzRkhFGdHfZ_gDcI/w454-h340/LimpetShellDarning.jpg" width="454" /></a></div></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-59184925122362191372021-04-25T11:54:00.016+01:002024-01-08T08:21:42.531+00:00Levels Spirit - Art For Life Exhibition<p>In early 2020 I was delighted to accept an invitation to take part in the 2021 <a href="https://bertram-arts.com/levels-spirit/" target="_blank">'Levels Spirit'</a> exhibition at Musgrove Park Hospital, Somerset, without any concept of the year that lay ahead. A time where all aspects of life came under close scrutiny and creativity frequently felt indulgent and misplaced, I held firm to my belief that creativity is always life supporting. I worked with textiles in anyway that remotely appealed and encouraged others to do likewise, most particularly as the dark winter months approached. It was with a great sense of relief that I completed my 4 exhibition pieces as a calendar year passed over into a brighter and more hopeful Spring. I feel very privilaged to be included in this evocative exhibition of 15 Somerset Levels artists, skillfully curated by Geoffrey Bertram. It is open to the public in Musgrove's Art for Life Galleries from Thursday 22nd April to Monday 19th July 2021.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlnh5rrVSrjvHY9IcTwJic9AUcjWXQbc53WjEaWoaxLzb3NToYIpGAasMtAfLJ0wv__GBSK1OGJmzYJYhn7dh0ulS8leCWvQ-s00fXlFmQNXOXHENOCvvk2EBRBXlNuYGj4we5SM09AJH/s1102/ArtistSamples.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="795" height="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlnh5rrVSrjvHY9IcTwJic9AUcjWXQbc53WjEaWoaxLzb3NToYIpGAasMtAfLJ0wv__GBSK1OGJmzYJYhn7dh0ulS8leCWvQ-s00fXlFmQNXOXHENOCvvk2EBRBXlNuYGj4we5SM09AJH/w457-h633/ArtistSamples.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The subjects for each of my 4 exhibition pieces reflect aspects of the levels landscape that I and I imagine many others strongly resonate with. All are free machine stitched rayon thread on felted merino wool using a technique that I am continuing to develop. 'Banks at Butleigh' depicts an aspect that has been vital and also troublesome to levels living for centuries; wetlands waterways. Developed in earnest from the 12th century onwards by Glastonbury Abbey, the River Brue was one of key waterways that supported medieval levels life. The deep muddy banks at Butleigh flanked with willow trees leading back to Glastonbury Tor is a one of many watery views that will have changed little over the centuries, something that I find most reassuring and soothing.</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/AVvXsEgGt2CXwGZ2w-_NE_J4MnFAaNZKg6N_FqGiti583ekTcs0prjJp84HjKAfHYGIi4E3YzexKAxO7gtknRflFUmpnXuDDA6g8xwrDsIVHt2DpDLpcecModwzY3KGJCA9hvB0lxI2NQ4iAx6bC/s2048/BanksatButleigh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt2CXwGZ2w-_NE_J4MnFAaNZKg6N_FqGiti583ekTcs0prjJp84HjKAfHYGIi4E3YzexKAxO7gtknRflFUmpnXuDDA6g8xwrDsIVHt2DpDLpcecModwzY3KGJCA9hvB0lxI2NQ4iAx6bC/w451-h451/BanksatButleigh.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Teasel plants instantly conjour up a Somerset Levels landscape, yet their presence is rather more complicated than is often known. Teasels were grown commercially particularly in South Somerset and growers extensively supplied UK textile mills who used in machines to 'full' cloth. 'Dipsacus Sativus' were harvested when still green and it is estimated that an adult cutter would have harvested 10,000 per day. This industry has long since ended and this variety of teasel which was tricky to cultivate has sadly now all but disappeared. My free stitched creation 'Teasels at Bere' is of young Dipsacus Fullonum, a much hardier variety with a taller and wilder seed head which has now become a dominant levels feature.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQPjTJd6kSDDs6HqnIlmWkKTl0kaCgb8x57jnzfELONe-0mRlY2xJvrASN0bK-D5Qe511XunFwVkMkorgy8kCxmYp95x4T1dHZUNYO_WsYK4dBHblW3afYwLWtauZiNVXiq8XM2eN35L3/s2048/TeasalsatBere.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQPjTJd6kSDDs6HqnIlmWkKTl0kaCgb8x57jnzfELONe-0mRlY2xJvrASN0bK-D5Qe511XunFwVkMkorgy8kCxmYp95x4T1dHZUNYO_WsYK4dBHblW3afYwLWtauZiNVXiq8XM2eN35L3/w451-h451/TeasalsatBere.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><br /><div>Long straight levels road have a strong sense of ancient trackways that have travelled throughout the centuries and Nythe Road that joins Pedwell to High Ham is typical of this. With flatlands on view for miles around, native plants such as Hawthorn can be seen in abundance. One of humans oldest tree companions, it is particularly noticeable in May when it erupts into clouds of creamy white blossom; this stunning show can seem like nothing short of a miracle when it has spent a great deal of the winter standing in flood water. While 'Cragaegus Monogya', translated from Greek as 'strength sharp' is also known as the May tree, the seasonal highlight for me is the appearance of red 'haws' in the autumn and winter months. In a period where the daylight hours are reducing at speed, the brilliant red fruits bring a hugely welcome flash of colour to be enjoyed before they are feasted upon by resident birds.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumyPmp1lxUiz4ZvbC6Wq693mCnWfhX4sHdOHYIa2gXZvigWQzfZS1vMu5PLh0NB5OWC9QKMZZwEjDIfUqiga5yx756ZnFjNjGpT1v1JVtUTfvJlQ70xyvnJGOumMPnOJamS60vac8b2PV/s2048/HawthornatNythe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumyPmp1lxUiz4ZvbC6Wq693mCnWfhX4sHdOHYIa2gXZvigWQzfZS1vMu5PLh0NB5OWC9QKMZZwEjDIfUqiga5yx756ZnFjNjGpT1v1JVtUTfvJlQ70xyvnJGOumMPnOJamS60vac8b2PV/w448-h448/HawthornatNythe.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>For all that I love colour in nature, it is the dark form of Salix Alba that most quickly evokes a sense of levels homecoming. Also known as 'white willow', it is amusing as the most common winter view of the much loved stumpy willow tree is the complete opposite. They are commonly found in lines along the river and rhyne banks of that criss cross the levels landscape and perform a vital role of holding them firm. Their dark form next to water on a blue sky winters day makes for stunning viewing and this particular bank of 9 trees at Greylake inspired the creation of my last exhibition piece. In a dark winter like no other I have known, their resilience was a most welcome reminder that even the most extreme circumstances can be endured and lived through.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrFJbLPb_ug315dhkIn0Ma6xT-3aFp6GV0hFGD4CBnL2gkY5sWnNaV5SM9tyccVhz3YqlH9DWKsEAZZsQY05Q8gsoF0iJNcf_IzrTh6mUNFAjEbysiqVSQ8Dg_YLSO_t2eHjBzLPra2F-/s2048/WillowsatGreylake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrFJbLPb_ug315dhkIn0Ma6xT-3aFp6GV0hFGD4CBnL2gkY5sWnNaV5SM9tyccVhz3YqlH9DWKsEAZZsQY05Q8gsoF0iJNcf_IzrTh6mUNFAjEbysiqVSQ8Dg_YLSO_t2eHjBzLPra2F-/w452-h452/WillowsatGreylake.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div>I am immensely grateful that the Levels Spirit exhibition gave me the opportunity and prompt to create new creative textile work at a time where I could have easily faultered. I feel sure that this may be equally true for the other 14 exhibition artists who have offered up a stunning collection of Somerset Levels exhibits. It feels most poignant that the exhibition is taking place at this time in the Art For Life galleries at Musgrove Hospital - art and creativity have been a life saver for me this past year.</div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-37480009497252540742021-04-02T10:55:00.005+01:002024-01-08T08:22:35.345+00:00Quick Stitch - Decorative Egg<p> A universal symbol of new life, decorative eggs can be traced back thousands of years. An egg shape feels most pleasing and in a Spring where signs of new beginnings feel really important, I have really enjoyed stitching these decorative eggs in Vintage Kimono silk fabric and embroidering with beautiful silk threads and glass beads.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP9yptNKekItP2s9-2e5WO85GBg7D1DJDaiPCt0bE5ktP404pOxSOUfAMD5Exe63nkuSflsEqbv0FbEocf-Yqh_ENJYeeJOtbn6N_1iTTIGd3hnjgW7oD37N2GPpnha0ZRu1CLeMgjKeg/s2048/DecorativeEggs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="2048" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP9yptNKekItP2s9-2e5WO85GBg7D1DJDaiPCt0bE5ktP404pOxSOUfAMD5Exe63nkuSflsEqbv0FbEocf-Yqh_ENJYeeJOtbn6N_1iTTIGd3hnjgW7oD37N2GPpnha0ZRu1CLeMgjKeg/w509-h338/DecorativeEggs.jpg" width="509" /></a></div><p>For anyone who would like to make this Easter, the start is to cut 4 <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nZNftl9HYw1B_vlSGYG0LG3Fm4mEw6gV/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>pattern pieces</b></a> in your chosen fabrics. I recommend using a lightweight fabric and backing with lightweight vilene to keep thin fabric stable and to assist stitching small seams - I have for sale in my <a href="http://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/p/online-learning-supplies.html" target="_blank"><b>haberdashery shop</b></a> studio.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU4nfPZxcEc57dV79pBgL5e7xo2Uri-fKRh6dDaAchspe1tYXksAXp7RzA0tZ0YEhRnydLM7q_YWVa7VZtYI3zVCMbgNO5WRFXFtrI1cnqKcjf8P8-Itrp4aiiUmgOmYy54I7w-Te3KPa/s2048/DecorativeEggA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU4nfPZxcEc57dV79pBgL5e7xo2Uri-fKRh6dDaAchspe1tYXksAXp7RzA0tZ0YEhRnydLM7q_YWVa7VZtYI3zVCMbgNO5WRFXFtrI1cnqKcjf8P8-Itrp4aiiUmgOmYy54I7w-Te3KPa/w505-h379/DecorativeEggA.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><p>Then to pin two of the pieces together, having regard to any direction pattern on the pieces. The fiddly bit is to then machine stitch as small a seam as possible along one side - I promise that this gets easier with practice!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0hkS5efDNiXbb7CuiJxbXD6cfSIszoMdEC80mc-qkzUSY3hZCVzULajoUooZdPT2LClKamUZojDiHn8gSu_OhDD9ttc6S1_McIKn-XBjtW3a0eXUo_4Z-Wsht4Dgj16-3psygR8RrS3z/s2048/DecorativeEggB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0hkS5efDNiXbb7CuiJxbXD6cfSIszoMdEC80mc-qkzUSY3hZCVzULajoUooZdPT2LClKamUZojDiHn8gSu_OhDD9ttc6S1_McIKn-XBjtW3a0eXUo_4Z-Wsht4Dgj16-3psygR8RrS3z/w510-h382/DecorativeEggB.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><p>It's best to clip the stitched seam along the curve - this helps to make a smooth rounded egg. Repeat these stages with the other pair of pattern pieces.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jvi9RycL4XrwPFSh2-nMheYU_XzJOETiRGgQTLNmDEyosOq6jDoNURL8vuBx39x8iTgXq2x3yiosdFfFRRy32BBwwNryGjBC-KWP8jsYkRcusukVcdyR4lfej2sG-K4mGcEvIOiUjh39/s2048/DecorativeEggC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jvi9RycL4XrwPFSh2-nMheYU_XzJOETiRGgQTLNmDEyosOq6jDoNURL8vuBx39x8iTgXq2x3yiosdFfFRRy32BBwwNryGjBC-KWP8jsYkRcusukVcdyR4lfej2sG-K4mGcEvIOiUjh39/w509-h382/DecorativeEggC.jpg" width="509" /></a></div><p>Then to seam the 2 pairs of pattern pieces right sides together. Do so completely along one long edge and before stitching the final seam, create a hanging cord and place upside down into the top of the egg construction - I plaited a few perle embrodery threads for mine. Then machine stitch the top and bottom parts of the seam, leaving a gap for turning and stuffing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISdwdC43v3NyrMVKqWv3_x-xH4riygiYAefyFGr2DIt8gaACLvKPmjJ2ueHWSTWYK4rkzrO21Zj40WkwzElbNsiZhEZu33_SO5Y9rPdYdIKk-tBRgNKQfb1EyxF8mGsqd4y06EoSTsJz1/s2048/DecorativeEggD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISdwdC43v3NyrMVKqWv3_x-xH4riygiYAefyFGr2DIt8gaACLvKPmjJ2ueHWSTWYK4rkzrO21Zj40WkwzElbNsiZhEZu33_SO5Y9rPdYdIKk-tBRgNKQfb1EyxF8mGsqd4y06EoSTsJz1/w502-h377/DecorativeEggD.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><p>Turn the construction through the gap and push out all the seam - you may need to add additional clips to make the seams smooth. I stuffed my egg with wool stuffing, which I found made a very pleasing shape. Polyester stuffing can also be used, however, you will likely need to work at evening out a few lumps and bumps.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYh5QfdsAr6x_Ax6qNSpsvODMoojViYQEaEBhae5bz2hwBny-cNV4-DUgvXgbPbc2L9AE3Zc640P__nWv-msQnLDSykSdpd4K0n5rVexNNGz4zKu_u0OLCMWESA7EAzNdBFtCF-t_ebnS/s2048/DecorativeEggE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYh5QfdsAr6x_Ax6qNSpsvODMoojViYQEaEBhae5bz2hwBny-cNV4-DUgvXgbPbc2L9AE3Zc640P__nWv-msQnLDSykSdpd4K0n5rVexNNGz4zKu_u0OLCMWESA7EAzNdBFtCF-t_ebnS/w499-h374/DecorativeEggE.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><p>After neatingly stitching the stuffing gap closed, then for the fun part of egg decoration. I used a perle thread to add decorative embroidery stitches along the seams, avoiding pulling too tight to keep the seams smooth. Here is are a few instructions for <a href="http://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/2015/04/basic-hand-embroidery-stitches.html" target="_blank">basic embroidery stitches</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47m9oeQBbx2V8Qt6v8ugukelOryLHh9SVxmTVykYM0tnRiHTTiMjKnn25Sh6eJ-APd8CmIDIyTLhMQ7L6TgomdIxLBMmd7b_wa3ln-pu2CgXIsMem2JRGrDucC_NYbYT8Ho7yMTxCz-TX/s2048/DecorativeEggF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47m9oeQBbx2V8Qt6v8ugukelOryLHh9SVxmTVykYM0tnRiHTTiMjKnn25Sh6eJ-APd8CmIDIyTLhMQ7L6TgomdIxLBMmd7b_wa3ln-pu2CgXIsMem2JRGrDucC_NYbYT8Ho7yMTxCz-TX/w493-h370/DecorativeEggF.jpg" width="493" /></a></div><p>Finally to add a few beautiful beads - I chose glass seed beads and hand stitched with nymo thread - this thread is important to ensure that the beads stay in place in the longer term.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwx3S6pLSLNHrupJOyI5v8QS61Kx2m9xosPks4NDiQLsPVCtmigGmFRMtrmmbaE9EDOp9vtp-e4ezu_UM18f47_UdxXwSmg2pKUAUhOVM0hn07SfPSeDUUnJ4SHsLdvvgOlrL8Mu_Dz8q/s2048/DecorativeEggG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwx3S6pLSLNHrupJOyI5v8QS61Kx2m9xosPks4NDiQLsPVCtmigGmFRMtrmmbaE9EDOp9vtp-e4ezu_UM18f47_UdxXwSmg2pKUAUhOVM0hn07SfPSeDUUnJ4SHsLdvvgOlrL8Mu_Dz8q/w486-h365/DecorativeEggG.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><p>It gave me great pleasure to share this project online this Easter with my online group and having done so a week before, there was time to make lovely Easter displays like this one made by Clare. Making decorations is such a gentle and pleasurable way to mark this peaceful Spring celebration and I would be delighted to see any decorations that you go on to make.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7HOi_ujbM_A9rArWh4iqVeGIZ4iyH2Si8eKph8Vn5Aqu0jCD_ouqhhR1pFyMLJ-ADZ-ZRPzYd3eiKiGiu9sdKQ7qu6WPu-7grsEYITA-HRg59vKuwkub-j8Duud1a4o6gmcShBfA5LyB/s392/ClareDavisEggTree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="392" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7HOi_ujbM_A9rArWh4iqVeGIZ4iyH2Si8eKph8Vn5Aqu0jCD_ouqhhR1pFyMLJ-ADZ-ZRPzYd3eiKiGiu9sdKQ7qu6WPu-7grsEYITA-HRg59vKuwkub-j8Duud1a4o6gmcShBfA5LyB/w483-h483/ClareDavisEggTree.jpg" width="483" /></a></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-679100200836377422021-02-27T09:29:00.018+00:002024-01-08T08:24:23.498+00:00Quick Stitch - Sunshine Slippers<p>The arrival of beautiful Spring days in the UK is calling loudly for stitch projects to sit outside with. At the end of the winter and the 3rd UK lockdown, to feel the warm of sunshine is just fabulous. Plus it's time to get a little fresh air to winter weary tootsies again, and these simple crochet slippers in 100% wool are perfect for this and still avoid feet getting too chilly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBPWyl9P02DeHXkwZSSlefjTv-fo8xe4vxvx8b2Tq1Lf_jSBbIMDWbsTBjRCYNEQrt5tlK77QBJhHOJAXKTKi3Kg41W7QQpb4jOdG2nnG6rpW591p_lK-auejOcTa4aGueR9TI1H7LNLs/s2048/SunshineSlippers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBPWyl9P02DeHXkwZSSlefjTv-fo8xe4vxvx8b2Tq1Lf_jSBbIMDWbsTBjRCYNEQrt5tlK77QBJhHOJAXKTKi3Kg41W7QQpb4jOdG2nnG6rpW591p_lK-auejOcTa4aGueR9TI1H7LNLs/w528-h395/SunshineSlippers.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><p>After indulging in a pair of exquisitite and expensive wool pumps last year, I decided to have a go at making my own. The success of this project is as ever down to the choice of materials and in truth I experimented with quite a few wools for the crochet before settling on for a striking Aran weight yarn by <a href="https://www.colinetteyarns.com/product-category/yarns2/hullabaloo/?v=79cba1185463" target="_blank">Colinette - Hullabaloo</a>. It comes in lots of vibrant colours and makes up with a lovely tweedy effect.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7ZY8WX35HyK1O4DAOPHcV0Wb6jiPbeY3-ft6RP01WS-Wx88md9Jw4nYrhpdo1lVR2B-nBxbUz-q8jr5NOHDfmXDunngvqe3Dxc8w4m_niSrMBcOagla769JWW4Cxd6UFBD_OkwSgSICW/s2048/ColinetteWool.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7ZY8WX35HyK1O4DAOPHcV0Wb6jiPbeY3-ft6RP01WS-Wx88md9Jw4nYrhpdo1lVR2B-nBxbUz-q8jr5NOHDfmXDunngvqe3Dxc8w4m_niSrMBcOagla769JWW4Cxd6UFBD_OkwSgSICW/w530-h397/ColinetteWool.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><p>I also wanted to have a wool base to my shoe for . I immediately knew the perfect product to try - a heavy duty wool felt made by <a href="https://fernhillfibre.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fernhill Fibre</a> on the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Then to cut a slipper sole which is the most important aspect for this project. The trick is to find a slipper or lightweight shoe that you already have that is a perfect fit for your feet - I have a very narrow instep and long toes and getting the correct shaping was crucial. I glued two layers of wool felt together and this made for a very sturdy sole. This could be substitued with more layers and I would love to hear ideas about other materials to try.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjux-xUhtRvX2Vvi0Jm6KNcpddmCWekZohczv_RyziGBOmq_cBGNH6892ABr0t5Wt2DecsiagLXBZEOHyeUVnFfmsug8dI4ZKRJnE40G3CB1iq16c-FiR9ud9QpsGRfmCQMOupEpVB6NHpl/s2048/CrochetSlippersA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjux-xUhtRvX2Vvi0Jm6KNcpddmCWekZohczv_RyziGBOmq_cBGNH6892ABr0t5Wt2DecsiagLXBZEOHyeUVnFfmsug8dI4ZKRJnE40G3CB1iq16c-FiR9ud9QpsGRfmCQMOupEpVB6NHpl/w532-h400/CrochetSlippersA.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><p>Next to secure the layers fully together and to create an edge to crochet the slipper off. I used some recycled carpet yarn to do this and blanket stitched around the edge, spacing the stitches around 0.5cm apart. I found that it's best to do this as tightly as you can, although this does make the first round of crochet a little fiddlier. Working with several shorter lengths of wool rather than one long one avoids tangles and makes for easier overall stitching.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKafzF3_NW1DKcDp5k9yRljuParREU5qXVIB7DLHLetZblDQ3KUDp9hbjoFwqfsAOWVpJv-932gjWlE4kPhXv6OV9zoglnphyphenhyphen9cXFZoP2NTH6gVAAxNbhP0jgBHdYYrMgSPVo3q3z4SiPZ/s2048/CrochetSlippersB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKafzF3_NW1DKcDp5k9yRljuParREU5qXVIB7DLHLetZblDQ3KUDp9hbjoFwqfsAOWVpJv-932gjWlE4kPhXv6OV9zoglnphyphenhyphen9cXFZoP2NTH6gVAAxNbhP0jgBHdYYrMgSPVo3q3z4SiPZ/w536-h403/CrochetSlippersB.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I tried a few hook sizes with the yarn to achieve a reasonably dense stitch and went for a 5mm hook for the whole project. To start, I double crocheted all the way around into the top edge of the blanket stitch - this is called single crochet in US terms. I started in the inside instep to minimise the visibility of row changes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-Gic_zZnsKs5DKB-pRVBAJ00caHQjNWy9m5NDgXYxNKAMbZxyWJ9TnE7-ChyPsvfU7goT_s1kU-3fSiZ7qHSnuRN2MGT8oEpf5RmbCj_vQfbv4AjzB7hnBqi9Bz_SRSkF2WrpQr-cKN1/s2048/CrochetSlippersD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-Gic_zZnsKs5DKB-pRVBAJ00caHQjNWy9m5NDgXYxNKAMbZxyWJ9TnE7-ChyPsvfU7goT_s1kU-3fSiZ7qHSnuRN2MGT8oEpf5RmbCj_vQfbv4AjzB7hnBqi9Bz_SRSkF2WrpQr-cKN1/w541-h407/CrochetSlippersD.jpg" width="541" /></a></div><br /><div>The crochet stitch has a tendancy to stand up in one direction, which is important to remember when you get onto the 2nd slipper to ensure that you make a left and right slipper! After completing a full circuit, slip stitch to the first double crochet and chain 1 ready for the next round.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pVQT96mZQ4HCI8N_mH0rr_Vbj7T3rYUvS8UFJEeFnrGplh4mJv1k-8F4CUMGZZEi8aw3ElLTiLKC4q-qcy3m7XdMA1CLWsQpXH90ga8TEBiGiXPbrvT4QNV9elH0P0dT3wqXK9ca2ih4/s2048/CrochetSlippersE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pVQT96mZQ4HCI8N_mH0rr_Vbj7T3rYUvS8UFJEeFnrGplh4mJv1k-8F4CUMGZZEi8aw3ElLTiLKC4q-qcy3m7XdMA1CLWsQpXH90ga8TEBiGiXPbrvT4QNV9elH0P0dT3wqXK9ca2ih4/w548-h411/CrochetSlippersE.jpg" width="548" /></a></div><br /><div>On the 2nd round, continue with double crochet, picking up both strands of yarn from the first round of stitches. I worked on keeping a tightish tension throughout to create a firm fabric.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWw4JAHlBlrVQs9JkZWKOBKVJ0km6vVi-MeG338qaLPYVALt62Q8DchQJ3QogOnlDCf7ordDG_7ORFTIwLpKewlXD55k-6tnMOzD2kYzFNx5aZPLl2bzB9E5hE_bU2tkcTrHCUHhW8KVB/s2048/CrochetSlippersF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWw4JAHlBlrVQs9JkZWKOBKVJ0km6vVi-MeG338qaLPYVALt62Q8DchQJ3QogOnlDCf7ordDG_7ORFTIwLpKewlXD55k-6tnMOzD2kYzFNx5aZPLl2bzB9E5hE_bU2tkcTrHCUHhW8KVB/w551-h414/CrochetSlippersF.jpg" width="551" /></a></div><br /><div>I continued with rounds of double crochet until the level of crochet covered my toes - for me this was 6 rounds in total.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbTbluviW5YbgJ2-G4cu8vWDnRu6U3Eln6ClBzl9HKNUxG8nMlurhmp_OxNPwKzy99xWLkOvpJkiczOepZPTpzPFdpw8Bit99akY46Wt5RqKqna0YToi6XwkojzDAXeuZpUz3F58KZoko/s2048/CrochetSlippersH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbTbluviW5YbgJ2-G4cu8vWDnRu6U3Eln6ClBzl9HKNUxG8nMlurhmp_OxNPwKzy99xWLkOvpJkiczOepZPTpzPFdpw8Bit99akY46Wt5RqKqna0YToi6XwkojzDAXeuZpUz3F58KZoko/w555-h417/CrochetSlippersH.jpg" width="555" /></a></div><br /><div>For the final round I changed to treble crochet (double US), starting with 2 chain before making the first treble crochet stitch. This round of taller stitches allows for a ribbon or lace to be threaded through.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-ryFLaF6QFX_Bv9lPy_xwavzQwYCYS2z-ra04TvnTRRwPeGR8FfLMtLS1FyYwLLRGhNyl5f0EJchF4V1gnvhK6f3kAqduTRo5sO_WAvlZsspjY6aFdk-C1cLsKvG7kODLpc1oW3a0YLg/s2048/CrochetSlippersI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-ryFLaF6QFX_Bv9lPy_xwavzQwYCYS2z-ra04TvnTRRwPeGR8FfLMtLS1FyYwLLRGhNyl5f0EJchF4V1gnvhK6f3kAqduTRo5sO_WAvlZsspjY6aFdk-C1cLsKvG7kODLpc1oW3a0YLg/w558-h420/CrochetSlippersI.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><br /><div>The crochet rounds in are completed before you know it and at this point you can assess how well it is going to fit. If you find that it is too far down the foot, undo the last row of trebles and add in an extra row or two of doubles. It's good to remember too that our left and right feet can be different sizes - I'm sure that my right foot is larger!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7zjUSsapvnG0k2o9ve8BpqEFD4gjToQqmw55FKBlh7TYLbVxKHeMgZv-lJi3RuddVon18Fs_4FyTDDp03mUpaE5BbnWPMSBB7FKb3-6dGd0YQ_zuMHvocCFKjxlCXUpyi2b_t9fqURqo/s2048/CrochetSlippersJ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7zjUSsapvnG0k2o9ve8BpqEFD4gjToQqmw55FKBlh7TYLbVxKHeMgZv-lJi3RuddVon18Fs_4FyTDDp03mUpaE5BbnWPMSBB7FKb3-6dGd0YQ_zuMHvocCFKjxlCXUpyi2b_t9fqURqo/w560-h420/CrochetSlippersJ.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><br /><div>The slipper is simply 'fitted' by threading a ribbon or lace through the treble crochet row and gathering up and securing on the top of your foot. The trick before you do this is to push your foot into the back of the slipper and to pull the slipper front as far forward as possible before tying th ribbon/lace - it's quite surprising how without any shaping this seems to work and feel surprisingly secure and comfortable. A few final embellishments mad with my new clever <a href="https://multipom.com/" target="_blank">Multipom</a> frame and my sunshine slippers were complete. I hope that you enjoy this little sunshine project too and that it also makes you smile and feel happy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_KGrrabalAdUGcrecFdErfJqVreEPR7mxJcoZVMQ_QgKke5tqt1WOwTJefu1uTYKL3oGA9LOCsCB4XYSvwSGoYKjQrzUKYaPvH2SRFO2JFu-TNRlzpvq67W2a9_UQvDhLQHiOwHuCzMc/s2048/SunshineSlippersK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_KGrrabalAdUGcrecFdErfJqVreEPR7mxJcoZVMQ_QgKke5tqt1WOwTJefu1uTYKL3oGA9LOCsCB4XYSvwSGoYKjQrzUKYaPvH2SRFO2JFu-TNRlzpvq67W2a9_UQvDhLQHiOwHuCzMc/w546-h410/SunshineSlippersK.jpg" width="546" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-39193261134047766652021-01-14T10:18:00.006+00:002024-01-08T08:25:56.769+00:00Quick Stitch - Stick Weaving Pouch<p>Visiting my my creative friends Clifford & <a href="https://www.sallyboehme.co.uk/">Sally Boehme</a> is always a huge pleasure - their home is brimming with their creative makes and chatting with them always gives me a seed of an idea to run with. During my last visit early last year, Sally & Clifford introduced me to the simple joy of 'stick weaving' and I found myself very taken by weaving textiles with these simplest of tools. It's a very compelling craft that can make use of a vast array of 'yarns' and making a pouch to keep my sticks in seemed like a useful and easy first make.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8jrmK6f6-tm9pOUOYvJDctiI953aKIc37IeFrmvzxErc9LH7qUWc-Hp6tlYe0n83sCAEcyDxK1otc6pr9RfgsaNtcRRbg9WSKEE4ySxyCBR7Jo8vsY-PXW9cwpuQIMpYXYdsMWdXOBM6/s2048/StickWeavingPouch2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8jrmK6f6-tm9pOUOYvJDctiI953aKIc37IeFrmvzxErc9LH7qUWc-Hp6tlYe0n83sCAEcyDxK1otc6pr9RfgsaNtcRRbg9WSKEE4ySxyCBR7Jo8vsY-PXW9cwpuQIMpYXYdsMWdXOBM6/w501-h376/StickWeavingPouch2.jpg" width="501" /></a></div><p></p><p>I ordered my first set of weaving sticks just before the first UK lockdown and completely forgot about them until they popped through my letterbox a month or so later. What a delightful distraction these simple tools became in the weeks that followed. A weaving stick is simply a wooden dowel with a point on one end and a hole in the other. A warp for the weaving is threaded through the hole to give a double thread for each stick. The warp threads can be any strong yarn, that are best cut quite a bit longer than the fabric piece required.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWUjP0qQLeILtA2j2QLu77V7_FBkpm6cggpOfSChtqQ9HtkSDOHXk5I2q1n9LRUmqDqJGXxhQ7LK_uLQeNSxxAT8sYNWXnnzAFem0yd-BxQ33gwiMqEORiYc6TogkXiYcQprGOUljEqE5/s2048/StickWeavingPouchA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWUjP0qQLeILtA2j2QLu77V7_FBkpm6cggpOfSChtqQ9HtkSDOHXk5I2q1n9LRUmqDqJGXxhQ7LK_uLQeNSxxAT8sYNWXnnzAFem0yd-BxQ33gwiMqEORiYc6TogkXiYcQprGOUljEqE5/w503-h377/StickWeavingPouchA.jpg" width="503" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The number of weaving sticks and their size will determine the width of the fabric. I started with six medium size sticks that fitted comfortably in my hand and enabled me to quickly build up a rhythm. The weft 'yarn' can be anything that is strip like and can be compacted down as the weaving grows. I chose a skein of colourful Hullabaloo yarn by Collinette that I'd purchased in a tiny Irish wool shop many years previously. To start the yarn was tied with a double knot to one of the outer sticks.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8Glgd9bQ6kYU-0bQipv-NtdjawLw7vkrEUfT7BdbUNjCtOLYQX7IPeMDWX0zzmyVkA2S5erZtuwNG4pqVqyJIIALex6sTeERm4VunUGCMHFiGuFLRSwesCIbfX8cNAqrb-0NuCzsflNf/s2048/StickWeavingPouchB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8Glgd9bQ6kYU-0bQipv-NtdjawLw7vkrEUfT7BdbUNjCtOLYQX7IPeMDWX0zzmyVkA2S5erZtuwNG4pqVqyJIIALex6sTeERm4VunUGCMHFiGuFLRSwesCIbfX8cNAqrb-0NuCzsflNf/w503-h377/StickWeavingPouchB.jpg" width="503" /></a></div><br /><div>The weaving begins by holding the sticks firmly in one hand and weaving the yarn around the sticks with the other - I used the yarn double to give extra bulk. I found that to start it was best to hold the sticks firmly around the bottom and to allow to splay a little at the top - the yarn could then be slid off the stick points as I weaved and easily slid down the length of the sticks.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUokEX5e03xCPrbP7qMXjnE7PBMAukbk2GjMIFDGQnX2rXIewuNt9Bq9dymFcThGnJN_y-m1Y1gwrFJ4SRO4J7N6L6K2aBE36wfwtjaf1N-zcbKEAQxwwhLqsBMkqRi56d-2zTVbU253-d/s2048/StickWeavingPouchC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUokEX5e03xCPrbP7qMXjnE7PBMAukbk2GjMIFDGQnX2rXIewuNt9Bq9dymFcThGnJN_y-m1Y1gwrFJ4SRO4J7N6L6K2aBE36wfwtjaf1N-zcbKEAQxwwhLqsBMkqRi56d-2zTVbU253-d/w499-h374/StickWeavingPouchC.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then the yarn is wound round the opposite outer stick and back towards the first stick so that all the sticks now have yarn around. And this is the whole weaving process - to be completed many times!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS_uI_kSLlJxypwKgiWlN-bW__X4V0ilFyuGVE23Gb0HrudIIzCaMEVZGY5358mV231Ggfy0F30A_f7jKPWIYh-8Y3VquthF2YdQB8pB3shpRDemtTtJDYTubvRb-Pnh27a2_ZLdg_rvb/s2048/StickWeavingPouchD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS_uI_kSLlJxypwKgiWlN-bW__X4V0ilFyuGVE23Gb0HrudIIzCaMEVZGY5358mV231Ggfy0F30A_f7jKPWIYh-8Y3VquthF2YdQB8pB3shpRDemtTtJDYTubvRb-Pnh27a2_ZLdg_rvb/w499-h375/StickWeavingPouchD.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><br /><div>The bit that takes a bit of getting used to is holding the sticks tightly enough at the beginning to keep the weaving reasonably compact across the width - the compactness down the length gets sorted out later as you will see.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAPxelpk1ij3IhTIiSehTpogoQY5a0jCplx3wd9-AMhLXxsYqrcDfwvfKQXj-FPZgSbkvZU1fOSoaHwpOnTVmryryG-jg1CGdzONwPuIiAtf1FW1SdNO6b55b7MINiDMf8P90aEedLA1E/s2048/StickWeavingPouchE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAPxelpk1ij3IhTIiSehTpogoQY5a0jCplx3wd9-AMhLXxsYqrcDfwvfKQXj-FPZgSbkvZU1fOSoaHwpOnTVmryryG-jg1CGdzONwPuIiAtf1FW1SdNO6b55b7MINiDMf8P90aEedLA1E/w495-h372/StickWeavingPouchE.jpg" width="495" /></a></div><br /><div>Once the weaving has grown a few inches, the sticks become much more stable. The weaving grows pretty quickly and when it's a few inches off the top of the sticks, it's time to move some down onto the warp threads.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIIxp5JfrHh8KgWF7XYYoK6NAtV11MBlwZX8Gru1cxeJrkZHRMumdZ9begBC88snr6SEjjGOErjTELdfNoe3lkJW_oTH79AkTcANZYr1GqfEDmjg1tBuHbtLVIyMcnlFXNZRg_UXK6soy/s2048/StickWeavingPouchF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIIxp5JfrHh8KgWF7XYYoK6NAtV11MBlwZX8Gru1cxeJrkZHRMumdZ9begBC88snr6SEjjGOErjTELdfNoe3lkJW_oTH79AkTcANZYr1GqfEDmjg1tBuHbtLVIyMcnlFXNZRg_UXK6soy/w486-h364/StickWeavingPouchF.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><br /><div>This said, trying to push the weaving down is actually rather hard work - it's much easier to pull up the sticks one at a time and hey presto, the weaving is moved down in seconds! The most important thing to stress when doing this is to always leave some weaving on the bottom of the sticks to continue weaving up against.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAJYQrau73ki9irX68M2FwhoNN0r_FsEvbjqbII8cio_cWgTnG4JPW4EbD8Tnkvcov1xKopVH2dz7QIrUnPfCMhYTNI4-JUtdO0rpgcg4WgGZWV8NwAYJ_8Ns-z3gzrD0McG-cP3d3cu1/s2048/StickWeavingPouchG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAJYQrau73ki9irX68M2FwhoNN0r_FsEvbjqbII8cio_cWgTnG4JPW4EbD8Tnkvcov1xKopVH2dz7QIrUnPfCMhYTNI4-JUtdO0rpgcg4WgGZWV8NwAYJ_8Ns-z3gzrD0McG-cP3d3cu1/w482-h362/StickWeavingPouchG.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><div>And so weaving continues until the length of the fabric required is reached - twice the length of the sticks and a few inches more for a flap to go over the top. When checking the length of the weaving, the weaving density needs to be considered - I found it best to keep stretching the weaving out and stopped short of gaps appearing.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvp7_mY7FG25TSwSp90cOqm90g-BFYDeIWW7yoB6vmFIrdccqlGQv51gmJbNwDGhSFfVQ6U0wxOeHQe5e7PjiLmtY8A5cfwglaMepQ2Jt4xboQzB-3mrbB8Y2B8BUq_j_TTRaX9UyOBPE_/s2048/StickWeavingPouchH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvp7_mY7FG25TSwSp90cOqm90g-BFYDeIWW7yoB6vmFIrdccqlGQv51gmJbNwDGhSFfVQ6U0wxOeHQe5e7PjiLmtY8A5cfwglaMepQ2Jt4xboQzB-3mrbB8Y2B8BUq_j_TTRaX9UyOBPE_/w478-h360/StickWeavingPouchH.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div>When the length has been achieved, the weaving is completed with a simple knot onto one of the outer sticks.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fOrC1EsLeMMDbUuXc8WdJ7hQrDHYtPd-M_BlIFQ25arLFX1s_WizAdM0oUim8TYsmSabEO_H_jaJ1GN1pD5lejsm3Weq27H05wR4YIoSlwS0U8bydpyuFjLt3oj_xhgcpaGIPtpZeLvs/s2048/StickWeavingPouchI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fOrC1EsLeMMDbUuXc8WdJ7hQrDHYtPd-M_BlIFQ25arLFX1s_WizAdM0oUim8TYsmSabEO_H_jaJ1GN1pD5lejsm3Weq27H05wR4YIoSlwS0U8bydpyuFjLt3oj_xhgcpaGIPtpZeLvs/w475-h355/StickWeavingPouchI.jpg" width="475" /></a></div><br /><div>Then all the weaving can be completely moved down off the sticks and onto the warp threads, so that there is at last 3 inches of warp thread beyond the weaving.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWC7_G-1A0i85pPdCtA_UYR8rETpn6DjGhIX2nP87G6QdtMHXXL9Q4B5QEuBHPFTF4Vd5MTfHzA0jFrGs7J0sxN8rsk1bb5U9wOtrvxt-5YAz2xcY3Budu0dnF4h2MpSU-R7DTtdUBplFc/s2048/StickWeavingPouchJ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWC7_G-1A0i85pPdCtA_UYR8rETpn6DjGhIX2nP87G6QdtMHXXL9Q4B5QEuBHPFTF4Vd5MTfHzA0jFrGs7J0sxN8rsk1bb5U9wOtrvxt-5YAz2xcY3Budu0dnF4h2MpSU-R7DTtdUBplFc/w470-h352/StickWeavingPouchJ.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><br /><div>Once the warp threads are cut, the ends of the weaving can be stalised by threading the warp threads onto a tapestry needles and stitching them back down into the weaving. Catching bits of the weft wool along the way holds them in place and then the ends can be trimmed off where the needle has been brought through the body of the weaving.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHBYa20HkEheXtCN7xQfvoKxSZ-Bo8BWet9kbfsuxamC3pKi6nKSIGwr-8SxAsLl0G2E4zNJvf1qLLvEm1LYgERuKb5aGSmLQ0F3Un5Z5nUjqdBdrt0leLdYLkcbieVuO4AQ9lMSnPCi5/s2048/StickWeavingPouchK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHBYa20HkEheXtCN7xQfvoKxSZ-Bo8BWet9kbfsuxamC3pKi6nKSIGwr-8SxAsLl0G2E4zNJvf1qLLvEm1LYgERuKb5aGSmLQ0F3Un5Z5nUjqdBdrt0leLdYLkcbieVuO4AQ9lMSnPCi5/w471-h354/StickWeavingPouchK.jpg" width="471" /></a></div><br /><div>Finally to make into a pouch by folding nearly in half, leaving the fold over for a flap at the top. Then stitch up the sides by using pieces of weft thread and a ladder stitch to pick up a few of the warp turns on alternating rows all the way up the sides. Strips of weaving can also be joined together and to make a wider fabric - I ended up with weaving sticks in a number of different widths and needed a bigger pouch! I also added a couple of buttons and plaited loops to secure the flap.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-FN2iWn9vNi8oKwnnyJq0eiuFKLgZacqYFvHo51G_B4Uwcp7Ci9a9HdctrVd2r42djWEr84VNZeHi5qBCAYWbv1pSBno9sCF3XcwLzUiie-ZCGU3b15ppNc8-BuMVNcV_JGnlN2l9fHL/s2048/StickWeavingPouch3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-FN2iWn9vNi8oKwnnyJq0eiuFKLgZacqYFvHo51G_B4Uwcp7Ci9a9HdctrVd2r42djWEr84VNZeHi5qBCAYWbv1pSBno9sCF3XcwLzUiie-ZCGU3b15ppNc8-BuMVNcV_JGnlN2l9fHL/w469-h351/StickWeavingPouch3.jpg" width="469" /></a></div><br /><div>An in case you are wondering what else stick weaving fabric can be used for, here's a very comfy stool pad I made using just two weaving sticks and carpet wool - the long strip was coiled on its end. This coil could be extended to make a rug of any size, although I would strongly recommend that this is done in sections to avoid massively long warps to push down. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1L29VoG44syewVxI2IDiqyCSjrCwFvO4dQFwTL2c7gSAw2lLiWf9ktQ1gCS8TByyXiqlL2sKDr29OpsFcoTvxlcKI2pSfo1WFH21arnfEa2r3Ttzw2lv-aduA2NhOGdGs1y1n3VGtLFd/s2048/StickWeavingSeatPad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1L29VoG44syewVxI2IDiqyCSjrCwFvO4dQFwTL2c7gSAw2lLiWf9ktQ1gCS8TByyXiqlL2sKDr29OpsFcoTvxlcKI2pSfo1WFH21arnfEa2r3Ttzw2lv-aduA2NhOGdGs1y1n3VGtLFd/w464-h348/StickWeavingSeatPad.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><br /><div>I also tried out one of Clifford and Sally's idea to make woven strips into a frame mirror using recycled Sari yarn - mine was a very much smaller version of theirs. I covered one side of a piece of picture backing board with wadding and silk and glued a mirror and the woven strips to the front. I am sure that there are many more possibilities for these tactile woven strips and I would be delighted to hear about other ideas. For anyone who fancies having a go at this craft this winter, I have weaving sticks for sale from my <a href="https://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/p/online-learning-supplies.html">Somerset Levels studio</a> in fine, medium and chunky and I am able to post within the UK.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwZbTYKUUnQ9ZZkHrMtvpu8we46P8DoVQMJlnWRI298OP5wLNWG_UVQsvnCsFJWVLp7y1YZRsTArieFtgHq6KpGfEcqCoHMUYIGWAVRaP-eoCaZPGfhD41u53Es6FY1silUTZTGUHadN4/s2048/StickWeavingMirror.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwZbTYKUUnQ9ZZkHrMtvpu8we46P8DoVQMJlnWRI298OP5wLNWG_UVQsvnCsFJWVLp7y1YZRsTArieFtgHq6KpGfEcqCoHMUYIGWAVRaP-eoCaZPGfhD41u53Es6FY1silUTZTGUHadN4/w470-h470/StickWeavingMirror.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-80184490373889655302020-12-25T06:12:00.023+00:002024-01-08T08:34:09.740+00:00Somerset Levels Winter<p>In a winter like no other in my lifetime, nature comes up trumps yet again. For sure, low light, driving rain and masses of mud can make my heart weigh a little heavy at times. And then the first crisp cold morning of the season arrives and brings a magic that sends my spirits soaring again. The River Brue cuts across the heart of the Somerset Levels and passes into Glastonbury under Pomparles Bridge. What a spectacular view I came across there on the first winter frost of 2020. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN38fYdaoAQyvZiaZ34EgK6BjWB3ure31H2Rq4CTyTG17c_pe7y8iqeYF3oC3kijdCzQp19xAhRiGscAwpS5x1lx7cBeuP2X-rUbg2rc8SEEkKibp-YpEDYh2vBjqRiHjpY0oQQZjUNb5X/s2048/RiverBrueGlastonbury1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN38fYdaoAQyvZiaZ34EgK6BjWB3ure31H2Rq4CTyTG17c_pe7y8iqeYF3oC3kijdCzQp19xAhRiGscAwpS5x1lx7cBeuP2X-rUbg2rc8SEEkKibp-YpEDYh2vBjqRiHjpY0oQQZjUNb5X/w527-h396/RiverBrueGlastonbury1.jpg" width="527" /></a></div><p>I realised during my early levels winters that countryside cold is a very different affair to that of a town. While I lost many beloved garden pot plants the first winter, I was more than recompensed when I experienced my first hoar frost across the levels landscape. This photo at Athelney can only hint at the beauty and deep peace I experienced as the sun rose in a haze of feathery whiteness.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTprMpLBM7hCYu5HIb_D3UXjJ63A7cvKXWsOhu6W5V2HSMBnH7Bp_IG01Yr5PP6zxgEGqq638-KwvaColj0ioORtnTHdyCwkm14afl_gwEkjGC0CR_ayxehxvaPyod-jagt8ypE46aZRZ3/s2048/AthelneyHoarFrost3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTprMpLBM7hCYu5HIb_D3UXjJ63A7cvKXWsOhu6W5V2HSMBnH7Bp_IG01Yr5PP6zxgEGqq638-KwvaColj0ioORtnTHdyCwkm14afl_gwEkjGC0CR_ayxehxvaPyod-jagt8ypE46aZRZ3/w521-h390/AthelneyHoarFrost3.jpg" width="521" /></a></div><p>I found too that all the levels elements have drama and immense power. Massive water expanses are pretty standard viewing as the low lying land across the levels is subjected to controlled flooding in the winter months - the top of Burrowbridge Mump offers up a fabulous panorama and is very well worth the slippery climb. Even when the land is under water for weeks at a time, I marvel that water loving trees such as Withies and Crataegus Monogyna continue to stand firm and proud.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF89EbPR1K2e97Mp2ADgHiAjtuuPo7eN5bphGfumM7Q7IhxxZyAe-xn9T8yhBSFXw0R-flTefWfJyyEq_cPgR463YiHdjSu6HBexS-6x9u_bKkr2h4MeDu2d6EPBTSieJz8TQGPK0nSHA/s2048/WinterFloodingNorthofBurrowbridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF89EbPR1K2e97Mp2ADgHiAjtuuPo7eN5bphGfumM7Q7IhxxZyAe-xn9T8yhBSFXw0R-flTefWfJyyEq_cPgR463YiHdjSu6HBexS-6x9u_bKkr2h4MeDu2d6EPBTSieJz8TQGPK0nSHA/w517-h388/WinterFloodingNorthofBurrowbridge.jpg" width="517" /></a></div><p>And even throughout the record flooding of 2013/14, nature continued to flourish in a serene watery landscape reminiscent of medieval times - the point when drainage was first introduced to the marshy levels by the Glastonbury Abbey monks. Whilst a considerable disruption to modern life, it felt a great privilege that winter to glimpse ancient levels landscapes and understand how the land once was.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59-XMaRkPCnxw7CqsBhuLo9CJX0xyxUkHoMoHD8GoKxOkZbaddjYLz7kqO8VTdPARZIXrRRchgzM1PrQU4qVE2zu2Uo3mR158EzqIvJgvlH9Q2qNzwwmAItBxQAwc0IkEmRH1BdNunz3R/s2048/KingsSedgemoorDrainDecember2019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59-XMaRkPCnxw7CqsBhuLo9CJX0xyxUkHoMoHD8GoKxOkZbaddjYLz7kqO8VTdPARZIXrRRchgzM1PrQU4qVE2zu2Uo3mR158EzqIvJgvlH9Q2qNzwwmAItBxQAwc0IkEmRH1BdNunz3R/w513-h384/KingsSedgemoorDrainDecember2019.jpg" width="513" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>That dramatic winter has since encouraged me to enjoy the ever changing landscape around me. The levels light and elements can be fast changing and every vista is to be savoured. This capture of winter Withies at Greylake happened by complete chance when I wandered down an unventured track on Christmas Day 2019. What an wonderful surprise I had when I turned to look back at how far I had walked, and then within minutes the light changed and scene moved on.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm-DVGwqRtK-pGPFLnJQgZjRpQM5Z7DyHBCscaoN2vuf69lelojTGpmG6VALF3dSyc3RYx6y_uxd45MyXH5wbkcbA-5-W273D9dhxzcSesy7reD9exK6KcOHdaycg12FYVV2I7rFeUUER/s2048/GreyLakeWillows2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm-DVGwqRtK-pGPFLnJQgZjRpQM5Z7DyHBCscaoN2vuf69lelojTGpmG6VALF3dSyc3RYx6y_uxd45MyXH5wbkcbA-5-W273D9dhxzcSesy7reD9exK6KcOHdaycg12FYVV2I7rFeUUER/w520-h390/GreyLakeWillows2.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><div>Which brings me to Withy trees, for which I have a serious passion. I find them most endearing in the depths of winter when they are at their blackest and I know that many others do too. Their endurance against the harshest of winters particularly reminds me this year that dark and harsh weather can be quietly endured until the return of lighter and kinder days.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HvcMQFsSnxP_hyphenhyphen9-LdSpUT-POuFoA3-PlUmUPGJgqTS_0gJOKlIST1lmekOp9Fkfowakb_O_oXYWyV5be4z44Rx8yBjW2BGj48qPxAfp2YWMTrDSGTPofg-poHwCcdB3XomYw_d7WJ0V/s1946/WillowsGreylake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1946" data-original-width="1946" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HvcMQFsSnxP_hyphenhyphen9-LdSpUT-POuFoA3-PlUmUPGJgqTS_0gJOKlIST1lmekOp9Fkfowakb_O_oXYWyV5be4z44Rx8yBjW2BGj48qPxAfp2YWMTrDSGTPofg-poHwCcdB3XomYw_d7WJ0V/w516-h516/WillowsGreylake.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><p>Then there are those clear sky winter days where the levels sky colours up as far as the eye can see. I have taken in the view at Bere Wall across all seasons and weathers and continue to be thrilled by the visual extravaganzas that I find there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGbeEcUDKUE3fZTwkZLQ9V-AVV9Gwkn5tYapTfS5b29bTXEso7LtlQs4Bly4rCDUiabNA1j5rDOTbjSF3Q-mf8wqzZdXri5f0LFAZsOwIJWuFSMzpG6M-ot9BaR_pCQ4wVg2yJrcjWsXk/s2048/BeerWall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGbeEcUDKUE3fZTwkZLQ9V-AVV9Gwkn5tYapTfS5b29bTXEso7LtlQs4Bly4rCDUiabNA1j5rDOTbjSF3Q-mf8wqzZdXri5f0LFAZsOwIJWuFSMzpG6M-ot9BaR_pCQ4wVg2yJrcjWsXk/w512-h385/BeerWall.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>And talking of skies, the Somerset Levels has a special winter spectacular that I am so incredibly lucky to have close at hand. To stand directly beneath a starling murmuration and to feel the mass fluttering of wings is a breathtaking experience. The natural phenomenon alludes gasps of excitement from all who witness as thousands of starlings swoop across the sky, creating the most amazing intricate patterns before coming into roost on the levels reed beds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxbhJA2_Qet0Zthiz6kfDJjNxb4hlk7YGZkzB7fetqcrLcVuTG6rBWWspUViSxOxsIzMQWBPjjl2URHjFsTUyahdt9u0GSvTYuMzhid1Y_ZBvgTKfJsMOhC93mSwHDgSLpV5R2SIPUHg0/s2048/ShapwickStarlings11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxbhJA2_Qet0Zthiz6kfDJjNxb4hlk7YGZkzB7fetqcrLcVuTG6rBWWspUViSxOxsIzMQWBPjjl2URHjFsTUyahdt9u0GSvTYuMzhid1Y_ZBvgTKfJsMOhC93mSwHDgSLpV5R2SIPUHg0/w512-h384/ShapwickStarlings11.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>It is fair to say that my gratitude for nature this year has grown on a humungous scale. How soothing its quiet continuity has been in a year where our human lives have been turned upside down. Even the briefest encounters with nature have provided a means by which I and so many others have navigated our way through uncertainty and upheaval. As we approach a Christmas where many of our traditions are sorely missed, I wish that that all may find peace and great hope in the natural world that we are so incredibly fortunate to share.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy9O8JjPieGS7Y61PvsWM8oirCKRkvdXCT-P6MsJsS7WNcSY4V9c0aSKwk_9PnMp6UpLN3j7KFXoUUAuCs4UUtXUvmad2O9Oom43ClOG5kSN_au0AEf-_H_WqLlCiIVEEF3l1KAbsyzqe/s2048/RobinBurrowMump.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy9O8JjPieGS7Y61PvsWM8oirCKRkvdXCT-P6MsJsS7WNcSY4V9c0aSKwk_9PnMp6UpLN3j7KFXoUUAuCs4UUtXUvmad2O9Oom43ClOG5kSN_au0AEf-_H_WqLlCiIVEEF3l1KAbsyzqe/w515-h387/RobinBurrowMump.jpg" width="515" /></a></div><p><br /></p></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-82404663527473543772020-11-15T11:48:00.005+00:002020-11-15T12:50:17.915+00:00Quick Stitch - Huggable Hottie<p>It's that time of year when a hot water bottle adds great value to my life and I imagine for many others too. The most important thing about 'hotties', as I call them, is that they are huggable - and of course that the fabric keeps the water hot for as long as possible. I've been creating 'nuno felt' this autumn and it is an ideal textile for a cozy hottie cover - it looks beautiful and is easy and relatively inexpensive to create.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZjjIv75hFTsgMBD1rKTNOCKh6hfOAizAJSqM5St8EuOgnNMs4XeF0sUXaI40ljUiDFnbVIPFCZmDUUwvR1laGKK-H4lOVTrSzX3g_AEgknRcD0xkn2TYwAEC-sV-tggzF1aG_dZg4gx-/s2048/NunoHottieFinal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZjjIv75hFTsgMBD1rKTNOCKh6hfOAizAJSqM5St8EuOgnNMs4XeF0sUXaI40ljUiDFnbVIPFCZmDUUwvR1laGKK-H4lOVTrSzX3g_AEgknRcD0xkn2TYwAEC-sV-tggzF1aG_dZg4gx-/w506-h380/NunoHottieFinal.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><p>Nuno felt is a technique developed in the 90s by Australian textile artist Polly Stirling - 'nuno' being the Japanese word for cloth. The technique is one of the gently wet felting wool fibres with an open weave textile. The nuno felt I've started with making is with merino wool and thin silk fabric. In absence of nuno felt to create a hottie cover, a thin fabric such as cotton can be bonded or stitched to commercial felt to achieve a textile of a similar weight with heat retention qualities.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduJm5VWJ2GETz-VwKQsNOnM1utC4dTVMoCjZ3glyd-PhfKwpLhT3bPsQFpLaoNHi-s0gdsBrnwwkIaarRsYP4cbO7KraLYzkJ6ewiux2UkS1kDTHBrpbt0xV0MrAPG7fYT6MAQPU1JYtl/s1564/NunoFeltingSamples.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduJm5VWJ2GETz-VwKQsNOnM1utC4dTVMoCjZ3glyd-PhfKwpLhT3bPsQFpLaoNHi-s0gdsBrnwwkIaarRsYP4cbO7KraLYzkJ6ewiux2UkS1kDTHBrpbt0xV0MrAPG7fYT6MAQPU1JYtl/w507-h507/NunoFeltingSamples.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><p>The following instructions can be used to make a cover for any size hot water bottle. First to make a pattern by taking piece of paper that's larger than your bottle and draw a line 1/2" wider than the bottle edge all the way around the main body of the bottle and 3/4" around the bottle top. Shape the top so that the widest point is continued in a straight line down to the bottle shoulders - the angle of my photograph is a little misleading on this point.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XorNchpxGEaeqQvJJZd01ZwKPw2k5Tde4iUGvlHlTOLDnkQWEXbA5KtZOpMnyta3viHqCYmKIrQ5Lw25c6GoWULbSnmBJjX0GgJ_0bjqseRjw9Qvd3tYU3L7LWYuhqr0p5pZb_RJ-FU8/s2048/NunoHottieN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XorNchpxGEaeqQvJJZd01ZwKPw2k5Tde4iUGvlHlTOLDnkQWEXbA5KtZOpMnyta3viHqCYmKIrQ5Lw25c6GoWULbSnmBJjX0GgJ_0bjqseRjw9Qvd3tYU3L7LWYuhqr0p5pZb_RJ-FU8/w515-h386/NunoHottieN.jpg" width="515" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The cut out one side of the pattern and fold in half lengthways and use the first cut line to cut out the other pattern side - this will ensure symmetry.<br /><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/AVvXsEhJjuTHvBJPT0k4WLouDfcE4GcJCrxOLWeZHNotqocWP-REkhjvFCs3NxbJ7oAgyUu9jyQQe1FiA-KKJ7NMaP2Qr5rpnsonr4CkAgsugEdoL1vapd1zbzt6bfQStLTguLVlJpFFt_jg47mX/s2048/NunoHottieO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjuTHvBJPT0k4WLouDfcE4GcJCrxOLWeZHNotqocWP-REkhjvFCs3NxbJ7oAgyUu9jyQQe1FiA-KKJ7NMaP2Qr5rpnsonr4CkAgsugEdoL1vapd1zbzt6bfQStLTguLVlJpFFt_jg47mX/w515-h387/NunoHottieO.jpg" width="515" /></a></div><p>Then take the main body pattern and draw a horizontal line around 1-2" beneath the pattern 'shoulders'. Trace around the top part of the pattern onto another piece of paper and extend down at least 2" below the horizontal line you have drawn.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoGNkXx3jIBQ7QflOXvNBTYQS-1T2mTP5eJXAN9AT00kUn_P_eosFBbSQyd1XCI7X2-uhIdI9mnZRzkuTNUSqEiJ-560bnzrpbxg4Ul4nsnyqlfG742W9vw2vMrkm-G9VXNNzK5h4cDNE/s2048/NunoHottieP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoGNkXx3jIBQ7QflOXvNBTYQS-1T2mTP5eJXAN9AT00kUn_P_eosFBbSQyd1XCI7X2-uhIdI9mnZRzkuTNUSqEiJ-560bnzrpbxg4Ul4nsnyqlfG742W9vw2vMrkm-G9VXNNzK5h4cDNE/w510-h382/NunoHottieP.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><p>Now to cut out 3 pieces in your nuno felt or chosen fabric - 1 main body, 1 top piece and 1 bottom piece. Now is the time to add any embellishments to the respective pieces.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqu-k4jwhpwXwJ473bgfeqjh7davNFn2pjJpT3jdKBKdstTnbZNZ4FefNXBHf09gp7wGDcghKy8_lS8fQ7h7bjYyYShZl_CFwMRX7zgASh8CI2zfRxgWuPTSru1Rlf1nUFg2mWQIcKtUN/s2048/NunoHottieQ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqu-k4jwhpwXwJ473bgfeqjh7davNFn2pjJpT3jdKBKdstTnbZNZ4FefNXBHf09gp7wGDcghKy8_lS8fQ7h7bjYyYShZl_CFwMRX7zgASh8CI2zfRxgWuPTSru1Rlf1nUFg2mWQIcKtUN/w508-h380/NunoHottieQ.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><p>The top and bottom pieces both need to be finished along the straight edge. I machine overstitched the raw edges and folded over and machine stitched very scant seams - I was aiming to keep the bulk down and ensure that the top and bottom pieces overlapped when stitched to the main body.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLTmNBOwWhbg-ZNSn8IpJZzqkCSSTfxneFuO7Jg0TvHZgsc2QIYTIWwl5gFLOCKeUh7l487UruviMI2ffR71o9lwwG0UtNHgte_8-d4FDCA8gX2bKOkCCgas9PUHxb9a4JADwNhsNDB69/s2048/NunoHottieR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLTmNBOwWhbg-ZNSn8IpJZzqkCSSTfxneFuO7Jg0TvHZgsc2QIYTIWwl5gFLOCKeUh7l487UruviMI2ffR71o9lwwG0UtNHgte_8-d4FDCA8gX2bKOkCCgas9PUHxb9a4JADwNhsNDB69/w513-h385/NunoHottieR.jpg" width="513" /></a></div><p>To attach to the main body, put the top piece down first and then the bottom piece - right sides together. Pin all the way around and machine stitch as small as seam as you can.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjongDwHGcNcw2KnhIOnBpQ8EV4caqIMV6vcXcsJ15AKt6SAyl3jWebPw5NLBlOgRKvGlddEFUvIRB3RhAK_4jD_-dWg74fhWlBZ8SnuNmTJ6LLtOZKYJzNy0kgbwqjk-GooGxcbWeU8nvT/s2048/NunoHottieS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjongDwHGcNcw2KnhIOnBpQ8EV4caqIMV6vcXcsJ15AKt6SAyl3jWebPw5NLBlOgRKvGlddEFUvIRB3RhAK_4jD_-dWg74fhWlBZ8SnuNmTJ6LLtOZKYJzNy0kgbwqjk-GooGxcbWeU8nvT/w520-h390/NunoHottieS.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><p>I also overlocked stitched all the way around the edge for a neat finish and to secure the seam.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBX2yfwqquyLdNPWq1CsVLC2ToVNRaSwFyqw_4wlxFoHq1o5AdA5upWeguP7IGPSloFTWKUuj9DajcTySCJxGN6GgF4uXwZVOvRpdpGoEbbqD_C0YAPTLJl1hYrkb8mweXd4T6_oOhvmGM/s2048/NunoHottieT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBX2yfwqquyLdNPWq1CsVLC2ToVNRaSwFyqw_4wlxFoHq1o5AdA5upWeguP7IGPSloFTWKUuj9DajcTySCJxGN6GgF4uXwZVOvRpdpGoEbbqD_C0YAPTLJl1hYrkb8mweXd4T6_oOhvmGM/w514-h386/NunoHottieT.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><p>There are lots of ways of making simple closures and a 'thread loop' is a particularly easy way to hand stitch a sturdy and pretty finish with a button. Hand stitch a button to the top of the bottom section, creating a 'shank' to enable easier use. Create thread loops in the bottom of the top section - <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/16wz49MVLf3LrM1TdIJKT_j2tbC3imNJX/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here's a short video on how to do.</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpGVUmwRmiJn2khnb_nOTXh5HFraEoa7Ndm0_A2qN2UGlDCC2jZ0BcQgWkGi7KiAnHJ8PG1MDYiw2R4IQoI0MwsXPCYq2wu1t69BU3lLnGAo7faTtcbZ725-RxpbZbSQYBk6eUwBEWbeT/s2048/NunoHottieU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpGVUmwRmiJn2khnb_nOTXh5HFraEoa7Ndm0_A2qN2UGlDCC2jZ0BcQgWkGi7KiAnHJ8PG1MDYiw2R4IQoI0MwsXPCYq2wu1t69BU3lLnGAo7faTtcbZ725-RxpbZbSQYBk6eUwBEWbeT/w517-h388/NunoHottieU.jpg" width="517" /></a></div><p>I hope that you have enjoyed this simple tutorial and find it useful to create delightful huggable hotties over the winter months - small comforts can make such a huge difference to our restricted lives this winter and I would be delighted to receive photos of your comfort creations.</p>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-46512312518981680302020-11-07T08:36:00.010+00:002024-01-09T18:19:06.636+00:00Northerly Textile Creativity<p>For me, 2020 will be the year that I nurtured my textile creativity like no other before. With so much that had felt certain rocked to the core, like many, I focused as much energy as possible on using newly available time in a positive way. And so at the end of a summer of much reflection, I journeyed to the North of England - my area of birth and my paternal ancestors. Walking on Bamburgh beach on the North East coast on a bright and blustery day, I had the joy of blowing away cobwebs that had accumulated in force.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSshrGSp33eJC5o2RfJRIXg1HjBwleAB6wRECNJZatUlPu0HwcRmRUDKp63GIXGxUOwHSRLdVFpF9-r1IkRxhxV1t7ZVCkzguQE0G9W4V4qXeMriUHApoMwzbNvUgcX0phBi6eFN8jn6gf/s2048/BamburghBeach4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSshrGSp33eJC5o2RfJRIXg1HjBwleAB6wRECNJZatUlPu0HwcRmRUDKp63GIXGxUOwHSRLdVFpF9-r1IkRxhxV1t7ZVCkzguQE0G9W4V4qXeMriUHApoMwzbNvUgcX0phBi6eFN8jn6gf/w513-h385/BamburghBeach4.jpg" width="513" /></a></div><p>My journey to Northumberland was on much more than a whim. My hours of lockdown contemplation had landed some uncomfortable realisations and of particular note was how many creative textile experiences I had denied myself. Take wet felting, I am passionate about textiles and wool and yet I had avoided wet felting for years because of a fear of lack of physical strength. Pondering this sad assessment, I recalled wet felter and willow weaver <a href="https://www.biteabout.co.uk/" target="_blank">Anna Turnbull of Biteabout Arts</a>, who had come onto my radar after a chance find of an exhibition of her amazing St Cuthberts Cloak in Wooler Church. I had really enjoyed chatting with Anna at Woolfest last year and remembering that she was a teacher, I made a plan of action.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTq-jOuq7opc1LHtdvg4aexYm4L39M_sn5mjVPpQ_UUTl242YeofoKwrFrZypcrya5Had5B90anercOWXtZm7rtx364mYNs36ZE1l6cO6Itvralwkvplwe2rdTuAatxF16M-mULdqtZQO/s2048/AnnaTurnbullStCuthbertsCloak.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTq-jOuq7opc1LHtdvg4aexYm4L39M_sn5mjVPpQ_UUTl242YeofoKwrFrZypcrya5Had5B90anercOWXtZm7rtx364mYNs36ZE1l6cO6Itvralwkvplwe2rdTuAatxF16M-mULdqtZQO/w505-h673/AnnaTurnbullStCuthbertsCloak.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><p>And so on a bright Sunday morning after a number of twists and turns, I arrived at Biteabout Farm near Wooler, feeling happy that I had got myself as far as starting my challenge. Anna has made a fabulous studio where she teaches her felting and willow weaving skills and encouraged by Anna's quiet and friendly disposition, I settled down at my work table by this attractive window.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyGh4KGuwjNS1rIam6wdEyTb7z6oB4zTyG0z3kfmr1cL6uFQRVITsX-Vuys01K0WAJ8c2SyvZ1GSwT5hOUxUGf4fur7MAxja6CWxRh9Q_vQCLfpOZZ2X6y_UzjyNj1difrwmrlVhgUavM/s2048/BiteaboutArts6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyGh4KGuwjNS1rIam6wdEyTb7z6oB4zTyG0z3kfmr1cL6uFQRVITsX-Vuys01K0WAJ8c2SyvZ1GSwT5hOUxUGf4fur7MAxja6CWxRh9Q_vQCLfpOZZ2X6y_UzjyNj1difrwmrlVhgUavM/w500-h375/BiteaboutArts6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p>Chatting amicably while I followed Anna's instruction, it was most interesting how quickly I made progress and how my long held concerns barely surfaced. Before I knew it, I was putting down my 2nd layer of merino fibre and looking forward to a hearty and delicious home made soup lunch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNR-yYR_DLZktkSIPPmBa7_oSt2Y1oIqpzW-6FHz-SsICZ8VAwkfNb3Cj1cPzW3NlsFgCyi5NbEa0-em0Irj_iTc3yDM5hO3_PDMDW26F0virOFJpuTuUbmFtis5TgBT1qIhjp0_Lmt89/s2048/FeltedLamp5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNR-yYR_DLZktkSIPPmBa7_oSt2Y1oIqpzW-6FHz-SsICZ8VAwkfNb3Cj1cPzW3NlsFgCyi5NbEa0-em0Irj_iTc3yDM5hO3_PDMDW26F0virOFJpuTuUbmFtis5TgBT1qIhjp0_Lmt89/w505-h379/FeltedLamp5.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><p>While felt making is certainly a physical process, I was delighted to find that it was way more achievable that my long held perceptions. Like most crafts, it is all in technique and as Anna guided me in applying the correct amount of soap and water, by early afternoon my felted piece was looking very promising.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhP15X0Q4asWS3UnW6bmBelbYgWWGBAkmbDtvq4fT-vqk3q9ODAR95ayGdc9JDqZ_5Ji0nDbxCU6Vux7PdwvsNZi_J0Lbig2HStFLWTyypixAFOmkz6PEfNST3U3yKYRwQqYMCD_RFcIB/s2048/FeltedLamp11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhP15X0Q4asWS3UnW6bmBelbYgWWGBAkmbDtvq4fT-vqk3q9ODAR95ayGdc9JDqZ_5Ji0nDbxCU6Vux7PdwvsNZi_J0Lbig2HStFLWTyypixAFOmkz6PEfNST3U3yKYRwQqYMCD_RFcIB/w507-h380/FeltedLamp11.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><p>A little more rolling and pummeling and my felting was complete and ready to be pulled onto glass lamps. I look at my lamp every day and marvel at its completion and wonder how I had denied myself such a rewarding experience for so long. I am so grateful to Anna for making my learning session happen and for so generously sharing her knowledge and in doing so opening a new door that may have otherwise remained firmly shut.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUYRraTMBiq40j4ZrGpnEO-XLGap9QDIHqJwvNi1O6JezTRoDFiy4uO3_uj_ZPhs_qm7BkJHwzs95xVwSeIv_EReDbX9DzLXxFrGPCgb0MWQjE2IjrALXobPMzWXfoI0e8SpLocaARzep/s2048/BiteaboutArts5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUYRraTMBiq40j4ZrGpnEO-XLGap9QDIHqJwvNi1O6JezTRoDFiy4uO3_uj_ZPhs_qm7BkJHwzs95xVwSeIv_EReDbX9DzLXxFrGPCgb0MWQjE2IjrALXobPMzWXfoI0e8SpLocaARzep/w506-h378/BiteaboutArts5.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><p>My time at Biteabout Farm was over all too quickly and this very attractive creation caught my eye as I took one last look at her work. Anna purchases much of her willow from the Somerset Levels and I have a mind that this stunning willow and felt bag may yet find its way back!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUgIChzRt_EHddA7bo-OReOoSjixej5cjZxfiYigeE4t7HhUbfe5llSvS3AU6faUVAPZ20CuJI1hv9s-ZVQZFrIbWAgPV2lUjgrQdVnnrFm9PVhbg5EkKubFMahnOkWMyH1jA6TRKFkMy/s2048/BiteaboutArts3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUgIChzRt_EHddA7bo-OReOoSjixej5cjZxfiYigeE4t7HhUbfe5llSvS3AU6faUVAPZ20CuJI1hv9s-ZVQZFrIbWAgPV2lUjgrQdVnnrFm9PVhbg5EkKubFMahnOkWMyH1jA6TRKFkMy/w505-h380/BiteaboutArts3.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With a few extra days for taking in the natural beauty of the Northumberland, I also followed up a recommendation to visit <a href="https://whistlebare.com/" target="_blank">Whistlebare</a> in the nearby Cheviot Hills. What a glorious greeting to be met at by these gorgeous Angora goats as I drove along Whistlebare's picturesque driveway. Whistlebare produces mohair and other yarns from their own goats and sheep with the utmost care and attention to each stage of production.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_P5cFN4WB2ITomAnZaWYZiCW8ypoDPeeepwaqNtDlR3gjmjCiClyc_c-Kwajb_ckFrs5gmInshLO_GUTSoNUdeSA08YtGrWcSMRfq8ckVN-0msK05PdE-N27fKksZidrq9zkPCVwcOHs/s2048/WhistlebareAngoraGoat2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_P5cFN4WB2ITomAnZaWYZiCW8ypoDPeeepwaqNtDlR3gjmjCiClyc_c-Kwajb_ckFrs5gmInshLO_GUTSoNUdeSA08YtGrWcSMRfq8ckVN-0msK05PdE-N27fKksZidrq9zkPCVwcOHs/w503-h379/WhistlebareAngoraGoat2.jpg" width="503" /></a></div><br /><div>The newly extended Whistlebare studio was a delight to safely visit and savour the yarn and patterns that they produce. Such friendly and knowledge people who are delighted to share information about their products and to help customers make informed choices, I highly recommend a visit to all yarn lovers who are in the area.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpKqyRpS2Rnvynv4l_xmMENXLRE-feI_H6bUx8TZDE8UMNIRtjvK8v1lvrMUl0giu5Qrt_QdgWNkwKzK8rXoX7GPXaoLE2dYEDC_IsJ-iHt20oLC-um91cOAAX-UDADAONwXCo140-8iD/s2048/WhistlebareStudio3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpKqyRpS2Rnvynv4l_xmMENXLRE-feI_H6bUx8TZDE8UMNIRtjvK8v1lvrMUl0giu5Qrt_QdgWNkwKzK8rXoX7GPXaoLE2dYEDC_IsJ-iHt20oLC-um91cOAAX-UDADAONwXCo140-8iD/w497-h372/WhistlebareStudio3.jpg" width="497" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Of course I had to take a little something away with at least another small challenge. Circular needles are new to me this summer and lacy knitting with Whistlebare beautiful Angora wool is work in progress - I have lots of long winter nights ahead to crack this one!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-cw_cj3ANbU_POUuIsDOLw-RoNWZq07dk7nutqsL4Qv-Jg-XmPXfsddsF4UwjmPMauFyfWpiz3S6nvk2ofHztggZKsEZIHVI9nyEpGhsu6XNHGk_PFeYRVowfsnVT0pKJziCGc1BViIO/s2048/WhistlebareKnitting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-cw_cj3ANbU_POUuIsDOLw-RoNWZq07dk7nutqsL4Qv-Jg-XmPXfsddsF4UwjmPMauFyfWpiz3S6nvk2ofHztggZKsEZIHVI9nyEpGhsu6XNHGk_PFeYRVowfsnVT0pKJziCGc1BViIO/w503-h377/WhistlebareKnitting.jpg" width="503" /></a></div><br /><div>I left my biggest challenge of the year sitting quietly in the wings to the point that it only just happened. Living with mild dyslexia and struggles with counting, I have long told myself that pattern weaving was one textile skill that would never be for me. When a visit some years ago to <a href="https://www.farfieldmill.org/" target="_blank">Farfield Mill at Sedburgh</a> repeatedly came to mind, I rustled up a last minute visit for some end of summer inspiration. This renovated 19th century woolen mill has been saved from closure on several occasions and is now home to numerous textile artists of various persuasions.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXVnSQTCgjv39IWHs8TBu3jvzQRHFlboHODCxVM9zeSkiX7l0LbPpfCrfA-U35gMM1SCa_v9CQoRZ4h0PQqiVNnG4gxabdsVn5vIYWU8hhnbtDjOyYxww7cfmQPGxSr6HlnLoUloaC1IW/s2048/FarfieldMill1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXVnSQTCgjv39IWHs8TBu3jvzQRHFlboHODCxVM9zeSkiX7l0LbPpfCrfA-U35gMM1SCa_v9CQoRZ4h0PQqiVNnG4gxabdsVn5vIYWU8hhnbtDjOyYxww7cfmQPGxSr6HlnLoUloaC1IW/w500-h376/FarfieldMill1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the day of my visit, Keith Barber of <a href="https://www.gneissrugs.com/" target="_blank">Gneiss Rugs</a> was working away on his Harris Tweed rugs and chatting with me about his creations. Making use of top quality Harris Tweed selvedges that would otherwise go to landfill, Keith's rugs are woven on a peg loom - likely one of the oldest forms of weaving.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2FkKztLe8zB6ntF9jz49A3YuHs3WLgZ_5yM-EFiUzMBIDKD4EjUs4PMed2yrePAJlnqpgQkD6FNcARUzwgp-fZ8ItdqIFMpz_smaPfRnHjm-9JMFj01p8yPRkewgxsIfiTjBxA6C-wKR/s2048/GneissRugs1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2FkKztLe8zB6ntF9jz49A3YuHs3WLgZ_5yM-EFiUzMBIDKD4EjUs4PMed2yrePAJlnqpgQkD6FNcARUzwgp-fZ8ItdqIFMpz_smaPfRnHjm-9JMFj01p8yPRkewgxsIfiTjBxA6C-wKR/w499-h375/GneissRugs1.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><br /><div>The stripy in their Hebridian colours rugs reflect the 'Gneiss' rock structure that can be found on the Isle of Lewis. With 3000 grams of wool in each rug, they are incredible value for money and this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnGthWvdCIU&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">short informative video</a> shows the beginning to end rug making process.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdb_tLAQLaIoibzoXEdd3hEliA4p3rfenbBUl3DbhSx-iwkfaF-4hZJ0MUmMzwM5WqZLlBCI56Bv5bCA2LXB1navT0xmNCcO0_K6Agcve8AKRRtZihx7BbREXYZLwtHSrCAUPZ77tGIoc/s2048/GneissRugs3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdb_tLAQLaIoibzoXEdd3hEliA4p3rfenbBUl3DbhSx-iwkfaF-4hZJ0MUmMzwM5WqZLlBCI56Bv5bCA2LXB1navT0xmNCcO0_K6Agcve8AKRRtZihx7BbREXYZLwtHSrCAUPZ77tGIoc/w498-h374/GneissRugs3.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.laurasloom.co.uk/" target="_blank">Laura's Loom</a> studio certainly had lots of colourful textile inspiration and examples of her work from British wool from Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dQ84WMeK5PWrZ4aFwdYOc9M5LQdaGUS5OewJ9Yrn0omz9mXqExmeIYoXTrK2E-2bxA9WEb7PcKNQUJVr2DwFW0Nhu7_VZBr3-ZtIl2sJRKHW9bb53QZs2jcv31jaP18PaHk8DKdWUSMd/s2048/LaurasLoom2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dQ84WMeK5PWrZ4aFwdYOc9M5LQdaGUS5OewJ9Yrn0omz9mXqExmeIYoXTrK2E-2bxA9WEb7PcKNQUJVr2DwFW0Nhu7_VZBr3-ZtIl2sJRKHW9bb53QZs2jcv31jaP18PaHk8DKdWUSMd/w501-h377/LaurasLoom2.jpg" width="501" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Workshop3F/#_=_" target="_blank">Bee Textile</a> had some very interesting woolly work in progress and I wished that I had been able to chat with her about this piece particularly.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXByWlgzW9yxcEDpMlBfHGOItuTk5Rh30g1ygCq6Wc2818tS6R4J7ERJMQCi0nP0zRhb8DK5cmuLw5Q7oC68v4Uv7-UoMCYmGKct0xdcPHG_KlNpSlwSLDEvFmbUaDYaV0R4i8NBPrKRJK/s2048/BeeTextile1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="2048" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXByWlgzW9yxcEDpMlBfHGOItuTk5Rh30g1ygCq6Wc2818tS6R4J7ERJMQCi0nP0zRhb8DK5cmuLw5Q7oC68v4Uv7-UoMCYmGKct0xdcPHG_KlNpSlwSLDEvFmbUaDYaV0R4i8NBPrKRJK/w501-h272/BeeTextile1.jpg" width="501" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As indeed was the case for knitwear designer, <a href="http://www.angelabradleyknitwear.co.uk/about.html" target="_blank">Angela Bradley</a>. Her yarn filled studio posed many questions and left me with a strong desire to try my hand at yet another textile skill!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3TGFjRGOCwt5-g_ELyI6dgugESdcsqpfGo_ZeRy5YDfBJ5Ej6nlKY7wQV_lEBzOZJQbqPJeQTrOiVB9XsL7pkhcZxdxUyi1x1my-x3tezoDqvVRCJaH_aK_ZiIFnBXcQek9WR-7-jU9Y/s2048/AngelaBradley3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3TGFjRGOCwt5-g_ELyI6dgugESdcsqpfGo_ZeRy5YDfBJ5Ej6nlKY7wQV_lEBzOZJQbqPJeQTrOiVB9XsL7pkhcZxdxUyi1x1my-x3tezoDqvVRCJaH_aK_ZiIFnBXcQek9WR-7-jU9Y/w503-h378/AngelaBradley3.jpg" width="503" /></a></div><br /><div>And so it was to be at Farfield Mill, that I sampled pattern weaving for the first time with visiting Cumbrian weaver Jan Beadle of <a href="http://www.woolclip.com/" target="_blank">Woolclip</a>. The experience of simple silk shuttling felt vaguely familiar yet strangely demanding. While I certainly felt satisfied to have achieved at least a little dodgery pattern weaving, I quickly found that this creative textile experience needed lots more more planning and certainly time to partake.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUJWDBselykzvITd3-TwF7PW-a-nVDU8R-BHwKEjpJZ2KVHKm2KoZbyvQoHZsi62_aiih8E3DLM6K1lFXgJG4IuFbZVeCuCBWDY6h55xaiMfDZTCMmMU-oPQxrO4kZunGkcKMkQn7faEy/s2048/SilkWeavingJanBeadle15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUJWDBselykzvITd3-TwF7PW-a-nVDU8R-BHwKEjpJZ2KVHKm2KoZbyvQoHZsi62_aiih8E3DLM6K1lFXgJG4IuFbZVeCuCBWDY6h55xaiMfDZTCMmMU-oPQxrO4kZunGkcKMkQn7faEy/w492-h369/SilkWeavingJanBeadle15.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And so this autumn I have been taking a slow and steady path to learn weaving on an 8-shaft loom with much appreciated guidance and support from local weaver Sally Parker. Working with Sally's recommendation to use beautiful Tencel yarn for my first start to end weaving experience and I am following a traditional twill pattern without much of a to do! Even better I am really enjoying the experience of slow shuttling in the comfort of my Somerset Levels studio and hope that I may yet inspire others to have a go at this very grounding textile craft.</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/AVvXsEgXUEEB2m_Li3oc95tzekaWvF2FTdv4UD1B1BWYHhBrYW2QjyAEOI0mRWB-75KkrXhnS6jpetEI8oZJ700CzIgaPNNAoxYO1tFt3EzW58rzt0s5hmYIhTdkXTtyRpCUKvgGXVMSAxI_WLYT/s2048/TencelWeavingInProgress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUEEB2m_Li3oc95tzekaWvF2FTdv4UD1B1BWYHhBrYW2QjyAEOI0mRWB-75KkrXhnS6jpetEI8oZJ700CzIgaPNNAoxYO1tFt3EzW58rzt0s5hmYIhTdkXTtyRpCUKvgGXVMSAxI_WLYT/w500-h375/TencelWeavingInProgress.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div>As we head into the final weeks of this unprecedented year, I have returned to reflecting all that I have learnt. I feel enormously grateful for the fortune of good health and that I have found ways to thrive despite the upheaval and restrictions. I have learnt beyond doubt that my creative imagination can go off at a serious tangent and when this happens, I can miss out on very rewarding experiences. Above all else, I have found that there are always ways and means to nurture nuggets of textile creativity that keep tapping at my door :)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB8ynAFrlREiCUtz7ATrNmjZQLQvaGWmCGb6wEEV6knZnzgGOm3CWDNSVDpCaaS_w8Ss-mmSmHUfDVnE0E5p7g3Vd4x7Ykm-2GZU-CjyxaH5UGL-n5imebyIPHOPvsKr3jw7JxtZDlNQl/s2048/March2019a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB8ynAFrlREiCUtz7ATrNmjZQLQvaGWmCGb6wEEV6knZnzgGOm3CWDNSVDpCaaS_w8Ss-mmSmHUfDVnE0E5p7g3Vd4x7Ykm-2GZU-CjyxaH5UGL-n5imebyIPHOPvsKr3jw7JxtZDlNQl/w499-h374/March2019a.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-28495708254200876602020-09-30T15:14:00.009+01:002024-01-08T08:38:55.741+00:00Quick Stitch - Felted Soap<p>While the title of this post is in keeping with my offerings for easy stitch makes, the truth of the matter is that it has nothing to do with stitching! However, it is very much do with wool which has continued as a huge textile passion this summer. In a year where we have needed to wash our hand like never before, making felted soap felt like a very fitting project. Plus it's a fun and easy to make that has several benefits over conventional soap bars - it makes soap last longer, gently exfoliates hands and never leaves a residue after use. Better still, the results that can be achieved are beautiful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz3ti5HjzhQ10dQ6XHDfnBcw9DB0G6NmCA7BAGri655vPOoqX0kw4skLp_5iL2JI_CPXeQpcKvADkkodvKjmB6i9WgdNcI4tF_sSDnCfACX4yEpzs4_WfbyXA9S6TXMNuSK8c2GcIWZvg/s2048/SoapPebbleFinish.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz3ti5HjzhQ10dQ6XHDfnBcw9DB0G6NmCA7BAGri655vPOoqX0kw4skLp_5iL2JI_CPXeQpcKvADkkodvKjmB6i9WgdNcI4tF_sSDnCfACX4yEpzs4_WfbyXA9S6TXMNuSK8c2GcIWZvg/w512-h384/SoapPebbleFinish.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>Beautiful wool fibres blends are are the basis for this project and they readily available on the internet. Here are a few of the blended merino fibres that I purchased online this year from some of my favourite retailers - the fibres of merino wool work best for felting. I always have fibres for sale in my <a href="https://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/p/stitching-home-spring-farm.html" target="_blank"><b>Spring Farm studio</b></a> for anyone who lives locally and is looking to source.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPnzjZiOVeUKWfNrwrhGe8vgNjh-0fewdVvdsmwnN1IqoqwqwSPx5r0dxhnzvIxtu8H4gw4RozGycWybXjb5KKqPkOrHacclyKHPyDEq3_8L-AI2T3OgRWVyz5Sq342_cElnbBkb7sK0-/s2048/WoolBlendFibres2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPnzjZiOVeUKWfNrwrhGe8vgNjh-0fewdVvdsmwnN1IqoqwqwSPx5r0dxhnzvIxtu8H4gw4RozGycWybXjb5KKqPkOrHacclyKHPyDEq3_8L-AI2T3OgRWVyz5Sq342_cElnbBkb7sK0-/w512-h384/WoolBlendFibres2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>Getting hold of soap this summer was a little harder to start with and my desire for pebble shaped soaps even more so. I found some fabulous traditional shaped French rose scented soap in my local health shop and decided to have a go with rounding the corners off with a vegetable peeler. This did the trick perfectly and gave a slightly more pleasing rounded shape.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM4_cVTkyd-xehqBCIjVjrk5Q10NYdi0BjVyM7b8Haep7tNDuEkwTXwM64pXkfoA3A5GRPYp1Yc0ttyOXVCwohLy-YAu5a-6sHAUys2dKprRdp0XbSOZVFUJDvWUnA32zBZYs9ZFm0ADS/s2048/SoapPebbleA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM4_cVTkyd-xehqBCIjVjrk5Q10NYdi0BjVyM7b8Haep7tNDuEkwTXwM64pXkfoA3A5GRPYp1Yc0ttyOXVCwohLy-YAu5a-6sHAUys2dKprRdp0XbSOZVFUJDvWUnA32zBZYs9ZFm0ADS/w512-h384/SoapPebbleA.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>The first step is to gather all that you need for the felting process - wool fibre, a piece of tulle net and a small bowl each of hot and cold water. Then take a length of blended fibre - long enough to wrap around the shortest side of the soap with a bit of overlap. The most important thing here is to pull the fibre length rather and cut and it's also important to felt a couple of thin layers rather than one thick one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8irEO5YuAn1XXTP293c30wn0i85fuQCDmoIK1t5-7NnBjYkgyu_X8_xpBqkabe0y65U6mmDhKaW0wwfEqSMjP9XkMZMaQlgEaWTgzXjGqmYR0AVCxnBoWevOvkPLU4FyKCdvuDgbmbMAN/s2048/SoapPebbleB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8irEO5YuAn1XXTP293c30wn0i85fuQCDmoIK1t5-7NnBjYkgyu_X8_xpBqkabe0y65U6mmDhKaW0wwfEqSMjP9XkMZMaQlgEaWTgzXjGqmYR0AVCxnBoWevOvkPLU4FyKCdvuDgbmbMAN/w512-h384/SoapPebbleB.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>Then wrap the encased soap in a piece of Tulle net with a generous overlap and dunk this into water as hot as your had can stand to expand the fibres. Start to felt with small light circular motions with your finger tips, gradually increasing the pressure and size of the circles. Keep checking that the net is free and not getting caught up in wool as the wool starts to felt - when this starts to happen it's time to move onto the next stage.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7pwa6jnKZSBggaAvtnubaBUId2OG6a_o729PeIBXhDK9v70Fv6dTOAiZy0MTTBAJVc_-BRb9VDlEm6OGNSDIXb6MUqXMxxXNv-RXVima8OPL_2z7d-KMsOkmbnr_gsBx9l5mu9HQ-DDH/s2048/SoapPebbleD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7pwa6jnKZSBggaAvtnubaBUId2OG6a_o729PeIBXhDK9v70Fv6dTOAiZy0MTTBAJVc_-BRb9VDlEm6OGNSDIXb6MUqXMxxXNv-RXVima8OPL_2z7d-KMsOkmbnr_gsBx9l5mu9HQ-DDH/w512-h384/SoapPebbleD.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>Now to pull another length of fibre to wrap around the soap in the other direction - it's best to dry your hands off before you do this. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNbbPH_H41npVWT1s0vjlzM-LjioxOLdUHRciA945EJ6CRKgXrFtfCug5DKXiQs-ETeAx33dxE4Croaab-W06p8B7GMQvlu7gd3f1Ux_yFOnU8BwplBMB5Ff6SYXabgByaPwGxfRTcaOL/s2048/SoapPebbleE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNbbPH_H41npVWT1s0vjlzM-LjioxOLdUHRciA945EJ6CRKgXrFtfCug5DKXiQs-ETeAx33dxE4Croaab-W06p8B7GMQvlu7gd3f1Ux_yFOnU8BwplBMB5Ff6SYXabgByaPwGxfRTcaOL/w512-h384/SoapPebbleE.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>As before, wrap the fibre carefully around the damp soap, making sure this time that all the soap bar is covered.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6xAMf5agEHQrDrAk4Dj-h7o2Luuo5-e6RiPiqvFFG3eTLs86svugd-7u-eINfChBkOO4ed24_j79VGwKXQFFdSegVIP1NUAvdDebNz-daTQGseSsenF_8O6QKkeqMAbE_vdUoi_AnAVr/s2048/SoapPebbleF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6xAMf5agEHQrDrAk4Dj-h7o2Luuo5-e6RiPiqvFFG3eTLs86svugd-7u-eINfChBkOO4ed24_j79VGwKXQFFdSegVIP1NUAvdDebNz-daTQGseSsenF_8O6QKkeqMAbE_vdUoi_AnAVr/w512-h384/SoapPebbleF.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>Wrap the tulle net around again and dunk in hot water and start to gently rub with circular motions. Increase the pressure as before and when the net starts to attach to the soap, remove and continue the felting process straight onto the fibres. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDb1TvRQceUBgscikCgXf_1GjXlcCozx4HvP716-lxEiN0hlcnyuDeJYDsg01S_9CVBekiCBJ24h7iBKB8yuB_TJSRz8tHO3fJDpjw-Fm1hdMTAITd7VmXDqoL1oNRb6H5E6lk4TvFd8d/s2048/SoapPebbleG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDb1TvRQceUBgscikCgXf_1GjXlcCozx4HvP716-lxEiN0hlcnyuDeJYDsg01S_9CVBekiCBJ24h7iBKB8yuB_TJSRz8tHO3fJDpjw-Fm1hdMTAITd7VmXDqoL1oNRb6H5E6lk4TvFd8d/w512-h384/SoapPebbleG.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p>Leave the felted soap to dry and then wrap in a pretty ribbon to make a delightful gift. I have made for numerous gifts this summer and have assured all recipients that they really can use! The felting process continues as the soap is used and after lots and lots of hand washing, only a shrunken wool casing is left. As to what to use the final felted pieces for, well that's a creative project for another day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YzwITyhQX-73jBlGR7diJ2_c08enA2KwdHEfMFq3NdqLB_uu7JN0SR2pG5NsxZUieet4GP7ociCrENi72kBOAfdxwWe_R10xFEKu8CfpxBXDT11KEbqq_RbUgJLcYLQuVHIKwBn71yab/s2048/SuesSoap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YzwITyhQX-73jBlGR7diJ2_c08enA2KwdHEfMFq3NdqLB_uu7JN0SR2pG5NsxZUieet4GP7ociCrENi72kBOAfdxwWe_R10xFEKu8CfpxBXDT11KEbqq_RbUgJLcYLQuVHIKwBn71yab/w512-h384/SuesSoap.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-38091516123218952732020-08-05T16:30:00.037+01:002020-08-27T16:07:42.426+01:00Chasing ButterfliesBeing out and about with my camera this summer has provided great joy at a time when my world has felt fractured. After weeks of confinement, the colourful world of butterflies was a fabulous subject to absorb myself into and I have been enjoying a rewarding journey of learning ever since. Butterflies are believed to have existed on Earth for 200 million years and with us humans only clocking up 2.8 million years, they clearly have the edge in terms of ancestral rights. Their cultural meanings are many, freedom, beauty, comfort, transformation - to name just a few. The peacock butterfly is one of the most commonly seen of the 59 butterfly species in England, and its iridescent colouring makes it one of the most striking. I have seen frequently on nature walks this summer and I read with interest that the they are said to signify the need for more passion in life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PMMsmIbYwE8xnBIc-Pae3W82bTpkvHciAtSc720xNDUevu595dy9md8wdHrFF13cu_la4CS4taui14jZyHeSzsuk7SId4uqIVJPgk-K7EHYJd7w4CQ4wSnbvj0Fr467k9Y2CX-d04d_-/s1600/PeacockLangfordHeathfield.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PMMsmIbYwE8xnBIc-Pae3W82bTpkvHciAtSc720xNDUevu595dy9md8wdHrFF13cu_la4CS4taui14jZyHeSzsuk7SId4uqIVJPgk-K7EHYJd7w4CQ4wSnbvj0Fr467k9Y2CX-d04d_-/w500-h375/PeacockLangfordHeathfield.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />Orange is a long standing favourite colour and has often dominated the places that I have lived - it is said to be a colour of health and wellbeing. I was therefore delighted to see my first ever Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies on a most wonderful woodland walk in Langford Budville. A slightly lighter shade of orange than the male, this female was the first sighting and was similarly enjoying a lunchtime feed in the summer sunshine. <div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UxUAGoCPTE5mUSRwIoJ6yB77qUEdxcxuJp2mBk18wruA3695UmTzdrHOa50Xps2IXyoTlcW3N9Cn7EpzFTSWAxR7XcKgY9eBvzGSgn0tEa9mn80rbAmyDM-naz4_YqjDk-6O-PWC8Fnx/s2048/SilverWashedFritillaryLordsWood.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UxUAGoCPTE5mUSRwIoJ6yB77qUEdxcxuJp2mBk18wruA3695UmTzdrHOa50Xps2IXyoTlcW3N9Cn7EpzFTSWAxR7XcKgY9eBvzGSgn0tEa9mn80rbAmyDM-naz4_YqjDk-6O-PWC8Fnx/w512-h384/SilverWashedFritillaryLordsWood.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br />The Small Tortoiseshell is an orange butterfly commonly sighted in the British Isles from Spring right the way through to Autumn. On a soothing sunny stroll along Poets Walk in Clevedon, there was this fine specimen doing what it most enjoys, nectaring on a flower. Sightings of orange butterflies are said to highlight the importance of gut instinct and making healthy decisions.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5wmqGawxXYgaCKxdt_Csn7-6i7exrcaxBSuFpd_SJBHDOo8w7BGV6Y3hmK8RBbVbWJ1A8czdhwpO-8kyQnyQRQKngoITCXHolrbqX9aV2mpqawurtEtScZQytrUa0xpE1yUVcDMXNT0i/s2048/SmallTortiseshellPoetsWalkClevedon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5wmqGawxXYgaCKxdt_Csn7-6i7exrcaxBSuFpd_SJBHDOo8w7BGV6Y3hmK8RBbVbWJ1A8czdhwpO-8kyQnyQRQKngoITCXHolrbqX9aV2mpqawurtEtScZQytrUa0xpE1yUVcDMXNT0i/w512-h384/SmallTortiseshellPoetsWalkClevedon.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A capture of a blue butterfly took a great deal of patience on my part, and an acknowledgement that I would have faired better much earlier in the summer. It seems a little unfair to call this a '<i>Common</i> Blue' as this first open winged capture looks pretty sophisticated to me! It is said that blue symbolises loyalty and the ability to connect, communicate and express - all of which feel super important at time when even the strongest links have been tested to the hilt.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJM06CoxrpN9ODwC9U1meyIezkJYI_M3C2NFp6KU2BbGvpqo8IUC6vnZSzYGITRbTBGa8iW-tlBPYR5hdX-xZLt05sPL30k06MuGhtNpts3eLcQui73ce1HRuzuWn7FjSna2NETudS6rTE/s2048/CommonBlueDraycottSleights2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJM06CoxrpN9ODwC9U1meyIezkJYI_M3C2NFp6KU2BbGvpqo8IUC6vnZSzYGITRbTBGa8iW-tlBPYR5hdX-xZLt05sPL30k06MuGhtNpts3eLcQui73ce1HRuzuWn7FjSna2NETudS6rTE/w512-h384/CommonBlueDraycottSleights2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Speckled Wood butterfly may look a touch dowdy by comparison to its more colourful cousins. A school uniform colour that resulted in years of avoidance, brown is a colour that I have come to much appreciate since living on the Somerset Levels. This primary earth colour dominates my studio decor and I feel helps to create a stable and secure atmosphere. The Speckled Wood frequents woodland and scrubland and this particular specimen was sighted close by to my studio at Westhay on the Avalon Marshes - resting quietly on a gate warmed by the summer sun.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5xss_h9D-ZLsBHkMS6QJ4UwF6aabAlHaWSF0BWCsTH9DiIWlZ4ybewzwCfGqMBcYWXfpYV-hfIDpbEW1Yaw47K__Mx8G8MBv-i3tXa9S5OERHUESujUqybso7cBr_qi0mn-e1VTzqVMl/s2048/SpeckledWoodWesthay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5xss_h9D-ZLsBHkMS6QJ4UwF6aabAlHaWSF0BWCsTH9DiIWlZ4ybewzwCfGqMBcYWXfpYV-hfIDpbEW1Yaw47K__Mx8G8MBv-i3tXa9S5OERHUESujUqybso7cBr_qi0mn-e1VTzqVMl/w512-h384/SpeckledWoodWesthay.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I saw small brown and orange butterflies on pretty much all of my Somerset walks throughout the summer. All the same, it took me most of the summer weeks to be able to distinguish between a Small Heath, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper. I am now quietly confident that this is a Gatekeeper as it has two spots in the upper wing black eye spot - the female Meadow Brown which is very similar only has one.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwos9sJorDwI4AIhV1gSDACKF9dGx6GoD6DySDg3yj4YvlhxJJq9hQV_XAQfgZJ7KYKcn8xkjTwQHswx5IOa7MCHjVT9xXVh_Mrr5hIgV3aJ6CYmTq79A2TlagTXr425Ux_K0X-NuhcgNc/s2048/GatekeeperFordeAbbey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwos9sJorDwI4AIhV1gSDACKF9dGx6GoD6DySDg3yj4YvlhxJJq9hQV_XAQfgZJ7KYKcn8xkjTwQHswx5IOa7MCHjVT9xXVh_Mrr5hIgV3aJ6CYmTq79A2TlagTXr425Ux_K0X-NuhcgNc/w512-h384/GatekeeperFordeAbbey.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finding butterflies in large numbers was particularly delightful, as was the case when I took a late afternoon walk at RSPB Ham Wall. Red Admirals fluttered around me, warming their bodies on the sweet scented Umbellifer in the last rays of sunshine. It is interesting that they are called Red Admirals, as their predominant colour is close to black. Viewed by many as a dead colour and perhaps not even a colour at all, a black butterfly is said to be a reminder to embrace change and remember that with time it will pass.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCUcnlpXpjW-PReugI5iOfp4UQOtZKsxj-qEx7DcQ64EO5hObmeq-IzwJo9Mkg7yrSGQ5DeC8Pu2G9A-LVSVNjDxSkkZ1wdzSfEn_PUB8V6Irt-WiL641N_84XRTaHReLWOc4ylqFFXKP/s2048/RedAdmiralHamWall3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCUcnlpXpjW-PReugI5iOfp4UQOtZKsxj-qEx7DcQ64EO5hObmeq-IzwJo9Mkg7yrSGQ5DeC8Pu2G9A-LVSVNjDxSkkZ1wdzSfEn_PUB8V6Irt-WiL641N_84XRTaHReLWOc4ylqFFXKP/w512-h384/RedAdmiralHamWall3.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Large cabbage white butterflies start their lives with a form that most vegetable gardeners intensely dislike to see. Yet when their metamorphosis to a butterfly is complete, the simplicity of their colour and markings is one that can be truly admired by all. The female has two dark spots on the upper wing and the male just one. White butterflies are said to signify a requirement to fine a place of calm in a tumultuous world and this lady basking on Verbena Bonariensis in a friend's Somerset garden certainly looked serene and peaceful </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OYfyFjRHrprdox1jN_1GoHaXOpQzz74x4c2SEl5I6T76q1Xja7CrB03PaUqi1WrUh2RT4mzmXN5WCTDsMLdOlv7vBlb_tVsC8GN0ttidZAgmqvBWAVp9K5dw7L5kV0Fc9a7Jof4xAAlf/s2048/LargeWhiteThorney2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OYfyFjRHrprdox1jN_1GoHaXOpQzz74x4c2SEl5I6T76q1Xja7CrB03PaUqi1WrUh2RT4mzmXN5WCTDsMLdOlv7vBlb_tVsC8GN0ttidZAgmqvBWAVp9K5dw7L5kV0Fc9a7Jof4xAAlf/w512-h384/LargeWhiteThorney2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then there is the mix of these polar colours, a combination I find very appealing. Luckily for me, the Marble White butterfly is most commonly found in Southern England in rough grassland and woodland clearings - exactly where I found this one!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y7xfkmrr-E_3-OO3ksvWXCy1vGURvcgnLhd0xLev5-DvEdJzlByX03URzQT9QQLC5cfw-V4vL6EBFugernff0WRSAgLPg8MCu4LKpFGG0nwhxZW0wj5kMPq9W447Xe6TfFe3thG04ipo/s2048/WhiteMarbleButterflyLangfordHeathfield2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y7xfkmrr-E_3-OO3ksvWXCy1vGURvcgnLhd0xLev5-DvEdJzlByX03URzQT9QQLC5cfw-V4vL6EBFugernff0WRSAgLPg8MCu4LKpFGG0nwhxZW0wj5kMPq9W447Xe6TfFe3thG04ipo/w512-h384/WhiteMarbleButterflyLangfordHeathfield2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As I lived out the last days of an unprecedented summer, I reflected on all that I have learnt. 'Chasing Butterflies' truly sums up many of my days - tentatively rebuilding daily life and wondering and often fretting that achievement might be blown away by the next breath of wind. What I found very early on was that butterflies really do not need to be chased at all and that the best thing to do was to sit down somewhere lovely and wait patiently. This Comma Butterfly in my Somerset Levels garden was a case in point and reminded me how beautiful things can often come to us simply with relative ease.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sAnMtztdkAUDiiPhcYJvCWkntOLyTmO8UzKGjQZQvosnItNCTF0xY2nsyug5hISkCsoqqG_7AL9JxBQK3UqXg5rg2V_RE0uTABaJxNgarfD9W39bKeg3f66Na4vERMbn3zg1Dm61whuk/s2048/CommaButterflyOthery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sAnMtztdkAUDiiPhcYJvCWkntOLyTmO8UzKGjQZQvosnItNCTF0xY2nsyug5hISkCsoqqG_7AL9JxBQK3UqXg5rg2V_RE0uTABaJxNgarfD9W39bKeg3f66Na4vERMbn3zg1Dm61whuk/w512-h384/CommaButterflyOthery.jpg" width="512" /></a></div></div><div><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></em></b></div><div><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun, and find your shoulder to light on, </em></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">to bring you luck, happiness, and riches today, tomorrow and beyond.”</em></b></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center;"><b><font face="arial"><i>Irish Prayer<br /></i></font></b></p></div></blockquote></div>Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5617333941945998694.post-9428582273120146952020-06-28T12:19:00.002+01:002020-08-06T11:32:10.261+01:00Quick Stitch - Cork Appliqued Book CoverRemembering my <a href="http://somersetstitch.blogspot.com/2020/06/sardinian-natural-artistry.html" target="_blank">happy travels exploring Sardinian crafts</a> has inspired me to experiment with stitching cork fabric. I have long loved cork products and finding that I could purchase it by the metre was a very happy discovery. It is a very stable fabric to work with and easy to stitch on a domestic sewing machine. Plus it's natural colour works with any colourway and to make this applique book cover, I chose one of my favourite colour combinations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ-a7R8lPbTxn7fdjig5Tqv8SY5DPevBT0rX9pHh70ZH5FRJ_BBXsh1WIXiBEkzop3LiZqHcHUgvfeixr8ge8HJOluIhsEkrzSUdccK7h7RptygNk35dpQkOHZ4npeMo-ITXC38pE-ljn/s1600/CorkAppliqueBook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ-a7R8lPbTxn7fdjig5Tqv8SY5DPevBT0rX9pHh70ZH5FRJ_BBXsh1WIXiBEkzop3LiZqHcHUgvfeixr8ge8HJOluIhsEkrzSUdccK7h7RptygNk35dpQkOHZ4npeMo-ITXC38pE-ljn/w500-h375/CorkAppliqueBook.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The first step is to measure the height of the book you are covering and the width of the front, back and spine added together. Add 0.5" to both of these measurements and cut a piece of cork this exact size. Then decide on a design for your cover - I'm in full blown flower mode this summer so my choice of inspiration was a done deal. I decided that it was a great opportunity to use reverse applique and cut out petal shapes and placed a piece of vibrant Kimono silk behind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQci0E7o7lGxiWkmFz8hpSeReUYdGd9fkdR5qccs3Dkx5baE2kfGv5muArCR-wCzbQuLWqzpe7SUcxe4wmgrXYhgBwMZbVfNNwDDYpIJpbHF7d3VuhYWrfoFE2q3o4MmOEI0PfmhqhftQ5/s1600/CorkAppliqueBookA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQci0E7o7lGxiWkmFz8hpSeReUYdGd9fkdR5qccs3Dkx5baE2kfGv5muArCR-wCzbQuLWqzpe7SUcxe4wmgrXYhgBwMZbVfNNwDDYpIJpbHF7d3VuhYWrfoFE2q3o4MmOEI0PfmhqhftQ5/w500-h375/CorkAppliqueBookA.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Then a used an open zigzag stitch to secure the Kimono silk into place. It was easiest to start stitching at the point of each petal and to manually place the needle when I was close to completing a petal to get the stitches to end in the most convenient place.<br />
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I repeated this process on the back of the book cover, reversing the design. I allowed a good margin around the flower head design to allow for the book cover to be edged. I also wrapped the work in progress around the book to be covered to check the final position.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjX_qA91ip2Q1CMy6XDrz1ISp57ubTB6qRVPCO8IEJXubZK0r6tCcdv1KwuhLWIXUtwLJiZRlG_lo0riWLpVXlAxTh2jEXL7dB3ZGkf1hYLbrizQyiQ_GqfpZx7bDhRISPjGU3wc2vAAl/s1600/CorkAppliqueBookC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjX_qA91ip2Q1CMy6XDrz1ISp57ubTB6qRVPCO8IEJXubZK0r6tCcdv1KwuhLWIXUtwLJiZRlG_lo0riWLpVXlAxTh2jEXL7dB3ZGkf1hYLbrizQyiQ_GqfpZx7bDhRISPjGU3wc2vAAl/w500-h375/CorkAppliqueBookC.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Then to add a stem to the petal design by couching down a piece of plied wool. Again I used a open zigzag and toning thread - this is a little more forgiving on stitching than a contrast. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH8xzSi_34XhRLc9KD_NZS8O943SMUNR_h8ZvnGyCPddk_73zvYLM3mtnGsz6kH9phVmaQe9eeUkILvCae1RZU_yMO7lqJQL-cLtSq0KrLh7gtl77p84fHddPKF45O8Di1iRw4jrbIBr-/s1600/CorkAppliqueBookD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH8xzSi_34XhRLc9KD_NZS8O943SMUNR_h8ZvnGyCPddk_73zvYLM3mtnGsz6kH9phVmaQe9eeUkILvCae1RZU_yMO7lqJQL-cLtSq0KrLh7gtl77p84fHddPKF45O8Di1iRw4jrbIBr-/w500-h375/CorkAppliqueBookD.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Then to the inside of the cover which I first bonded with more Kimono silk. The sleeves for the cover were cut the same height as the cover and just short of half the book width. One edge of each of the sleeves was seamed and stitched with a decorative stitch. The sleeves where then pinned in place and the corners rounded off to reflect the book corners.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VBOrsDNva3fcA50pbJibKhQqlGesWllB_jUtXqUnrPdiK0ANXwIdqpNsp41KjOL2dBJaPpHoqgGKjrISnKd43LcQz0edmr5GuoNIRbtaGaLgusDzC_psQ-rfbaA3HjrBYHAALqOrWNDO/s1600/CorkAppliqueBookE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VBOrsDNva3fcA50pbJibKhQqlGesWllB_jUtXqUnrPdiK0ANXwIdqpNsp41KjOL2dBJaPpHoqgGKjrISnKd43LcQz0edmr5GuoNIRbtaGaLgusDzC_psQ-rfbaA3HjrBYHAALqOrWNDO/w500-h375/CorkAppliqueBookE.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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With the covers I have made over the years, I find that the best finish for around the edge is to zigzag with an open stitch and to encompass some kind or cord to cover the raw edges. I used a plied wool for this cover and stitched around once to catch the wool and then stitched around a 2nd time to ensure that I had caught all the layers - it's really helpful to use an open toed foot to get the best finish to do this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4imEK4-C4pwhMPqy15biUhxqibcuHzqw-gutFfHR1iGAwrXot30u0K-75qmrsTw1I0Qxl041C-kYMTbpMkborLY-akJrKHWc9tJVH8tvAPVOLuJ1rUZ2JPRWQJpM02M7do3Jzz-7zX9c/s1600/CorkAppliqueBookF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4imEK4-C4pwhMPqy15biUhxqibcuHzqw-gutFfHR1iGAwrXot30u0K-75qmrsTw1I0Qxl041C-kYMTbpMkborLY-akJrKHWc9tJVH8tvAPVOLuJ1rUZ2JPRWQJpM02M7do3Jzz-7zX9c/w500-h375/CorkAppliqueBookF.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This was a very popular project with my students who completed on my Safe Stitching Saturday sessions by Zoom during the UK lockdown. Online learning and teaching of stitch has been a whole new experience and I was glad to offer up these sessions at a time when we needed to stay indoors. This particular cover was created by Somerset stitcher Marie, who combined with a charming Viyella fabric. Please do email me with any covers that this post inspires you to make - I would love to see and share.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPyLiEct81-FGcoG1AVh590HMNra-8RJw5hodcIFtwpa2Rmcv8UwmEbuoZXHERITWH3uxSO0vZvFqarNEP7VljKDsd0sgXu3MYNNXTgyZuYOHoGKK9ws3JMWXCiAnm8gvQHXJ7Ns_FE_P/s1600/MarieEvansCorkAppliqueBook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1353" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPyLiEct81-FGcoG1AVh590HMNra-8RJw5hodcIFtwpa2Rmcv8UwmEbuoZXHERITWH3uxSO0vZvFqarNEP7VljKDsd0sgXu3MYNNXTgyZuYOHoGKK9ws3JMWXCiAnm8gvQHXJ7Ns_FE_P/w421-h500/MarieEvansCorkAppliqueBook.jpg" width="421" /></a></div>
<br />Somerset Stitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01538859300043704732noreply@blogger.com0