June Workshop - Wyn Ingham - Silk Paper Book Covers

Wyn, who is also our Chairman, presented an inspirational workshop on silk paper making at our June workshop. So that we didn't have to wait impatiently for our own samples to dye, she also provided us all with a pre-coloured "book cover" so that we could start embellishing on the day. 

Here are our (incomplete) efforts : 

 

These are by Jen.

The stitched pattern is a vintage tablecloth transfer. 

These are by Liz

The Dandelions are by Lesley

This is by Maureen

These pieces are by Davina

This piece is Margaret's

This piece is by Wendy

This piece is by Kath

This piece is by Sue K. 

The dragonfly is made by ironing damp cocoon stripping into a wooden stamp. 

This book cover and pocket are two of Wyn's samples.

This is by Mandy. 

The stitched pattern is a vintage tablecloth transfer.

This piece is Maureen's too. 

The fleurs de lys on the left have been stamped and then stitched round. 

This is by Abi. 

This is by Cath

These are by Abi too (she's very busy) 

This is by Janice

Wyn can be contacted regarding bookings for workshops at winniewoo@btinternet.com

Inbetweeners - Hello Dolly!

Member Jo has taken a step in a different direction by making some fabric dolls. She started off with Mellie, and this is what she said : 

"Meet Mellie, my first Waldorf* style doll. The head and face are not quite what I wanted - I started off OK but seemed to lose the plot along the way somewhere. But I have learnt loads from making her. My aim is to do more art dolls in the future once I have grasped a few techniques but I have to say I am loving the cuteness overload! I just hope my textile group won't ban me!!!"**

True to her word, Jo has now made two other dolls, in more of an "art doll" style, and is continuing to experiment with her new-found skills. 

*A Waldorf doll (also called Steiner doll) is a form of doll compatible with Waldorf (or Steiner) education philosophies. Made of natural materials, such as fine woollen or cotton skin-toned fabric, generally filled with pure wool stuffing, hair and clothing materials are also made from natural fibres. The doll-makers use techniques drawing on traditional European doll-making, the doll's appearance is intentionally simple in order to allow the child playing with it to develop the imagination and creative play. For instance, it has either no features, or a simple neutral expression. The legs and arms are soft and if flexible allow natural postures. Dolls vary in the form best suited to the stage of development of the child; from a simple sack or pillow doll for a baby; a knotted or handkerchief style for a teething child; a simple doll with bulky limbs and either short hair or a hat for a toddler. 

(Wikipedia)

**As far as I can ascertain, Jo's textile group haven't yet banned her. 

Inbetweeners - Members in Print and Making an Exhibition of Themselves

Harold Hare, a piece by talented Halifax member, textile artist Anne Brooke, proprietor of H-Anne Made, featured in the Gallery section of April's "Be Creative with Workbox" magazine. Workbox has recently undergone a revamp and if you haven't seen a copy for a while, it's worth checking out again. 

Harold in the Gallery

The original Harold

Also in print, this time in the 3rd edition of Scheepjes' "Yarn" magazine (another strokeable publication!), is a beautiful Humming Bird tablet case by Liz Barraclough, which features some colourful  ribbon embroidery. Ribbon embroidery is often seen as quite a traditional craft, but Liz has brought it right up to date with this piece. 

The article in the magazine

The tablet case in close-up. Brilliant matching of ribbons and threads, 

and lots of hand-stitching.

Finally, the ridiculously talented Judy Tadman, who is skilled in so many areas and has made the art of rope sculpture her own, has not only turned her hand to wood turning (sorry) but has also managed to combine this with her love of stitch, by documenting her fellow "turners" in amazing machine embroidery illustrations. These were on display at the Birstall Wood Turning Club's open day in May. 

There are some aspects of doing this blog that make me feel really inadequate!