Author: nuvofelt

Colour has been business for a number of years. Crochet is one of my current means of expression and I enjoy enabling other creatives. Some of my blogs are kept as daily records. Take a look and you will see.

Can you keep a secret?

Well, I now have proof that my husband can!

Yesterday I had a trip to Abingdon. I didn’t know anything about it until the last minute, and I had no idea why I was going. DH announced that we were having a trip, and we duly arrived at the Embroiderers’ Guild SEW Regional Day.

What fascinating talks!

Firstly Diana Springall reminded us that good design always starts with mark making and due consideration of the source. The PA system wasn’t working at it’s best, so I think that several attendees (including my DH who had forgotten his hearing aid) missed the main points of her talk. Drawing is something that scares us all – but the examples she showed (including Alice Kettle, Jan Beaney and Eirion Short) showed that detail is not always required – and MARKS that mean something to the creator are so much more important.

The second talk was a visual delight. Michele Carragher inspired us with behind the scenes stories of TV series on which she has worked. Follow the link to find out more – you won’t be disappointed.

So, why were we there? Well, I didn’t know until the very last moment! The excuse to get me there was to take along a few of my hand dyed threads. We weren’t really selling, but people did come along and take a look. Finally it was time to hand out the awards. One went to a Young Embroiderer. So good to see that there is still an interest in stitching by the very youngest generation. (It reminded me of a project I’m planning for my 6 year old grand-daughter – we must get on with it.) The competition had also been displayed – and everyone had voted. Carol from Wokingham Branch won again! She is a very good example of a proper member. In spite of a very busy life she always manages to produce something – we should all learn from her and stop making excuses about being too busy …..

There was one award left on the table. To my utter amazement it was waiting for me! Anne Walden Mills mentioned my name and I almost fell off my chair!

Many of you in the SEW Region will remember Betty. She was a delightful lady who loved embroidery and the Guild. It was such a surprise and pleasure to receive this award in her memory.

Mixed Media

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The background of the above was created with hand dyed tissue and further embellished with foil and gel pens.

The technique is simple

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Requirements are few too. You need a background* (fabric or paper) the tissue and a matte medium (the one illustrated works particularly well).

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Matte Medium is needed directly on the background

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Apply it over the tissue too.

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Cover the surface and leave to dry.

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Once dry the beauty of the paper is visible. Interesting things can happen with the background too

The above shows the front and back of a paper background

The above shows a background of cotton fibres. A piece of this paper is included in our packs so that you can experiment. This surface too is perfect for stitching – and I often use it for book covers.

Sometimes there is a double use as a quick ‘print’ will result in a watercolour-like finish – and you can still use the paper as above. The video below shows the imprint left – remember to lift the tissue immediately while still wet – it can be transferred to another area for use or left on polythene to dry before peeling off for use.

Ouch and carry on!

The New Year has started with a few leaps and ‘bumps’, but the main thing is to carry on regardless!

While not feeling 100% I have been able to crochet an odd line or two for a throw which was intended to be for my own use. However, a certain little grandson has fallen in love with the colours – so guess where it will be going…….?

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I followed a pattern, but have had fun extending the colours and moving them around to suit my own satisfaction. The weaving in of the ends will be fun! That’s my next task – and then on to the border.

Did you know that just 15 minutes of creativity a day can do a lot to spark your enthusiasm and inspiration. The important thing is to DO something. It doesn’t have to be part of your intended life’s work – just something that stimulates those creative juices in some way. Several of us have committed to this in 2015 and it isn’t too late to join us. If you would like more information please complete the correct parts of the form below.

I am delighted to say that I have managed to find a suitable local venue for a small series of Embellisher workshops. More details will follow soon, and the best news is that you don’t need to transport or even own your machine as I have some that you can borrow.

The even better news is that I can probably do the basics of dyeing at the same venue! That will mean that there will be even more fun and games to be had. I’m planning a series of workshops that will result in enough colours for Joseph’s amazing coat!

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