Cover for Unit 6 Work Book

20th April 2014

When I was at the Excel Show I bought a Colouricious DVD about Transfer Paints and decided to use one of the suggested ideas using leaves.

Painted, sponged then sprayed with yellow. Unfortunately more blob than spray so I won't do that again!!

Fresh leaf used as a resist....

...result....

.....then the leaf is placed TP down, ironed using baking parchment....

...result!

I had used this resist method before but didn't then use the leaf that had absorbed the TP.

More samples using this method....

This is my work book.....

.....quite thick with samples!

I decided to make the cover with coarse hessian from my stash, decorated with the leaf fabric and lined with calico.....

...front...

...back..

....the cord fastening is made from strands of hessian and wrapped around the bone button at the front.

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Will be sending my work to Anne Griffiths for the last time on Tuesday now that the course is completed. 

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I have learnt so much and enjoyed experimenting with stitching, dyeing and using a huge variety of materials.

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As I have acquired quite a few books on textiles, stitch and mixed media  I intend to choose a book a month and further develop my skills, so watch this space.....

Happy Easter from Sunny Blackpool!

19th April 2014

My page views today are 11111, made me smile!

A beautiful day here and this was the view at the south end of the prom.....

.....families picnicing (that doesn't look right) and paddling despite the cool breeze!

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We have blackbirds busy making a nest in our ivy hedge....

.... collecting from the lining of last years hanging baskets!

Finally I have finished my pink baby blanket...

...using Debbie Bliss baby cotton kapok DK, it is lovely and soft and ideal for a baby.

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Now must sort out my Unit 6 workbook and make a cover for it, think I will experiment with transfer paints and leaves.....

The Completed Reversible Quilted Play-mat!!

17th April 2014

The quilted play-mat is finished and I have a great feeling of satisfaction!!!

I decided for my final project to make a colourful, quilted and washable mat suitable for a baby/toddler. 

I wanted to make a 'picture book' quilt to develop language and I hope I have achieved this.

The reverse side has been made using 'The Hungry Caterpillar' fabric, with extra wadding under the caterpillar and butterfly which has made it very soft for a baby to lie on!!

Now I must check I have completed the rest of Unit 6.....

Another Busy Day

16th April 2014

I was gardening in my local park again this morning.....

....this is at the entrance to the park and I forked over the soil then scattered wildflower seeds!

Hope to be able to show the flowers at a later date!

It is a year since the 'friends' made 5 sensory beds and they are looking good....

....I love these white topped grape hyacinth.

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I have top stitched my squares and pinned the border ready for completion of the play-mat....

....tomorrow I hope. 

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 Went to the garden centre today and drove our new (to us) car for the first time and I love it!!

Play-mat Update

14th April 2014

Played around with the squares to decide on placement....

......then stitched rows....

....next stitched these together, pressed seams and tacked ready for top stitching.

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Lovely sunny day here but a cold north wind on the prom when I took Jack for a walk.

This is my flowering cherry but think the wind will make short work of the beautiful blossom!!

The Last Five Squares!!!! HOORAY!!

13th April 2014

This is my 200th post!

Spent a lovely morning stitching my prepared squares.

 My shapes were cut out from fabric backed with the wonderful Bondaweb and ironed on the quilted squares.....

.....then stitched...

....made with my own felt...

....think this might be my favourite, so much fun to do....

......used silver thread for the wings.

Now I have to decide the position of the 24 squares!!

 Might take a while but the end is in sight......

Preparing templates For The Last Five Squares

12th April 2014

Busy morning preparing for my last five squares!!

I have been making templates in the old fashioned way.....

....bees round the hive.....

.....umbrella....

....a hedgehog.....

....a duck....

...and a rabbit!

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This came in the post today....

......brilliant ideas for drawing and stitching.

Hope to finish stitching the squares tomorrow.