Embroidery Unit

After ages I decided to have a go with my embroidery unit on the Pfaff 7570. It has been interesting and less frustrating than in the past, probably because I now know at least a little about computers. I'm not able to sew out the Maxi stitches however I try to balance them. There used to be no problem. All the other stitches are fine. As you see I made some flat felt and worked a few Peruvian birds which I autotraced with the help of FlutterWhumper Pro. I am sure the whole process is much simplified with newer programmes. I will work into this with more free machining and some hand stitching when the inspiration strikes.

Batik

Just to show that I have done some batik with my new wax pot. I treated myself to it with the money from a few items I sold at a craft fair. I have used Jacquard Dye & Flow fabric paint on a silk background. Completed it has a beaded edge and tiny tassels on the bottom corners. The base fabric is from a Chinese silk blouse that was always too uncomfortable to wear; I know its very fashionable now to recycle. I worked into the image with a gold pen from Paperchase.

'Art in Action'

On Saturday we had a family outing to an event called Art in Action held in the grounds of Waterperry House in Oxfordshire. An annual event but the first time for us. For anyone who can get there I would recommend it as an excellent venue to see a wide range of good design. There was a textile tent but also drawing, painting, illustration, woodwork, calligraphy, many more arts and crafts, not to speak of Pimms, pancakes and Mozart played throughout the sunny day.
I came back full of inspiration, with lots of ideas to try; its just a pity that I have to go to work tomorrow. I bought a sample piece by Pat Hodson http://www.pathodson.co.uk . Hers is an interesting web site, and have a look at the educational link which has interesting video clips, especially of her talking about her work. Felt pieced by Lizzie Houghton were amazing.

Coleus

Here is some lovely colour in a Coleus leaf. Apparently each one has a slightly different pattern and colouring. The garden is lovely at the moment, although suffering from the current heat wave and drought. The first cucumbers and courgettes are ready. The gooseberry crumbles are in full swing; lovely buttery biscuit topping on a slightly sour fruit, which I'm not sure anybody really likes but it is so traditional.