Packing and a Day Trip

Well it has been a busy time trying to pack my studio up into a container

As my husband said it is like the tardis but in reverse. But with a lot of careful stacking we have managed, and there is even room for the golf clubs ( one day we may start playing again )

During the "Big Clearout" we also had to clear the attic which gave me the chance to check my wedding dress. Wow that was a blast from the past and there is no way I'll get into it again. But it is in perfect condition so I will top up the mothballs and put back in storage.

I also managed a day catching up with my son in London. We went to see the Poppies in the Moat at the Tower of London

 Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red   

It is a fantastic public art installation with over 800,000 ceramic poppies. The poppies are available to buy ( see the link above ) and I'm looking forward to having one in my garden when the exhibition finishes.

From the Tower we wandered along the  north bank and ended up on the strand where I was taken for lunch 

And then onto Piccadilly to the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy for the Arts.

I have to say that this years was ( in my opinion ) the best I have seen. There was something for everyone - nearly - as textiles are still absent. With Grayson Perry's tapestry's being included last year I had hoped for more. Although I suppose with most of the paintings being done on canvas you could argue that textiles have always been represented. 

And finally back to textiles

I found these cushions during the packing. Rather than storing them away, they have found new home in my conservatory.

Bev

Old Sketchbooks

One good thing that is coming out of having to pack up my studios, is that I am revisiting my old work and sketchbooks. We are constantly moving forward with our work so it is lovely to take the time to revisit and re evaluate. 

 I thought I would share some of the pages with you

These are from my Feathers and Wings sketchbook and the next are from a City & Guilds topic of Social and Economic themes

I should never be stuck for themes to work from but I do like making new sketchbooks.

Happy Sketching

Bev

Packing Up??

I know I am meant to be packing my studios away in preparation for the building work but I couldn't resist having a bit of a play.

We have been away for a week in France, and so visiting the Festival of Quilts yesterday gave me itchy fingers. I bought a gelli plate and couldn't resist getting it dirty. My mono printing needs practice I think less is more in this case.

Colouricious printing blocks and gelli plate

 

I love this block 

And I like the more indistinct images here.

 I couldn't resist making some more pages for the Spiral Sketchbook

And finally a couple of pictures of some visitors  to our Gite last week

 A Hoopoe 

And a hedgehog

Now back to the packing

Bev

Spirals

The Sketchbook was empty yesterday but now has a few pages in progress. 

I have chosen Spirals as the theme and I am very pleased with it. I just wish that I had more time to spare at the moment. Although grabbing a few moments here and there can take my work off in unexpected directions. 

Between packing everything away in preparation for the building work which will be happening soon ( I hope ) and my teaching there is a little space for random creativity. 

A cut spiral stitched onto a painted background 

Another spiral cut out 

Spirals in pen, paint and metallic rub

And two wax rubings of the stitched spiral

Spirals - Here I come

Bev

The Empty Sketchbook

Yesterday was the summer lunch at the Calico textile group. Biddy, the group leader, gave us all a summer challenge in the form of a small sketchbook.

I have removed some of the pages in preparation for painting, printing, sketching, not sure what yet. Can you guess that my hardest decision is, what is going to be the theme. Do I go for something new or do I revisit an old theme that I haven't fully explored. Decisions, decisions.

The first thing I will do though is get some colour on those blank pages. But that will have to be tonight as a exciting day of teaching comes first. 

Bev

Log Cabin Cutting Mat Bag

A couple of weeks ago I was asked for a pattern for a cutting mat bag. 

I have used the Downton Abbey range of fabrics and an offset log cabin design for this sample. 

With lovely strong handles it will be perfect for carrying a cutting mat and rulers.

Now to get the pattern written up properly.

Bev

Turned Nine Patch

I seem to spend a lot of time making samples. One day someone will have to make them all up into something.

Last week I had two beginners in my class and we started with turned nine patch blocks. As I hadn't taken any fabric with me I had to quickly buy some from the shop and chose the Moda Folklore Charm pack. These little 4 1/2" squares were perfect for demonstrating and will make a lovely cot sized quilt. 

The pattern formed is very random so this meant that once I was back in my studio I had to try some more formal arrangements too.

I took these two starting arrangements of a nine patch block.

Pieced and cut them into quarters

then rearranged the squares for different effects. 

These will be very useful samples for my beginners classes, and one day may end up in a quilt.

Bev