Quilters Cottage Norfolk

Quilts Making at Knit Wits

2012-01-28T04:40:00.000-08:00

The last Thursday Quilting Session of the month is,

'Quilting and Patchwork Quilts'. This session

encourages students to tackle new techniques or Quilts

with help.

Above, are a variety of quilting styles, the top,

the beginning of a Sampler Quilt. Each week you learn

a different block, technique and this particular one is a,

'Quilt as You Go'.

The middle pictures are the start of a Rustic 9 patch,

made from a jelly roll and left over scraps.

It is often wise if you are not sure if your

colours go together, is to lay them together or

make a colour swatch, like the one above.

The Blue Windmill Triangle piece is a Sewing Machine Mat

and practices cutting and piecing triangles.

See more of my techniques on my

portfolio site

www.artmixter.blogspot.com

Table Runners at Knit Wits Class

2012-01-27T09:45:00.000-08:00

There are lots of different table runners being created at the

classes and these were ones that students had and they just needed

friendly persuasion on how to put them together and finishing.

The bottom one is from Canada and brought as a

pack but the instructions were using different rulers to what

are available here in the U.K. We all love the applique bears and the

border fabric which is to go on next.

The one above is a beautiful Christmas Runner,

very Swedish Inspired.

See more table runners HERE

Thursday 26th January Class at Knit Wits

2012-01-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

On Thursdays it Patchwork and Quilting Class at

Knit Wits in Dereham. Lots of new projects being started

and lots of sharing.

See more by clicking the written labels below

Embroidery Guild waxing Lyrical

2012-01-27T09:04:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday evening at The Kings Lynn Embroidery Guild

Marion Barnett, who is also an artist @ The Gallery Dereham,

came and gave us a talk on 'Waxing Lyrical'.

She showed us lots of ways of using Wax, crayons, transfer techniques

and heating encaustic wax on a heat plate

to make a mono print textile.

(See the wax on the plate above in the middle).

Marion answered lots of questions and we all

had a feel of the different types of waxed printed fabrics.

Love, Marion's dyed fabrics.

See more of Marion's work on her blog

Wednesday Scrapbooking Class

2012-01-27T08:28:00.001-08:00

Kim told us it was the last ScrapBooking Session

as the company that she works for and supplies us with

all the pages, glue pads and extras has withdrawn trading in The U.K.

Sad as we all like the different things Kim brought along

to show us that was on offer and new designs.

Spent a lovely couple of hours with Kim making

scrapbook pages and organising photos,

then I sat and put more on

one of the blank journal pages I had started

putting together a Journal Cover.

See more of the journal pages HERE

See some more of my journals on my

portfolio site

Applique Month

2012-01-27T08:02:00.000-08:00

This month at my textile classes the inspiration has been 'Applique',

I have demonstrated 8 different ways of appliqueing

fabrics together.

Here are a few that were being worked on at

the Tuesday Class.

Photos onto Fabric

2012-01-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

This week I took the printer in again so that students

could learn how to put their photos and pictures

onto fabric. There are lots of ways of transferring

images onto material but I like using prepared fabric

and an ink jet printer.

The images were of varied things including

fruit and veg labels (above), photographs, etchings and

original artwork.

Everyone learnt the art of preparation and patience!

I will be taking the printer in all of February.

Textile Tuesday 24th January 2012

2012-01-27T07:18:00.000-08:00

Lots being created and shared @ The Gallery,

Textile Tuesday class as you can see by the variety above.

Embellishing inspired by rust!

It's alright making samples and trying out techniques,

then sometimes this leads to you wanting to take it further

and make a finished piece which is what

Jenny wants to do over the next weeks.

Barbara had started cutting small family football shirts and

shorts and found it a bit tricky so cut up

bigger ones instead and made the quilt above.

It has a barbed wire fabric on the back

which makes it really fun.

Now she can tackle the smaller ones.

Pat made the delightful bag out of a Chair back Cover

she found in a charity shop, beautiful!

She more of what goes on @The Gallery by

visiting the website or clicking on the labels below.

Every week I show examples of what can be made and throughout

New Journal 2012

2012-01-27T01:02:00.001-08:00

On Monday I got in the studio to work on some pages

that I had been gathering the stuff for since the

beginning of the new year.

I wanted to try sewing more papers, card and ephemera

together.

I had been given a pile of 1970's craft books and

the images were so fun and colourful they yelled to be used.

I don't know about anywhere else but Thrift stores and Charity

shops are finding hard to sell second hand books.

Now I have been taught over a lifetime to cherish books,

so cutting them up is a big deal!

It took some courage to start doing it but as

you can see I had fun.

No first editions were harmed in this process!

New Yarn and Textile Group in our Area

2012-01-27T00:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday 21st I went to the first meeting of a new local

group called' West NorfolkYarn and Textile Group'.

It was so friendly and everyone was busy creating,

knitting, spinning,weaving and patchwork.

I knitted a long sample square ready for me to

embellish over. I am taking my embellisher machines

to the next meeting on

the 25th of Feb so people can have a go at Embellishing

their yarns.

10-3 at North Runcton Meeting Hall.

More information about the group is availble from

Trudi Miles

tmiles@camgtp.com

Fabric Shopping at Shan's

2012-01-27T00:24:00.000-08:00

Friday 20th of January I saw Jenn in the morninig

for a cup of tea before she jets away on holiday!

And then took myself off to Shan's

in Hunstanton because I needed to buy

particular types of silks and trimmings for the

next makes.

The shop always looks so interesting and full.

I gave myself the chance to really browse in every

little corner as you never know what treasures you

find and whats new.

Lola, Shan's rather large dog was as friendly as ever and

got out of bed when I asked how she was.

Apparently she had been a bit off colour with the weather

but seemed fine!

Shan will be launching her website soon so that

will be grrat to keep up with her new stock.

Quilts Making at Knit Wits

2012-01-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

It was Quilting Day at knit Wits as well as Applique inspiration.

I love to see all the different fabrics being used to

create wonderful quilts, many f which are recycled.

See more by clicking the written labels below.

Thursday 19th January Class at Knit Wits

2012-01-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

the month different students are able to make the

different items.

Click the above Title Tab above.

The Photos above are Printed Bags and Scissor Cases made by students

at the Knit Wits Classes.

See my printed bag that inspired these ones HERE

Finished Exploding Box

2012-01-21T11:54:00.000-08:00

This is my Exploding Box made with Kim on Wednesdays

Card Making Class @The Gallery.

You can make one by following the video

on my Tech Site

Card Making Wednesday 18th January 2012

2012-01-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

Kim really got the inspiration going this week by

showing us how to make an, 'Exploding Box'.

My brain just took off and I made my box about textiles.

Well, Textile Tuesday.

You make the box in four parts. The three inside

pieces and the lid.

See the finished box in next post.

Coven Quilters Show and Tell

2012-01-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

There is always an over achiever in every group,

I say with a giggle!

This month at Coven Quilters it goes to Liz!

She has been quietly finishing off all

her UFO's! and years of quilting her

Wholecloth Quilt has paid off, it's finished.

Just beautiful!!

Well done Liz!

Coven Quilters 14 Years

2012-01-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday 17th we had our Coven Quilters meeting.

We have been meeting every month for 14 Years.

We feel so lucky to have made such friendships.

Every January we make the point of taking a group photo

on Kates sofa!

Thank you Paddy for being so patient!

(I am the one sat on the right on the floor!).

We have such a great time,

from the moment we knock on the door,

to the time we leave. I just get in before Cinderella!

This month we were celebrating 'a Coven Christmas',

where we swap our pressies together.

And Jane had a Birthday too!

So cake with candles!

Thank you Girlies for the special time

and lovely memories.

@ The Gallery Textile Tuesday 17th Jan 2012

2012-01-21T10:38:00.001-08:00

Opps! I forgot to take my phone or camera to

'Textile Tuesday @The Gallery and there were

so many wonderful things being created,

I could have kicked myself.

I was demonstrating,

'How to start with an idea or picture and how

Art can be created in many different medias.

See a some of my working practice on my

portfolio site

Quilters Guild Region 9 Coffee Morning

2012-01-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

On Saturday the 14th I went to The Region 9 Coffee Morning

at North Wymondham Community Hall.

There was lots of demonstrations by Guild members.

Steve from Sewing Machine World

with New Sewing Machines to buy.

A large display of a collection of old machines and Helen on hand to

date, give advice on care and where you could obtain parts.

Ros was in the corner Patt Testing members machines

and the money raised going to The Guild and Region 9.

I took 3 sewing machines, 4 Embellishers and an extension lead.

All were tested and pasted so they are safe for workshops.

There was a really good turn out.

There was a lovely 'Show and Tell' and the Raffle.

I won a bundle of fabric.

You can never have enough!!!

Visit The Patchwork and Quilting Guild of The British Isles

www.quiltersguild.org.uk

Card Making Friday 13th January 2012

2012-01-15T23:08:00.001-08:00

When I got home from Quilt Class on Thursday

there was a message on my answer phone that

there was a space on the card making afternoon

at Gill's Studio in Kings Lynn due to a

cancellation.

I love going to Gill's Card Making Shop and Studio,

as I always have a list of things for card making I can only

get there.

As you can see we had a wonderful time making

this Victorian Lady Aperture card.

Lots of Printing, cutting, making and painting

using Distress Inks.

There was a new lady starting, a complete

beginner and I learnt lots too!

I came away with my stash that grew as I

in my wisdom arrived early to class and

had lots of time to browse!!!!

See more of my card making on my blog

Knit Wits Quilt Class 12th January 2012

2012-01-15T22:47:00.000-08:00

Thursday was the first day class back at Knit Wits and it

was a busy one!

I demonstrated the 8 different ways of Applique,

the zip bag with printed panel

and there was lots of 'Show and Tell'.

Some had brought in their finished Christmas items,

I encourage and love to see finished items as

we have all been to classes where you make samples

or start a project and some how it never gets finished

and becomes a 'UFO',

(Un Finished Object).

See more by clicking the written labels below

or see what classes are available by

clicking on 'Workshops', above.

Textile Evening Class

2012-01-15T22:37:00.001-08:00

It was back to evening class after the Christmas break and everyone

was eager to get started and continue some of their

projects.

I showed the bag technique and some applique methods

and then everyone got on.

The rectangular piece of upholstery patchwork

is going to be part of a bag.

The top photograph shows one of the finished bags.

Well done, HeatherAnn.

See my bag HERE

Card Making Wednesday 11th January 2012

2012-01-13T00:28:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday Kim surprised us with two tri-folded shutter and

concertina cards as examples to make.

They looked very intricate to make but we were

soon measuring, folding and cutting.

I chose mine to be very Mediveal in feel.

This is how far I got that morning and I will

See my finished card and a video on how to make it

See more of my cards on my card blog

Corsetry

2012-01-13T00:27:00.000-08:00

On Textile Tuesdays we do many different textile practices.

Some of my students are making corsets and

corset related items.

There are lots of patterning and design ideas coming through!

See an eye opening video on my tech site,

hosted by Tara Banks.

Crazy Work Patchwork Square

2012-01-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

Pat brought a Crazy Patchwork book at The Chilford Show

and over the Christmas break she started the piece above.

It contains many different shades of blue textiles, threads, beads and

embellishments. Pat has really got the technique at it's best.

Well done Pat.

See my Crazywork Patchwork

on my portfolio site

Indian Wall Hanging

2012-01-10T13:06:00.001-08:00

Barbar finished her sari fabric wall hanging.

It is really sparkly and really colours a room,

it's fantastic.

See more of Barbara's work by clicking the

written labels below.

Sara's Purse

2012-01-10T12:57:00.001-08:00

Sara showed us the finished purse she started before

Christmas. It was made from one of her Mum's tops!

She them quilted, added beads and charms.

The heart charm contains a picture of Sara and her Mum.

Mum loves the purse but thinks it's too good to use.

It is wonderful!

PInk Mixed Media Wall Hanging

2012-01-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

Sara finished her wall hanging over the Christmas Holidays.

It is really something else and shows so many

techniques.

Well Done Sara and good luck with your interview.

Carol Back

2012-01-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

It was so lovely to have Carol back after health made her

take a break.

She got right on in there and made a red version of

my 'Madame Francais'.

See my version

or my Vintage Portfolio Page

www.thegallerydereham.co.uk

See more of Carol's work by clicking the written labels below.

Gallery Textile Tuesday 10th January 2012

2012-01-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

Today was the first Textile Tuesday @The Gallery Dereham.

It was really hectic and getting used to where everything

goes and settling Students back into creating

after the Christmas break is always interesting.

Many chose to make the black, white and red bag,

(see previous post HERE )

Many using alternative colours but all using the printing

technique.

Others were making wallhangings, recycling football shirts,

making corsets, quilts and more!

Visit The Gallery

Madame Francais Wall Hanging

2012-01-09T12:36:00.001-08:00

This is another project that has been in sections on my work table

over the Christmas Holidays and today was the day to finish it.

I always try and show different inspiration at classes, so

there's the black,white and red bag

(See previous post HERE)

and then there is the

Wall Hanging called 'Madame Francais'.

I stamped the image on prepped fabric and then

appliqued the other elements on.

Lots of jewelry pieces put together to make

decorative elements and a beaded hanging chain.

Lots of inking and tweaking to the finish today.

See more of my 'Vintage' collection by

visiting my art portfolio site

black White and Red Bag

2012-01-09T05:32:00.001-08:00

Monday and in the studio again getting ready for classes

starting up this week.

I have various projects in varying stages as

inspiration. So much to finish!

I have had a real making break!!!!

It took a while to settle and

I ended up finishing this little bag using some

of the new fabric that came into Knit Wits

before Christmas.

I printed the label using Staz On Ink and

a stamp which has corsets on it and fits one of the current class themes.

I print onto fabric that has been prepped for putting

through the printer.

This is then iron fixed.

The zip and charm were recycled.

Quite cute don't you think ? and I will

be demonstrating this @ The Gallery tomorrow.

See workshop lists above.

Visit my portfolio site as I am updating it and

putting a lot more in each portfolio.

www.art2inspire.blogspot.com

Steampunk Outfit Pattern

2012-01-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

Jenn and I had our 'girlie' day today and went in

dress shops and couldn't really find anything we liked!

We ended up in 'The Fent' shop in Kings Lynn and

looked at the patterns.

With me teaching corsetry starting next week,

we found this one and the Steampunk outfit.

Really Cool!

I had been inspired several months ago by

a video on You Tube on 'Steampunk Couture'.

Really inspirational and atmospheric.

See the video on my tech site

Fabric Journal Pages

2012-01-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

I have been putting together some of the pages

in my fabric journal, using a mixture of techniques.

See the start of the journal

See the video that inspired this fabric journal

on my tech blog

Lace Dress form Card

2012-01-04T22:57:00.001-08:00

Wednesday the 4th was Card Making @The Gallery

with Kim.

We were all feeling a little groggy to get started back

to class but look at what I created!

Kim showed us lots of ways of folding cards,

using different sizes.

Kim also brought in lots of inspirational papers,

I chose the lace ones!

It was good to be card making again,

Thank you Kim!

See more of my cards on my card blog

and see Kim's card blog

www.kimcrop.blogspot.com

Fabric Journal

2012-01-03T08:28:00.001-08:00

At the end of last year I started to collect together all the

things to make a scrap book journal on,

'Dressmaking and Textiles'.

Today, after the Christmas break I went

back into the Studio and collected more of the things I liked.

I had seen a You Tube video a couple of months ago

on 'Fabric Journals' and this is my inspiration.

I start with this video but as you know I like to do

things my way!

See the video on my tech site

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T08:16:00.001-08:00

Wishing Everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.

January 2012 is my second year of blogging

and I feel so lucky to be able to share my art work and life

with others.

I had a lovely time over Christmas and have had a complete break.

I didn't sew from the 23rd of December until today!

I did do lots of reading and research and enjoyed

being with family and friends.

Lovely!

I always allow myself a chance for a break in

my creativity and allow myself to recharge,

hence the statement above!

We expect too much of ourselves in this media, technology, rich

society and we always need to take a step back and take stock.

Hope you are able to take a break this year however you can,

whether it be an hour or a couple of days, it's worth the time!

Merry Christmas To All

2011-12-24T22:56:00.000-08:00

A very Merry Christmas to everyone!

Best Wishes from here at

Quilters Cottage.

Lace Christmas Cornucopias

2011-12-24T22:44:00.000-08:00

Still busy making and finishing gifts for close friends.

Above are some lace Victorian inspired cornucopias.

They each contain little gifts and a Christmas flower arrangement.

Christmas is all about family, friends and an open heart.

I just love the Christmas Season but there is never enough time.

It doesn't matter when you start!

I start in August making Christmas items for classes

so I have inspiration for my students!

Hope everyone has a lovely time!

See more of my Vintage Lace collection on my

portfolio site

Jeanetta Sculpiturio

2011-12-24T22:21:00.000-08:00

On Thursday 22nd Jenn and I went to Dereham as she

wanted to see, 'Jeanetta Sculpiturio' @ The Gallery.

I decided to do some photography in situ of the

different sections which you can see in the photos above.

I just the love the colours and textures now.

Working on with all the different medias this time

was a challenge and I thank Stewart for his wood working

technical skill of putting the picture moulding around

the column.

I will be putting a detailed description and techniques on

my portfolio site

in the new year and also making a link picture

from Quilters Cottage for you to see the details.

Kims Striped Cushions

2011-12-24T22:13:00.000-08:00

On Monday 19th I put the finishing touches to

Kim's cushions. She wanted ones to match her

newly decorated Living Room and using the

off cuts from her cream textured curtains.

I delivered these on the Wednesday when I went to

the last Card Making session of the year

@The Gallery.

Kim was very pleased with them.

New Office

2011-12-24T21:59:00.000-08:00

Ohh! some times you get an idea in your head and it

goes too far!

With Jenn moving out we decided as we were both off

work from the 14th until the 18th we would decorate and

re-shelve Jennifer's room and make it into an Office!

Still keeping a bed in there as an option but making

it into sofa one for comfort.

Great!

After removing all the things Jennifer didn't take with her

which seemed an awful lot, we painted it 'WHITE'!

The room has never been all white before and it's

very bright so I hope over the holidays with all the

office type stuff that gets moved in there it will

gather some colour.

Stewart made the wonderful shelves!

I am so lucky!

I hope now I can get even more organised!

The thing is we didn't just stop here,

when you decorate one room the others shout,

so we ended up painting the office, hall way, bathroom and

living room all in the 5 days.

So so tired now!

but they all look good for Christmas!

Jeanetta Sculpiturio

2011-12-24T21:41:00.000-08:00

I put on exhibit @The Gallery my new mixed media sculpture,

'Jeanetta Sculpiturio'.

It is a column 6ft tall and 16' wide.

Inspired by architecture, Venice,

intricate surfaces, jewellery and

Jeanette, one of my students!

Jeanette makes wonderful mixed media textile pieces

such as 'Bolliwood' and 'Leaves'.

See HERE

She also makes

intricate textile boxes.

Jeanette starts in a similar way to I do, with the inspiration.

Then collects lots of medias together and then compiles

ideas and sections together.

Where we differ and what makes me chuckle is,

Jeanette hates painting and getting messy!

I love paint,inks and getting stuck in with gooeyness!

I will work on this with her as she has expressed

that she wants to make a section of the sculpture

which has painted lace arches on, so we shall see!

See more of her work by clicking on the written label below.

New Gallery Work Space

2011-12-24T21:19:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday the 13th it was an Open Day

for my 'Textile Tuesday', sessions @The Gallery,

in it's new workshop area.

It's a lovely bright modern and inspirational space.

I welcomed everyone and showed them round

and then they could make one of the origami stars

if they could stay or I gave them a star as a Christmas gift.

As you can see by the picture above everyone was happy.

My new Sculpture 'Jeanetta Sculpitori' went on exhibit.

See the origami stars

To see how to make the Christmas Origami Stars

visit my tech site

New Gallery Open

2011-12-20T00:22:00.000-08:00

On Friday the 9th of December the new Gallery

opened to the public in The War Memorial Hall in Dereham.

I was very excited to see where I would be working.

WOW! is all I can say.

What an amazing transformation of the hall!

As soon as you walk through the door you

are met by a light airy contemporary and friendly space.

The Celebration Quilt made by members and

groups within Dereham and which I assembled

looks fantastic in it's alcove.

I was especially interested in going through the archway

at the end of the main Gallery space as this is the

workshop area.

Judy and Hadyn are running The Gallery, Workshops

and are also going to be great custodians of

The War Memorial Hall,

keeping it open to the public.

Thank you, to all who have made this transformation

possible.

Visit the Gallery

www.derehammemorialhall.org

and

Norfolk Open Studios

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

The deadline for applications for Norfolk Open Studios

was looming and I had collected all my information together ready.

I now had to fill in the online application!

I have participated in Open Studios several times before and

really enjoyed the experience.

Application, now done and sent the two images above

went with my it along with a short paragraph about my studio space.

One of these images will be chosen for the brochure.

I have chosen images that people recognise as my profile

picture or my business cards so there is some

recognition to the studio.

The Open Studios are from the 26th May through to the

10th June 2012.

I will be working the full two weeks in my studio

through out the event.

To see more visit

Norfolk Open Studios

or to see more about the images click on the

written labels below.

Origami Paper Stars

2011-12-19T23:31:00.000-08:00

As some of you know I love Origami and I couldn't resist

making these stars out of Christmas Wrapping Paper.

Stewart was a s patient as ever and helped me fold,

point after point and I put them together.

At Knit Wits I sold them for Charity.

I was also introducing the to see the response!

They were well received and I showed several

visitors how to make them.

I explain the measurements and

if you want to make them, visit the

You Tube video on my tech site

www.springwoodhousedesigns.co.uk

Knit Wits 8th December Q&A Day

2011-12-19T23:19:00.000-08:00

At Knit Wits I gave my last session at Knit Wits for the year.

It was a Q&A Day. Students came along and brought their

projects that they wanted to know how to finish, what they

needed to start new projects and projects they wanted

to share that they had finished.

Also share goodwill and a few chocs!

It was a lovely day and it was lovely seeing everyone.

Thank you to all for making the classes such fun!

See more by clicking the label below or

see what workshops are available by clicking

the Workshop Tab above.

Christmas Decorations

2011-12-19T22:56:00.000-08:00

On the 7th of December I got together my display

for Knit Wits Thursday Q&A Day, the last session

of the year for me.

While prepping I decided to make several of the

Ribbon Folded Catherine Wheel Decorations above.

I brought the kit when I was at Chilford Quilt Show

in November.

The kit contained all the bits you required to make one of the

Decorations and a really good set of instructions.

I brought four of the polystyrene inserts that you

pin the folded ribbon to, as I always like making

different colours.

You can buy the kits from

Stars in the Making

2011-12-09T13:25:00.001-08:00

Here are Stars being made @The Gallery sessions after

I showed mine as inspiration, shared the patterns and how to make

them. I love to see the individual interpretation of colours

and designs.

See my Christmas Lace Star

Students Victorian Favours

2011-12-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

These are some of the lace Christmas, Victorian inspired

Favours.

They are just wonderful.

Well done everyone.

See my Victorian Lace Favour

One Students Work

2011-12-09T13:12:00.001-08:00

Over the last few weeks Maurie has been finishing

lots of things off as well as being inspired

each week to make the things that

I bring along to inspire and make.

I love the mixture of items and they are so well made.

See more by clicking on the written labels below.

See my Candy Canes

Gallery Tuesday 6th December 2011

2011-12-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

Lots of finishing off this week @ The Gallery Sessions as

it is the last ones before we move into the new Gallery.

www.prontoprint.com/kingslynn

Christmas Lace Star

2011-12-09T12:35:00.001-08:00

(front)

(Back)

(click on photo to enlarge)

On Monday when I got back from town I put the

finishing touches to my Lace Textured Star.

It is made with lots of recycled lace and fabrics,

as well as some of the trimmings I brought on the

previous Saturday.

See more Christmas Items by clicking on the

written labels below.

Business Cards

2011-12-09T12:27:00.001-08:00

Monday morning I had to pick up another 200

of my business cards from Pronto Print in

Kings Lynn. Jenny really does a good print job,

reproducing my artworks true to their colours.

There is always good fun going on in the office too.

Visit

Celebration Quilt Dedication

2011-12-09T12:05:00.001-08:00

Here is The Celebration Quilt Finished!

All the blocks made by the wonderful people and groups of Dereham.

From my studio table putting all the blocks together,

to the finished Quilt and the Dedication of it on the Opening

of The War Memorial Hall on the

Sunday the 4th of December.

It is in the Foyer of The Gallery for all to see.

It makes you smile:)

Visit

Shopping With Jenn

2011-12-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

Jenn moved out last week end to be a live in Personal Assistant

at a Bed and Breakfast, as well as keeping her day job!

Visit the Bed and Breakfast at Oxbrough.

We now make Saturday

mornings as our Shopping and time to catch up with one another.

Above, are some of the pieces that I brought to

continue my Architectural piece and work that I want to

start after Christmas.

Haul Arrives in the Post

2011-12-09T11:08:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I received my Haul from the internet shopping

I had done earlier in the week from,

'Stampers Attic' and 'The Craft Emporium'.

I am always thinking of new ideas and projects,

several months ahead.

These stamps and papers I want to use for first

draft ideas for art pieces based on Dress Forms and

The Circus.

I have just started reading the book written by

Erin Mergenstern,

'The Night Circus'.

See a clip and interviews on my tech site

Work made at Yvonne's Workshop

2011-12-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

Here are the beginings and some of the finished tiles.

I always take my workshop inspiration into ideas

that I am working on and develop them personally.

We initially drew our chosen designs onto

light weight vylene or Stitch and Tear.

This is placed on the back and the felt is placed

on the front, coloured side up.

You then free machine around the design.

The next step is to burn away the excess felt with

the soldering iron. Then using a heat gun

melt away certain areas to make the piece look old.

I then used inks and paints to add details with

stencils and stamps.

Thank you Yvonne for such a lovely day.

See Yvonne's Studio

Yvonne Brown's Studio

2011-12-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

On December the 2nd five of us were able to have a workshop

day in Yvonne Brown's studio,

'Woods End'.

We were learning her,

'Tile' Technique, which is from her book

' Tex-tiles and other techniques'.

Yvonne showed us lots of her different work

as inspiration.

It was a lovely day and we all learnt lots.

See Yvonne' website

www.yvonnebrown.co.uk

Irene's Christmas

2011-12-09T10:21:00.001-08:00

On the way home from Knit Wits I popped in on Irene.

Iren decorates her home because she loves Christmas

and for her Grand Children.

She had invited me to see her Christmas Decorations.

OOO I was like a little kid again from the outside of

Irene's home and through the door it was like

walking into a Christmas wonderland.

I felt inspired and enlivened, it was a wonderful

experience.

With four different types of decorated Christmas Tree

and scenes around the house it was wow!

Irene's dog and cats were so friendly and unique

characters making me feel so welcome.

Thank you so much Irene for such a

lovely Christmas feeling.

Knit Wits Class, Christmas Runners

2011-12-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas Runners and Quilts are being made

frantically now as it gets closer to Christmas and

this was my last teaching session until the New Year

at Knit Wits.

See more by clicking on the written labels below.

KNit Wits Class, Quilts

2011-12-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

As most people know I love recycling and these students

quilts show it at it's best.

The top one, Adventure Hero's started off from the scraps

of boys bedroom curtains!

They have been cut into blocks and then assembled.

It was supposed to be a quillo but in the excitement of making

became a single bed quilt which it's new owner

just adores!

The Nine blocks are made from recycled fabrics

that a grandmother has made and kept. They have now been

divided into 4 (4 grand daughters).

Each quilt has the same patterning with a blue or yellow

square in each corner.

Borders on all 4 will look stunning and what a

special sentiment and connection.

Warms the cockles of your heart!

Knit Wits Class, Cushions

2011-12-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Students are really enjoying making cushions now and

I love the variety of colour and fabric combinations.

See more cushions

and

See my cushions

See more by clicking on the written labels below.

Painted Lace

2011-12-05T00:11:00.000-08:00

Once I got home from Card Making Class I was

still inspired to create more work and the big

piece of artwork in pieces on my studio table

at the moment is based on architecture,

ancient and modern.

I had an afternoon painting and dying laces and

making up border pieces to fit into certain sections

of the column.

The piece has a name,

'Jeanetta Sculpiturio'.

Inspired by one of my students and Italian Architecture.

It is going to be revealed on my Open day @The Gallery.

It will then go on exhibition.

See another section

Card Making Wednesday 30th November 2011

2011-12-04T23:58:00.001-08:00

Wednesday was card making with Kim and I

was feeling a bit slow and needed to sort out my

tools and card making stuff before I felt I could do

anything creative.

You know when you feel you need to have a slow day?

Once I got going I learnt about how to distress paper and tags

using a distress tool. I then sat distressed tags for a while and watched

others create their cards.

Kim then showed us some of her new

Christmas stamps and that was it, I was off and

inspired. I stamped and inked, embossed and prepared

papers and fabrics with the new ideas.

I had a lovely morning,

Thank you Kim.

When I got home there was a Thank you card (above)

from Will the new owner of the Commission Quilt that

I have been working on over the last few months.

Will had made the artwork and card.

Thank you, Will!

See HERE

and visit Kim's Card Blog

www.kimcrop.blogspot.com

Assessment

2011-12-04T23:30:00.000-08:00

During the Textile Tuesday afternoon session,

Carole from The City and Guilds Education

Assessor came to assess my teaching and see

what classes that I can teach and offer certification for.

I had met Carole at Elveden Farm Shop and Restaurant

the day before.

It was quite funny really, we had been emailing and

fixing dates of when to meet but it wasn't until I

parked up in the car park I realised I didn't know

what Carole looked liked (was she wearing a carnation,

sprang to mind) and I didn't have a mobile number!

Today, in this modern age sometimes with instant messaging,

one can take things for granted!

It was a lovely meeting and Carole informed me

she would be able to assess me the following day

on 'Textile Tuesday'.

Needless to say, it all went very well

and the ladies all had different work to share.

I even had one student, as she came through the

door exclaim,

"Oh, Jane I have brought my machine embroidery but

I have to make wings for a five year old Angel Gabriel,

by Monday, where do I start?"

Lucky enough, I have made lots of costumes in the past and

it was'nt long before the student was quite content

making angel wings!

Session and assessment over, all went well

for another Textile Tuesday @ The Gallery!

Victorian Lace Favours

2011-12-04T23:09:00.000-08:00

Every month there is a different Inspiration Topic

and then within that each week there is different

inspirational projects.

I love traditional Christmas Gifts and Favours.

Here is my version of a Victorian Lace Tree Favour

except mine is larger and can hang on a wall.

I made mine larger because I wanted

to incorporate a Gozo Lace Collar that I

brought when we were on holiday in

Cyprus seven years ago.

It is made out of a linen waffle dish cloth

with layers of lace, some of which comes from

lace net curtains!

and parts of Christmas Ornaments.

The photo at the bottom is students work

inspired by my lace projects.

See more of my vintage lace artworks

on my website

Candy Canes

2011-12-04T22:59:00.001-08:00

These Candy Canes are another favourite make of mine.

I have been making them for over ten years and

I love sharing my Christmas Makes with new

students.

In the shops today are so many trims, ribbons and decorations

that I just love to dismantle and add the different components

to my pieces.

See more Christmas items by clicking on the written

labels below.

Lace Folded Purses

2011-12-04T22:48:00.001-08:00

Students have been making several of my inspired projects

over the last couple of weeks as gifts for

Christmas.

Several have been enjoying making the Folded Purses.

These photos show Sylvia's at the top, finished.

The middle one shows several at different stages

and Pat is just starting to decorate her strip

of fabric ready for folding.

See my Folded Purse

Christmas Makes

2011-12-04T22:35:00.001-08:00

More student Christmas Makes.

I think it is wonderful that these are going to

add to a family Christmas!

Show and Tell Textile Tuesday

2011-12-04T04:30:00.000-08:00

I encourage 'Show and Tell' before the start of each

class session and it is a lovely time to share.

I have found that students instead of cringing

at the thought now look forward to it and

talk more freely about how and what

they have enjoyed about what they have made

but also the pit falls and how they have

solved them. It also encourages others to

have a try at an item they may not have thought

of doing before.

Pat is one of those special students who

always stretches the boundaries and is

always willing to to share her vast experience.

Here she has made a picture for her Grand Daughter,

"All I want for Christmas is a pair of DM'd".

She found the pixie boots at a show and they

look exactly like the pair of boots her Grand Daughter

wants!

Underneath is the photo of the new ATC's

Pat has made, each a wonderful piece

of textile art in their own right.

Well done Pat and Thank you!

See more by clicking on the written labels below.

Textile Tuesday 29th November 2011

2011-12-04T03:10:00.000-08:00

Here are my students version of my Button Christmas Tree.

I love seeing all the different version although they are

all starting with the same pattern.

See my Button Christmas Tree

Button Christmas Trees

2011-12-04T03:06:00.000-08:00

I started making this design of Suffolk Puff Christmas Tree

15 years ago for craft stalls.

I am making them again to show students and

new patchwork and quilters

what you can make as a postal gift as these are light

and can be a card too!

They are lovely to hang up as part of your

Christmas Decorations.

They were well received at classes and

several students set about making them.

Dereham Celebration Quilt

2011-12-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

The Gallery Dereham is moving over the next week to

the newly renovated Dereham War Memorial Hall.

It is going to be the new venue for The Arts.

I have been assembling the 'Celebration Quilt' together,

over the last month. I spent Friday 25th November,

Printing and sewing the label on and the Sleeve

for the quilt to hang from.

I can't show a picture of the Quilt until it

is dedicated on the 4th of December.

All the Tutors are really getting excited.

Visit The Gallery Website to learn more about The Quilt.

www.derehammemorialhal.org.uk

or visit the Memorial Hall site

Bags and Runners

2011-12-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

Christine has had two sessions and really gets on with

homework to get projects done.

Some students come to class to learn the

tips and tricks of how to improve techniques

and the social side of meeting others who make.

Christine's bag is so good and even has

a key holder inside, along with several

pockets for quilting supplies.

Irene Starts a Christmas Runner

2011-12-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

Irene came for an afternoon session at Knit Wits.

She wanted to make a Striped Christmas Runner

using my white and gold one as inspiration,

(see another students one, similar to mine).

www.hackerstackersandstuffers.blogspot.com

Irene wants hers large enough for a Refectory Table.

She had collected all the ribbons and some fabrics.

After laying the ribbons down on a calico base it

was obvious it needed a lift and

Irene got out of her bag of fabric there was some Angel Fabric.

We all thought it was fabric to look at rather

than cut up but it was perfect as the patterns

were in strips.

It looks so Medieval and so fabulous.

Well done! Irene.

I was so lucky as Irene gave me her scraps of the

Angels and some brocade ribbon.

I knew where it would be placed,

on my Architecture Artwork.

Thank you.

Knit Wits P&Q Class November 24th 2011

2011-12-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

Classes are really hotting up now with all the creativity

and students finding their own niches and wants!

From the top, Mandy has finished her daughter's

Christmas Table Set.

Jeanette is finishing her daughter's Quillo for

Christmas and Judith is making a Sampler Quilt

so she can learn all the different quilting techniques.

See more of what goes on by clicking the

written labels below.

Card Making Wednesday 23rd November

2011-12-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

Kim was as inspirational as ever and showed us

some different techniques and also how to layer papers

distress inks and stamping.

Carol made a fantastic Dragon Card for

her Grand Son.

I continued making layered Christmas Cards,

see above.

See Kim's site at

www.kimcrop.blogspot.com

My talk to The Hackers Tackers and Stuffers Quilt and Needlework Group

2011-12-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

There was no Gallery and Textile Day on Tuesday the

22nd of November as I took my Mum to have both eyes lazered.

Mum's ok but it does take it out of you having an op,

especially on your eyes.

We had spent all weekend together as Stewart

and I had re decorated Mum's Kitchen and it had taken

her mind of it but now she could recover with a

lovely new kitchen.

In the evening I gave a talk to

Hackers Tackers and Stuffers over at Watton.

A lovely group and very active in creating.

I shared my 180 quilts with the ladies.

I start with a hexagon quilt that I made when Stewart and I

first got married, above and

then I show different quilts, hangings and items over

the last 24 years.

It was a lovely evening and see the groups

Blog at

Architecture Inspiration

2011-11-27T09:24:00.001-08:00

On Friday 18th Stewart and I should have started my

Mum's kitchen. We are taking out the old kitchen, decorating

putting in a new cooker, and units.

Sadly Stewart had to work so we are doing it over the weekend instead.

I worked in the studio continuing with my sculpture.

It is for the Opening of the the new Gallery.

Here, is one of the samples I made to fill one of the gaps

bases on Venetian Arches.

It is over 6 feet tall so there is a lot of surfaces to consider.

See some more Venetian inspiration by seeing

videos I have posted on my tech site.

Will's Quilt

2011-11-27T09:05:00.001-08:00

I have been working on several commissions over the last

few months and Will's Quilt has been one of them.

I enjoyed working with these colours and block patterns.

Friday 18th I wrapped and posted it off.

Hope Will likes it?

See more of my quilts on my website

www.knitwitsdereham.co.uk

Knit Wits P&Q Class November 17th 2011 Christmas Runners

2011-11-27T08:57:00.001-08:00

In October I began showing different patterns for Christmas Runners.

Here are some of the runners that are being made by students.

Even though they are using the same patterns every one of

them is different.

See more Christmas items by clicking on the written labels

below.

Knit Wits P&Q Class November 17th 2011

2011-11-27T08:43:00.000-08:00

Every Thursday I teach Patchwork and Quilting Classes at

Knit Wits in Dereham.

I have been teaching there since September and students are making all

sots of items and learning new techniques each week.

See my workshop list above.

The top photo is a sewing machine mat made by Ros.

They are so good to make because you can stabilize your

sewing machine on your table. Stop any marks created by sewing

machine feet and it is easy to push it out of the way because it

glides across the surface.

Gracie has been making four cushions from panels of Shire Horses.

See more of what is available at Knit Wits

Textile Tuesday Hat Making

2011-11-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

As you have gathered Textile Tuesdays are always creative and I love

inspiring people to create what they are wanting

to bring into the world.

Sophie is a 6th Former and one of her art projects on textiles is

costume and accessories. Sophie has been inspired by

the Period Dramas and 1940s/50s fashion.

Her sketchbook is really inspirational.

Well done Sophie!

So, with some playing around with a CD, curtain velvet,

feathers, a button and with the addition of some beading and stitching.

The little blue hat/ fascinator came about.

It sits well on a lady's head and is going to really look something

going down the catwalk.

See a video on how to make a fascinator on my

tech site

Textile Tuesday at The gallery 15th November

2011-11-27T07:22:00.000-08:00

In the Textile Tuesday Classes their is so many wonderful

things being created. I think it is so fantastic when

a bag full of mixed fabrics, trimmings and a few ideas

mixed with different techniques and the care of a maker

create a piece of fantasy that has not been around before.

The journey and sharing is wonderful for all in the class.

Above, Jeanette has nearly finished her

'Purple Houses' and Sara has nearly finished

her 'Pink Embellished Wall Hanging'.

Truly inspirational!

See more by clicking the written or picture labels below.

Weeting Christmas Baubles Meeting

2011-11-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

On Monday the 14th of November, we had our

Weeting Quilters meeting. It was the last one before

Christmas. We made Christmas Baubles under

the tuition of Sue. She had brought in all the

shiny and sparkly materials and trimmings for

us to use. It was a lovely morning as you can

see by the photo of the finished baubles above, we

all had fun. Mine, is the Brown and Gold one in the

centre of the picture. I feel it is very influenced

by the architectural work I am doing at the moment.

See a video on how to make a fantastic

Christmas Bauble on my tech site

www.weetingquilters.blogspot.com

See more of Weeting Quilters

Ely Beads

2011-11-27T06:49:00.001-08:00

On the way home from St Ives I called into Ely

and went into my favourite shops. I have a soft

spot for Ely because it is where I trained as a nurse

and I met and courted my husband there.

I first went into Ely Beads.

I love this bead shop it's like being in a sweet shop!

I collected together a mixed bag of beads ready to add

to my new piece of work based on Architecture and decay

of buildings.

The orange bead is for another fun 3D piece

I have in mind!!!

I love their inspiration wall in the Beading Workshop Area.

Vist their yummy site

www.elybeads.com

I also went to Ely Bike Centre which has

one of the largest haberdashery and fabric

selection in the area.

I am needing sheers, satins and lace for my

new work.

Visit the shop

www.elybikecentre.com

City and Guilds Event

2011-11-27T06:41:00.001-08:00

On the 11th of November I went to a City and Guilds

Open Event at St Ives (Cambridgeshire)

because I am considering becoming

a centre for offering certificates in the Creative Textiles Field.

I had a very informative day and I am definitely qualified and

so I am going to go through the process.

It is so exciting, finally I may be able to offer certificates

for Embroidery, Patchwork and Quilting and Creative Textiles.

I am looking into offering 30 hour courses as well as the longer

City and Guilds full certificates.

So watch this space!

See the City and Guilds site

www.cityandguilds.com

Quillo in Four Sessions

2011-11-24T23:54:00.000-08:00

Being able to teach Textile Classes that people can sign up to

when they want is a real bonus because I get to meet

some lovely and unique people.

Gill is one of those ladies.

She was in Norfolk for a month looking after her Mum

and on some time for herself signed up for

four Sessions at Knit Wits to learn Patchwork and Quilting.

Gill had done nothing like this before and wanted

to dive straight in when I showed her the Quillo.

( A Quilt that folds into a cushion or pillow,

hence the name "Qui lo").

So over the four sessions and homework!

you can see what she achieved above.

Everyone took to Gill and I am sure she will be popping in

when she is visiting her Mum in Norfolk again.

Well done Gill!

See more of my quilts on my website

Union Jack Cushions

2011-11-24T23:46:00.000-08:00

Its funny how things go in trends and certain things come

back into fashion.

Here two students made Union Jack Cushions

in completely different colours and in different ways.

I designed the pattern from a tiny picture

that Jenny had brought in with fabric her husband

had chose!

They turned out fantastic!

See more cushions by clicking on the labels below.

Thursday Quilting Class at Knit Wits 10th Nov 2011

2011-11-24T23:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe two weeks have passed and I haven't had the chance

of blogging and showing all the wonderful creativity that

has been going on. So here goes,

Classes at Knit Wits of Dereham are full until the New Year!

More and more beautiful Striped Crazywork Cushions are being

made like the one above.

To see more what goes on at these classes,

click on 'Knit Wits' in the written labels below.

Finished Folded Christmas Card

2011-11-16T00:02:00.002-08:00

I really enjoyed making this Tri Fold Christmas Card

but hadn't estimated the amount of surfaces you

have to cover!

I used my Tim Holtz Blending tool and inks a lot

in this card, to age the card and papers.

Some of the stickers and pictures I have

had in my stash and not known what to use

them on.

The tag turned out really well and I

will probably make more of those.

See more of my card making on

my card blog

Lace Folded Purse Makes

2011-11-16T00:02:00.001-08:00

I always try and show different inspiration each week

and this week I was inspired by some lace Irene had

given me and some beautiful upholstery fabric I had been

treasuring.

I had seen on You Tube a video put on by a lovely

Australian lady and I made mine but with

alterations and some tweaks in the method.

As you can see the Textile Class had a great time

and it opened everyones mind boxes with

the origami!!!

See my lace purse HERE

and the You Tube Video HERE

See more of my Vintage Lace Work on

my website portfolio

Gothic Start

2011-11-12T07:06:00.001-08:00

Jeanette is collecting textiles and items together

to start a new piece based on Gothic Inspiration

and Whitby.

She is using the textile arch she used in her previous

work as a starting point. and combining transfer images too!

See Gosford Park HERE

and see here Garden Page HERE

Purple Houses

2011-11-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

Jeanette is continuing to work on this textile piece.

It is a continuation of the work based on her

green box and Window pieces.

It is built up of layers of fabric and sheers on felt.

Every small square and triangle is

decorated with stitch lace and beads.

To see how she begins,

see Jeanette's green textile box and how it started

Pats Finished Transfer Cushions

2011-11-12T06:18:00.000-08:00

(Click on photos to enlarge).

Pat's Cushions are finished and they are beautiful!

They are made using different ways of

transferring images on fabric and textile techniques.

See how they started

and