NEC Show March 2010

Enjoyed two days of this event. Very little of the new but some great work to see, and lots to spend money on. Nice to meet Lynda Monk of purple missus fame - she was demonstrating for Art Van Go. I felt really inspired and ready to get cracking again.

There was a memorabilia show in the next hall on the Saturday, and R2D2 kept buzzing us while we were trying to talk, plenty of people dressed as Star Wars characters and some weird goings-on in the carpark. Made stitchers look almost mainstream.

Phew! In a fit of mad activity I have published a plethora of posts on my Distant Stich blog. Feel free to have a look. Some of the photos are a bit iffy and some chapters are nowhere near complete.

Oh that's enough excuses for one blog!

Bury me in a blanket

But not yet! My other half works for a funeral director and I was intrigued to learn of the latest trend in funeral ware - gorgeous natural wool felt coffins complete with chunky blanket-stitched seams. I mean, how cosy is that? A nice thought to leave you with. Now back to work.......

Space - the final frontier

Last weekend I had a massive clearout of the front bedroom, which henceforth shall be known as "My Studio". I now have a large (6' x 2'6") heavyweight worktable as well as my dinky pine desk and each day after work I have done a bit more clearing and sorting. Al's away this weekend so I shall really put some time and effort into the room. I shall take a photo and post it on the blog. I keep saying to myself - I deserve this!

New coursework blog

As this blog has taken on it's own character I have set up a new blog to post my C&G coursework on. It's www.annebraveydistantstitch.blogspot.com - doesn't actually trip off the tongue but I think it says it all. Nothing actually on it yet - but will start soon.

Module 2 bag - watch this space

My brain has been spinning with ideas for the exterior of my creature bag. I have scrapped my last prototype - pulled it all apart so I can start afresh. Mmmmm - feels rather good. Haven't scrapped the jagged "slips" I'd made - can work them in to the new design. I want the outside to have a jagged, spiky feel to it, which will contrast with the fluffy interior. I'm going to make a multi-layered fabric (using lots of stiff dress net for texture and "bite") and piece it with the spiky edges jutting out. I will then stuff the joins with some metallic bits and bobs.
Watch out - I have to finish this soon - can't let it go on any longer.

I'm also working on Mod 3 at the same time! Got some more button ideas. If only my body could keep up with my overactive brain. Hey ho........................

Angie Hughes & Hundertwasser

This is a piece I did at Angie Hughes's workshop"Inspired by Klimt" in May - unfortunately I was unable to grab a reference book on Klimt as everyone else snaffled them and all that was left was a book on Hundertwasser. This boat is based on one of his series of pictures of boats - so not typical Hundertwasser. I added some sequins when I got home and have decided to frame it as it is.

Piece measures approx 8 x 5 inches. Click on image to enlarge.

I would recommend Angie's courses - she's very knowledgeable and extremely kind and patient - I can vouch for that!