Workout and Workshops

My Challenge 2018 for the week we were away had to be something that I could take with me and easily pick up and do.  So, I drew a quick sketch (I'm no artist) of Mawgan Porth and took a selection of hand dyed fabrics away with me to work with.
  

Week 19 - work in progress 

It just needs a few decorative stitches to bring it to life and complete it.

In the meantime back to our Northern Adventures

After a few days in Scotland we treated ourselves to a 'Break the Journey' overnight stay at Ings by Windermere, which turned into two!!

A long way up!

 A stunning walk up to Stickle Tarn along Stickle Ghylls which was a workout for the heart and knees, but I'm pleased to say both behaved and were up to the challenge.  

Stickle Ghyll

I could have found a new outlet for my affections and need to have a strong word with my 10 year old self that prevented me venturing back to the Lakes in the past!!

My Flickr page will have more photos from Scotland and The Lakes.  If you would like to take a look please click on 'My Inspiration' at the side of this blog  .

Getting back to all things textile, I am excited to say that following a meeting with Stacey & Darius I will shortly be running some workshops at The Sewing Studio Redruth.  

The first one will be '5 metres of Hemp' on Friday 10th August.  

Snap-shot of '5 metres of Hemp'

This is a collage using purchased fabric with a design that can be extended with stitch.

Other dates are:

Friday 7 September Vintage Wall Hanging. 

Snap-shot of Vintage Wall Hanging

Following a pattern make a personalised wall-hanging with photo fabric, lace and buttons

Friday 26 October Christmas Collage.  

Snap-shot of Christmas Collage

Using your own creativity make a seasonal wall art collage using scraps of purchased Christmas fabric, decorated with hand and machine stitch.

Friday 23 November Angus Cushion.  

Snap-shot of Angus

A very popular workshop that I am delighted to run again. The cushion mixes wool, linen and various weights of cotton together with a photo of your choice on photo fabric. 

Also at the Catalina room St Eval I will be re-running the 3 part Collage workshop for those of you that missed it first time and have had your appetite whetted.  There will be plenty of hands on practise as well as demonstrations of each technique.  All you need to bring is an apron, some fabric scraps and a little free spirit, the rest including all paints, dyes and papers will be available each day.  If nothing else the coffee and biscuits are pretty good!

Thursday 14 June - Day 1 - Transfer Dyes, Stencils & Mark Making #1

Thursday 28th June - Day 2 - Fabric Paper, Painting Fabric & Mark Making #2

Thursday 12 July - Day 3 - Create your own Collage

I will be adding to these dates shortly with new workshops trying out different techniques.  

The details for all my workshops can be found on my website.  

Bookings for the Catalina Room are via my website but for The Sewing Studio or Coast and Country they are via their websites, thank you.

Thank you again for popping by.  

Carolyn

From Fabric Paper to the Isle of Arran........

Again a little delay in my blogging..........this time due to a rather lovely break in Scotland followed by a couple nights in the Lake District!

 

But before we get to that...............Day Two of the Collage Workshop at 

St Eval, was a fabulous day, thank you Ladies.

Inktense Blocks

We had a great time adding colour to fabric with my favourite medium - Inktense Blocks 

Fabric Paper

Making some beautiful pieces of Fabric Paper! 

First Free Machining

And also investigating 'mark-making' with Free Machining and another spot of Hand Stitching. 

It was great to see my enthusiasm for these techniques rubbing off.....

Artist at work!

  I'm looking forward to seeing which of these new and 'younique' fabrics will be used in the collages at this weeks Workshop.  Photos will of course follow. 

  

Not wanting to miss out on any opportunity, I couldn't resist showing the ladies the effect of heat (in the form of an iron) being applied to a beautifully painted plastic bag which had been used to protect the table! The resulting texture will most likely become part of my Challenge 2018 at some point!

Talking of my Challenge, I seem to have a little catching up to do, so here are the latest two that I have finished.

Challenge 2018 - Week 17

 Week 17 is another weave.  While I was getting samples ready for last workshop I used a small piece of muslin to 'mop-up' the excess paint.  

The resulting fabric was rather lovely and so I used it for the challenge. 

Challenge 2018 - Week 18

Challenge 2018 - Week 18 is a study of stitches on a piece of Inktense painted fabric.  I have been making samples up for the workshops and loved the simplicity of the stitches, so decided to use them to add texture to the fabric.   

Now back to our northern adventures.....

Arran in the Sunset

Every now and then we all need to step away from the norm and take a little time out. 

This was us, so a trip to Scotland was called for to visit our oldest and dearest Friends. 

Corsewall Point

The weather was very kind and showed Ayrshire off at its very best. 

Brodick - Isle of Arran

We also had a long a-waited trip to the Isle of Arran, which was planned to perfection with flat calm seas for both the out-going and home-coming ferry crossings. We whiled away several hours beach combing in the glorious sunshine and came home with some rather lovely 'finds'.  

Brodick Beach - Isle of Arran

The Gorgeous Girl was a superstar and had the greatest fun with her oldest pal. 

I was very spoilt, while we where there and was treated to a 'school loom' from WeftBlown, which I am so excited about using.  

I love doing a bit of weaving, (you may have noticed if you follow my blog) and have wanted a loom for a while now.  

It will be an adventure experimenting so please watch this space for my attempts. 

Thank you again for popping by, there will be more on our adventures in the north in my next blog......

Carolyn

So that was April!

Armed with my second coffee of the morning, and in an attempt to dry out after our wet and windy walk on the cliff, I thought it time that I sat down and wrote something on my blog!!

A friend mentioned yesterday 'I am not sure where that month went'........well I'll second that!  I can't believe that the last time I put fingers to the keyboard was 2nd April!! It feels like only yesterday that we were getting ready for visitors over the Easter break!!  

One of our trips over Easter, was a lovely day at Lanhydrock, wandering around the gardens, with the Grandchildren.  

A little early for Bluebells and Magnolias but beautiful nonetheless.  If you have never been; Lanhydrock has the most amazing kitchens.  A wonderful place to mooch around in and soak up the atmosphere!

Another adventure was a quick trip to Dartmoor.  Day One was gorgeous but.........Day Two.....that was quite another matter.   (No photos of Day Two)

 Dartmoor is always fantastic whatever the weather and so good for the soul.  The trip was a real walk down memory lane, as we have returned to this spot, on our own and with the children several times over the years!!

It is amazing to think that Sir Francis Drake had the foresight to create this Leat for the the people of Plymouth all those years ago.  

 The next adventure was Day One of the new Collage Workshop at 
St Eval. 

 It was a super day, lots of laughs, chatter, paint and some hand-stitching!! 

I am very much looking forward to Day Two next Thursday (Catalina Room).  Each workshop is designed to explore different media and techniques that will add colour and texture to fabric.  

They can be done as a set of 3 or as individual days.  

Day Two will explore amongst other things, making fabric paper, which once it is dry can be stitched into and use as any other fabric.
  
The only difference is that it is truly unique and made by you! 

A couple days after the workshop I popped down to our local Village Hall for the Plant & Produce Sale.  It was a great couple of days meeting lots of interesting folks.  'Thank you' to everyone that took the time to pop in and see us. 

 One lucky lady won a voucher for a Younique Textiles Day Workshop in the Sunday raffle.  

Now to the Challenge 2018............I have to admit at this point, that I have been a tad busy with workshop samples and 'life' but saying that I have pieces to show. 

Week 14 - Weave

 I have decided though, that these last 3 are not finished pieces but in fact techniques only. 

Week 15 - Fabric Paper

I am still working on this weeks Challenge, but it will be ready shortly.  

Week 16 - Transfer Dyes

Well that is it for today, can't say that my second coffee helped to warm me up on this Super Sunny Spring Day, (please can someone tell the weather it is Spring and it would be rather lovely if it was a little bit warmer!!).........but at least the Gorgeous Girl and I are dry now.

Thank you again for popping by, 

Carolyn



   

Making a mark!!

Since my last blog we have had a whirlwind trip to Cheltenham and also a visit to family in Salisbury.  

While we were at Cheltenham, we got to see a beautiful collection of tapestry panels created by ladies of the Royal Air Force Association Gloucester Branch in celebration of RAF100.  

Sadly, I didn't/couldn't take any photos but if you click on this link it should take you to their page.  The work that has gone into them is incredible as I am sure you will agree. I think my favourite one is panel number 2; the detail is so amazing it looks just like a sepia photo. 

So from experienced Stitchers, to the next generation!

Recently on one of the blogs that I follow, I saw a collection of work that was created with a theme of 'crosses'.  The crosses came in all shapes and sizes, with one common denominator, the size of the cloth. Sadly, for 2 minutes I can't remember the name of the lady who created this lovely work, but as soon as I do I will add a link. 

Anyway, the reason for my rambling, is that I showed this blog page to my daughter who was wanting to make something for Easter, with the children in her school.  

Close up of Cross

The children; Reception age to Year 6, were asked to make a small cross on a piece of fabric, which would then be put together to make one large cross.  They chose the colour, the size and the place their cross was going to be.  Even the teachers added their cross.  It was a fabulous day and I am very proud of my daughter for organising this and delighted to have been part of it.  I too left a sneaky cross on the fabric!!

Close up of stitches

 Inspired by the children's stitching, my piece for this weeks Challenge 2018 is just simple stitches on handmade felt.  I think it looks a little like fireworks!  

Week 13 - 26 March 18

This week has also seen me been busy making outfits for a fancy dress party.  You will be pleased to note that I don't have any photos of this either (you really wouldn't want to see my version of a 1970's punk!!), but it was great fun getting carried away with the extreme numbers of press studs I stitched to my skirt! 

 And so back to my Challenge which I may be a little late with this week, as we have a couple of little distractions staying (namely two of our Grandchildren), but I am sure I can be excused on this occasion!!  Then again I may get them to help me!!

 

Thank you again for popping by.

Carolyn

A little 'winter' walk!!

Well, here we are almost at the end of another week!  

The super weekend we spent walking a small section of the North Cornwall coast around Zennor, with our youngest son and daughter-in-law, is now a distant memory! 

The Gurnards Head

 We were indeed lucky with the weather, as the snow didn't arrive until  Sunday.  It did mean though that Sunday Lunch was a rushed affair, so that they could get on their way again before the roads became too bad.  A little local knowledge and a 4x4 helped in that respect!!

On the way to Zennor!

But, what a lot of water.......the small streams were bursting and reminded me of Scotland,  A lovely sight to see.  The dogs of course had a great time charging around.  I have to say they both slept well that night!

These couple photos are courtesy of my son!  

Back to my Challenge 2018.  Week 12, started as a small piece of painted fabric.........

How it all starts!

.......which I decided to weave (as I have mentioned before, I do like a little bit of weaving).........  

A little weaving!

......onto the weave I added a stencil from last weeks play and free machine and hand quilting.  

Hmm, I seem to be back to Blue and a sea theme!!  

Week 12 - 19 March 18

This week I have also been busy getting ready for my workshops at St Eval. 

Workshop play!

 It is only a month now and I am really looking forward to starting.  

Some workshop goodies

If you have a minute, please don't forget that you can also find me on Instagram, Twitter, Flickr & Facebook.   

 Thank you for popping by
Carolyn

OK so its blue!!!

I thought I would sit and quickly do my Blog for this week.  I should be doing the housework in readiness for the arrival of our Son & Daughter-in-Law this weekend, but for some strange reason I keep getting diverted!! 

 I met up with some old friends yesterday for a coffee (and lunch!!) and a good old chin-wag.  It has left me with lots of thoughts and ideas..........hence not being able to settle into housework today!

Promised colours

The days are rushing by and soon it will be April and the first of my workshops at St Eval.  I am really looking forward to doing them and spent a lovely afternoon on Wednesday with my paints out.  

I had promised a little colour this week, and did mention that it would probably be blue........what can I say; it is my favourite!!  

I am looking forward to transforming these pieces of new fabric, but for 2 minutes I am not sure which way to go.

Week 11 - 12 March 18

But, in the meantime I did have an idea for this weeks Challenge piece.  

I really liked the paint effect that was created from my stencilling and so encased the paper inside a small laminating pouch.  Trimming away the excess and using extra large Seed Stitches, I appliqued it onto a piece of hand-dyed scrim and 'Colour Catcher'.  

It is very simple but I like and sometimes less is more!  

Sadly, I can hear the call and it must be time now to go back to the housework!!!! 

This is for you Moira!!

Someone is already sat waiting for her mate to arrive!!  So why, I ask, am I worried about the house when it will be mayhem later!!

Keep warm this weekend if the promised forecast of snow happens!!  Perfect for stitching if you ask me!!

Thank you for popping by........Carolyn

Adding a bit of Colour

Well here we are almost in the middle of March and thankfully the snow and Arctic conditions have left us.  Sadly with rain and gales today, but hey, beggars can't be chooser can they!  

 

Felted Colours

To add a little colour into these grey days I have been working on a felt piece that I started last year with my Granddaughters.  At the ages of 10 & 8, they too have inherited my love of fabric and we are usually to be found stitching, painting or felting when they are here.  Their pieces are always beautiful and I am always more than happy to show them off to anyone who is interested!  No photos this time, but no doubt there will be in the future!

Felted Colours & Stitch

I am not the greatest 'Felter', but I love having a play, and always have to join in with the girls. I think I may have to do a small felted piece one week for my Challenge 2018.  

Talking about my Challenge, you may have noticed that I don't really have a theme for each week  It is just a case of seeing what I feel like at the time!  

Mostly I am re-visiting techniques in an attempt to re-fresh myself and re-connect with ideas.  I think it may have been easier to give myself a theme, but there you go, you live and learn!!  

Week 10 - Early Stages

The other day while I had the paints out, I transferred some of the excess onto this piece of tea-dyed calico.  I love the effect and decided to use it for last weeks Challenge.  

Week 10 - 5 March 18

A bit of couching, beads, seed stitching and long stitch later this is the end result!  I think I need more colour for this weeks challenge!  So I guess it will be back to blue for me!!  

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to have a read, and if you fancy I am often popping bits on Instagram Facebook & Twitter so please feel free to have a little look.

Carolyn