All and Sundry

Golly, it's another Bank Holiday over here in Blighty, and finally there is even a bit of sunshine to go with it. Who else is keeping their appendages crossed that it might last till Tuesday? I am in spirit but not actually as it would make typing this blog post rather tricky.

I've actually had a longer break than most, as I had decided that on Monday (just gone) that I need a bit longer than 3 days, so I took Friday off too. Just as well I did, the heavens well and truly opened on that day, and there is nothing worse than walking about London in the pissing rain. Granted that is the same for anywhere really. Anyway, I was nice and wrapped up in the warm working on a sample. Now for those who follow me on Facebook, you will have seen said sample already, as I was gauging people's opinions.

And for those who have yet to see it, here it is. Yep, it's a cushion. It's not an area of home-wares I've ever delved into, which is why I was seeking people's thoughts. I am fairly happy with the overall finish. There are couple of things I want to change, such as I don't think I will go down the route of purchasing cushion blanks, unless I can find a UK handmade supply. The quality of the blank I used for the sample is fine, but part of me feels guilty. Why? Well if your buying handmade then the whole thing needs to be handmade. 

Anyway, I would still like to get people's opinions on the design which is the same as the wall clock (just with a different Liberty print), size (sample was 16"), with a filler or without (the latter reduces postage costs). If you can spare a moment to drop a comment that would be fantastic.

What else have I been doing, well I've finally finished my entries for the Survival Arts - Bee Competition, now all I need to do is get them posted and once I've done that I'll show them off to you all. 

Oh, I almost forgot to say, that one of my clocks, Ring of Bees was featured in a fab article called 'A to Z of Time Keeping' in the latest issue of Pretty Nostalgic. Which is rather swell, I had been contacted for images a while ago, so I almost forgot about it! It's a nice magazine if you've not picked it up before, very little in the way of advertising so you get a decent read.

For now, it's time to finish off the next e-newsletter (goes out tomorrow, and you get a sneaky peek at the next tutorial with this one) and then carry on with my 'Today is a Good Day' piece. 

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.

Featured in &Stitches e-zine

You might recall sometime ago that I was working on a secret project, and that one day I'd be able to tell you about it. Well...I can finally tell you about it. I was one of the Stitch Challengers for the latest edition of & Stitches e-Zine, this edition focused on Scandinavia and the stitch I had to use was raised herringbone stitch (very pretty). 

A behind the scenes shot of me working my stitch challenge piece

A sneaky little close up

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and was rather pleased with the outcome. Now I won't spoil the finished piece as I'd encourage you to check out the magazine. It's a great stitching online publication, click here to buy your copy and if you enter the following code LILLEHAVFRUE you can get 10% off the regular price (though note it ends in 2 days time...the discount not the magazine.)

The actual finished piece is going to be available to purchase in the future as I am actually going to turn it into a box, rather than the framed piece it currently is. I'll keep you in the loop on that!

Apple Press

Nothing like a witty title, okay just me then?


So I've been a bit quite several things have gone on with family and what not, and life as every has gotten in the way, some good things some not so good. Though as I write this I am currently awaiting news on the impending birth of my first nephew. So my thoughts are currently focused on my sister, little one to be and her partner.


However, I have managed to squeeze in a bit of stitching, not much as as I said my thoughts are focused else where, but I have managed to make another supersized coaster, and I do have a few other sketches to do for other things, but as and when I get the time. So here it is and it's now available to purchase. Just click the image to be taken to it's listing page. 

On from the apples, and now onto the press (get it?)  I received a very lovely message via my website to say that they had blogged about my site, and it was from the CrossStitcher magazine. If you click the image below it will take you to the page in question, it was a very lovely treat of an email to get.

Click me to read the article

Stop the Press

How exciting my interview with UK Handmade Magazine was released last night!

It starts on page 54, so go and check it out, that said go and check out the magazine anyway, it's a great read and fantastically put together.