Stitching Sundays

Howd'y folks, yes I am back up and running in my temporary digs. And finally, finally stitching again. Gawd blimey, feels like an age since I picked up a needle, and I've wasted no time this weekend in getting through several things on my to do list whilst at the same time finding time to unwind.

SO what did I get up to, well after writing my list (gotta love writing lists), I cracked on with progressing my design for a competition by Survival Arts. I've been doodling over the past couple of weeks but hadn't got round to turning it into anything. This is a bit of a shot of what I've been doing, I am still a little iffy on it I think once I've finished the sample that I'll get a better feeling for it. I'm also mulling over another design which I'll work over the next weekend.

I've also started work on the second hive tutorial, as recently announced in my first newsletter the next tutorial focuses on 'Stem Stitch'. Not my utter favourite stitch to do but it is a useful one. Snazzy Stem will be uploaded over the Bank Holiday weekend.

I've also been inspired to work on a new piece just for me, something to adorn my soon to be wonderful craft room (yep, the purchase is still going through). I came cross a few back a site that had some rather great computer wallpapers on a site called Design Love Fest (scroll down for one called Today is a Good Day) and I was so taken by it that I found myself thinking that I could probably turn it into an embroidery. Now, I could have easily taken the design, worked it and hung it up and no one would any the wiser...but that frankly doesn't sit well with me. 

So I contacted the designer Hannah Dollery this very afternoon, and got a very speedy response back granting me permission to do it. I can't wait to work on it, it's the process  and the challenge of translating a design/drawing/illustration which hadn't intended to be stitched into an embroidered piece that I adore so much. I also love selecting the stitches, picking the colour palette, working out the order of stitching etc. So thank you so much Hannah, for making my day!

And now folks, time to get back to some more stitching!

Mini Update from the Temp Hive

Phew, first step in my moving house has successfully completed. The second step, which will see me move into my soon to be very first home (not rented!!) will hopefully happen next month. In the meantime I have made a little hive/nest in my temporary stop gap (parent's house) to allow me a chance to get back to do some stitching. My fingers are itching to get going again, and I'll be doing just that this coming weekend.

I'll also be reopening my shop on Saturday 27th April, so do swing by, I'll also be making my patterns listed in the Etsy store, as immediately downloadable, signed up for a Beta testing to allow this to happen. 

My first newsletter went out last night, to those who are not on my mailing list to receive it, you can view it by clicking this link http://t.co/zZ5xuWiPfD. If you would like to get this monthly update then head here http://eepurl.com/yqmGT. 

That's it for now, there will be a full blog post this Sunday xx

Crafting Limbo and Ramblings about Craft Magazines

Because I'm in a bit of a limbo at the moment. Can't start any new embroidery projects (everything is boxed up), can do some designing but yes, you've guessed it majority of my drawing materials are also packed away. So I'm trying to find other ways to pass the time, before I temporarily move back home, and hopefully there, I will be able to get back to doing some embroidering again. Fingers crossed.

So, what to do, well I could learn to a new language or juggle, but instead I am still working on the paper piecing project and the rest of the time I'm reading blogs, websites, magazines and books.

It's a forced reflection period.

I don't mind it, I get to have a proper look and a catch up of what everyone else is up to. Don't often get the time to do that, and perhaps I should make myself do it more often. As long as it doesn't distract me from sleeping.

Anyway, so what have I been reading.

Today, I managed to get a copy of Crafty Mag. It's been out for a couple of weeks now (not sure of the exact publication date for the first issue) but I found out about it online. Then it was just a matter of remembering to keep an eye out for it. Which, as this is me took a good couple of weeks to remember...mainly what it was called. Weirdly could picture the cover but not the name, hey I am visual person.

Now, I know what thinking (you want a cuppa, I know I do), cause I thought it too, great yet another craft magazine...and, yes, your right it is. The name somewhat gives it away, if it was about cars then I might consider citing the trade descriptions act.

I think British craft magazines are finally getting a revival. Because lets face it most our publications, whilst nice, are somewhat lacking a modern look and don't reflect the changes and trends as quickly as they should. I've always been envious of magazines available in France, Japan and the States. I've purchased many in my time, much to the chagrin of my bank balance.

We are now, hopefully haven't tempted fate, finally starting to catch up, been a long time in the making and there is a long way left to go. But there are some really good ones out there now.

We Brits, are ravenous for them. I know I am, it's only really been in the last year that I've actually made a concious decision to nip into a stationers and have a pog at their craft magazines. It's easier now to zone out the wheat from the chaff. The section in a big Whsmiths used to be tiny, now you get a whole section. It's great, long over due.

It's funny really, in any other industry their print magazines are falling. But weirdly, or not, the craft magazines are somewhat bucking the trend. This isn't always the case, and a new publication isn't destined to survive, this only really happens if there is an effort on the editorial team to make use of all social media, such as having a dedicated blog, website and Twitter feeds etc, being updated on a regular bases during the times we wait for the next issue.

When it comes to the crafts, you need something physical and something to flick through. I like making notes on them, doodling, highlight websites, dog earring pages and ripping out the templates. I might be an avid Kindle user, but I will always buy craft literature in print and it's the same for magazines. About the only exception for me, and I am biased because I like the guys behind the magazine, and that's the UK Handmade quarterly magazine, but if and when that goes to print then I'd buy it.

Crafty Magazine by Practical Publishing International

So, what did I think of Craft Mag, I like it. Okay, I'll admit that's probably not very useful for a review. But it is only the first issue and I know it takes time to bed things down and no doubt they may well change their format. But I do like the look of it and the actual feel of the paper (smoothy/rough). Was a bit of a sucker for the packaging for the calico fabric, I like the fact it's for you to play with rather than it's for one specific project.

And speaking of which there are a lot of projects within it. Many of which I really want to do, like the Geometric flowering arranging, and making fabric bugs. So the pages are marked up ready for me to look at when I get settled again. 

There are, however, some quibbles with the projects, one there is a lack of photographs/drawn instructions to go alongside the written. That's not to say what's written isn't hard to follow, on the contrary but I find it useful to have some additional process/progress shots. Purely for referral. The templates for the insect project where printed to close to the binding of the magazine which makes it trick to photocopy cleanly or rip out. And for some of the projects a list of stockists would be beneficial. But these are minor quibbles.

As for the copy, the interviews etc, I will be happily reading through the articles especially the interview with Laura Clempson (yep, a fellow Laura), and will certainly be looking to get the next issue when it's out later this month.

So, what about you lovely lot. 

Do you buy craft magazines, what draws you to buying them. Cause they aren't the cheapest of purchases. What's your favourite?

Quilting & Moving

Things are coming on at quite a pace for both my little quilting project and moving. The two now almost merging. 

This weekend I am doing yet more packing, and this means all my materials, equipment and stock are getting packed up and sent to my parents. This subsequently means that my shop will be going on vacation mode as of tomorrow night. I wasn't planning on closing it so soon but there is a lot happening and I don't need the stress at the moment. 

At present I am not entirely sure when I will be back up and running I'm thinking in a fortnight. This blog, Twitter etc will be the best way of keeping up with when I am open again. Of course, you can also sign up for my handy, dandy mailing list. I will be using the reopening of the shop for a good reason to test out my newsletter template. Click here to join.

I also hope by that point I will know when I will be completing on my flat purchase, but I am not really holding my breath at this point. AH, the joys of purchasing.

And what about my little project, well see for yourself, its coming across rather nicely. The loving the look of it and the speed in which it is coming together. I do bits and pieces on the train and a little in the evenings. Just enough to keep my hand in sewing. 

Before I toddle off to add more to the quilting piece, I'll leave you with the following:

• Have you done my Eyelet tutorial? If so, do show it off!
• Awesome TEDTalk by Beatrice Coron a paper cutting artist
• I think I have an idea for a craft book...filed for a way for another day
• Finally, I'll be working on my next tutorial in the Hive series, hope your looking forward to it.

Hey look you can spot my work in Mastering the Art of Embroidery

Sometime ago I was contacted by Sophie Long, a fellow embroiderer who also did the apprenticeship at the Royal School of Needlework, to see if I had any images that I would like to include into her then soon to be book. Some months have passed by and the book is now available. 

Now being the curious sort and to see what images I had submitted were used, I purchased my copy, it was also belated birthday gift. There was another reason for purchasing, I've been after a new embroidery reference book, because even though I was taught everything that's contained within it, during my apprenticeship and what not, I still have moments of complete and utter forgetfulness and also it's easier to show someone what your talking about rather than randomly making hand gestures or silly doodles.

It was lovely to find on receiving my copy, that I have not one but two pieces of embroidery within it. 

My canvas-work piece based on my favourite artist Edward Hopper, it was also one of the first pieces I stitched during my apprenticeship. Which featured various canvas stitches and various types threads from cotton to wool and man-made fibers. I'm not entirely sure if I've ever shown you that piece before...

The other embroidery was my stumpwork piece 'Paradise Bird', which was fantastic to see. So I am utterly indebted to Sophie and her book editors/publishers for selecting the two pieces.

I should also say, if anyone is in need of a reference/instructional book on embroidery then this book may well be for you. Its currently available in hardback but I think it's set to come out in paperback too. 

I know some folks were asking me a few weeks back how I constructed my Kindisky inspired box, well you will be pleased to know that you can find clear instructions on how you construct a fabric covered box within it. This is the way I was taught at the RSN. 

The book itself is broken up into several sections ; Surface Embroidery, Counted-Surface Embroidery, Embellishment, Stumpwork, White Work and Three-Dimensional Embroidery. So basically any stitch your looking for it's bound to be within it. At 288 pages long, you'll certainly getting your monies worth. 

What was also lovely to see, when flicking through the book, was spotting various people's work, either from personal connections or from having seen their work floating about the internet. 

The book will sadly be packed away shortly, pending my move, but I look forward to having it on the bookshelf in my studio!

Book details:

Title: Mastering the Art of Embroidery

Author: Sophie Long

ISBN: 978-1-9064-95-6

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EDIT: 

The Aurum Publishing Group are giving you lovely folks the chance to get the book for £24.00 including p&p* (RRP: £30.00).

To order telephone 01903 828503 and quote offer code JS202. Or send a cheque made payable to: Littlehampton Book Services Mail Order Department, Littlehampton Book Services, PO Box 4264, Worthing, West Sussex BN13 3TG. Again quote the offer code JS202 and include your name and address details.

*UK ONLY - Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas.