tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30771775063218704232024-03-19T05:34:36.568+01:00COLOURS IN THE BREIZHFollow me on my journey through life, drawing and stitching whatever inspires me.Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.comBlogger364125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-36766782396843580592022-03-05T11:32:00.000+01:002022-03-05T11:32:35.427+01:00HOLIDAY NATURE SKETCHING<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbkMhos5Ng46uwck5vZaj65zNBmo7VuOuaCw1Xv3h5AzImURAYDPrXL5NsiaxgF_QvrmPLb-5P_XanSVwy1KVYBbw97gyWF6E44-TWagWfp6QWbJhZHJVoenof1N75FRqvn7pSCIRwE6yOwlJPV2n4aivSCx5fJIn2Y1wsv73d3i1h34k0HaoDgfpo=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="640" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbkMhos5Ng46uwck5vZaj65zNBmo7VuOuaCw1Xv3h5AzImURAYDPrXL5NsiaxgF_QvrmPLb-5P_XanSVwy1KVYBbw97gyWF6E44-TWagWfp6QWbJhZHJVoenof1N75FRqvn7pSCIRwE6yOwlJPV2n4aivSCx5fJIn2Y1wsv73d3i1h34k0HaoDgfpo=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've just returned from our winter holiday to Tenerife where we stayed at Puerto de la Cruz.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a new sketchbook in preparation using one of my little weavings as the cover. I took a small watercolour tin and collapsible brushes in a pen case with various pens and pencils with the intention of keeping things simple.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyW6l8Gi9jiPHeOMOjjQWCyTBEbANV_FpgNx2myXeFv2RbMOP5dptVuCaQOazp0lkBxodNTsZaVGBG1Q9Q-ErcP81MJmJZtWexfDtxKn9jGQx1NQVKRLIgQhAm_lyQU6sqN2zGsukVq8O48-MU7SPHzMs7yuELbRVoOtxnqsvPi-DQvuQ7mqEwr_Zo=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="473" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyW6l8Gi9jiPHeOMOjjQWCyTBEbANV_FpgNx2myXeFv2RbMOP5dptVuCaQOazp0lkBxodNTsZaVGBG1Q9Q-ErcP81MJmJZtWexfDtxKn9jGQx1NQVKRLIgQhAm_lyQU6sqN2zGsukVq8O48-MU7SPHzMs7yuELbRVoOtxnqsvPi-DQvuQ7mqEwr_Zo=s320" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had an apartment on the third floor of a block built into the hillside of the town with fabulous views towards Mount Teide and the sea if we craned our necks over the edge of the balcony. This meant that we were level with the treetops and had a ringside view of the parakeets as they came to feed on the nectar produced by the flowers of the coast coral trees.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOhNgOO-bFUfqQFOIRtbkxMOJmG_Xn9u9N_4N5UJbZ0479dqQQhsTLmjq4K-tMPwHGtIQRx-tM8sKMjqcbmFi5UjZLz53uwgGasbFQqlX4BUo6trIJ-WT-DVT6gJSiWTFTx-c4q_atMCQQXT4DU_IVlFgGqDiq7o3_xE7Rz9nflno_trEDlcfsD1v-=s632" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOhNgOO-bFUfqQFOIRtbkxMOJmG_Xn9u9N_4N5UJbZ0479dqQQhsTLmjq4K-tMPwHGtIQRx-tM8sKMjqcbmFi5UjZLz53uwgGasbFQqlX4BUo6trIJ-WT-DVT6gJSiWTFTx-c4q_atMCQQXT4DU_IVlFgGqDiq7o3_xE7Rz9nflno_trEDlcfsD1v-=s320" width="243" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They arrived in gangs and spent a lot of time squawking to each other as they fed then suddenly one would give a big shout and off they all went to find some more juicy flowers elsewhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVgPQjmuTk26aLUrc2cCotLIUA5f3sjvCpMuUmBFTgVPKwxZqg5fYie0K69Z1CjgXYCELDThhVDUHuvcxxwqL2gKRGeyuMiPaYvpd9x8W0h1p_Pu02e40-CifMjCXRt1COWyf8Nl-5ql05OAoZAyOadIfy7fKgmobh2udHQGEw7Z_GfNccRH1fp8wC=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="640" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVgPQjmuTk26aLUrc2cCotLIUA5f3sjvCpMuUmBFTgVPKwxZqg5fYie0K69Z1CjgXYCELDThhVDUHuvcxxwqL2gKRGeyuMiPaYvpd9x8W0h1p_Pu02e40-CifMjCXRt1COWyf8Nl-5ql05OAoZAyOadIfy7fKgmobh2udHQGEw7Z_GfNccRH1fp8wC=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The garden was filled with wonderful plants and trees and as this one was directly in my line of vision from my sunbed it was easy to draw as I listened to the birds singing in the afternoons.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglmpGZThwYXJcoN83lN9YBCmiTc_Ge5aiXQ-ptG8ehn2FgWTlDUM8RpmeOAgKs2gfDR-waHZ9y9JuvnNLQ75LYxhn26rcSS2fQeeuuovm7ZYkSf3hWWmFbSrq2UV4BV1kme6kJzdlmhT3JEVhGJ-RZJOmBAtFB25EfYBc5TFMd8fkdlsaORTkDRBIE=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="640" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglmpGZThwYXJcoN83lN9YBCmiTc_Ge5aiXQ-ptG8ehn2FgWTlDUM8RpmeOAgKs2gfDR-waHZ9y9JuvnNLQ75LYxhn26rcSS2fQeeuuovm7ZYkSf3hWWmFbSrq2UV4BV1kme6kJzdlmhT3JEVhGJ-RZJOmBAtFB25EfYBc5TFMd8fkdlsaORTkDRBIE=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking beyond the tree I could see an apartment complex across the road with fascinating architecture.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKn_tSxQ0fEWmWlQvNjd-FgnOqXZIdPG9hlrb4b4jVrwPNK6bnpr0Stn7tDFm9JdkAWXyAGZ3r32tU0xYfKpt8nlXaRF-pWKsW41uExnb16Lt7Apl280bSrRQJWGLg4b8SDKyX_ALpKqdfk6Hv3hd6JGVZ7OerL5ubYmA6eCims7WhMFS9Gb4Q9c2_=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="640" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKn_tSxQ0fEWmWlQvNjd-FgnOqXZIdPG9hlrb4b4jVrwPNK6bnpr0Stn7tDFm9JdkAWXyAGZ3r32tU0xYfKpt8nlXaRF-pWKsW41uExnb16Lt7Apl280bSrRQJWGLg4b8SDKyX_ALpKqdfk6Hv3hd6JGVZ7OerL5ubYmA6eCims7WhMFS9Gb4Q9c2_=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we walked around the town I found lots of different seed pods to gather to draw on my return, luckily I always carry a plastic bag to put them in. These large pods are incredibly hard, almost like wood and the pink peppers are fragile but very tasty!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheadCENzVKciLfsELZ5Sf40gDmWQ_ox7Wp4_XMy8mM9OC1v0HlOQgNdq9fFVD0AH6N1Z3qahS3BlJuM7ypONHMjvfQgQz4x0coUz71vF49QhXYyXqYKjBhRXl6W503xtmNVYq935_Vc-z3VIlOaQhKFegLTMAqYh9039ttTylpIhTDUjoUrkp76n5J=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="640" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheadCENzVKciLfsELZ5Sf40gDmWQ_ox7Wp4_XMy8mM9OC1v0HlOQgNdq9fFVD0AH6N1Z3qahS3BlJuM7ypONHMjvfQgQz4x0coUz71vF49QhXYyXqYKjBhRXl6W503xtmNVYq935_Vc-z3VIlOaQhKFegLTMAqYh9039ttTylpIhTDUjoUrkp76n5J=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We visited the botanic gardens one day and I was able to sit and draw this interesting specimen, tucked among the other plants which were much too complicated to add.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7Jq8Vqo90RxvZUdesd3IB5mggqxEXqPUKPsKOmVx0VJTu24xYm_Fn9PsXgbJK7AXfDIi3ko2E5Yo1aRVjOu2b7Sudjd_vYhiThlWswVsrcOdOaFe4xhIO30siY9FarZrnexJwsIzOkw-sgWeuZKwWnAcxhFKuWxkO0Ut2ncRB01Z1gHEsAuyW79Xk=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="640" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7Jq8Vqo90RxvZUdesd3IB5mggqxEXqPUKPsKOmVx0VJTu24xYm_Fn9PsXgbJK7AXfDIi3ko2E5Yo1aRVjOu2b7Sudjd_vYhiThlWswVsrcOdOaFe4xhIO30siY9FarZrnexJwsIzOkw-sgWeuZKwWnAcxhFKuWxkO0Ut2ncRB01Z1gHEsAuyW79Xk=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took plenty of photos of the trees and the barks in particular as I want to make some textile art pieces inspired by the textures which are very varied.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOgCTxRXpaDBfJAOAn7fcEjv-0aFN9b5VWvO03b1eNIz8AUZBADRRoT-roOhIL3VicmFTnhc9l94sF0W2-T55jnGG4LnBWgCU8sF1370DJmfXo8_VT3GYaJyhtmLTWWYQScWgYs99ZHtRreDO7MBSb5vZfbdacIDl9nFiCe_1Tw6b5yqsCovjBB05z=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOgCTxRXpaDBfJAOAn7fcEjv-0aFN9b5VWvO03b1eNIz8AUZBADRRoT-roOhIL3VicmFTnhc9l94sF0W2-T55jnGG4LnBWgCU8sF1370DJmfXo8_VT3GYaJyhtmLTWWYQScWgYs99ZHtRreDO7MBSb5vZfbdacIDl9nFiCe_1Tw6b5yqsCovjBB05z=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everywhere you go on Tenerife there are Bougainvillea plants in all shades of red through pink to purple and I just had to pick a few to include in my journal. I learnt that the coloured part is a bract and the actual flower is the tiny white frill on the stem in the middle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKKABSpLWKhWY92xmPXKOjx_WY1QrhhNcBWDYQQMu-ca75CAASHin9Il0RR1nSdADrYCj9q-f9j3gGkl3z6Vqo0wjx9OjPtMyPEObK14BFMaA8NM8aOIOREWLkw-o1ogKLj_8tc0CwtD69B0t0ChOyPYp4poKZNarcREy_FotO530eyGVMgo7gyduu=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="640" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKKABSpLWKhWY92xmPXKOjx_WY1QrhhNcBWDYQQMu-ca75CAASHin9Il0RR1nSdADrYCj9q-f9j3gGkl3z6Vqo0wjx9OjPtMyPEObK14BFMaA8NM8aOIOREWLkw-o1ogKLj_8tc0CwtD69B0t0ChOyPYp4poKZNarcREy_FotO530eyGVMgo7gyduu=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mount Teide was ever present in the distance though often shrouded in clouds in the afternoon. The best time to see it was morning when the sun shone and you could see the greens of the hillside in front and a few wispy clouds floating by. At dawn the snow reflected the pink of the rising sun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfvD7fcr5zX8uqAqU9eFjBf-9Abr9dC7eU0TMeJRGGAsgVCzaLlJc5V0nZZvbXmQtpxdIVFAZzBrebAvuSzB5FLadwwBNimRg4r6i4UQpBshyz4CGpCLLipmm9PJnxXh8uPZn_RrMc33HepwLRwnUr_eSdHpEBlY5ck3LvKyppNhJhU-IKDoFv20Y0=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="640" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfvD7fcr5zX8uqAqU9eFjBf-9Abr9dC7eU0TMeJRGGAsgVCzaLlJc5V0nZZvbXmQtpxdIVFAZzBrebAvuSzB5FLadwwBNimRg4r6i4UQpBshyz4CGpCLLipmm9PJnxXh8uPZn_RrMc33HepwLRwnUr_eSdHpEBlY5ck3LvKyppNhJhU-IKDoFv20Y0=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started to use my multicoloured pencils in the third week and it's surprising how a change of medium can loosen up my drawing. I had a lot of fun capturing the palm trees in the nearby park as well in the hotel garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibSH5_tbvkt9w0hZtNetoD6cGznN16mhVwHg4aODDFeLdus4GvkY6VJ5PdNVzsxLokSzSE_ebkl4Yfs8Hvz9q365t_32vK8t6ADL42hxtTmMOPgLvXvcD-QF6jfozJgx67lvS8yW139Za330atwLMSm7qKZj7PUaLeXdSpy9_Bt1L8qippaS_KXhHn=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="640" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibSH5_tbvkt9w0hZtNetoD6cGznN16mhVwHg4aODDFeLdus4GvkY6VJ5PdNVzsxLokSzSE_ebkl4Yfs8Hvz9q365t_32vK8t6ADL42hxtTmMOPgLvXvcD-QF6jfozJgx67lvS8yW139Za330atwLMSm7qKZj7PUaLeXdSpy9_Bt1L8qippaS_KXhHn=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Tigaiga suites and have already booked to return next year when I'm hoping to find more interesting things to draw in the hotel gardens .</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-86173709772798049992021-12-04T11:20:00.009+01:002021-12-04T11:20:57.057+01:002021 ROUND UP OF THIS YEAR'S TEXTILE ART<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxIvzCoryIZTcVw5CNeJxw70ys5vw0frMG-kQHHmwtwVxKZhKh91cxs5ltfgRANJfH3Sj2Rz_G8DmRlVULperbmVMJKI1czlUceFaZ0s_-64NmfYXyyc7dAYPCdvH1koFPrILiIYJuK0/s540/IMG_20210712_104346_192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxIvzCoryIZTcVw5CNeJxw70ys5vw0frMG-kQHHmwtwVxKZhKh91cxs5ltfgRANJfH3Sj2Rz_G8DmRlVULperbmVMJKI1czlUceFaZ0s_-64NmfYXyyc7dAYPCdvH1koFPrILiIYJuK0/s320/IMG_20210712_104346_192.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been about 6 months since I wrote a blog so I thought it was time to get together some of this year's weaving exploits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent the summer being inspired by nature and the beach in particular, gathering shells and discarded fishing ropes and scraps of net after stormy weather. I found a way to attach shells to cotton yarns with a hot glue gun so that I could incorporate them into the weaving which includes coloured nylon net from shower scrunchies and vegetable bags along with the washed fishing threads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBadWc8I40YtMqrbNeBo0lY8XNtbmSbDrBIgakLoVucmPCGXlyNz-WotPgLeZGX9V_3qB_YHjJwOwHxCygepvv_q8I3X9W8a0d8ZYAVueLf29JqMzhub_SfEDhVlfrfEfRcdpzejraLOw/s640/20210724_115837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="424" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBadWc8I40YtMqrbNeBo0lY8XNtbmSbDrBIgakLoVucmPCGXlyNz-WotPgLeZGX9V_3qB_YHjJwOwHxCygepvv_q8I3X9W8a0d8ZYAVueLf29JqMzhub_SfEDhVlfrfEfRcdpzejraLOw/s320/20210724_115837.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The second one is based on orange acrylic yarns and has more shells and a string of beads from old christmas garlands. These two pieces are suspended on pieces of recycled curtain bars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eTCNoYGx2knqHpaFVihzH1MpKvX1wJcrlgS-GWHVvcB2iiOMlIO6C-QiH6mbZ0xcg9UpDdeTv2CLW8IsXl6T3cavR-q1sPW3xTQT1q7QNB8hfIINjaA-tMwEiy1wdjRysoC6IiuSEcE/s640/2021+SCALLOP+WEAVE+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="640" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eTCNoYGx2knqHpaFVihzH1MpKvX1wJcrlgS-GWHVvcB2iiOMlIO6C-QiH6mbZ0xcg9UpDdeTv2CLW8IsXl6T3cavR-q1sPW3xTQT1q7QNB8hfIINjaA-tMwEiy1wdjRysoC6IiuSEcE/s320/2021+SCALLOP+WEAVE+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shells also found their way into small tapestries.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoJTE4Lg2hhxwVRtDAirwDN8KW37SqZw9EKYZIRZBzFXu04-nK6PRNibZaE0zkYKRfTTbrwjnePQNYjZDgc8ZwiQj0wPACuMMb9dWUB6od3HYmk8zPP3QRBcJXP_529Rf9Pxd_39BFn4/s640/2021+SCALLOP+WEAVE+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="640" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoJTE4Lg2hhxwVRtDAirwDN8KW37SqZw9EKYZIRZBzFXu04-nK6PRNibZaE0zkYKRfTTbrwjnePQNYjZDgc8ZwiQj0wPACuMMb9dWUB6od3HYmk8zPP3QRBcJXP_529Rf9Pxd_39BFn4/s320/2021+SCALLOP+WEAVE+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These particular shells are small scallops I bought at the port and cooked for our lunch one day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm6IqUoe8XTdFMJyb7s_NO6jqJkyS9QTCXy9tjlVyeaYXNHqerNmVXzQtef5O_fVDR1s7tKw_jUAXYsvQKMDk9V3CqeguztAM2leoDMCLOiaPFKy2VgL-35MwNSs4UXEP94fBmFQ36iY/s480/IMG_20210703_124112_783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm6IqUoe8XTdFMJyb7s_NO6jqJkyS9QTCXy9tjlVyeaYXNHqerNmVXzQtef5O_fVDR1s7tKw_jUAXYsvQKMDk9V3CqeguztAM2leoDMCLOiaPFKy2VgL-35MwNSs4UXEP94fBmFQ36iY/s320/IMG_20210703_124112_783.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The seashells also got woven into strips wrapped around small tea tins to be used for gifts or pen pots.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n9TxENVEtNBso7Xs23hJ3A13MruBssfJI1HqR_sdblKMwvj8mWxwFT3HhPqt1cSm7e7J4LK0zpV4aNHbZo0Ok-Qt9q23DIu1e8M39rR4JoWEdNm9pqgPFT4F6BogggfUwA9hs4XgqWE/s480/IMG_20210703_124112_670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n9TxENVEtNBso7Xs23hJ3A13MruBssfJI1HqR_sdblKMwvj8mWxwFT3HhPqt1cSm7e7J4LK0zpV4aNHbZo0Ok-Qt9q23DIu1e8M39rR4JoWEdNm9pqgPFT4F6BogggfUwA9hs4XgqWE/s320/IMG_20210703_124112_670.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The success of the shells inspired me to try adding scraps of tree bark into weavings. It was quite fragile and bits kept breaking off but in the end it worked.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX_b_sAi3uBK8QU2zkydUb2gb7mxilHT5s2N-x9pyfmabfKVtayd0VzsIEf7wrngKA2aRVuM0Wyo6ZeiSGZIn8jA6enb5-sRGi0CQEPizimZfBXexzSbCK5m0VJBhxrAYfoMIzh_LP6o/s631/2021TAPESTRY+2res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="631" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX_b_sAi3uBK8QU2zkydUb2gb7mxilHT5s2N-x9pyfmabfKVtayd0VzsIEf7wrngKA2aRVuM0Wyo6ZeiSGZIn8jA6enb5-sRGi0CQEPizimZfBXexzSbCK5m0VJBhxrAYfoMIzh_LP6o/s320/2021TAPESTRY+2res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V44exQSPxFjPSrj7CAFq2whJicWpo8RbacxWAN-gN2DbW9lMQdGlthYfpoBO4r0AaBsOIqOhSOo8HpVexZ2P6dIPw0-AC_yTWdPuk8o49fhTrw0yGypClYOzZu5P3i64HpSdGR-MMus/s640/2021TAPESTRY+3res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V44exQSPxFjPSrj7CAFq2whJicWpo8RbacxWAN-gN2DbW9lMQdGlthYfpoBO4r0AaBsOIqOhSOo8HpVexZ2P6dIPw0-AC_yTWdPuk8o49fhTrw0yGypClYOzZu5P3i64HpSdGR-MMus/s320/2021TAPESTRY+3res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought a book about tapestry weaving and wove these tiny practice pieces as I read through the book.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKT9WDgq5AQBcrinofXxS7Iz9ao9z7h2xKDJ3inY5ECd-o9TdzYdnEgsz6lgLc4WWjguzwSiAR-iX77JFW7nAXmmlSHoAhQ7l-XfV0YqwtdMae6spAy-99MlYfimUoziMyXiMZ8JL7Xg/s598/SARAH21+BAG+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKT9WDgq5AQBcrinofXxS7Iz9ao9z7h2xKDJ3inY5ECd-o9TdzYdnEgsz6lgLc4WWjguzwSiAR-iX77JFW7nAXmmlSHoAhQ7l-XfV0YqwtdMae6spAy-99MlYfimUoziMyXiMZ8JL7Xg/s320/SARAH21+BAG+8.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More woven birthday presents for my family and here's my granddaighter's bag inspired by tree bark.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVCfWmZTXNUeSjKT7GiTcCWg15kjKUZK_0e6iQk5S1vVruaj1GC824CITJp8x_wxcrrUVjoEIBi_32MVa5xE3JRM46VmK4vMSXQpeIPD-wpfpP-c9Q-HLYM47093JxCKpDL4BOIWzEp8/s640/SARAH21+BAG+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="372" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVCfWmZTXNUeSjKT7GiTcCWg15kjKUZK_0e6iQk5S1vVruaj1GC824CITJp8x_wxcrrUVjoEIBi_32MVa5xE3JRM46VmK4vMSXQpeIPD-wpfpP-c9Q-HLYM47093JxCKpDL4BOIWzEp8/s320/SARAH21+BAG+11.jpg" width="186" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The front features the odd shapes that occur on silver beeches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOZY4K5NIAHaiT2eNslJlIe4afUNLIy9Iictk1yoIRfkYdYyhuiMaAeyJztpTiHYvBo4mGuSLahg-YqI12F0dYTPiyq_9YqViAgrQqU2cXZXYy_Bi35I6N-DPj2YdzL7ae2RDS6_qXuY/s476/SARAH2021+3res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOZY4K5NIAHaiT2eNslJlIe4afUNLIy9Iictk1yoIRfkYdYyhuiMaAeyJztpTiHYvBo4mGuSLahg-YqI12F0dYTPiyq_9YqViAgrQqU2cXZXYy_Bi35I6N-DPj2YdzL7ae2RDS6_qXuY/s320/SARAH2021+3res.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made Sarah a mixed media birthday card incorporating rust dyed and eco printed fabric with real autumn leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlzWVbEV6rNUX109Xvw_XxdJGB4MsTsOfOoWtJyMKETunGoLUlgk4mQj955puoErBTSHvmNM6fpJ83Z4wjXRhlxsNfQn84tCNIupFR0-0WeUiAFqxVXUI5nrkP_HBnzMmpYFgHt5Dkao/s640/ESTHER+CUSHION+7res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlzWVbEV6rNUX109Xvw_XxdJGB4MsTsOfOoWtJyMKETunGoLUlgk4mQj955puoErBTSHvmNM6fpJ83Z4wjXRhlxsNfQn84tCNIupFR0-0WeUiAFqxVXUI5nrkP_HBnzMmpYFgHt5Dkao/s320/ESTHER+CUSHION+7res.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My nieces's cushion cover is woven in shades of teal and burgundy at her request in the saori style of ramdom weaving and backed with a gorgeous forest green velour fabric.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBlPZY0c4zLYh6tmpZoqm5AgnjnP-rW6xP1EXZbkWcp20k3N9TLQ4jdFTTAI43kYO8c7-T1yE18ChlVsMQ1E99zv1xf5KU3il84wcwr9bGkDd7HPW5EpAAEhRZcLv-2DTRrAg957EeLc/s484/ESTHER2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBlPZY0c4zLYh6tmpZoqm5AgnjnP-rW6xP1EXZbkWcp20k3N9TLQ4jdFTTAI43kYO8c7-T1yE18ChlVsMQ1E99zv1xf5KU3il84wcwr9bGkDd7HPW5EpAAEhRZcLv-2DTRrAg957EeLc/s320/ESTHER2021.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Esther's birthday card made with an eco printed leaf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My imagination never seems to stop coming up with new ideas for textile art and now I've found another process to try out, eco printing which I'll tell you all about on my next blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-49451045551850211112021-05-29T17:07:00.000+02:002021-05-29T17:07:00.661+02:00A YEAR OF WEAVING<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih__W2jVpU5w241bRS8Zso1DBXDpkzUsN9vr_PbTDKsE0wnTG2aX6yRcBr8MJovCLIV8mgKys8wktGt_M-XWWA6eyi9b8Ro70GJQZQFNi-TkSVU2ZIOe9Utw7BIW_UvF-cCdNYJ1m5MU/s494/MATT+%2526+EMMA+1+res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjih__W2jVpU5w241bRS8Zso1DBXDpkzUsN9vr_PbTDKsE0wnTG2aX6yRcBr8MJovCLIV8mgKys8wktGt_M-XWWA6eyi9b8Ro70GJQZQFNi-TkSVU2ZIOe9Utw7BIW_UvF-cCdNYJ1m5MU/s320/MATT+%2526+EMMA+1+res.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's more than a year since I reported on my weaving exploits so I thought it was time for a catch up.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAdD8ZGx7caa0WDYCfiDIZQHJktyi0p8PIunBBIfVRNUfCoVSPu3YIZ0VcvaQYAF_kSwVvjQvuWQStEVFSz8iWObBTM-HaGKU5qPCHVpj-WYXtowNC4Yw601v9qF2pTr_fk_RGdTPyrY/s589/STEPH2020+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="589" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAdD8ZGx7caa0WDYCfiDIZQHJktyi0p8PIunBBIfVRNUfCoVSPu3YIZ0VcvaQYAF_kSwVvjQvuWQStEVFSz8iWObBTM-HaGKU5qPCHVpj-WYXtowNC4Yw601v9qF2pTr_fk_RGdTPyrY/s320/STEPH2020+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Weaving has become a passion for me and I spend a lot of time thinking about how I can interpret the things I see into woven textiles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This cushion for my granddaughter Steph's birthday last year was inspired by her geological slides of rock formations which I have already drawn and machine embroidered in previous years.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5krJmzi0DUpJpsULOKjpDpwZw5AsP7i-sRBipTaklmfZ2qlJVjIEsxzqw5N1K_tTSZjfdX_wkEa6nysn8tSc72BDzHmGYqBPDF3EO1x5iooFv8KnKh7rwO9fWrvpz67zLJlHHKgOyFgk/s640/KIRSTYMATS+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5krJmzi0DUpJpsULOKjpDpwZw5AsP7i-sRBipTaklmfZ2qlJVjIEsxzqw5N1K_tTSZjfdX_wkEa6nysn8tSc72BDzHmGYqBPDF3EO1x5iooFv8KnKh7rwO9fWrvpz67zLJlHHKgOyFgk/s320/KIRSTYMATS+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kirsty, my eldest granddaughter, was setting up home with her partner Barney so I decided to make them some special place mats for her birthday. The words are their Instagram hashtags and they loved them!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUtE9NkCy-KfgJPgzbB10eqIXYw76IiRE2PbLXooHVcioDuGR5Ub7bH0L86-RmYoY2A5ysnmllzecoO426JtU0YLX722pgJQsoYm3CDTRv270Za80wDH3DTUq5TXilDcyv9EQu_9YvzY/s546/SARAH+PILLOW+10res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUtE9NkCy-KfgJPgzbB10eqIXYw76IiRE2PbLXooHVcioDuGR5Ub7bH0L86-RmYoY2A5ysnmllzecoO426JtU0YLX722pgJQsoYm3CDTRv270Za80wDH3DTUq5TXilDcyv9EQu_9YvzY/s320/SARAH+PILLOW+10res.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Youngest granddaughter Sarah is a nature lover so her cushion depicts her beloved trees.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1urEBSuv6cp8UB4gG7gDpAiHxuSNf_lQC2bmv9eXjPS3V4YoLf4KFl3UQklZxf6ZDlHY3j1_AXoEqEn5hcAHU-o_d7Pc5n_Va7DRZISDhyphenhyphen9i62HlV6xL9dFhpKvefJnNMbJGT105DNA/s640/JULIETS+CUSHION+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1urEBSuv6cp8UB4gG7gDpAiHxuSNf_lQC2bmv9eXjPS3V4YoLf4KFl3UQklZxf6ZDlHY3j1_AXoEqEn5hcAHU-o_d7Pc5n_Va7DRZISDhyphenhyphen9i62HlV6xL9dFhpKvefJnNMbJGT105DNA/s320/JULIETS+CUSHION+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My sister Juliet came to live in France last year so her birthday cushion was designed to go with her new red rocking chair.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-t9DknHiHowmiRvESpxeLB0zT5afp7_j7bN9SOCZ12WxdCkqfZmX1jCk2dPKA11iwMmNu5ynnVNvpywKRqbcuGOpdmfX68z-0ja5A_ly8iRSEUj_eJRu7pKye1XIvDm9mfWu5vM-IWfk/s577/GARDEN+CUSHION+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-t9DknHiHowmiRvESpxeLB0zT5afp7_j7bN9SOCZ12WxdCkqfZmX1jCk2dPKA11iwMmNu5ynnVNvpywKRqbcuGOpdmfX68z-0ja5A_ly8iRSEUj_eJRu7pKye1XIvDm9mfWu5vM-IWfk/s320/GARDEN+CUSHION+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a subscription to the Weavers, spinners and dyers journal and some of the articles are very inspiring, the one about Saori weaving in particular caught my eye. For this process the idea is to weave using a variety of different textures and making it up as you go along. I used the colours of my garden as inspiration for this cushion starting at the bottom in winter and going through the seasons right to the walnuts near the top.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdrAmkYxXYSyZLcFLDGF-j_TimYFoavu3jWwOay__gx8EXH478yl3UtyiNSr7RMcQlu_gIhB2VNXS72Y4xqJstJUkEP7W2Mg8RgRPL7XkQZMZ2wdcdd7ADG5OM_9DljukCh2FmPFHW6w/s640/2021+JO+CUSHIONres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="433" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdrAmkYxXYSyZLcFLDGF-j_TimYFoavu3jWwOay__gx8EXH478yl3UtyiNSr7RMcQlu_gIhB2VNXS72Y4xqJstJUkEP7W2Mg8RgRPL7XkQZMZ2wdcdd7ADG5OM_9DljukCh2FmPFHW6w/s320/2021+JO+CUSHIONres.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Living by the sea is wonderful and every time we walk on the beach I come home with a head full of ideas and this method of weaving lends itself perfectly to these wavy lines. This was daughter Joanna's cushion this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqVhTUUA2oIOtbkLVAKdCHMYx4ROPDrpE6K9rhgjCf6_YrtsyCAvvRFfafClK2kmqDhPvbqQ6R5gtrsUDG2nCMx_7JbYwY4kKVjbSJwyyrvqmUsooVgOAeD96qGM5h3ENJL_sbgdkXv4/s508/IMG_3342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqVhTUUA2oIOtbkLVAKdCHMYx4ROPDrpE6K9rhgjCf6_YrtsyCAvvRFfafClK2kmqDhPvbqQ6R5gtrsUDG2nCMx_7JbYwY4kKVjbSJwyyrvqmUsooVgOAeD96qGM5h3ENJL_sbgdkXv4/s320/IMG_3342.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last year I made Jo a cushion to go with the new sofa she planned to buy for her renovated kitchen.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTx7-ELC6M6qmv0-Wbcn9yB_0uF1HURD1HmHjhI_Qtv1orTa3M7O-Tr1BtY7BxLq_nj9zII0qwHE3jLy1SAfdIK9IbzsOresqb9ADvHtFX2X7vWkqMCnbcSrUs4sysyxyhmhKdbTEUlo/s499/2021+WOVEN+TIN+COVERS+2res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTx7-ELC6M6qmv0-Wbcn9yB_0uF1HURD1HmHjhI_Qtv1orTa3M7O-Tr1BtY7BxLq_nj9zII0qwHE3jLy1SAfdIK9IbzsOresqb9ADvHtFX2X7vWkqMCnbcSrUs4sysyxyhmhKdbTEUlo/s320/2021+WOVEN+TIN+COVERS+2res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just for a change I had the idea of making covers for the cute tins our tea comes in that are far too nice to throw away. I had a lot of fun working in the strings of beads I acquired in a charity shop at Christmas. The make lovely pots for pens and crochet hooks too!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEiPRDWRpHq-jK9pgJEzbp12FmsSijuv-wCEu6eVSNBqWIEnWyimPtxKK5eiw_9yAfQAA86J3uWOGOYZlLeFGWRxhRC7eIBMWpUG-dmKvU0HFaysV5tMrSqjD2MY97KYemJQ00db2XV8/s1080/2021KIRSTY+CUSHION+2+RES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEiPRDWRpHq-jK9pgJEzbp12FmsSijuv-wCEu6eVSNBqWIEnWyimPtxKK5eiw_9yAfQAA86J3uWOGOYZlLeFGWRxhRC7eIBMWpUG-dmKvU0HFaysV5tMrSqjD2MY97KYemJQ00db2XV8/s320/2021KIRSTY+CUSHION+2+RES.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year I made Kirsty a cushion cover inspired by a sunset at sea. She had taken me on a virtual tour of their new apartment and I spotted that her bedroom was decorated in burgundy and gold colours so I came up with this design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I knitted the throw in the background using more of my yarn stash, lots of fun working diagonally and knitting in each square as I went along. It's very cosy with a black velour backing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dGilbYuJ3D1uYNWF38edihcpxcIFMEbN9eXBS35pNHVZ08fjw3f-ugIxUwJhAoWETTnjJE1mvhpnA5eW-s4FtDkl_pLaWLeM8RtTv_AiPWw5I6Pd2wLQ7iqm4vFyIC2a1WDCgdO5e7M/s354/MY+BAG+4+res+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="330" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dGilbYuJ3D1uYNWF38edihcpxcIFMEbN9eXBS35pNHVZ08fjw3f-ugIxUwJhAoWETTnjJE1mvhpnA5eW-s4FtDkl_pLaWLeM8RtTv_AiPWw5I6Pd2wLQ7iqm4vFyIC2a1WDCgdO5e7M/s320/MY+BAG+4+res+.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made myself a new shoulder bag from an old plain one with a weaving using some of the lovely blue yarns in my collection for the front.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5702-fpypZAY9n2JM3sO8W2ehp9dCeVGrYVr_pGnfP-r2pTt3RE7XJ6AAVRWbfF0RKVfjcsq2N1UFNZjjUBgxWkXPC427BUZA82N6xp4LQuYHzpOFhUhVvu3kM0B0lDhx57kvzUj5vGs/s1080/2021STEPH+BAG+1res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5702-fpypZAY9n2JM3sO8W2ehp9dCeVGrYVr_pGnfP-r2pTt3RE7XJ6AAVRWbfF0RKVfjcsq2N1UFNZjjUBgxWkXPC427BUZA82N6xp4LQuYHzpOFhUhVvu3kM0B0lDhx57kvzUj5vGs/s320/2021STEPH+BAG+1res.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Steph asked for a bag as well to use for her shopping trips to the local farm shop and I was delighted to make this using some fabulous wax print fabric for the lining.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajP6xYwoPQz-5QqoFxgpLT44QNLk2GXOPKm-_fnNBErjQUq0f3i5nZqmYQ8kJdpSDTTIMfEm5weUsRvaT-LJNn344x22olaq8ayrEQDWcddJg-aPfnjjHThyzxQB7yKbKgYMzI64b33c/s640/2021JUSTINERES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="415" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajP6xYwoPQz-5QqoFxgpLT44QNLk2GXOPKm-_fnNBErjQUq0f3i5nZqmYQ8kJdpSDTTIMfEm5weUsRvaT-LJNn344x22olaq8ayrEQDWcddJg-aPfnjjHThyzxQB7yKbKgYMzI64b33c/s320/2021JUSTINERES.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This wall hanging was inspired by the ripples left on the beach when the tide goes out and I have incorporated some shells gathered on the shoreline. They are attached to the yarns using a hot glue gun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well that's all the weaving so far but I have been experimenting with tapestry after buying an instruction book a couple of months ago. I'll share what I've learned with you next time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By the way, apparently Blogger is changing how you get notified about my blogs and in future I think there won't be any email notifications so you'll have to keep an eye out on Colours in the Breizh on Facebook instead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A bientot!</div><br /> <p></p>Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-41491732648083355332021-02-27T18:46:00.002+01:002021-02-27T18:46:21.363+01:003 SILVER BIRCHES<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3CCB283nGAnud4Xwp-lOYfemosIwSWbBWGprfkCW0wRnTs5SojT7p6kEXGT6Nhb_hjnjekHR1WtjUE4QQX_nBlDx_0MbVd0pm3jXgd-3Oj5l7scUsYgM_xDMlJIF-mS99-w2518PH2E/s2048/2021+FELT+PIC+11res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3CCB283nGAnud4Xwp-lOYfemosIwSWbBWGprfkCW0wRnTs5SojT7p6kEXGT6Nhb_hjnjekHR1WtjUE4QQX_nBlDx_0MbVd0pm3jXgd-3Oj5l7scUsYgM_xDMlJIF-mS99-w2518PH2E/s320/2021+FELT+PIC+11res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My latest wall hanging is a felted and hand embroidered depiction of the three silver birches growing in our garden. We planted them about 16 years ago and as they are visible from my kitchen window I'm always observing the changes through the seasons and over the years. I've sketched and painted them many times as they have grown but this is their first incarnation in stitch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7aa2LuTrWy5cVKo6bpTcXKxTqrHYXKgTvjofPCE2SaBloL0-oweKlh03egDVFBgGGt7oZ_pxtqsukZBow18utWzJMOYc_4DX0Q9Bo0zeLFdaYcrbmOY07uWOtA6iqrHYOo-KW80Ks7c/s640/2021+FELT+PIC+1res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="411" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7aa2LuTrWy5cVKo6bpTcXKxTqrHYXKgTvjofPCE2SaBloL0-oweKlh03egDVFBgGGt7oZ_pxtqsukZBow18utWzJMOYc_4DX0Q9Bo0zeLFdaYcrbmOY07uWOtA6iqrHYOo-KW80Ks7c/s320/2021+FELT+PIC+1res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started with a base made of coloured wool tops which I had bought a few years ago when I thought I would try my hand at felting.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBcoRYTKNL8IYCcbtCpFmXbd10aMA8u7GvNJovEBEskkejypzfUjxwcf21n8jyieFwiRE_l7i3tJqSQlt164BfnJOq2fEuDW6yBBQX2Pkjmnybpl6uuyejnCHIWrVOFiJwBvycbmyeYw/s640/2021+FELT+PIC+2res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBcoRYTKNL8IYCcbtCpFmXbd10aMA8u7GvNJovEBEskkejypzfUjxwcf21n8jyieFwiRE_l7i3tJqSQlt164BfnJOq2fEuDW6yBBQX2Pkjmnybpl6uuyejnCHIWrVOFiJwBvycbmyeYw/s320/2021+FELT+PIC+2res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I built up the layers using appropriate colours and pulling the wisps apart to make the shapes I required and added some chopped up pieces of mohair and silk yarn for the twiggy bits at the top of the branches At this stage the image is very loose and fluffy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHugdprW5Z9loX1guv85r81wVcKbDugrfuR3xcboPoy-4QJdEaRLYvdZhBD6npDpwbR5qOtGwFanrCihyqQ0j5VYFL9X8V7izPNamRnNRbQ_cvOVDTPV3559abwnyTPJMq_WevvM-uCiI/s640/2021+FELT+PIC+3res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="412" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHugdprW5Z9loX1guv85r81wVcKbDugrfuR3xcboPoy-4QJdEaRLYvdZhBD6npDpwbR5qOtGwFanrCihyqQ0j5VYFL9X8V7izPNamRnNRbQ_cvOVDTPV3559abwnyTPJMq_WevvM-uCiI/s320/2021+FELT+PIC+3res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I then began the felting process which involves wetting the piece, rubbing soap all over, covering it with nylon net curtain, wrapping in bubble wrap and then spending about 15 minutes massaging and turning the piece around until all the wool has begun to blend together.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEjCK4BYF4LF2mMJZqDs-kLpdhE3IEzcN1DzpF3L15HiM8TdWNUSI8Qfspb_zZHLyMgrGnajNOrHw8QqDoOBoMIjm3qOfD3ZPxbl84j_jGseGau6Aa5kn6vZ_CT2qpI0w7Hlyi7J3-Co/s640/2021+FELT+PIC+4res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="461" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEjCK4BYF4LF2mMJZqDs-kLpdhE3IEzcN1DzpF3L15HiM8TdWNUSI8Qfspb_zZHLyMgrGnajNOrHw8QqDoOBoMIjm3qOfD3ZPxbl84j_jGseGau6Aa5kn6vZ_CT2qpI0w7Hlyi7J3-Co/s320/2021+FELT+PIC+4res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I rolled it up in a bamboo place mat and rolled it in all directions till the felting process was complete, another 15 minutes of rolling and rinsing in hot water to remove the soap and I ended up with a piece of felt quite a bit smaller than I had started with. I put it in a warm place to dry ready for the next step.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR15UDwm-D41YNQ7ZK6726zJ_Z8jfyvq4FXxpQ3FjsRjHjhiNvCruWG22YhSRY5lyOuyawAAI4AW4TFFxaCFdDdkV8pZgxS0DXZP_laKmHEpcRE5UgbRawOLnk-T2aCcjEbcWP83Ckc9o/s617/2021+FELT+PIC+5res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR15UDwm-D41YNQ7ZK6726zJ_Z8jfyvq4FXxpQ3FjsRjHjhiNvCruWG22YhSRY5lyOuyawAAI4AW4TFFxaCFdDdkV8pZgxS0DXZP_laKmHEpcRE5UgbRawOLnk-T2aCcjEbcWP83Ckc9o/s320/2021+FELT+PIC+5res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started to hand stitch the details on the trunks, shrubs and distant trees.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR446rGMD96HPOQF7Ku1bDvwntIvSJ8fa06yMQzVyrXcxjPhStR1Vdu47S3iT_c-02gzDoSA3QMStUlkGW6wfaeH3UexjInRuJ1pIZAH9kSpkzAtiBLcoKScS4vqQoGLGiiAd24dA3oH0/s640/2021+FELT+PIC+6res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR446rGMD96HPOQF7Ku1bDvwntIvSJ8fa06yMQzVyrXcxjPhStR1Vdu47S3iT_c-02gzDoSA3QMStUlkGW6wfaeH3UexjInRuJ1pIZAH9kSpkzAtiBLcoKScS4vqQoGLGiiAd24dA3oH0/s320/2021+FELT+PIC+6res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to extend the piece with another piece of felt which I prepared and then attached by extending the branches beyond the edge of the first part.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLUKrJUUTgqo4jBGcT7vGeLL_LJP142eiPeyBSL6QplonZBHZ08UfNI94opwr9hn8ly9aQRpBzHHlnDr6P9rcNQvQthllaHh1pHA0SKnnr5kCDKI_CHbhS38lCaoikfQlX0mUDKgQ3-w/s640/2021+FELT+PIC+7res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLUKrJUUTgqo4jBGcT7vGeLL_LJP142eiPeyBSL6QplonZBHZ08UfNI94opwr9hn8ly9aQRpBzHHlnDr6P9rcNQvQthllaHh1pHA0SKnnr5kCDKI_CHbhS38lCaoikfQlX0mUDKgQ3-w/s320/2021+FELT+PIC+7res.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This picture shows some of the equipment necessary to do the felting, the original photo of the trees and the work in process.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROlRaql_puYcGtSB7JmmeDxzouHcGm5OL4ztbMcKoNUeCGqMinkU7q_KuDw7Q555atXPZM5nw2tvs0VJ1GIDqSQAg2P6cz4Dg2fNT-mKjsOH7UIDkMaJ8tom3aOrFRelUuGclaHo-k9I/s485/2021+FELT+PIC+9res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROlRaql_puYcGtSB7JmmeDxzouHcGm5OL4ztbMcKoNUeCGqMinkU7q_KuDw7Q555atXPZM5nw2tvs0VJ1GIDqSQAg2P6cz4Dg2fNT-mKjsOH7UIDkMaJ8tom3aOrFRelUuGclaHo-k9I/s320/2021+FELT+PIC+9res.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A close up of the felted on yarns of the extension ready to be joined to the bottom part of the picture.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbQbVVn0Eml1xYnlpkb8Dd9r8a-w9klhGtrt-GEJJ3m5INFEEcmnRCy8D4icDmSTDrvfkLSHTUybJBQhKwE8wFTNbfDXs4_x7_o88tbKr5rr3iQQ7cMhhZ-ROvQNdB7Lyg_BoTZwYPag/s3648/2021+FELT+PIC+10res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbQbVVn0Eml1xYnlpkb8Dd9r8a-w9klhGtrt-GEJJ3m5INFEEcmnRCy8D4icDmSTDrvfkLSHTUybJBQhKwE8wFTNbfDXs4_x7_o88tbKr5rr3iQQ7cMhhZ-ROvQNdB7Lyg_BoTZwYPag/s320/2021+FELT+PIC+10res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's nearly finished and now all I had to do was add some extra long branches to use to tie to the twig I cut from a fallen branch of the tree to make the wall hanging you can see at the top of this story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you've enjoyed reading this description of my work and maybe you'll think of having a go at felting too, just remember the yarns must be wool to be sure they blend together in the felting process.</div><br /> <p></p>Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-55370092309066908052021-02-10T16:03:00.000+01:002021-02-10T16:03:21.576+01:00FLOODED WOODS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOls8RHxSb26N93i6X4GQlS0yB5PEz6M4xIqKRM2X9DxYSEp4Lpd-gnwBQkeneYnADv9tZ1yxylPSmz-3vV9lekv8uFEYE19XJaU9u_KXF0DeQ-8JNEFyyqIz9m31DC6QeyVMPIqMcRg/s640/FLOODED+WOODS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="442" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOls8RHxSb26N93i6X4GQlS0yB5PEz6M4xIqKRM2X9DxYSEp4Lpd-gnwBQkeneYnADv9tZ1yxylPSmz-3vV9lekv8uFEYE19XJaU9u_KXF0DeQ-8JNEFyyqIz9m31DC6QeyVMPIqMcRg/s320/FLOODED+WOODS.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This month has been rather wet and there are many flooded areas all over the country. We are fortunate to live at the top of the hill and don't see much standing water so when I spotted this view in the woods on our regular Saturday walk I had to stop and take a photo.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM3Jdknhy7nNRFX4Kbm5dG1vzJYHzBtmWiNj6x_0kB-BawS8T7NpU80k-zqAJuJ1eUPhDwjeeEcZd2paRXxuib7DbClmKe1VmYary8xfwN6PmXbjQJGRGnHrbT3knxit_Rn0elpoJtRI/s640/FLOODED+WOODS++PHOTO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNM3Jdknhy7nNRFX4Kbm5dG1vzJYHzBtmWiNj6x_0kB-BawS8T7NpU80k-zqAJuJ1eUPhDwjeeEcZd2paRXxuib7DbClmKe1VmYary8xfwN6PmXbjQJGRGnHrbT3knxit_Rn0elpoJtRI/s320/FLOODED+WOODS++PHOTO.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sky looked wonderful reflected in the pool and I knew this could be the inspiration for a textile art piece.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8S_ID9sX2mD5Z5qLGNh39pe1XKxOhtDUzuCzk2AYCHc2-rOu4B_wQhW5D38oxyaSEfOFrYB8E2V0iwqV1U3RyJXfRtkwgjsfhJ9SMrnkprjX5H_RRh05NdVtJUdofdDGkne44-SDECg/s2048/FLOODED+WOODS+SKETCHres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8S_ID9sX2mD5Z5qLGNh39pe1XKxOhtDUzuCzk2AYCHc2-rOu4B_wQhW5D38oxyaSEfOFrYB8E2V0iwqV1U3RyJXfRtkwgjsfhJ9SMrnkprjX5H_RRh05NdVtJUdofdDGkne44-SDECg/s320/FLOODED+WOODS+SKETCHres.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first thing I always do is to make a sketch to try and understand the layout of the elements of the picture and to think about how to set about portraying it in fabric and stitch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqrjX0rv-qyvuScxj03Xn-6vljDz-dw09CdnNSTyfNzAF3Kkwa1_9AXueN3O8kCZo6XHsCS0AlvnY6vhNnqKKMpAHKdWre7I0CCR1EcMZdZIZbeL6wLYvKwBzRdu-A5Dbj4sy_jXUsfo/s640/FLOODED+WOODS+1res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqrjX0rv-qyvuScxj03Xn-6vljDz-dw09CdnNSTyfNzAF3Kkwa1_9AXueN3O8kCZo6XHsCS0AlvnY6vhNnqKKMpAHKdWre7I0CCR1EcMZdZIZbeL6wLYvKwBzRdu-A5Dbj4sy_jXUsfo/s320/FLOODED+WOODS+1res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a handful of fabrics treated with matt acrylic medium already painted with a home made mixture of natural ochre pigments from Roussillon and acrylic medium, just waiting for their chance to be used.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I discovered the treated fabrics adhered to each other with the application of heat so first I ironed the base layer of crinkly cotton fabric to some plain white cotton using a sheet of baking parchment to protect my iron.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDmyESMSva3EXht6pT12tZnksJ8w2avUnBhb1OqmORHa_ldGMCDitqRLUWenmAd_gxeoXvmUluhnxhf4frkgTC9zFgDWkerjEvgMolYrQG0iF9eRB32516Ky1CvN77AqxJeLPcBV4gq8/s640/FLOODED+WOODS+2res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="445" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDmyESMSva3EXht6pT12tZnksJ8w2avUnBhb1OqmORHa_ldGMCDitqRLUWenmAd_gxeoXvmUluhnxhf4frkgTC9zFgDWkerjEvgMolYrQG0iF9eRB32516Ky1CvN77AqxJeLPcBV4gq8/s320/FLOODED+WOODS+2res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I then built up the picture with an assortment of scraps cut from the remains of other recent projects. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I should say here that nothing is ever thrown away in my workroom where I have a big bag under my table where everything is put to wait for re-purposing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bqMsk_k15lqDgtH9RNtvgKN6WMpHLuQ8LiaK60qV0dKMY5fboUZ7S9pV27df2WOpjvrKwWIZwoO11ka1rGxcLnKoMQRhQ_RGwVFpD4_lX9ia1ctsk_yPbS8kU1T3UJIjXXAFwuBhEgQ/s640/FLOODED+WOODS+3res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="437" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bqMsk_k15lqDgtH9RNtvgKN6WMpHLuQ8LiaK60qV0dKMY5fboUZ7S9pV27df2WOpjvrKwWIZwoO11ka1rGxcLnKoMQRhQ_RGwVFpD4_lX9ia1ctsk_yPbS8kU1T3UJIjXXAFwuBhEgQ/s320/FLOODED+WOODS+3res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I machine embroidered the first layer of trees and grasses, then cut some more trees out of a lighter brown for the foreground tree trunk.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5UtrRoOEyGimaVPRWR02chcwHKHyGm1xAow5HklmPux_1KEr1DcQ3-fDTBjV7zyzJw_tyFXBvdmebMRS1XOZiCnJ7py86lro6kHgf9aafKqigQduAk0gtF2iasNCAi9hIWTimCLgCHg/s640/FLOODED+WOODS+4res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5UtrRoOEyGimaVPRWR02chcwHKHyGm1xAow5HklmPux_1KEr1DcQ3-fDTBjV7zyzJw_tyFXBvdmebMRS1XOZiCnJ7py86lro6kHgf9aafKqigQduAk0gtF2iasNCAi9hIWTimCLgCHg/s320/FLOODED+WOODS+4res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lots more machining to give texture and complete the picture.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOtUDKTIoev4A8pyrueMYNvMRvxDU_Nt-KPGIIvxPsd4xy5VrOQgf9GV1vHLyIMShGgq7yI8kNRhU5BxLX20gTcDuDTF_40BRvThIPRS4h8IA0b5lTPJtPBJokhIgDG9OeUk2eTRkJmU/s640/FLOODED+WOODS+5res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="439" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOtUDKTIoev4A8pyrueMYNvMRvxDU_Nt-KPGIIvxPsd4xy5VrOQgf9GV1vHLyIMShGgq7yI8kNRhU5BxLX20gTcDuDTF_40BRvThIPRS4h8IA0b5lTPJtPBJokhIgDG9OeUk2eTRkJmU/s320/FLOODED+WOODS+5res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The back looked rather interesting too so I decided to use a translucent iron on interfacing for the title.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMfzhJGfQDHVSOVToURmxWrIAlutHEKSMmD0ozmZsDvhq96hFMEjTcKIlpq2rNqr9_vEb4Zxx6-Q13AprKhQr6ki5kaxKFgSMTXtgQW6SaaZtJGz1ju97v_lfvXpNhz-TM3jqDE7L-bU/s640/FLOODED+WOODS+7res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMfzhJGfQDHVSOVToURmxWrIAlutHEKSMmD0ozmZsDvhq96hFMEjTcKIlpq2rNqr9_vEb4Zxx6-Q13AprKhQr6ki5kaxKFgSMTXtgQW6SaaZtJGz1ju97v_lfvXpNhz-TM3jqDE7L-bU/s320/FLOODED+WOODS+7res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I edged the trimmed picture with brown overlocking stitch then went round again stitching on a length of brown woollen yarn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafEvmlpWOJw0HGuLDcEXMVtldVsCE0xKV3pq4PW6I-fx-PK5kPyghtXYVNIvb87vAgb0g6002QJtJAdlJMr_ZBqpz3ghsO1bdJcWOkNBkuaT1ISU9evRmID1oX4AXTZkuZYzOfEnY1fo/s640/FLOODED+WOODS+6res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="473" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafEvmlpWOJw0HGuLDcEXMVtldVsCE0xKV3pq4PW6I-fx-PK5kPyghtXYVNIvb87vAgb0g6002QJtJAdlJMr_ZBqpz3ghsO1bdJcWOkNBkuaT1ISU9evRmID1oX4AXTZkuZYzOfEnY1fo/s320/FLOODED+WOODS+6res.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The finished picture, photographed on my pine desk, measures 28 x 20 cms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-44172956192564781512021-01-03T12:07:00.000+01:002021-01-03T12:07:23.091+01:00PFA 2020 COMPLETED WALLHANGING<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_pFwtyovQ8SB6wyRH_T119vz8PTdniYeC032rOkw9GqsdI4EyiK6Nzt2da61m2xVlcFZxgn38UlL2uOD__jnn-WLaNbiAuGdXoI-fgXPhGTKyBXOGBKwZlEk62zurlok-vlyRav45I/s544/2020+PFA+ALL+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjn_pFwtyovQ8SB6wyRH_T119vz8PTdniYeC032rOkw9GqsdI4EyiK6Nzt2da61m2xVlcFZxgn38UlL2uOD__jnn-WLaNbiAuGdXoI-fgXPhGTKyBXOGBKwZlEk62zurlok-vlyRav45I/s320/2020+PFA+ALL+-+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here at last is my completed 2020 Postcard Fabric Art challenge wall hanging. Each A4 sized card has an eyelet in each corner so that they can be joined to form this piece measuring 85 x 90 cms now hanging in my entrance hall.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheC-EXxp1hF-FEDVG9B9NyQOopeXKYgLdByP7kSl9q4cr9xiTqOp1SAkZcGjn4DNwqzem08OG8BdYGkDA0TQoSX_zrp-VYM7RzG3tWnsZsuEm4KkB4q0TpkHmwsjgVfDZJQXuLV5jCc8k/s640/PFA2020+6+JUNEres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="457" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheC-EXxp1hF-FEDVG9B9NyQOopeXKYgLdByP7kSl9q4cr9xiTqOp1SAkZcGjn4DNwqzem08OG8BdYGkDA0TQoSX_zrp-VYM7RzG3tWnsZsuEm4KkB4q0TpkHmwsjgVfDZJQXuLV5jCc8k/s320/PFA2020+6+JUNEres.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Following on from my last post in the summer the next month was June and the 1930s theme. I chose to highlight the inventer of the A to Z of London, Phyllis Pearsall, a publication which made a huge difference to my life as a representative driving around the city and the rest of the country.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJDy9MzwyjyLIQnX7mXbQ4e5a84V5J3GgxQUalblj9Annw6wmFTvaybyFi_3dJxIJILhcy9H-IaJcATHXszEb60cvpiuAVpJycxVMpHSywgbaYZLRKubiPZSnav60NyqLdygiF4Ab_9I/s640/PFAJULY2020+1+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJDy9MzwyjyLIQnX7mXbQ4e5a84V5J3GgxQUalblj9Annw6wmFTvaybyFi_3dJxIJILhcy9H-IaJcATHXszEb60cvpiuAVpJycxVMpHSywgbaYZLRKubiPZSnav60NyqLdygiF4Ab_9I/s320/PFAJULY2020+1+res.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In July the 1940s and the Women's Land Army became my focus and especially as my mother worked there in her twenties during the war and wore this particular uniform.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLAWo07L5yuZ91fKtBuGXIYS9-OUEQQMTFWJLO88Lv8PxtGPifKWGzzC-OIpVHU5d-oQnEmGdrtg20dMXPAvoFHN7Tn0Ck6NRuGRhQLjvrdHAE9MP2Efy3pQV9FMzJnjwRREslLnWaHI/s640/PFA2020+8+AUGUSTres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLAWo07L5yuZ91fKtBuGXIYS9-OUEQQMTFWJLO88Lv8PxtGPifKWGzzC-OIpVHU5d-oQnEmGdrtg20dMXPAvoFHN7Tn0Ck6NRuGRhQLjvrdHAE9MP2Efy3pQV9FMzJnjwRREslLnWaHI/s320/PFA2020+8+AUGUSTres.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 1950s in August and the fashions of Christian Dior were a highlight. My mother became a mum to me in Sweden where she was living at the time with my dad, and as she was a dressmaker I could imagine her sewing and wearing a dress like this.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbY4JWQPN2Y1q1NiMZQnKUwGpJ82cHTuzZd4WZ3sZ6N5sfZX0NSZ7NeNdak30yLEKBJZVSXzrEvR3VdBjLjo6NWa_y2bESDWT2KVBZ3dYlywxt1A1xq__8i_FGibOjh2zgS5RwR2klM0/s640/PFA2020+9+SEPTres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="438" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbY4JWQPN2Y1q1NiMZQnKUwGpJ82cHTuzZd4WZ3sZ6N5sfZX0NSZ7NeNdak30yLEKBJZVSXzrEvR3VdBjLjo6NWa_y2bESDWT2KVBZ3dYlywxt1A1xq__8i_FGibOjh2zgS5RwR2klM0/s320/PFA2020+9+SEPTres.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 1960s was the subject in September and my time at art college became the theme. I printed a page from my sketchbook, collaged a handful of images and hand stitched my portraits of the time in black thread.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a6nJdeGNgYSf8_RngppcyZ1_f-3Ap3R_M9op6ug3hzs1-VfqHpCclXXRTtx37x4IiXzp_n5M5gJIw-jQrb_Lbxmk1_xq1bcQQ0NgxDI5L9XdeuU0soTzM9WrRAbXDhUigy1XiwMq7Xk/s640/PFA2020+10+OCTres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a6nJdeGNgYSf8_RngppcyZ1_f-3Ap3R_M9op6ug3hzs1-VfqHpCclXXRTtx37x4IiXzp_n5M5gJIw-jQrb_Lbxmk1_xq1bcQQ0NgxDI5L9XdeuU0soTzM9WrRAbXDhUigy1XiwMq7Xk/s320/PFA2020+10+OCTres.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the 1970s for October I chose the start of my married life with Bob and the setting up of our home together.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqact0GI-w6CjFjP2yXKkxd4kX8wUeTH9kcu3lyORJbWHFOQRIBEAlAmdqdDFZ4a2zXz4xGiaF1NINR_aQqc8gp8RKTJyjvSImxAXRZnOIhxbTP1D_e3aiwUb0yqKk-xzqgODIRPTEVTA/s640/PFA2020+11++NOVEMBERres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="447" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqact0GI-w6CjFjP2yXKkxd4kX8wUeTH9kcu3lyORJbWHFOQRIBEAlAmdqdDFZ4a2zXz4xGiaF1NINR_aQqc8gp8RKTJyjvSImxAXRZnOIhxbTP1D_e3aiwUb0yqKk-xzqgODIRPTEVTA/s320/PFA2020+11++NOVEMBERres.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In November the 1980s and 1990s saw us working hard to save for our boat and enjoying our spare time sailing around the south of England and across the channel. This piece started as another group's challenge during the lockdown in spring and then seemed perfect for this month's card.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWICyI3oDpPAefJrcmm9E33NwtlTUZOKZQnr1akyAXDGnWkEm9Oa1FtqUVNHICXKRQTRjNIGgmYkqMp4A8L8gGZv4YEq2rzFwTobo8jMrdXTONNJcW39GW1vkk5D1e1aXfdzsEnOgELs/s640/PFA2020+12+DEC001+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWICyI3oDpPAefJrcmm9E33NwtlTUZOKZQnr1akyAXDGnWkEm9Oa1FtqUVNHICXKRQTRjNIGgmYkqMp4A8L8gGZv4YEq2rzFwTobo8jMrdXTONNJcW39GW1vkk5D1e1aXfdzsEnOgELs/s320/PFA2020+12+DEC001+res.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In December we were challenged to come up with an idea for the 2000s and beyond and our life since we retired here in France in 2003 was a perfect choice as the subject. We bought a camping car and spent our holidays exploring our new country as well as further afield in Spain and Sweden where we searched out my birthplace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the pieces in this collection were made using fabric collage and hand and machine embroidery. I'm lucky to have a large stash of assorted fabric to choose from to make the appropriate parts and frames for the pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also want to thank Ann Hillman Lamy for her original idea for this wonderful group which works so well with people around the world sharing their work and inspiring each other. In 2021 we have a whole new set of challenges to try so maybe I'll share some of them here in the future.</div><br /> <p></p>Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-69892251167524208862020-12-13T11:45:00.000+01:002020-12-13T11:45:33.880+01:00TREES, TREES, TREES!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImJWhB-h2WRGLumGfRyoRUrYon7X6eb-WNLJXI0JJiz4FSSpnWr6BFO_l7-vgNp8wsfKk6eVmmbJHYBBRswqSxeHrJdwemw0LbVoIyIApP-sRGI4cbMseTkTltJMF18EVM3Yl27jz_bw/s811/2020+FAMILY+XMAS+MUM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="759" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImJWhB-h2WRGLumGfRyoRUrYon7X6eb-WNLJXI0JJiz4FSSpnWr6BFO_l7-vgNp8wsfKk6eVmmbJHYBBRswqSxeHrJdwemw0LbVoIyIApP-sRGI4cbMseTkTltJMF18EVM3Yl27jz_bw/s320/2020+FAMILY+XMAS+MUM.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did I ever tell you that I have always loved trees? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love to observe them in their natural habitat and to interpret them in drawing and stitch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have a deodara tree in our front garden, first planted about 15 years ago that is now nearly as tall as our house. This year I decided to make images of it for my family Christmas cards.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GFw90EQfTbXitsj4F1sDg29O2yxER2oHwQM_J34EQi4_BvythUu3MmHo1B9-FPHO2Rq2cDOFYbkF7vmLgFFWW4s3BXIOHtYH3HJzEN9X6X640EOf8xMCVWHo_tkXEFKJSIa9xSzNDTo/s640/TREES+DEODARA++002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GFw90EQfTbXitsj4F1sDg29O2yxER2oHwQM_J34EQi4_BvythUu3MmHo1B9-FPHO2Rq2cDOFYbkF7vmLgFFWW4s3BXIOHtYH3HJzEN9X6X640EOf8xMCVWHo_tkXEFKJSIa9xSzNDTo/s320/TREES+DEODARA++002.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These first two are free machine embroidered in three different greens on some sun printed fabrics.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ7ejXq6ng4b9A5btWZ3DXc8eGvpL7ioaL12RRARVyQLPIBj1uK3_5_P_at-Px1asfHe85cafm_fGBWrx3_YeVh97bjD48RblxJ0yIZFXkg8BlXJkoFAmcEjUVfuJfHnplrwrIc8L3CU/s782/2020+FAMILY+XMAS+STEPH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZ7ejXq6ng4b9A5btWZ3DXc8eGvpL7ioaL12RRARVyQLPIBj1uK3_5_P_at-Px1asfHe85cafm_fGBWrx3_YeVh97bjD48RblxJ0yIZFXkg8BlXJkoFAmcEjUVfuJfHnplrwrIc8L3CU/s320/2020+FAMILY+XMAS+STEPH.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is hand embroidered in thick yarns on to a black linen background.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_81dOG10tyaTl6Qf6XToY9JBASMjhVu9wFh53wPy5NGUUwEfKttbOhcWQZd24NxhyTqfP5otVhB5lN28Wv-Pxuh55jXBR_qZNuGaWHaWMaTBO5ViDxdLML0xCd58XGBFrK_zEwFuESKc/s829/2020+FAMILY+XMAS+SARAH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="829" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_81dOG10tyaTl6Qf6XToY9JBASMjhVu9wFh53wPy5NGUUwEfKttbOhcWQZd24NxhyTqfP5otVhB5lN28Wv-Pxuh55jXBR_qZNuGaWHaWMaTBO5ViDxdLML0xCd58XGBFrK_zEwFuESKc/s320/2020+FAMILY+XMAS+SARAH.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The background for this one is something I made a few years ago, dyed interfacing that went all crinkly and produced those lovely lines that look like a wintry forest.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNSPkYDsfM-f33MsOrGbP6WQCr2Cc27L7HmY2OJ_ziuwNgDL-FkR1exLZ7RwTR1bo6KPSB8PYsvo5OD6939yrtquaq1iyYGb2slSWxhXLYfPplFRLo6_t1MrtEhViFCb1gM-sfArRqyw/s640/FOREST+WEAVE+001res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNSPkYDsfM-f33MsOrGbP6WQCr2Cc27L7HmY2OJ_ziuwNgDL-FkR1exLZ7RwTR1bo6KPSB8PYsvo5OD6939yrtquaq1iyYGb2slSWxhXLYfPplFRLo6_t1MrtEhViFCb1gM-sfArRqyw/s320/FOREST+WEAVE+001res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Earlier this year during the lockdown I decided to make a little wall hanging from a photo of trees taken at an arboretum I visited with Justine last year, it's woven on a small pin loom.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQs58nE0TTdNN1YW0cEk2zr19ZZp1hzqLE8gPVnm2W2LVGmVVv2cOULh0baqvECIRD6MsPejId34r23eIzhbt4JtSQGahOU-zOs_FCdkdAqBZJXcxnjaorbhvzbnqcVnG_u1mZp1-NO8/s573/SARAH+PILLOW+13+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="573" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQs58nE0TTdNN1YW0cEk2zr19ZZp1hzqLE8gPVnm2W2LVGmVVv2cOULh0baqvECIRD6MsPejId34r23eIzhbt4JtSQGahOU-zOs_FCdkdAqBZJXcxnjaorbhvzbnqcVnG_u1mZp1-NO8/s320/SARAH+PILLOW+13+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My granddaughter Sarah is also passionate about trees so I made her a woven tapestry cushion cover with a forest on the front.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3maft5EareaMJbPlbneYTBmMpEGxO2ODZ3z5ZMGPOufwh9cnI6lcWoNbFaGdUr_YGEeZG7OAdZUct1L6IOsRfinpdDWCh6Gcs1XiZKcY1zGeybGT_zgWKVsz6QItUHQCGyTCnEKTiYbk/s640/AUTUMN+TAPESTRY+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3maft5EareaMJbPlbneYTBmMpEGxO2ODZ3z5ZMGPOufwh9cnI6lcWoNbFaGdUr_YGEeZG7OAdZUct1L6IOsRfinpdDWCh6Gcs1XiZKcY1zGeybGT_zgWKVsz6QItUHQCGyTCnEKTiYbk/s320/AUTUMN+TAPESTRY+res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last year I used another photo taken at Winkworth arboretum to make this autumnal tapestry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3SXp9hIYWPjl5-h4HVgRCpF1b1I2zOhORevaqu9WjBEzctwU-2s7dhdmCkORsamXUuwLrnPp330WZFF-2EICgxdbKN5G-65Jl03mEhej-Chs6RRUkRlMClSyNS5UbDUJ9gFsnlaGY6Y/s619/EMBROIDERED+WEAVE+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3SXp9hIYWPjl5-h4HVgRCpF1b1I2zOhORevaqu9WjBEzctwU-2s7dhdmCkORsamXUuwLrnPp330WZFF-2EICgxdbKN5G-65Jl03mEhej-Chs6RRUkRlMClSyNS5UbDUJ9gFsnlaGY6Y/s320/EMBROIDERED+WEAVE+res.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is an earlier attempt at embroidered weaving, it's a bit rough but was useful as a learning process.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvE0x-oL2uiZguHlx6Iql-z-6yqOM_vdwGZim1wV53TY6pEaMYpn7bO_IUw5BWgM0NTzmRwdJnuwyAHymRsyXRU2MXzT7OXUm8WH5fQ8NG9t3uhgEo_Pvkd6NpBTctkdpfSGo-RRLm7I/s640/2019+MISTLETOEres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="477" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvE0x-oL2uiZguHlx6Iql-z-6yqOM_vdwGZim1wV53TY6pEaMYpn7bO_IUw5BWgM0NTzmRwdJnuwyAHymRsyXRU2MXzT7OXUm8WH5fQ8NG9t3uhgEo_Pvkd6NpBTctkdpfSGo-RRLm7I/s320/2019+MISTLETOEres.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we go away in our camping car I'm always on the look out for interesting trees to depict in hand stitching, done while we're away as a sort of postcard to myself. There are lots more but I'll post them another day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a very happy, safe Christmas and lets hope for a much better 2021.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-55548934385245141752020-07-17T16:09:00.013+02:002020-12-12T17:53:20.409+01:00LOCKDOWN LANE TEXTILE ART<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRKvLes80RC5DjZtOS7gOI09xfz9srXVYE09fAyyXhxfr7KHMTAgI7UBKQEczddKFVPwbMYTAqg45uzjEdBCnLLvDT6MkpWSy6M30uhItvgIDf4ArCdWtBOsJXrNAvS1vn7pZEWES1tA/s611/LOCKDOWN+LANE+06.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="611" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRKvLes80RC5DjZtOS7gOI09xfz9srXVYE09fAyyXhxfr7KHMTAgI7UBKQEczddKFVPwbMYTAqg45uzjEdBCnLLvDT6MkpWSy6M30uhItvgIDf4ArCdWtBOsJXrNAvS1vn7pZEWES1tA/w640-h502/LOCKDOWN+LANE+06.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At last I've completed my Lockdown Lane piece of textile art, started as a response to the nature we studied on our walks during the lockdown. It started on March 17th here in France and we were restricted to one kilometre of home and one hour of walking, this meant we walked a similar circuit nearly every day in different directions so that we got enough exercise to keep ourselves fit.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi988xagl3iOzHALs19swFuDcw9n3j4bN4s_KPyLGHlM0SMrg658C6BNMto51n7NPnhxxgUwj4S1Zim4Ht_OocpNuWtR-G_kKWv7xrBONN2qQG87m88vduN_5_U3vYYI5cEJY_ocQu-IFU/s575/LOCKDOWN+LANE+1res.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="575" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi988xagl3iOzHALs19swFuDcw9n3j4bN4s_KPyLGHlM0SMrg658C6BNMto51n7NPnhxxgUwj4S1Zim4Ht_OocpNuWtR-G_kKWv7xrBONN2qQG87m88vduN_5_U3vYYI5cEJY_ocQu-IFU/w400-h334/LOCKDOWN+LANE+1res.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I soon started to notice the different flowers as they came into bloom and picked a few to take home and draw, as you may have seen in the previous post, but also as the sun was very strong for a few days I started to make sun prints using acrylic inks and pieces of old sheets. Very soon I had a stack of these pretty images and started wondering how I could use them. At the same time the Textile Artist.org group had started a series of video workshops and one in particular caught my imagination: Cas Holmes who showed us how to join all sorts of pieces together and stitch on top to tell a story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJqBl_9Ymftu99Mzbvjl02znW95cPu8P-lmJ1nSVQZc0xtMTX7EK4LD0qcDkLSvg00lBY98_tnx_oGIPR39Q7Q4nZhyphenhyphenCdEViEF2tP2Wr6IU1-eUy04rm0IPn_VhkZta17WmfQT0ZlP0w/s640/LOCKDOWN+LANE+004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="464" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJqBl_9Ymftu99Mzbvjl02znW95cPu8P-lmJ1nSVQZc0xtMTX7EK4LD0qcDkLSvg00lBY98_tnx_oGIPR39Q7Q4nZhyphenhyphenCdEViEF2tP2Wr6IU1-eUy04rm0IPn_VhkZta17WmfQT0ZlP0w/w290-h400/LOCKDOWN+LANE+004.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another workshop by Sue Stone suggested sampling various stitches to see how many different ways they could be used. I've used a lot of chain stitch to depict these flowers on fine organza which I later cut out to applique to the main piece.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL3lEJrhS1DZ3GINmLb0bD7JknRuI59EuIx3zkN6NjVk3qFDX8uHiwGXapXAwui1ut8A67HcgBFYYoDiUI3vwHLRqTeQeMxv1zpZyLRfRNX8oFFvCCQmILOWb7IJsWoNBhUvhReKWpGY/s640/DANDELION+CLOCK025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="385" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL3lEJrhS1DZ3GINmLb0bD7JknRuI59EuIx3zkN6NjVk3qFDX8uHiwGXapXAwui1ut8A67HcgBFYYoDiUI3vwHLRqTeQeMxv1zpZyLRfRNX8oFFvCCQmILOWb7IJsWoNBhUvhReKWpGY/w240-h400/DANDELION+CLOCK025.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dandelion is stitched on black linen using a single thread as suggested by Emily Tull in her excellent workshop on careful observation.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XRA2ctvUh-ZT4f0_QFHcGxmulG8r9_0Oy5w9drvYHhRPtPG4rfdnfIEVo_TjYtQvf7A_UYGUWKCh_imij4VVf7YTnp7Sb87UQFKQ_dFcYsfiDu3doRaNxX2tYAkK2PUrekt9IS6bexo/s552/INTENTSTITCH+007res.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="552" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XRA2ctvUh-ZT4f0_QFHcGxmulG8r9_0Oy5w9drvYHhRPtPG4rfdnfIEVo_TjYtQvf7A_UYGUWKCh_imij4VVf7YTnp7Sb87UQFKQ_dFcYsfiDu3doRaNxX2tYAkK2PUrekt9IS6bexo/w400-h348/INTENTSTITCH+007res.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a lot of fun with the spider using a shiny thread on pale blue organza.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6ltBIBR5DHyvbbM0Qo177Zh6j8SreVR212f-Cjhvi8d7NQveT5Iu2NiXxPHoSD7t28w5HMUNL-Z3EsTQXo4XxI81MzUYXXZI0pBCrWU-oysIajs8UmVP7_vKPFJuZtSN0DNZffnX-WM/s2745/INTENTSTITCH+010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2745" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6ltBIBR5DHyvbbM0Qo177Zh6j8SreVR212f-Cjhvi8d7NQveT5Iu2NiXxPHoSD7t28w5HMUNL-Z3EsTQXo4XxI81MzUYXXZI0pBCrWU-oysIajs8UmVP7_vKPFJuZtSN0DNZffnX-WM/w140-h400/INTENTSTITCH+010.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love to see the different grasses as they grow and flower.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBq_D1l7eI7BcqoNyX1Txxx3wDkDPCudYRNdFhdxlIJJNwZTfd14SJuc9iNuI1R9vUzVVjpV7pDHXq5o8WR5lyAzRKqAwFxvJZ5bLLsPCTCyHoTlqiknLmgqttibVIr2FsyBfP8oINY0/s640/LOCKDOWN+LANE+5res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBq_D1l7eI7BcqoNyX1Txxx3wDkDPCudYRNdFhdxlIJJNwZTfd14SJuc9iNuI1R9vUzVVjpV7pDHXq5o8WR5lyAzRKqAwFxvJZ5bLLsPCTCyHoTlqiknLmgqttibVIr2FsyBfP8oINY0/s320/LOCKDOWN+LANE+5res.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the start of the story in March when there were only a few flowers: wild garlic, primrose and violets, soon to be joined by the bluebells and celandines, daisies and dandelions in April.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3A7apacBhN6Q9rl6oB5GzZF7oYOtodK6cpZ2FTKARC5xoSEl6rUl1bAJJnt2pMDWb_rPd6A7t8dMHdr9r-pDq4C4is3FSNY3wpNgEcX4MenvEagsE6FOJtZkFZk7SVhMtMIL8BpQP14/s640/LOCKDOWN+LANE+08.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3A7apacBhN6Q9rl6oB5GzZF7oYOtodK6cpZ2FTKARC5xoSEl6rUl1bAJJnt2pMDWb_rPd6A7t8dMHdr9r-pDq4C4is3FSNY3wpNgEcX4MenvEagsE6FOJtZkFZk7SVhMtMIL8BpQP14/s320/LOCKDOWN+LANE+08.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The swallows came back in the middle of April and it's such a joy to see these acrobatic birds as they celebrate their return to their old barn where they nest every year. The plantain flowers and cow parsley were joined by the ragged robins and scentless May weed in May.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eqYY5DTAvdSMWvqEgudHe1vcLs17arlp9IAB8cGyy0tIuDlXCcT6AW0sVwdoVNLTZZwNmtOL053ft3J7RcmmF9DC7FfOaSWgHTk4UJfzVntpBl6LpOUp5Z85K5jGDdTu3oJ7myEZQYA/s640/LOCKDOWN+LANE+09.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eqYY5DTAvdSMWvqEgudHe1vcLs17arlp9IAB8cGyy0tIuDlXCcT6AW0sVwdoVNLTZZwNmtOL053ft3J7RcmmF9DC7FfOaSWgHTk4UJfzVntpBl6LpOUp5Z85K5jGDdTu3oJ7myEZQYA/w266-h400/LOCKDOWN+LANE+09.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favourite spring flowers is the navelwort with it's tall spikes of pale green flowers that usually appear on the shady parts of the lane like slim candles. Red campion and foxgloves add some more colour to the banks in semi shade.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYktYNCezeIJDxT4XiaCKRo5NpKyO3T96wikS7A0yKn3NbqVAvDrncf3fyrExWTnxLXNTnwnLLA05vs1Y3X01-9BAng65fout6IUUtkYYtlNRJpaznm2BVbu0oqUnJks-NVpD63cI7Qw/s640/LOCKDOWN+LANE+11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="417" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYktYNCezeIJDxT4XiaCKRo5NpKyO3T96wikS7A0yKn3NbqVAvDrncf3fyrExWTnxLXNTnwnLLA05vs1Y3X01-9BAng65fout6IUUtkYYtlNRJpaznm2BVbu0oqUnJks-NVpD63cI7Qw/w260-h400/LOCKDOWN+LANE+11.JPG" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added a winter tree at the beginning as there are no green leaves in the middle of March but by the end of three months all the trees were covered of course!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdYLH5enxB7657wWZm_gpEgW6ZGbi0PV6bVJOsNwfVxPchDmraub9UXTU8QdglSVcFLSM7Rl0Q_MivRpXq-GsNNt3CxHbWskKlUvSO1m1crvgR2b75S4iyqPqY0y8ZaSkxtCkwU3rGG0/s640/LOCKDOWN+LANE+10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdYLH5enxB7657wWZm_gpEgW6ZGbi0PV6bVJOsNwfVxPchDmraub9UXTU8QdglSVcFLSM7Rl0Q_MivRpXq-GsNNt3CxHbWskKlUvSO1m1crvgR2b75S4iyqPqY0y8ZaSkxtCkwU3rGG0/w400-h300/LOCKDOWN+LANE+10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few more little blooms from the meadow, clover and buttercup, fumitory and herb Robert that pepper the sides of the road like little pink stars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you've enjoyed my stroll down our lanes and may even be inspired to try interpreting nature in stitch yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the instructions for sun printing if you fancy having a go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAv1m9-BC5WHSb7JKPxbSbuX-nK8HGAep6s1PDEP1uqI4yP_nvEzqFogaaTc0rFFDeaS74YBTlmjEdow6uK-z-ooN7ozwOGUuVpbrKLMzgX5NgqbOxg9-iqO7z40JG48OYtdu9uv1FCY/s2048/SUNPRINT+info009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="2048" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAv1m9-BC5WHSb7JKPxbSbuX-nK8HGAep6s1PDEP1uqI4yP_nvEzqFogaaTc0rFFDeaS74YBTlmjEdow6uK-z-ooN7ozwOGUuVpbrKLMzgX5NgqbOxg9-iqO7z40JG48OYtdu9uv1FCY/w640-h378/SUNPRINT+info009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-56841444859656064202020-06-04T15:01:00.001+02:002020-06-04T15:01:55.537+02:00SPRING WILD FLOWERS IN DANGER<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoKUXmqBLJkhSPV7xLJZioIXlIQZ6BkcRsifs4s0ZFszUehsUt-_Fc_Ev9afkwNM27z_d0r5yeTuErQxBV4uHrprZ0_rsKylKrSmOf1catihMWO9knPu1zGQS8jgePemYpaRfVj6skfA/s628/SKETCHBK52+004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoKUXmqBLJkhSPV7xLJZioIXlIQZ6BkcRsifs4s0ZFszUehsUt-_Fc_Ev9afkwNM27z_d0r5yeTuErQxBV4uHrprZ0_rsKylKrSmOf1catihMWO9knPu1zGQS8jgePemYpaRfVj6skfA/s320/SKETCHBK52+004.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've been in Covid 19 confinement since March 17th and apart from missing seeing friends and visiting family we've coped very well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aZmquXPlzySC4irnQ3PEOCsIidWF1u0v9hw0IaQb1mxBHblppDrdjRx2eRudRyPVm_oko1OixUHdQMHYZ7xp9b5Jz8UAAbCFj6NVmjgI64n6JXR-L6wgupKCqCiGAowFVAn1oW1-Rrk/s614/SKETCHBK52+005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="358" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aZmquXPlzySC4irnQ3PEOCsIidWF1u0v9hw0IaQb1mxBHblppDrdjRx2eRudRyPVm_oko1OixUHdQMHYZ7xp9b5Jz8UAAbCFj6NVmjgI64n6JXR-L6wgupKCqCiGAowFVAn1oW1-Rrk/s320/SKETCHBK52+005.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The government rules at the beginning meant we could only walk within 1 kilometre radius of our home for no more than one hour a day. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT_2p3zn_LzPlZYSyMYcpHYrO3HUWSvelTCR9XFXsW9Yp_B5G6WNaARsNjikuGL-Ccmerl1K-2oQ2lRdXpt_JhwoQEjW6to5eeEeBHvdk9yJp7hmVWQaJr4RCquka51joyPynyLUEx8U/s2260/SKETCHBK52+017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="1288" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT_2p3zn_LzPlZYSyMYcpHYrO3HUWSvelTCR9XFXsW9Yp_B5G6WNaARsNjikuGL-Ccmerl1K-2oQ2lRdXpt_JhwoQEjW6to5eeEeBHvdk9yJp7hmVWQaJr4RCquka51joyPynyLUEx8U/s320/SKETCHBK52+017.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Living in a beautiful part of Brittany we felt very fortunate to have plenty of lanes and fields to walk through and as we did a walk every day we became very familiar with the nature on our doorstep.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWIEgLgjJzbZkEyjrd8uzuATM_CT5qULeNERIRWURyXk8CGuI78AcO6ocUnpFPS7BcHnGYzRSsDlwj6kTryQEVqA0RteBhNHpAgdOF2Cuj8sLKxeisCbTdWFrGPWuc-D8g1jRtncE0k4/s2369/SKETCHBK52+020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="1506" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWIEgLgjJzbZkEyjrd8uzuATM_CT5qULeNERIRWURyXk8CGuI78AcO6ocUnpFPS7BcHnGYzRSsDlwj6kTryQEVqA0RteBhNHpAgdOF2Cuj8sLKxeisCbTdWFrGPWuc-D8g1jRtncE0k4/s320/SKETCHBK52+020.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We observed each new spring flower as it bloomed and I carefully gathered only two or three of each species to take home to draw in my Coronavirus Chronicles journal.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqi7Ncg_XHCwnEpSiPXUKuXqOdrdDAWdI5VSl0-fnQD2wwqUcgA9HV08Bsw3ueZihB35inQZ_DUlj6ebRbJQyDfOm-SQ_qiScTnWyMuh6G6ttgBW7wEQhyphenhyphenbKWrUNNj6zuvtivRsZcJmaQ/s640/SKETCHBK52+026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqi7Ncg_XHCwnEpSiPXUKuXqOdrdDAWdI5VSl0-fnQD2wwqUcgA9HV08Bsw3ueZihB35inQZ_DUlj6ebRbJQyDfOm-SQ_qiScTnWyMuh6G6ttgBW7wEQhyphenhyphenbKWrUNNj6zuvtivRsZcJmaQ/s320/SKETCHBK52+026.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm very conscious of the need to leave as many flowers as possible for the bees and other insects to feed on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWZOJYOOSy0HNWq7mHQHFDFcgb1Sq92PF82JTgAupHhZi5ey_fW2v0z3cVsQyD7-GbEjEt0YC23dylNgTK3kPZnl7T0pOSu0V_gW2l2AYjdkFiWNa_CNZAS8cZ8l-lqQGgWe_YdEmaJE/s640/SKETCHBK52+030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="442" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWZOJYOOSy0HNWq7mHQHFDFcgb1Sq92PF82JTgAupHhZi5ey_fW2v0z3cVsQyD7-GbEjEt0YC23dylNgTK3kPZnl7T0pOSu0V_gW2l2AYjdkFiWNa_CNZAS8cZ8l-lqQGgWe_YdEmaJE/s320/SKETCHBK52+030.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the rules were relaxed a little we were able to walk a little further and find new paths to explore.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzegLXpcj-y3femuDDxqmRATYL22ZtQ4Ic6BHvT0A7mTHECJHICPgnT-mgSiTUclwhwiWmabuo8Ti5ZCD6zdG0oBvxJrZrjmshyphenhyphenQojP8g2Vyq1ePn82k7NvwnnKXqZtSPpLlFUYyi1i8/s640/SKETCHBK52+031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="409" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzegLXpcj-y3femuDDxqmRATYL22ZtQ4Ic6BHvT0A7mTHECJHICPgnT-mgSiTUclwhwiWmabuo8Ti5ZCD6zdG0oBvxJrZrjmshyphenhyphenQojP8g2Vyq1ePn82k7NvwnnKXqZtSPpLlFUYyi1i8/s320/SKETCHBK52+031.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As spring progressed more and more flowers appeared and replaced some of the earlier blooms which settled down to set seed and draw nourishment from the sun to feed the plants ready for next year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJnS-lEP4-F08DS17vbOIRGB-hnA2fhKVtZDIbOpE_tPNr24zlo210uwIwiivRGgopClYDy0ID7VKi26p9iovQd2oWTtZbRA93cxhOgnD3tAy3GoU6m4zJaVI-tyOmLZbZb0b0dQEfOc/s640/SKETCHBK52+032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJnS-lEP4-F08DS17vbOIRGB-hnA2fhKVtZDIbOpE_tPNr24zlo210uwIwiivRGgopClYDy0ID7VKi26p9iovQd2oWTtZbRA93cxhOgnD3tAy3GoU6m4zJaVI-tyOmLZbZb0b0dQEfOc/s320/SKETCHBK52+032.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also noticed the birdsong seemed to be stronger and started to recognise particular trees occupied by different birds as we strolled along the same paths so often.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1TvBX_2nIP9SSnQwB1L_JWRwdYV-XATlkRHxw-f6eOEPPiIJoCv5cHr_6MAvS7CoA7HSh1XmZKSwR6imadnLnSGERJQm2ADMr64RASFXJjKlDmqJ7WudNEzHYIr-h0GQmhNDtkG2zbg/s640/SKETCHBK52+033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="402" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1TvBX_2nIP9SSnQwB1L_JWRwdYV-XATlkRHxw-f6eOEPPiIJoCv5cHr_6MAvS7CoA7HSh1XmZKSwR6imadnLnSGERJQm2ADMr64RASFXJjKlDmqJ7WudNEzHYIr-h0GQmhNDtkG2zbg/s320/SKETCHBK52+033.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We even managed a very long walk on Ascension day as far as the valley of Traoero which is a nature reserve and has a sign at the entrance saying DO NOT PICK THE FLOWERS, which of course I respected.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsmZYCxsoYH11tr6ypgxTWm49Mp_jYzs63jxrm8163z-a70obbzCqL9cqr_qjb2QnHMODxm_RlZ93mAfplRDWy65HwE-cGLK3ffy8Yr3YJKGqH5Mcsvb9vI9fXOl98PihG6RHUCoCq1M/s640/SKETCHBK52+034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsmZYCxsoYH11tr6ypgxTWm49Mp_jYzs63jxrm8163z-a70obbzCqL9cqr_qjb2QnHMODxm_RlZ93mAfplRDWy65HwE-cGLK3ffy8Yr3YJKGqH5Mcsvb9vI9fXOl98PihG6RHUCoCq1M/s320/SKETCHBK52+034.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On our return down a particularly pretty lane I noticed some ragged robin flowers, quite a rarity around here so I gathered only 2 or 3 stems to study and draw in the journal. Little did I know this was the last time I would be able to see any of these and many of the other flowers you can see here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMimfWj_TarqJ_1TYq6VLQM3mEyq_kphQM8JjsTMXdBORsc8sP-fz-E-4_x05rVztI1wk-OcZ0HqPE4_3Ws9mO9m8SjDQXukibVDC_gPd_BLQ2TlLnaurLR5RGRxSr-2LLkAxJC400OJA/s800/BANK+2020+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMimfWj_TarqJ_1TYq6VLQM3mEyq_kphQM8JjsTMXdBORsc8sP-fz-E-4_x05rVztI1wk-OcZ0HqPE4_3Ws9mO9m8SjDQXukibVDC_gPd_BLQ2TlLnaurLR5RGRxSr-2LLkAxJC400OJA/s320/BANK+2020+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bank outside my garden is a haven of wild flowers too, full of blue scabious, red sorrel and yellow cat's ears, always buzzing with bees. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLMIK0a8Vd_2Bi3Rrt4hmXD0LSlF6As9TWdU8hxZFkcx2p9eeZLaEmtJ4mxydFI_JFZS4bMW9csDtG1h_gPNTWCdAKw2ldsD2HOJvuPWPdQSRqnb3Yi_4fwY39ZCrjyNMdIWfwzAX-FY/s800/BANK+2020+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLMIK0a8Vd_2Bi3Rrt4hmXD0LSlF6As9TWdU8hxZFkcx2p9eeZLaEmtJ4mxydFI_JFZS4bMW9csDtG1h_gPNTWCdAKw2ldsD2HOJvuPWPdQSRqnb3Yi_4fwY39ZCrjyNMdIWfwzAX-FY/s320/BANK+2020+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> One morning in mid May we heard a terrible noise and when I saw the council cutting machine approaching I went straight out to plead for my bank to be left uncut. Fortunately I was in time to save most of my flowers but the rest of our lanes were not so lucky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4c6XFgzQ8v0v3dt0B1TTn60vlN4LtVju3FdtT1GZ0DNEnU1CJFIELh1AzVynm2P-Tl7MR_5MrvfGDb96bktlarq1B6VNE9gI5gR0QHo0MCs1U64RdFmAUkBy76yX-erEWGIqeNth9_0/s800/BANK+2020+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4c6XFgzQ8v0v3dt0B1TTn60vlN4LtVju3FdtT1GZ0DNEnU1CJFIELh1AzVynm2P-Tl7MR_5MrvfGDb96bktlarq1B6VNE9gI5gR0QHo0MCs1U64RdFmAUkBy76yX-erEWGIqeNth9_0/s320/BANK+2020+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The cutting machine worked all day over several days until every verge and bank had been razed to the ground.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M3ESVgq1ps1WMDSsdxSnABbbqfQUDK00osRwK_Def-tDffqNvQt0lVt3p0Wt3EbaMzoAGQ7O98dYeto16F0tnuU_ZVaIvEL0z8a4-oapji-0raUdLcNiLlNPgozb0SMqxFY3JUpA4t8/s800/BANK+2020+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M3ESVgq1ps1WMDSsdxSnABbbqfQUDK00osRwK_Def-tDffqNvQt0lVt3p0Wt3EbaMzoAGQ7O98dYeto16F0tnuU_ZVaIvEL0z8a4-oapji-0raUdLcNiLlNPgozb0SMqxFY3JUpA4t8/s320/BANK+2020+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one had bluebells as well as many other species all still blooming.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tpPYNUApRqqqZrRUj5SgUAayTU-53-mUFFaF-EYi7jgw7ftZCXj47ZYlYsMEXksn0G1XS1XEFAnR-BSsqvlJxAZg3ZbJuRq83WtAnC69w4SGvl4wckz9ZxxZtGYM4_paE8Rha-LBT7c/s800/BANK+2020+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tpPYNUApRqqqZrRUj5SgUAayTU-53-mUFFaF-EYi7jgw7ftZCXj47ZYlYsMEXksn0G1XS1XEFAnR-BSsqvlJxAZg3ZbJuRq83WtAnC69w4SGvl4wckz9ZxxZtGYM4_paE8Rha-LBT7c/s320/BANK+2020+6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The earth was scraped clean in many places so even the roots were gone. I feel sure that I read in the newspaper some time ago that there was a policy of cutting verges less short in order to preserve the nature but the message has obviously not been passed on to the cutting machine operators.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBW0oRwOLbAEST5m0wWipSAKlDxJvYUsUmwzWdUAtReIcGB5oXoQTGKx_A4GxaUr7Sk8RUmHs_nk3nm9DW48VVT1zE0UwjFXXkeu96Z9RO8zK2KSq0fsq2pwRRdLXb2jmW6YRplWKfVo/s800/BANK+2020+7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBW0oRwOLbAEST5m0wWipSAKlDxJvYUsUmwzWdUAtReIcGB5oXoQTGKx_A4GxaUr7Sk8RUmHs_nk3nm9DW48VVT1zE0UwjFXXkeu96Z9RO8zK2KSq0fsq2pwRRdLXb2jmW6YRplWKfVo/s320/BANK+2020+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can understand the need to keep main roads clear for traffic but why is it necessary to clear these beautiful footpaths through the woods. All those flowers have been destroyed for the sake of tidiness and the bank has already started to collapse because there are no plant roots to hold it together.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOUQ9oQWM4T_icX_z-N0fM1ABDVplSWgOdFfLZa_WCycJvXHZfbmMWmE1HLS6pPs26P3VZmjS4R3P7_YYqjm3yr_IMg2TI5nOalV6ZmmEofMO_jkHRnhhA6FOCrSY0wLEKVguh6WPCGU/s800/BANK+2020+8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOUQ9oQWM4T_icX_z-N0fM1ABDVplSWgOdFfLZa_WCycJvXHZfbmMWmE1HLS6pPs26P3VZmjS4R3P7_YYqjm3yr_IMg2TI5nOalV6ZmmEofMO_jkHRnhhA6FOCrSY0wLEKVguh6WPCGU/s320/BANK+2020+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It will be some time before anything regrows on these bare patches and with the dry weather we've had recently I'd be surprised if anything comes back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUom-yozcQs9CmAJmX0enzk9YkzUrYXZ5G_W7Pxvg0oup04hIcwCFzBTE8x2xUo1J1QSYkyyy36jOYwZhTh4auDmftZRovjfQJcCCLRYYjKUrs9HaySFfT1lRqTomWAs4DabgzAFaOmA/s800/BANK+2020+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUom-yozcQs9CmAJmX0enzk9YkzUrYXZ5G_W7Pxvg0oup04hIcwCFzBTE8x2xUo1J1QSYkyyy36jOYwZhTh4auDmftZRovjfQJcCCLRYYjKUrs9HaySFfT1lRqTomWAs4DabgzAFaOmA/s320/BANK+2020+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a patch on our bank that is still bare from previous years of cutting and scraping. I am sure that the cutting has been done at least a month earlier than usual and this will make a difference to the survival of the plants we normally take for granted but are all vital to support the very important pollinators and insects in our ecosystem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rCbuVJVpjAhltQBXrkDUY8-9PZc0hYtTSYhZmoT1Q-Arj_b5WAGDZS1VG18vNde6X-2puAvRTl93J-O9s53msOc4pqw5fLcoUuS_DH0ZrU5FV8d-PHP318u3C_iNrwKulKiAaIiKbWg/s1234/BANK+2020+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="912" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rCbuVJVpjAhltQBXrkDUY8-9PZc0hYtTSYhZmoT1Q-Arj_b5WAGDZS1VG18vNde6X-2puAvRTl93J-O9s53msOc4pqw5fLcoUuS_DH0ZrU5FV8d-PHP318u3C_iNrwKulKiAaIiKbWg/s320/BANK+2020+10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm finishing this very long post with an early May bouquet from down the lane to say thank you for reading to the end and please let me know what you think and if you have any similar experiences.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-34377122869447550012020-04-26T18:27:00.000+02:002020-04-26T18:27:08.164+02:00POSTCARD FABRIC ART THE NEXT 4 MONTHS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG50EY2IvaSpza8vOUDrGMEo2g-rQbLF6Gn2GqoCV1DFsouXOp-h4H21QjSxuO4xTJb3MUjCo94G01CZmGBf6QbdI09m2hU-4Q1wHp65D_Q8_ppbWwDJcrMriCYeKpfBgcxe5yU88RD0/s1600/PFAFEB+2020+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="457" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG50EY2IvaSpza8vOUDrGMEo2g-rQbLF6Gn2GqoCV1DFsouXOp-h4H21QjSxuO4xTJb3MUjCo94G01CZmGBf6QbdI09m2hU-4Q1wHp65D_Q8_ppbWwDJcrMriCYeKpfBgcxe5yU88RD0/s320/PFAFEB+2020+res.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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It's a while since my last post so I thought I had better do a bit of catching up. </div>
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I posted the January challenge earlier in the year and here are the next four months pieces, starting with February. The theme was ancient Rome and Greece so I thought of the Greek goddesses and Aphrodite came to mind along with the Acropolis in the city of Athens. I found an image which I traced onto a piece of sky printed fabric and as I wanted the picture to be a standard 30 x 20 cms I decided to add the greek key pattern along the top and bottom and machine embroidered then coloured with inktense pencils. For my goddess I have a photo of my granddaughter dressed like this which I copied onto piece of flesh coloured linen then added her clothes and hair with applique and embroidery. I cut her out carefully and hand appliqueed her to thebackground and finally made a frame with a navy heart printed fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYhSqn6wtCzDEJu532jbKpDcpBK4yQ6V0Bee2ILM1W1xt1luP5NmH-o5uyKmOFTk2etNge0z3OqOZGy047aIPB064-HP5ufmZh06We5uA8kkvJcMCZQXpvwdjEWOY1zrcef2jw668yRc/s1600/PFAMAR2020+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="447" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYhSqn6wtCzDEJu532jbKpDcpBK4yQ6V0Bee2ILM1W1xt1luP5NmH-o5uyKmOFTk2etNge0z3OqOZGy047aIPB064-HP5ufmZh06We5uA8kkvJcMCZQXpvwdjEWOY1zrcef2jw668yRc/s320/PFAMAR2020+res.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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The subject for March was the Mediaeval era and I started thinking of some of the ancient castles we've visited here in France. Carcassonne is one of my favourites so I found one of my drawings and transferred it to some beige linen before machine embroidering the outlines, then colouring with my Inktense crayons which I wetted with fabric medium. The figure is an applique of different silk fabrics with hand embroidered gold threads and details, then the picture finished with a frame of batik in deep red and russet colours.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm44i4RiEMbSm4d5hcwolERo2XPaKnLZSGA62BBoVlDyGxbkbWAdzmcspMRABGsJ-i-sbxeQWRpXDADW16CdYOULF7HDKVWPjOsrzxpwuswR4IUrBCK07OMMRUIH2GsbYEB62xvKR17AA/s1600/PFAAPRIL2020+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="442" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm44i4RiEMbSm4d5hcwolERo2XPaKnLZSGA62BBoVlDyGxbkbWAdzmcspMRABGsJ-i-sbxeQWRpXDADW16CdYOULF7HDKVWPjOsrzxpwuswR4IUrBCK07OMMRUIH2GsbYEB62xvKR17AA/s320/PFAAPRIL2020+-+Copy.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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April's theme was the Renaissance and after studying some paintings of the era I remembered I had an old duvet cover printed with just the right kind of images for my background. For my figure Elizabeth I was the perfect example with her fabulous clothes, all appliqued in silks and lace with red yarn for her hair and red beads stitched for decoration. The frame is a lovely gold printed royal blue, ideal for the regal image.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPkNzAiTVunpqO02QPJxckA_J1DdcOldXLjXCnkIzQxwLAW_4z4Y2szLldEDkteNnoagOpsxQZ9YGYXOz3Td1w2V5rx3CnAlGhExwVNk6ZzPFOzuMr_TbVgxs2LECsUVoX9FG4FA_2As/s1600/PFA2020MAY+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPkNzAiTVunpqO02QPJxckA_J1DdcOldXLjXCnkIzQxwLAW_4z4Y2szLldEDkteNnoagOpsxQZ9YGYXOz3Td1w2V5rx3CnAlGhExwVNk6ZzPFOzuMr_TbVgxs2LECsUVoX9FG4FA_2As/s320/PFA2020MAY+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The latest theme for May is the 1920s and I soon came up with a plan using a beautiful art Deco fabric as the frame and also printed on paper in light blue for the background. I overprinted the blue art deco with an image traced from a costumes through the ages book then layered a piece of white organdie, then the print and then some blue coloured netting to complete the background.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoufzgfv53EZMREAYS03tfp3WFRIRRr4qSZ_IerVsx1O0etnwaAqszD_1nTvgO7cJu8S35uDEYM88COTS_TVuMv4iAsV-5ozbUfsGrlz48BzjLG65MoF1d3CIeBw23sbuELMas2SKuJhQ/s1600/PFA2020MAY+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoufzgfv53EZMREAYS03tfp3WFRIRRr4qSZ_IerVsx1O0etnwaAqszD_1nTvgO7cJu8S35uDEYM88COTS_TVuMv4iAsV-5ozbUfsGrlz48BzjLG65MoF1d3CIeBw23sbuELMas2SKuJhQ/s320/PFA2020MAY+002.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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Here I have machine embroidered most of the ladies in black thread but my machine suddenly stopped working in mid flow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUp2g_sjgKHYbJViDsoJ_iTIpDG2lstd-tpVHX1XThAAEWwsY8srbP7hf5SevVmYd_ypll3mIJ_oC3c0UdDmTLJShgKvnDIzMGZAylH97082nb8GwpXXERZG-kMPWuzqtITv9WDfxAwo4/s1600/PFA2020MAY+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUp2g_sjgKHYbJViDsoJ_iTIpDG2lstd-tpVHX1XThAAEWwsY8srbP7hf5SevVmYd_ypll3mIJ_oC3c0UdDmTLJShgKvnDIzMGZAylH97082nb8GwpXXERZG-kMPWuzqtITv9WDfxAwo4/s320/PFA2020MAY+003.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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You can see from the back of the picture that I had to stop on the third ladie's arm. Fortunately Bob is an electronics engineer and after completely dismantling and reassembling the machine she is now in perfect working order. He said how lucky I am to have such a useful husband! I'm lucky too that my beloved Bernina has lasted 30 years with no trouble at all till I overworked her!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7-70tpApgEGqRCMisrjcSlkCTrIkw1WC-pmWMB237-ypohffsleqimyz5ibIoBtAub7wnTP8USz3LgpQD5LqHdvp2xfhggE6n2TpKrFuYdUZ0_Fk31Mk3Wub6dBfayRSTLRcuxhq0UM/s1600/PFA2020MAY+004+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="470" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7-70tpApgEGqRCMisrjcSlkCTrIkw1WC-pmWMB237-ypohffsleqimyz5ibIoBtAub7wnTP8USz3LgpQD5LqHdvp2xfhggE6n2TpKrFuYdUZ0_Fk31Mk3Wub6dBfayRSTLRcuxhq0UM/s320/PFA2020MAY+004+%25282%2529.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>
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So the rest of the picture was done with hand stitching to make the costume of the main character and here are the ingredients before I started. She was traced onto organdie backed with fine interfacing and various scraps appliqueed for her coat, dress and hat with beads added later for a necklace.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8Y5eU1hNEzHFVxFerepSXD3hKoeu0J-9aVvdr_X7aSLt3e89QZvNW91B0dC2_qD5BGySGNBinbGasvNhIJZ7PJAhj0zKA95awrlmKE_BHbzijHpCP4tnqypmVgcTfjAFtVT3Sxbsm2Q/s1600/PFA2020MAY+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8Y5eU1hNEzHFVxFerepSXD3hKoeu0J-9aVvdr_X7aSLt3e89QZvNW91B0dC2_qD5BGySGNBinbGasvNhIJZ7PJAhj0zKA95awrlmKE_BHbzijHpCP4tnqypmVgcTfjAFtVT3Sxbsm2Q/s320/PFA2020MAY+005.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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The finished front of the piece measuring 30 x 20 cms with the picture stitched to the frame.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAxtTGJvsdfjkrLrPvRIvKkeiEurbLAhD5C_4KtIpxKoY5Q8TKKD9gufVCOK3XnqNAKmEXw9i5g4EpK-xtMWgbKPmPTOixZJtghF8DbUAh3yeVROXzO7oy2YxGqBworlEcAUPM1M1mig/s1600/PFA2020MAY+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAxtTGJvsdfjkrLrPvRIvKkeiEurbLAhD5C_4KtIpxKoY5Q8TKKD9gufVCOK3XnqNAKmEXw9i5g4EpK-xtMWgbKPmPTOixZJtghF8DbUAh3yeVROXzO7oy2YxGqBworlEcAUPM1M1mig/s320/PFA2020MAY+006.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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For the reverse I embroidered the caption on organdie so that the stitching on the back was just visible and added a couple of cut out shapes from another fabric scrap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBEewvikNiWlvjuEEVvychy6cvy0yUnf1aqdw5WxT95fvRpgLhKzPFiupe_4ICdq6sLomwa7iIoSNXEtNw1CQFurnxEzaC0Lh2HJVDzrY2ZpDZhUA0-Nw0NRAjdsX-C-iEYaMsoE9ULU/s1600/PFA2020+x4res.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="461" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBEewvikNiWlvjuEEVvychy6cvy0yUnf1aqdw5WxT95fvRpgLhKzPFiupe_4ICdq6sLomwa7iIoSNXEtNw1CQFurnxEzaC0Lh2HJVDzrY2ZpDZhUA0-Nw0NRAjdsX-C-iEYaMsoE9ULU/s320/PFA2020+x4res.JPG" width="230" /></a></div>
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I have now joined the first 4 pieces with split rings passed through eyelets on each corner and hung them on a net curtain hanger in my studio.</div>
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I'm thinking maybe this will turn into a much larger wall hanging so watch this space!</div>
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<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-21030501845650681692020-02-22T10:12:00.004+01:002020-02-22T10:12:52.026+01:00A DAY OF WEAVING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFP1d3LG-dsBoVVSxUevqD2eGNxf9rc-kWR3I6OrOxwz03fZWiNu-sASOMheJcJni1V9x7_ckrgINQFUE-G0aTQpbcMj4ou0pSoTT5Cuq0cqmpQVEKnBt3KrYfjCLkiRnYJbzGdvXwWc/s1600/IMG_3437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFP1d3LG-dsBoVVSxUevqD2eGNxf9rc-kWR3I6OrOxwz03fZWiNu-sASOMheJcJni1V9x7_ckrgINQFUE-G0aTQpbcMj4ou0pSoTT5Cuq0cqmpQVEKnBt3KrYfjCLkiRnYJbzGdvXwWc/s320/IMG_3437.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last week I treated myself to a day of <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">one on one</span> tuition with Georgette Meyer, a weaver I met at an art exhibition last November. She lives about an hour away in a pretty house in the countryside with her studio in a separate building.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQuU_qWummu0GluNjKHi4IdAcdDAg2SKfpJev6evOrk3_wVq_iR6csw2pJ8JGqBqPtzN8iJtU0s1bCX2Pg3Fpc707BKz_jMuuA4iN4xUnoymD8pvpRE4o0Z7pjfabNKwiJ5_lZMBmIsk/s1600/IMG_3438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="612" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQuU_qWummu0GluNjKHi4IdAcdDAg2SKfpJev6evOrk3_wVq_iR6csw2pJ8JGqBqPtzN8iJtU0s1bCX2Pg3Fpc707BKz_jMuuA4iN4xUnoymD8pvpRE4o0Z7pjfabNKwiJ5_lZMBmIsk/s320/IMG_3438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was shown around her studio which houses three looms of varying sizes and an incredible stash of yarns in all colours, piles of finished blankets and mountains of works in progress!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNH18c8473vOnFEFCwdzN5x6qdzNbUllYicJsdEKB18NrcGYNgLbIS5goPlffjWHAQi4VbAe_Fh-L34LLFIgTYrPdS3RgXFCgCpgtiLOf4YfCBWdjDrc5ZmjHKV5ywJurp4GVmQJ_CA1Y/s1600/IMG_3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNH18c8473vOnFEFCwdzN5x6qdzNbUllYicJsdEKB18NrcGYNgLbIS5goPlffjWHAQi4VbAe_Fh-L34LLFIgTYrPdS3RgXFCgCpgtiLOf4YfCBWdjDrc5ZmjHKV5ywJurp4GVmQJ_CA1Y/s320/IMG_3441.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Georgette started me on the smallest loom and explained the basics of weaving with 4 heddles, the parts of the loom used to make different patterns, operated by 4 pedals. It took me a while to get the hang of using my feet to press down on the different combinations to make the designs. I had to borrow a pair of thick socks so I could easily slip my feet left and right to change pedals.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfnV6hyphenhyphenfqpEhfQaxGokkp2tJPhAB7dr2pVBNudkptQcTFw5yvwFaoCf4gp1tnVcwz241WNxSbWQLUDc2aH8Oz8bMldWIny37B8UzMjCdI7K8k1izyL3ma-nxDebFaJjDS9nmHSnoy9K8/s1600/IMG_3442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfnV6hyphenhyphenfqpEhfQaxGokkp2tJPhAB7dr2pVBNudkptQcTFw5yvwFaoCf4gp1tnVcwz241WNxSbWQLUDc2aH8Oz8bMldWIny37B8UzMjCdI7K8k1izyL3ma-nxDebFaJjDS9nmHSnoy9K8/s320/IMG_3442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was using a boat shuttle that holds a bobbin of yarn to make the wefts, it's easy to change colours in this way as you just lift out the bobbin and put in a different one when you've used up the previous one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuT0wiVIoh5qvahVgMPqBNx4nn-kMH9RGXPGOHBxOXohr0l1nqJUUe465Xbi7FBSfsU09tD1eM_x2H-7OtI2TaOVDDEslcGASUeluKf4OFk9U1_9Ad3RoT3FG1EdWuTx9_ZV5PYXPuE5M/s1600/IMG_3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuT0wiVIoh5qvahVgMPqBNx4nn-kMH9RGXPGOHBxOXohr0l1nqJUUe465Xbi7FBSfsU09tD1eM_x2H-7OtI2TaOVDDEslcGASUeluKf4OFk9U1_9Ad3RoT3FG1EdWuTx9_ZV5PYXPuE5M/s320/IMG_3444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Georgette was a patient teacher and demonstrated the different patterns then left me to play till I got it right! We added lots of different textured wools and even a twig from the garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZjNpEwOmhIpKHVthMFFzWRDidRdMtY0VjlyLWDufiHgDgWMgq5owN7u9Q7oPPi7DrTtl7hvIlLpJlTOToxwxdPIKaNObCGa9TylfyqbCMy27SfOCr-MQzZix7d_5g8EC892OQysGDGg/s1600/IMG_3446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZjNpEwOmhIpKHVthMFFzWRDidRdMtY0VjlyLWDufiHgDgWMgq5owN7u9Q7oPPi7DrTtl7hvIlLpJlTOToxwxdPIKaNObCGa9TylfyqbCMy27SfOCr-MQzZix7d_5g8EC892OQysGDGg/s320/IMG_3446.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I couldn't stop smiling all day and even had a little tear in my eye when the chevrons I'd been working on suddenly came through correctly. The day included a delicious lunch cooked by Louis, Georgette's husband and although I was tired by 5 o'clock I didn't want it to end.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmrsdOqYknD-flffRu-2GgUM2SU3uRLtxFCKPl5DhzLRkF2SEuuJRwEhLDfY5n2X_ge1JEEyx3dpZAwnjQLULCmi8HHYJDO4knuqJxwAwSVLPsLJB7ilWAMdVBvZsvzkRwcNp2qRZa9A/s1600/IMG_3449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmrsdOqYknD-flffRu-2GgUM2SU3uRLtxFCKPl5DhzLRkF2SEuuJRwEhLDfY5n2X_ge1JEEyx3dpZAwnjQLULCmi8HHYJDO4knuqJxwAwSVLPsLJB7ilWAMdVBvZsvzkRwcNp2qRZa9A/s320/IMG_3449.JPG" width="283" /></a></div>
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Here we are posing with my day's work, a beautiful wall hanging that just needs the fringe knotting and a twig to hang it from to be complete.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfFKz8K43ZzRrCxsN7O6ACa3Qi1ptrctnuACfBzHWB8Bo81E_CsO4r3sz7m2hKpXOIGVBLGVc85gG9bI0tQHY824Plb6DiYfR0413kMReFs9gWRx7b5pODL7Rtop3sT79dL3QgV0pCh4/s1600/IMG_3454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfFKz8K43ZzRrCxsN7O6ACa3Qi1ptrctnuACfBzHWB8Bo81E_CsO4r3sz7m2hKpXOIGVBLGVc85gG9bI0tQHY824Plb6DiYfR0413kMReFs9gWRx7b5pODL7Rtop3sT79dL3QgV0pCh4/s320/IMG_3454.JPG" width="198" /></a></div>
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Here it is, now hanging in the lounge at home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVQElQsZJ14zdMEkEEZr4xxTnBWujU-tg50rllre9W70Z7a1kQFGVC8jIrdhrfucHMplE3Cby3Go7M2qcr2irE6610F-CJcYcer20DmtgISdZC5tZKJPU6DGrUwjoaxStCfeL1dFM5gI/s1600/WEAVEPRACTISE001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVQElQsZJ14zdMEkEEZr4xxTnBWujU-tg50rllre9W70Z7a1kQFGVC8jIrdhrfucHMplE3Cby3Go7M2qcr2irE6610F-CJcYcer20DmtgISdZC5tZKJPU6DGrUwjoaxStCfeL1dFM5gI/s320/WEAVEPRACTISE001.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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Of course I had to have a go when I came home and I've had a lot of fun on my frame loom playing with my yarn stash and practising the various weave patterns. I had picked out these colours after seeing a beautiful dawn sky.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3BEDzq2tGt2fr_MOq1cQRQZtCpA3w4D04Mu8e_j1UyPkZ8p62rFrToba9eoMfkQyBUVK8o6EwSdQ95mdYja2rVHqtdFXVqsVRpnywe7EBuK86trAZQxJjLQtmpe3uoFi0tIi-A7vgcg/s1600/WEAVEPRACTISE002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3BEDzq2tGt2fr_MOq1cQRQZtCpA3w4D04Mu8e_j1UyPkZ8p62rFrToba9eoMfkQyBUVK8o6EwSdQ95mdYja2rVHqtdFXVqsVRpnywe7EBuK86trAZQxJjLQtmpe3uoFi0tIi-A7vgcg/s320/WEAVEPRACTISE002.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Now I'm wondering what to do with these pretty pieces, I haven't got room to make them all into hangings so maybe I'll cut them up to make into cards for birthdays or Christmas cards. I've got a box full of these hot colours so I've plenty to keep me busy!</div>
<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-78111276279950276622020-01-04T11:15:00.003+01:002020-01-04T11:16:55.062+01:00PFA 2020 JANUARY CHALLENGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year to you all, hope you had a good holiday season. </div>
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I'm starting the year with the January challenge for the Postcard Fabric Art group I belong to where this year's theme is historical centuries.</div>
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The first is Ancient Egypt and I have decided to make fashion my focus for the year.</div>
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I started by searching out my photos and souvenirs from our visit to Egypt 12 years ago, along with some useful magazines I kept with pictures from the tombs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dBi0cGVGPn8zzYl8h0frdqTYVK7lV2A21-6AVJ4pwdf70wj1zoQ8BR9_YT4XfpSknhzEURJ0TiPhNiaAZEDbrGdTgGDFCJKF6kfrNBCSEeP2JD6Y2-9CUhArRBOjRr39_CelhM1GBjk/s1600/PFA+2020+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dBi0cGVGPn8zzYl8h0frdqTYVK7lV2A21-6AVJ4pwdf70wj1zoQ8BR9_YT4XfpSknhzEURJ0TiPhNiaAZEDbrGdTgGDFCJKF6kfrNBCSEeP2JD6Y2-9CUhArRBOjRr39_CelhM1GBjk/s320/PFA+2020+001.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>
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I chose this image of a goddess painted in the tomb of Tutankhamon as her dress looked very interesting, close fitting with what looks like a pleated sash.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWTlwlAa8qwQFC5iY2tbFqR0HM4oM6hnTMNzzWF0brMCfIhklseotBSgRhSGke-a6Lx3eSYDmJQnk81ki14CY23Y40FPsOvHePVkVebFUw2Dybyanx0J85kBMQS0sDjiW21iqn7vyu1Q/s1600/PFA+2020+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWTlwlAa8qwQFC5iY2tbFqR0HM4oM6hnTMNzzWF0brMCfIhklseotBSgRhSGke-a6Lx3eSYDmJQnk81ki14CY23Y40FPsOvHePVkVebFUw2Dybyanx0J85kBMQS0sDjiW21iqn7vyu1Q/s320/PFA+2020+002.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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I decided to make an inscription in hieroglyphics and copied some of the above symbols to hand stitch onto my piece of fine organza.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLkcEQacYvQe1IWKNgnZTg65oYeWb3t7-4XcIaeiOmwTAwf1i_hXxpGWrsiSsQI3zm-lH5MC4vI93lDb0K5I1q08O2ObbdPNtW_jN12RtR5pOtCvqywJAAVMCXPgGXuPAPm81Ag6P75w/s1600/PFA+2020+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="394" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLkcEQacYvQe1IWKNgnZTg65oYeWb3t7-4XcIaeiOmwTAwf1i_hXxpGWrsiSsQI3zm-lH5MC4vI93lDb0K5I1q08O2ObbdPNtW_jN12RtR5pOtCvqywJAAVMCXPgGXuPAPm81Ag6P75w/s320/PFA+2020+007.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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I used this transparent fabric so that I could mount it on top of the sheet of papyrus I planned for the background.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZZrfAyR-u96IbltQ9rM_4u4PR6O_FBhFwJT2Ve7iO-2aAMgwUSEshHMCYU6Qq-sLMYCGSKQeHw-m2DvBzoT3xGrkxm-hqtzMxtqk6sHMO0Qv0T8CmBLeRxKzQV12evzUoFrRG2z8N-Y/s1600/PFA+2020+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="430" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZZrfAyR-u96IbltQ9rM_4u4PR6O_FBhFwJT2Ve7iO-2aAMgwUSEshHMCYU6Qq-sLMYCGSKQeHw-m2DvBzoT3xGrkxm-hqtzMxtqk6sHMO0Qv0T8CmBLeRxKzQV12evzUoFrRG2z8N-Y/s320/PFA+2020+005.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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I found another tomb painting and using my lightbox I traced some of the outlines onto the papyrus, which wasn't easy because of the ridges in the texture of the grasses used to make this ancient type of paper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-mDPDHsVb27w5hF1wqxWkW2NOoPPh6vLJ6SOQGXo2dI59wcrGvX6rgVh6ZoBoCvJapgkKPWSf_rtjui2ngYtrdzGK03A30flqm5i7NEq-Sv9QH_x4x9n5Aef03AhnZHdtRKnli2miXk/s1600/PFA+2020+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-mDPDHsVb27w5hF1wqxWkW2NOoPPh6vLJ6SOQGXo2dI59wcrGvX6rgVh6ZoBoCvJapgkKPWSf_rtjui2ngYtrdzGK03A30flqm5i7NEq-Sv9QH_x4x9n5Aef03AhnZHdtRKnli2miXk/s320/PFA+2020+006.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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Next I traced the goddess onto a piece of felt that I layered with some red organza to make that reddish skin tone. I used bondaweb to adhere some fine white linen for her dress and head band, then started to embroider the details.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyBZffRPmx3QsGc0cYgljjeTysG8zhvCP8jksNxBVXlgxhKVJasZJ_qKwGXTVP_8uuIALlWw1876V_9Y2btJwIqILRlw5moK3FXk5nBJb1dxMVPXagHM8o5n4DfnR9ZbnS_Ot8svB3LY/s1600/PFA+2020+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQyBZffRPmx3QsGc0cYgljjeTysG8zhvCP8jksNxBVXlgxhKVJasZJ_qKwGXTVP_8uuIALlWw1876V_9Y2btJwIqILRlw5moK3FXk5nBJb1dxMVPXagHM8o5n4DfnR9ZbnS_Ot8svB3LY/s320/PFA+2020+008.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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Her wig is a piece of black felt stuck on and the sash is a length of red ribbon embroidered to depict the pleats. Next I bondawebbed her to the organza background ready for the assembly later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RcTpid1cPe3eNEO4Ro0lvs8blqeNOZCBukQ9HddmJYjOFWv3leJYCnhLsMO6dEiyMEJczi_Gjmw0wdosFHkki-eGuUOXWahH-05R4fHYzUqRqAsJc5Z_j2H7kNbwqSMt3Duvllu8j1Q/s1600/PFA+2020+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="463" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RcTpid1cPe3eNEO4Ro0lvs8blqeNOZCBukQ9HddmJYjOFWv3leJYCnhLsMO6dEiyMEJczi_Gjmw0wdosFHkki-eGuUOXWahH-05R4fHYzUqRqAsJc5Z_j2H7kNbwqSMt3Duvllu8j1Q/s320/PFA+2020+010.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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I was lucky enough to find a piece of Egyptian themed fabric in my stash so I interfaced it for stiffness and made it into a double sided frame to support the layers of my design. Onto the back I hand stitched the caption on organdie then attached it inside the edges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPugqbOlTQd7YuwekVPNkAEWYtf6PQJbwCU3t8i8nqm8Hqmh6bJmfJA1SpIVomSPM3_9NdBM0ftzfvbZ2EggeG48pzLmSjb6qih6CUAG39wghlcl-dJWK1bWsz0fyDd3V5glW-Q-saRU/s1600/PFA+2020+011+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="451" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPugqbOlTQd7YuwekVPNkAEWYtf6PQJbwCU3t8i8nqm8Hqmh6bJmfJA1SpIVomSPM3_9NdBM0ftzfvbZ2EggeG48pzLmSjb6qih6CUAG39wghlcl-dJWK1bWsz0fyDd3V5glW-Q-saRU/s320/PFA+2020+011+-+Copy.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Finally I inserted the papyrus and then the organza with the goddess into the frame and stitched the edge to hold them all together. I really like how the papyrus drawing shows through the organza and I wonder if you can work out what the hieroglyphs say?</div>
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<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-22540754262844253782019-12-14T10:50:00.004+01:002019-12-14T10:50:44.995+01:0050 SKETCHBOOKS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't quite believe it myself but I've just started my 50th sketchbook in 19 years.</div>
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I've decided to dedicate it to the trees in my garden which have grown up with us during our life here in France for the last 16 years. I'm using an old spiral bound book which has had half of the pages taken out so that there is enough space to allow for extra pieces of paper and fabric to be added in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbBaPvrmM7igpMwsC82gf9yQDpUapa_4_XlnAR8dpcXRtvgVvvBcOSVnq7Hff_gvBrKP4SpMO5cfnzxwuwaJOoQ7-yIWUPZsDdMvxV-OOEKbVKevlHXIVZ_hJqtX9N9EufAnx9Dr59BE/s1600/SKETCHBK50+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbBaPvrmM7igpMwsC82gf9yQDpUapa_4_XlnAR8dpcXRtvgVvvBcOSVnq7Hff_gvBrKP4SpMO5cfnzxwuwaJOoQ7-yIWUPZsDdMvxV-OOEKbVKevlHXIVZ_hJqtX9N9EufAnx9Dr59BE/s320/SKETCHBK50+002.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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I began with my favourite trees, the three silver birches in the front garden which we planted not long after we arrived in 2003. I've drawn them many times over the last few years and now they are the tallest trees we have, enjoyed by all the birds that sit there to sing or watch the sun rise.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xLKAATa94OrXk-JFJ30MgrEC96xa1ROx1XOgiveG3dxYmQObSd7AwFYfVeBaKNCsSYajUq6oSSwON5rB02FUZx7mzQDZi5zjEKqvUemeuCm4x7nVXrSKAqUQ4vp7p_1XJzi4f93BZDU/s1600/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="388" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xLKAATa94OrXk-JFJ30MgrEC96xa1ROx1XOgiveG3dxYmQObSd7AwFYfVeBaKNCsSYajUq6oSSwON5rB02FUZx7mzQDZi5zjEKqvUemeuCm4x7nVXrSKAqUQ4vp7p_1XJzi4f93BZDU/s320/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+001.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
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After an autumn shower the delicate hanging branches hold the raindrops that glitter in the sun low in the sky at this time of year. I've captured this lovely sight on crumpled pastel paper in soft drawing pencils.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJbY2O1Iga9FKJkByBWcy1Bd4zmwsHzaUdmkakKI0GJgVrPqeA_jIeD0T-S4mAkoOEX9jvopkN-34pzYXSmmSg2nzXp-vDZRE9ZXAHREW5aNNMMAaKnAY7ZKZyHKTWCDor5WKqL41Ts0/s1600/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+012+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="463" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJbY2O1Iga9FKJkByBWcy1Bd4zmwsHzaUdmkakKI0GJgVrPqeA_jIeD0T-S4mAkoOEX9jvopkN-34pzYXSmmSg2nzXp-vDZRE9ZXAHREW5aNNMMAaKnAY7ZKZyHKTWCDor5WKqL41Ts0/s320/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+012+res.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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Then I made a stitched version of the view using a scrap of textured black fabric, layered with organza and stitched in assorted threads and yarns. I love making French knots for the sparkles!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-i_8DFVfWqKUUeoMl8KEQDKetb6gxwtKNdZ5ODxr-hnuqlcfLVBaFiSMjmILM61uFJAUi1mU4FW8gWQ0glTfwmK4k6G9pwTBqImHrxCLwGM6Nf7XCAvXWurB_iqs13RVs58f-RVooPA/s1600/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-i_8DFVfWqKUUeoMl8KEQDKetb6gxwtKNdZ5ODxr-hnuqlcfLVBaFiSMjmILM61uFJAUi1mU4FW8gWQ0glTfwmK4k6G9pwTBqImHrxCLwGM6Nf7XCAvXWurB_iqs13RVs58f-RVooPA/s320/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+002.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
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A detailed drawing of the delicate twigs with a background of distant autumnal trees.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCVmt4Fd2E8KPsFjT0X-jsXIJ6kBwDnzjGlqjfQFns_i7cqc5pxBfyrkiM5C60bar1fT6pyS8nSRvOso6UVyRpWpH1utOLToGnMB5rXrfWFJYYTONnBfVo4T4fIeyr9wmAbnfDUM9g54/s1600/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCVmt4Fd2E8KPsFjT0X-jsXIJ6kBwDnzjGlqjfQFns_i7cqc5pxBfyrkiM5C60bar1fT6pyS8nSRvOso6UVyRpWpH1utOLToGnMB5rXrfWFJYYTONnBfVo4T4fIeyr9wmAbnfDUM9g54/s320/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+003.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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I took a few photos one day and made this drawing, again on crumpled paper using graphitint watersoluble pencils. It's surprising how many colours you can see if you look more closely at something.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5WXNHckvhlmeoYB6ghyphenhyphenGNY8eUk72wjV1Jhl2dIZxi_3qU_KO2fh8KJze5etZuxsE2-lBfMScOTxkPOc5b-X3KYsmRz_Cc9CIbfMfhi8wAQWQl7csU94aDsu-1QsEjMON_WK8JxwYi8c/s1600/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="585" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5WXNHckvhlmeoYB6ghyphenhyphenGNY8eUk72wjV1Jhl2dIZxi_3qU_KO2fh8KJze5etZuxsE2-lBfMScOTxkPOc5b-X3KYsmRz_Cc9CIbfMfhi8wAQWQl7csU94aDsu-1QsEjMON_WK8JxwYi8c/s320/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This drawing is of a piece of bark that fell off the tree last year and kept in my nature collection drawer ready to be drawn when the mood took me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFc5XzhOdD_vWPMesw402r8Zu_69xXXWKZyxRbZl39Z9s4ErCGC3WTPZq8dQMZLyzd8FPFzihCwGPBcJVt-3BkaxC7zO-1JgzHk4Mrq4ReHx5-1_KMjpKKWBWXaq-7kFyteq-MSKRhdc/s1600/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFc5XzhOdD_vWPMesw402r8Zu_69xXXWKZyxRbZl39Z9s4ErCGC3WTPZq8dQMZLyzd8FPFzihCwGPBcJVt-3BkaxC7zO-1JgzHk4Mrq4ReHx5-1_KMjpKKWBWXaq-7kFyteq-MSKRhdc/s320/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+013.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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I made this stitched version of the bark on a printed cotton scrap, layered with odd bits of silk and organza for the texture. I enjoyed interpreting the markings in different coloured threads and couched on woollen yarns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzpx7FSw5X0qc_8wX9Mp4JxrYfhc1KLlfLPCARLlK15bnw2pfwXkpeHKSsVWX76USgbsjySU2gDS5qCoM8boCh9jazG1JdyMmupjJwUHl7vZLLgWQHjQi41V2OvBTB1cSmCS1ZW-4rI8/s1600/SKETCHBK46+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="607" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzpx7FSw5X0qc_8wX9Mp4JxrYfhc1KLlfLPCARLlK15bnw2pfwXkpeHKSsVWX76USgbsjySU2gDS5qCoM8boCh9jazG1JdyMmupjJwUHl7vZLLgWQHjQi41V2OvBTB1cSmCS1ZW-4rI8/s320/SKETCHBK46+021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few metres away from the silver birches stands the pine tree, which came home as a small lollipop shaped sapling in the back of the car. Now it looks ancient with a thick trunk covered in deeply textured bark and wounds where we've had to cut off low branches. I made this drawing last year, sitting on the bank next to the tree and using a fine black pen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VMt7YevnsNDx8VjDhaVQ7nsIitwtfJZ2lqcLDI1mqnoIIFkfgMMI6EHDPgKF2hFsh_To7yeDWdriW7utaIcT4YeXcNLbPAMqlgY9J8Jk_zHGtDNYFY-5IxEuf_tBhUh4aMl3l4bya7Y/s1600/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+014+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="640" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VMt7YevnsNDx8VjDhaVQ7nsIitwtfJZ2lqcLDI1mqnoIIFkfgMMI6EHDPgKF2hFsh_To7yeDWdriW7utaIcT4YeXcNLbPAMqlgY9J8Jk_zHGtDNYFY-5IxEuf_tBhUh4aMl3l4bya7Y/s320/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+014+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I traced the drawing onto white cotton organdie and stitched the lines in fine black thread. There's a gap down the middle because I had to split the picture to spread it over a pair of pages.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlwv2-t7mgt0JvilIeMSxkVGdfD9wI_8FivD3i4tteiLnA2kE8wPKh0l_E1iXlOZLIkiWa9Bme-BCXYClj3yij-Ub46gQI4_KmxzYPPyWuPxYmfeEIrIU6dWOBcS6xezo88OognZgrBo/s1600/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="461" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlwv2-t7mgt0JvilIeMSxkVGdfD9wI_8FivD3i4tteiLnA2kE8wPKh0l_E1iXlOZLIkiWa9Bme-BCXYClj3yij-Ub46gQI4_KmxzYPPyWuPxYmfeEIrIU6dWOBcS6xezo88OognZgrBo/s320/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+007.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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I made rubbings and took lots of close up photos of the pine bark and here is my interpretation of a small section. I find the shapes quite fascinating, those bits that look like nipples are where tiny twigs grew out of the trunk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHO8hpzOT3kVsHWYAAyUDcPlSLwsLoiRlj7tGeeFdzNmqSpawVIv_8CB33v4dQFDDkFQCsiAhH2YgT_Dp-R0nFMJ2r3vY6l-BTt5XUrSNqpT1O-PfPSEJoNKBr6EZ8arbI30eiqDO8Vs/s1600/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHO8hpzOT3kVsHWYAAyUDcPlSLwsLoiRlj7tGeeFdzNmqSpawVIv_8CB33v4dQFDDkFQCsiAhH2YgT_Dp-R0nFMJ2r3vY6l-BTt5XUrSNqpT1O-PfPSEJoNKBr6EZ8arbI30eiqDO8Vs/s320/DRAWN+TO+STITCH+015.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
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So of course I had to find a way to interpret this in fabric and thread and found some thickish black backed jersey fabric in grey and brown which I cut into shapes and appliqued together with various threads and couched yarns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMq7LHQyO-DzSuo6MMKpisA5BX3pM8XBpmckMHhrDvEK_wLsEu1goJS0sQkDUB53K8bD5sBXGJONCo-Pf_YJ6HFpqioXBUniC2xAkj4o4uzBuF7S6WFXqlRgveExqbg3bYhnkS_TZdmI/s1600/SKETCHBK50+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMq7LHQyO-DzSuo6MMKpisA5BX3pM8XBpmckMHhrDvEK_wLsEu1goJS0sQkDUB53K8bD5sBXGJONCo-Pf_YJ6HFpqioXBUniC2xAkj4o4uzBuF7S6WFXqlRgveExqbg3bYhnkS_TZdmI/s320/SKETCHBK50+001.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
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This is the embroidered cover I've made to go over the original book, bark printed fabric coloured with inktense pencils. The writing goes vertically along the spine but I can't seem tomake this photo turn.</div>
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I have a couple more trees to draw and stitch so I'll be seeing you again soon.</div>
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Have a happy Christmas and an excellent creative New Year!</div>
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<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-78578986587054011742019-11-09T10:58:00.000+01:002019-11-09T10:58:27.610+01:00ESTHER'S PORTRAIT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6SbFTU7TuYwwmNenyRCFd9veyEj_t3lv4R3ZDCUoEsMahfgvJZmc7R1CthhyWX2JYC_hm6hyphenhyphenLjZ5WQpsf3ko695pC-NdA_b39RzOSWSYLALQvqKXJdTMo7SdrBPxv8iCmg4zPGcUVx0/s1600/ESTHER+PORTR+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6SbFTU7TuYwwmNenyRCFd9veyEj_t3lv4R3ZDCUoEsMahfgvJZmc7R1CthhyWX2JYC_hm6hyphenhyphenLjZ5WQpsf3ko695pC-NdA_b39RzOSWSYLALQvqKXJdTMo7SdrBPxv8iCmg4zPGcUVx0/s320/ESTHER+PORTR+4.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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Today is my niece Esther's birthday and I'm celebrating with this portrait inspired by a photo I took of her posing by her graffiti earlier this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3DknXCIlGL6F3KPGL3Mlwcum3IomJSRAgIIgWzdroTrNVK25JWlhjPgHdmpBNX1VzBfiuQ9QHbpMzUPT81Yt87xaxpMLUkQnwnb9n7MfryYpALmAdmYeNMnfsxX3CYpLreM1UNT6SwU/s1600/ESTHER+PORTR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="564" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3DknXCIlGL6F3KPGL3Mlwcum3IomJSRAgIIgWzdroTrNVK25JWlhjPgHdmpBNX1VzBfiuQ9QHbpMzUPT81Yt87xaxpMLUkQnwnb9n7MfryYpALmAdmYeNMnfsxX3CYpLreM1UNT6SwU/s320/ESTHER+PORTR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Esther is a talented artist mainly working in acrylics and one day last winter she went out with some spray paints and produced this self portrait on a rail footbridge near her home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4h4zzddDlK-IGDlyn5t3I9vORt0oBg4_p45LW8CbPZaoEvxnvcECJPNbV5JtkkhzYmi26x3Kbffdz5J5BZ2-FchZMsgbHvLQQ8RVh6ACjLtSNRI8KtmAxP1rQFj5K3QPaO6Ui__ju7g/s1600/ESTHER+PORTR+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="640" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4h4zzddDlK-IGDlyn5t3I9vORt0oBg4_p45LW8CbPZaoEvxnvcECJPNbV5JtkkhzYmi26x3Kbffdz5J5BZ2-FchZMsgbHvLQQ8RVh6ACjLtSNRI8KtmAxP1rQFj5K3QPaO6Ui__ju7g/s320/ESTHER+PORTR+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started by printing out the photo and tracing her outline, then found this beautiful chiffon fabric in my stash.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYb1CdFF_X05P4bvnPBH6v2xlBvCzE7_T9e7G-U_beqMG92Q8L78zBI9kDJM7m8n91AOa7VlFHxW8YxBxDyogmuNblNonW-OBUSgUgHXU_sWIPUXaNyxcef0VxD7Kh9Y66SYqEiHquM6U/s1600/ESTHER+PORTR+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="541" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYb1CdFF_X05P4bvnPBH6v2xlBvCzE7_T9e7G-U_beqMG92Q8L78zBI9kDJM7m8n91AOa7VlFHxW8YxBxDyogmuNblNonW-OBUSgUgHXU_sWIPUXaNyxcef0VxD7Kh9Y66SYqEiHquM6U/s320/ESTHER+PORTR+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I attached bondaweb to the back, cut out the image using the traced outline then ironed it onto a piece of white cotton fabric. Next I used my lightbox to transfer the picture to the chiffon in a pen that disappears when heat is applied. As you can see I carefully positioned the portrait using the printed image to make the most of the flowers and birds. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm23AmxHVboRtVempYF1XeEh-BzPJ1UgKmBxPVYwUBAdeHbTUttgl8AgYr_hKtlrRLPsynFPSS6dUCky2wl_dQJbcUXm_VQ4dyuEuRV45zawkkZxGHLMDt-oJbi5fAt0fi9uzQeJpbITQ/s1600/ESTHER+PORTR+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="640" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm23AmxHVboRtVempYF1XeEh-BzPJ1UgKmBxPVYwUBAdeHbTUttgl8AgYr_hKtlrRLPsynFPSS6dUCky2wl_dQJbcUXm_VQ4dyuEuRV45zawkkZxGHLMDt-oJbi5fAt0fi9uzQeJpbITQ/s320/ESTHER+PORTR+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I stretched the fabric in my large embroidery ring and started to free machine stitch on the lines I had drawn using a fine nylon thread, the sort normally used for invisible hems in manufactured clothes. I chose this thread as it has a softer look than normal black cotton. After I had finished the stitching I decided to cut out a few of the swallows from the spare fabric to iron on around the portrait as they all had bondaweb on the back, making it very easy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuiO7j6fO3Ev3jSzggN8h2ZStz45p_c-jywq4fJZhaC-jprzWBptL7XGDN3YvdKvb-8ASzv8AyZbdBueK6hel2o-aXxFoLl2BKDdMGuG8eZM84xeNiOIe-FKUk7jk3C883pXo6t01Muo/s1600/ESTHER+PORTR+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuiO7j6fO3Ev3jSzggN8h2ZStz45p_c-jywq4fJZhaC-jprzWBptL7XGDN3YvdKvb-8ASzv8AyZbdBueK6hel2o-aXxFoLl2BKDdMGuG8eZM84xeNiOIe-FKUk7jk3C883pXo6t01Muo/s320/ESTHER+PORTR+5.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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Here's the back of the portrait which I think is just as pretty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewderWRhmbq0Tjji0Nk5Lz-oWEAQ29sWdZyG1KZkXhkS2Degez9NEZz7eG6zugRW0H46uGymi6o0xyW4eUoChk1cDbxQms4fEUYiHRXfur0Jvh2tI8cNcGcAWCJ0_Kh-Yd9raY4-90qk/s1600/SEB+PORTR+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewderWRhmbq0Tjji0Nk5Lz-oWEAQ29sWdZyG1KZkXhkS2Degez9NEZz7eG6zugRW0H46uGymi6o0xyW4eUoChk1cDbxQms4fEUYiHRXfur0Jvh2tI8cNcGcAWCJ0_Kh-Yd9raY4-90qk/s320/SEB+PORTR+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided to have a go at making a portrait of Esther's brother Sebastian in the same style. I love how the birds appeared on his face especially as he is keen on travel and has flown the nest several times already in his life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jmYAgj-FKxSS2Fdl4RD8yMgol_3ZNrBGZJeC0OTGIqvHna5Dh809Za8kJRaugdLcIqbL0iJ7dYIqpS4DCNAG2aNg7TbU_G6WzWMlrb8Y2ZcVAI6uc-jnb8OwwP3V4o3L-4z_0XBnLQc/s1600/SEB+PORTR+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="564" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jmYAgj-FKxSS2Fdl4RD8yMgol_3ZNrBGZJeC0OTGIqvHna5Dh809Za8kJRaugdLcIqbL0iJ7dYIqpS4DCNAG2aNg7TbU_G6WzWMlrb8Y2ZcVAI6uc-jnb8OwwP3V4o3L-4z_0XBnLQc/s320/SEB+PORTR+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The machine embroidery in progress on my beloved Bernina.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzm5o8YhqgPpSTYwR7nDybhY-w-SGqFjIim6pbMAIXWLmneYhPJ28sYtl52ha4shR5r44FzYnuooCefJJy6ovs2yWB9hOa5q8nfF8tykAgWFvP71epY4PZPsA1Xd669Bb-I7GEbEZJZU/s1600/SEB+PORTR+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzm5o8YhqgPpSTYwR7nDybhY-w-SGqFjIim6pbMAIXWLmneYhPJ28sYtl52ha4shR5r44FzYnuooCefJJy6ovs2yWB9hOa5q8nfF8tykAgWFvP71epY4PZPsA1Xd669Bb-I7GEbEZJZU/s320/SEB+PORTR+4.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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Like Esther's portrait I added some extra birds flying out, can you just imagine what's going on in his mind, where to next? The photo this was inspired by was taken when he was travelling in Cambodia.</div>
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<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-66337024135323431162019-10-01T16:24:00.001+02:002019-10-01T16:24:49.553+02:00AUTUMN 2109 CAMPING TRIP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1PBaa0HOtKOWl1sFLtKwx03Ab-F7GN3oWJYg6NkqYDjwT2WmEHsjYvokEfSJOv1wJPcMUmMlwhnbO0LLcxi6k1V6QGAvHB4M7sbdyeC7F-hyIALkZOtE72XMWYO11TeAe8D4Sho4bw8/s1600/SKETCHBK46+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1PBaa0HOtKOWl1sFLtKwx03Ab-F7GN3oWJYg6NkqYDjwT2WmEHsjYvokEfSJOv1wJPcMUmMlwhnbO0LLcxi6k1V6QGAvHB4M7sbdyeC7F-hyIALkZOtE72XMWYO11TeAe8D4Sho4bw8/s320/SKETCHBK46+028.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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We had a good time in September camping close to home and our first stop was at St Cast le Guildo, not far from Dinard on the north coast of Brittany and only one and a half hours drive away. The campsite was on terraces with lovely views across the bay towards the next headland. This is the view through our door on our plot where we spent a week, walking and getting together with our caravanning friends at the start of their own autumn holiday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVa9fvAaV2Gc778NPM3QrR1feBLP9K2RWM4EGtlQ5_tQU1R7umteNNXkAmUt1WslpHw6pxXH-KI0NaeUYD6f2qiwaNq_Lr0dT2mVaz7Wl7-qK850y8F8GOm2C8uQ_OwF1uy6L9kICPFY/s1600/SKETCHBK46+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="431" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVa9fvAaV2Gc778NPM3QrR1feBLP9K2RWM4EGtlQ5_tQU1R7umteNNXkAmUt1WslpHw6pxXH-KI0NaeUYD6f2qiwaNq_Lr0dT2mVaz7Wl7-qK850y8F8GOm2C8uQ_OwF1uy6L9kICPFY/s320/SKETCHBK46+029.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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I usually gather a bunch of typical wild flowers to put on our table and here is the first selection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMQX12O70dFHcYJq8Mo0uCvg-hwxixW3AWGgGBKUQ8ZRIHvLwF9-240ZVEEwZJoFHurQgBrOYx4baHUz9zq5hE-UKZSyHbk8h6fSF7129ABkstdFXKudsvmFPXS-vytlqunH50FNtR3M/s1600/SKETCHBK46+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="429" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMQX12O70dFHcYJq8Mo0uCvg-hwxixW3AWGgGBKUQ8ZRIHvLwF9-240ZVEEwZJoFHurQgBrOYx4baHUz9zq5hE-UKZSyHbk8h6fSF7129ABkstdFXKudsvmFPXS-vytlqunH50FNtR3M/s320/SKETCHBK46+030.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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There was a lovely coastal path around the beach at St Cast, lined with rocks and boulders, many of them covered with brightly coloured lichen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkdoYNP5ZivciV5W5nfiCXeuDIk1VBNnDg8RhfGqUbpzHjbR5HNMYJXJ1NlUCkJ3ZBUebL-Ug_SGObUUg4ihMrysnCebwFh50dRn3hC26nrXETpn6XCFQQtXVIoglhk4-m95tkgCeop0/s1600/SKETCHBK46+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="445" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkdoYNP5ZivciV5W5nfiCXeuDIk1VBNnDg8RhfGqUbpzHjbR5HNMYJXJ1NlUCkJ3ZBUebL-Ug_SGObUUg4ihMrysnCebwFh50dRn3hC26nrXETpn6XCFQQtXVIoglhk4-m95tkgCeop0/s320/SKETCHBK46+031.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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The rock Samphire growing in the cracks was a lovely bright lime green that contrasted with the orange lichen and the dark grey of the granite rocks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpszbtkpDbwyr6L0q2DAow6UTybayp8bpaC4mnPUJzSVV8DQeVXtoxxivTP6zLHoKgDjFKvqIE5KyD2TToSvfpFJNnl9wk8Wft56BwfIws-U16T37sKsxd8dmLqccf-4wc8-7Xg6NwHEs/s1600/2019+LICHEN+ROCK002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="677" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpszbtkpDbwyr6L0q2DAow6UTybayp8bpaC4mnPUJzSVV8DQeVXtoxxivTP6zLHoKgDjFKvqIE5KyD2TToSvfpFJNnl9wk8Wft56BwfIws-U16T37sKsxd8dmLqccf-4wc8-7Xg6NwHEs/s320/2019+LICHEN+ROCK002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided to interpret them in a hand embroidered stitchpic, coloured with inktense crayons then stitched in various yarns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlCpHh2k_fXiC2XzjIQoZ5XP142ElBEtA6iyMdu7oXj5jewORAmb0STEBsGLuoW-ldeyZLbjrn_IRIqSCOK15AveYHKhhEYaWsspr080AwInRnH2M83M2i5cYY_KNfesr-CW_qd9_oI4/s1600/SKETCHBK46+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="433" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlCpHh2k_fXiC2XzjIQoZ5XP142ElBEtA6iyMdu7oXj5jewORAmb0STEBsGLuoW-ldeyZLbjrn_IRIqSCOK15AveYHKhhEYaWsspr080AwInRnH2M83M2i5cYY_KNfesr-CW_qd9_oI4/s320/SKETCHBK46+032.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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This is a sprig of Eucalyptus I picked from a beautiful tree we came across in a park in the town. The seed heads are an interesting shape, like little bells.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu704Cut4iTEfUveq1Hp8poQ4Cd1RHvocYfyXmGz6E0rSfO5knz_HyLsKnSC-HtQiyY6kqy2PcTWYLxDYYRGTGYt0hcBBVieA5JzIIC8evH_ywwYSoaSweww8TldZP_TJeQJcsynIyhY/s1600/SKETCHBK46+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="446" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu704Cut4iTEfUveq1Hp8poQ4Cd1RHvocYfyXmGz6E0rSfO5knz_HyLsKnSC-HtQiyY6kqy2PcTWYLxDYYRGTGYt0hcBBVieA5JzIIC8evH_ywwYSoaSweww8TldZP_TJeQJcsynIyhY/s320/SKETCHBK46+033.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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Our next stop was at Angers, a town we've often driven through but this was the first time we stopped to explore. We found a handy campsite, only 3 kilometres from town with access to the wonderful cycle and footpaths that lead along the rivers and through the countryside as well as into the town. We spent a couple of happy days exploring the banks of the river Maine where it joins the Loire .</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQYsSJAa82DYJKrbdTNCrLUuuGtibTlV1D1pAZg0klLxoUZKp7v2ZeovKeWEwFEG0xXEBzOJ48QvrEuK7753m6gXDBEJvXt7t0nwGEY6LEaAriDPl9WqPknGijLeYnWdZWmUT1Ty3Jog/s1600/2019+MISTLETOE003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="477" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQYsSJAa82DYJKrbdTNCrLUuuGtibTlV1D1pAZg0klLxoUZKp7v2ZeovKeWEwFEG0xXEBzOJ48QvrEuK7753m6gXDBEJvXt7t0nwGEY6LEaAriDPl9WqPknGijLeYnWdZWmUT1Ty3Jog/s320/2019+MISTLETOE003.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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The mistletoe covered trees have always fascinated me and after drawing them I just had to make this embroidery using various scraps collaged onto green linen. There's nothing nicer than sitting in the sun after a tiring cycle ride stitching a new picture!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlI9-NcIcq881AAtggkyHWOI-zOmvV7wC7wt9T5uL6d5oN7rpbDCkRU6dclHwKH6BSM1RBpb3KW7FhsR1jlN8ZF8Ew3E-IIrowaZ6-fVU6jd9pEYI32nFSbN6LOvZBHPlNqx7WBe4soc/s1600/SKETCHBK49+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="626" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlI9-NcIcq881AAtggkyHWOI-zOmvV7wC7wt9T5uL6d5oN7rpbDCkRU6dclHwKH6BSM1RBpb3KW7FhsR1jlN8ZF8Ew3E-IIrowaZ6-fVU6jd9pEYI32nFSbN6LOvZBHPlNqx7WBe4soc/s320/SKETCHBK49+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had a brief stopover at Saumur and took a walk into town in the hot sunshine when we had to stop for a rest in the shade to admire the chateau.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtDmUq7VF2Y31RP6uhift9s7IyPHLSFtk8hRHawluzFqNaZw1Zv0XyTjR6AZ9I7RasG59YY1lDjaC31CHeeJX3KkpBkTRhK5Zt2SatodfWjQCl7orHlHyisTucfzFGIdwp2K2Itw-ohk/s1600/SKETCHBK49+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="609" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtDmUq7VF2Y31RP6uhift9s7IyPHLSFtk8hRHawluzFqNaZw1Zv0XyTjR6AZ9I7RasG59YY1lDjaC31CHeeJX3KkpBkTRhK5Zt2SatodfWjQCl7orHlHyisTucfzFGIdwp2K2Itw-ohk/s320/SKETCHBK49+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our final campsite was the municipal at Chinon where we've stayed many times before. We were lucky enough to find our favourite pitch available with this lovely view of the castle clock tower above the trees.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbyH4Zslp6VpUrRa0zUTVHm7D4KkbBkMs0gMFquTG-mg2Q9ly1m4xApYw6mwgqZcvnl9Sw2kFQGQfCJVLQjpgL1_YMqLa1DUgk-KtGdN1U0OTJ3N5cI6UCGMTX2plUczJ-u7n1jWSLZw/s1600/IMG_3249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="640" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbyH4Zslp6VpUrRa0zUTVHm7D4KkbBkMs0gMFquTG-mg2Q9ly1m4xApYw6mwgqZcvnl9Sw2kFQGQfCJVLQjpgL1_YMqLa1DUgk-KtGdN1U0OTJ3N5cI6UCGMTX2plUczJ-u7n1jWSLZw/s320/IMG_3249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll finish with this sunset view of the castle reflected in the river Vienne taken from the campsite, now you can understand why this is our favourite place!</div>
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<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-91960603113742171602019-08-13T12:57:00.000+02:002019-08-13T12:57:31.888+02:00MY FIRST SELFIE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidR-MPdg-Jxxau4N_powbtO8Dy06lqSBDLxg77LIN52Z7IuOf99KI8ETv3scEzJ7lZOd3MEBSqC6F_qvkknAWLgU1lu6BWhM7Eqb6Zrk1avq3JRZo4qF6FlEtm3DAEwZQc1fwr0CUB-3E/s1600/ME+1966+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidR-MPdg-Jxxau4N_powbtO8Dy06lqSBDLxg77LIN52Z7IuOf99KI8ETv3scEzJ7lZOd3MEBSqC6F_qvkknAWLgU1lu6BWhM7Eqb6Zrk1avq3JRZo4qF6FlEtm3DAEwZQc1fwr0CUB-3E/s320/ME+1966+010.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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When I was studying dress design at art college in 1966 my boyfriend was a student of photography and one evening he took me to his part of the college to take some photos.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcrS5chKBOwTbUhpoV_VU54hyphenhyphenIPZDDuv5JWlcVgSzVcrdm6du_9RwHuuurwvCmRHf4HvCMrRDXj_zqxi0-4_sdhNHUitdLYk06VBKMKikTJJA44eYsmod6KGbsdL5LXeiWKpQjZG241Q/s1600/ME+JAN+1966+01+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcrS5chKBOwTbUhpoV_VU54hyphenhyphenIPZDDuv5JWlcVgSzVcrdm6du_9RwHuuurwvCmRHf4HvCMrRDXj_zqxi0-4_sdhNHUitdLYk06VBKMKikTJJA44eYsmod6KGbsdL5LXeiWKpQjZG241Q/s320/ME+JAN+1966+01+%25282%2529.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
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I put on one of my latest creations, a jumpsuit made from burgundy coloured needlecord and tied my hair back with a wide velvet ribbon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSISkBtWiUQ15KpQm01wj-sqfL42YugSR1MsurydL1J-fyzyESZ9SexzGzsjFiQbL023tOA0j0auq64Ugkf19fEbPKmFo4TltUIuNlJ66QEYv747y9xY8d99uIJs1el2eYKU053zqwYY/s1600/ME+JAN+1966+02+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSISkBtWiUQ15KpQm01wj-sqfL42YugSR1MsurydL1J-fyzyESZ9SexzGzsjFiQbL023tOA0j0auq64Ugkf19fEbPKmFo4TltUIuNlJ66QEYv747y9xY8d99uIJs1el2eYKU053zqwYY/s320/ME+JAN+1966+02+%25282%2529.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
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In the photography department there was a huge roll of white paper that spread out over the floor and I was told to stand there and pose moodily.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoFY4z2KI5eaUITnW6Z8CJriM_i2tA-1d1gFT0QhYXGklIRVcyWhmWuSzHNUgYgBmxJRfX-04lExZvBmLUCRKeDn_Y915VgD0FsV2d6eI-eM5rjQhZ1OSM6TdQXjmBM9a4jrHo-IvMt8/s1600/ME+JAN+1966+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="807" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoFY4z2KI5eaUITnW6Z8CJriM_i2tA-1d1gFT0QhYXGklIRVcyWhmWuSzHNUgYgBmxJRfX-04lExZvBmLUCRKeDn_Y915VgD0FsV2d6eI-eM5rjQhZ1OSM6TdQXjmBM9a4jrHo-IvMt8/s320/ME+JAN+1966+03.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
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Being only 16 at the time and not used to being photographed I didn't really know how to pose, despite studying Vogue magazine closely every month.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuANLrTB2Qx9AsskjvY4rczYv1VfAPuvWzJRuImM8zQWzACvT2s_RHBKsZF1rMslwS1PZVBEYyuTbD9OXRgiz5KzrakXsCsasuAqdlQFfBbvimTcA5xUveTAx4RyR8twp94X8hUox2Dd8/s1600/ME+JAN+1966+006+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuANLrTB2Qx9AsskjvY4rczYv1VfAPuvWzJRuImM8zQWzACvT2s_RHBKsZF1rMslwS1PZVBEYyuTbD9OXRgiz5KzrakXsCsasuAqdlQFfBbvimTcA5xUveTAx4RyR8twp94X8hUox2Dd8/s320/ME+JAN+1966+006+%25282%2529.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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However the photos weren't too bad when John developed and printed them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V5uVtuirrXeB1IicCH0P0dZdxW4tw-lY0vAvYDbjFJG1LEnd04-rSKthf9mD5Xb0IolWcYVdhJKhTLbGrKQFeskhM6TnldQruR2Wp8szXtEok3knGwtTZAdSlng_9YCfy83YVCDZcOk/s1600/ME+JAN+1966+007+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="507" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V5uVtuirrXeB1IicCH0P0dZdxW4tw-lY0vAvYDbjFJG1LEnd04-rSKthf9mD5Xb0IolWcYVdhJKhTLbGrKQFeskhM6TnldQruR2Wp8szXtEok3knGwtTZAdSlng_9YCfy83YVCDZcOk/s320/ME+JAN+1966+007+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I lost the photos for many years and have only just rediscovered them so I felt I had to make something special of them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0U8LSD544PNlIv6IB5ua6xdABDrvYk5muRJj67qWHDW6bNnCeuhtuVj9_VZT6nLVrH0zHx-2YEBjIPcqu2aazcxxdu-BOIZsn_klpF3XQL3Vbd4gbsgrEEZzPkOMNlBzfjhnDwcwwCU/s1600/ME+1966+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="451" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0U8LSD544PNlIv6IB5ua6xdABDrvYk5muRJj67qWHDW6bNnCeuhtuVj9_VZT6nLVrH0zHx-2YEBjIPcqu2aazcxxdu-BOIZsn_klpF3XQL3Vbd4gbsgrEEZzPkOMNlBzfjhnDwcwwCU/s320/ME+1966+004.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I traced the faces to start with as well as the figures on a smaller scale then transferred the faces to a piece of white linen using my light box and an erasable pen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFlwvo2NTRtxgah8AH0ajuZd6z7qLSRQApiZAGbhG3cifQkYMs2sZvb5rXT2eX31IoAFqXixQXtKKHnGsWSqIRUze4i9Yv_nXaEoQ3m4eJibmoCVX43us2OkZ3SuGdSwdwFoUGrjUMx0/s1600/ME+1966+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFlwvo2NTRtxgah8AH0ajuZd6z7qLSRQApiZAGbhG3cifQkYMs2sZvb5rXT2eX31IoAFqXixQXtKKHnGsWSqIRUze4i9Yv_nXaEoQ3m4eJibmoCVX43us2OkZ3SuGdSwdwFoUGrjUMx0/s320/ME+1966+005.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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I cut out the hair and collar shapes from a piece of Liberty fabric that I had backed with bondaweb and pressed them in place before machine stitching all the lines in black thread and straight stitches.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerO1xMs0pZF-ZE5ZjcNn6wsk_PLcMQIWtRWrGSvPUrqZQv6tZBI_mMeG30AD8HIA53pGRkH-6y9WjhjLqA8V9esKznnOJRWihLjJoqBT6vkHfqAWGiI6Q4OfaFjOwTzfErZ-QDMCnkLw/s320/ME+1966+011.jpg" width="295" /></div>
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I used some organza for the shading around the eyes and hand stitched the figure outlines afterwards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmuxtt7q_ii5cHkuAhQwNlTbqz8g_4Mx3HA_VZjc5tdPgPtUABFVWn0Rmk39PfFpunPRYZbisXOhSy6kiCZCsKqpDFjOMthZE4gt0Mr6rJPZqqW3bv_iDgccQrjxUM2Tm4clhqSJEX8Y/s1600/ME+1966+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmuxtt7q_ii5cHkuAhQwNlTbqz8g_4Mx3HA_VZjc5tdPgPtUABFVWn0Rmk39PfFpunPRYZbisXOhSy6kiCZCsKqpDFjOMthZE4gt0Mr6rJPZqqW3bv_iDgccQrjxUM2Tm4clhqSJEX8Y/s320/ME+1966+012.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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I think the back of the picture is just as interesting as the front as I tried to keep my threads under control!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglcFQb92jPZSDQzRs0JKE2nbpxuVE5lzCT1AT56LtXMXhw01BOVUH7gU0D_6dF-_vRXNAGJp0JGmjghbziHskgLuNpakW0DxkCDZ_SQ54WIt9dIAHjmDdoyBq4ytAhyphenhyphenmButGUt3dq1cY/s1600/ME+1966+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglcFQb92jPZSDQzRs0JKE2nbpxuVE5lzCT1AT56LtXMXhw01BOVUH7gU0D_6dF-_vRXNAGJp0JGmjghbziHskgLuNpakW0DxkCDZ_SQ54WIt9dIAHjmDdoyBq4ytAhyphenhyphenmButGUt3dq1cY/s320/ME+1966+009.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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I'm really pleased with the result and I think I'll try this treatment on some other photos soon.....</div>
<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-55036559924878612352019-08-03T10:52:00.000+02:002019-08-03T10:52:06.232+02:00UP-CYCLING BOB'S SHIRTS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PD0_4yTY_kzPnJqQVAhrraMLaoyhLxBMeTQpZXbfwe7RB1QjFQHgZzbUUyNdsCRUUWAKWcjk5BGaWSEd4H6Hl4_ICF1xpdUqSxNvAEe5MuQqoeuB9YqLGtzcddw8TlX4kO2KMdiP3Rs/s1600/SHIRT+WEAVE+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PD0_4yTY_kzPnJqQVAhrraMLaoyhLxBMeTQpZXbfwe7RB1QjFQHgZzbUUyNdsCRUUWAKWcjk5BGaWSEd4H6Hl4_ICF1xpdUqSxNvAEe5MuQqoeuB9YqLGtzcddw8TlX4kO2KMdiP3Rs/s320/SHIRT+WEAVE+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My weaving addiction is keeping me busy and recently I decided I needed to make something to display my holiday stitchpics on. I wanted to use the soft blues of Bob's old shirts and some green linen from my stash along with some cotton yarns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoL-Xj88lvfXNMNwUZbGXf4rMbpnXaQ0h2Q8S2BpLyppghotFut9UUDxEYvhxKc96FXVEReeEVC33sAYj3ICuKLgSZrI9q2r9AS0jyMPaSdG-Xe3C6Jkh0asMJC-MK189i8GxtjAddbI/s1600/SHIRT+WEAVE+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoL-Xj88lvfXNMNwUZbGXf4rMbpnXaQ0h2Q8S2BpLyppghotFut9UUDxEYvhxKc96FXVEReeEVC33sAYj3ICuKLgSZrI9q2r9AS0jyMPaSdG-Xe3C6Jkh0asMJC-MK189i8GxtjAddbI/s320/SHIRT+WEAVE+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut up the shirts and kept the collars and button bands to use later and started to make strips from the fabrics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGY4va3_5mkwLf15aIdFKSSXmKXurc5M-_da3v012LmT0m4z5bbNR76AHkiZK19HziRij1DKWJDhwiAyJDroCAhoDnzaX5wuxTI0pWIR715rDDFyi_Puljfb5KrzVV_InHEsHeBFeGwWU/s1600/SHIRT+WEAVE+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGY4va3_5mkwLf15aIdFKSSXmKXurc5M-_da3v012LmT0m4z5bbNR76AHkiZK19HziRij1DKWJDhwiAyJDroCAhoDnzaX5wuxTI0pWIR715rDDFyi_Puljfb5KrzVV_InHEsHeBFeGwWU/s320/SHIRT+WEAVE+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used a rotary cutter on a cutting mat to make even sized strips approximately 2 cms wide. I found a pale blue net curtain donated by a friend and some green organza to add variety to the collection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB16rDPzBzFTirKpEsf8EPJtGgVjIpcSxgzEGtV-nyoKnHZb0w2USbflPdzb-kzW6VekxiRMpXuKyU8369kjne0Ac43pFdv2GVZExicqlyRHu_BR8E-i5dmtmDMaORELtceiAMOqdSPS0/s1600/SHIRT+WEAVE+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB16rDPzBzFTirKpEsf8EPJtGgVjIpcSxgzEGtV-nyoKnHZb0w2USbflPdzb-kzW6VekxiRMpXuKyU8369kjne0Ac43pFdv2GVZExicqlyRHu_BR8E-i5dmtmDMaORELtceiAMOqdSPS0/s320/SHIRT+WEAVE+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I set up the loom with pale blue cotton yarn and started to weave a 35 cm square, luckily it just fitted on the loom although it was a bit tight as I got near the end.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WXF8z5yRQ3eSucMg_ksiIAU5rk-YreUKeGPtIOURewVrX9-4uhUA5Og9LYE3-lFAiMpBlAWLvC3ZM_V8z3gfxncVpzw_E5knHF7Dv46aT-Ka7hilrTIlrtbmhUahnSmnPxwxE-Npq2U/s1600/SHIRT+WEAVE+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WXF8z5yRQ3eSucMg_ksiIAU5rk-YreUKeGPtIOURewVrX9-4uhUA5Og9LYE3-lFAiMpBlAWLvC3ZM_V8z3gfxncVpzw_E5knHF7Dv46aT-Ka7hilrTIlrtbmhUahnSmnPxwxE-Npq2U/s320/SHIRT+WEAVE+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a close up of one of the 9 squares I made over a week of afternoons;</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlZDgje3DV-8drTCOoCLvqdUe3n8ATWwxz7bCLQHP2k3V1GVEAJdi-15HvK4z6BkW62MAex7FSb5EqHsmFR_acwEe_BHlwXDEmtCWpshxxaO-YqZEIgVMDhfyZAXt7kusstVUjIj-C7Q/s1600/SHIRT+WEAVE+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="551" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlZDgje3DV-8drTCOoCLvqdUe3n8ATWwxz7bCLQHP2k3V1GVEAJdi-15HvK4z6BkW62MAex7FSb5EqHsmFR_acwEe_BHlwXDEmtCWpshxxaO-YqZEIgVMDhfyZAXt7kusstVUjIj-C7Q/s320/SHIRT+WEAVE+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here is a square auditioning for it's future role as a background for my favourite holiday stitchpic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWgN9yMrYe_PD6lUVzGnJ1KyAGEdTPo_sbKlcX067RIW4uiN6BpKqUFVWBxJ5Ypx0aGmZug1aH3jx0Umr5qMJskyHRVlIC_32hVmKsS92Ex55y3XNR5Sxjtz8rE3_DxRyOA0fp5UE7DM/s1600/SHIRT+WEAVE+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="634" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWgN9yMrYe_PD6lUVzGnJ1KyAGEdTPo_sbKlcX067RIW4uiN6BpKqUFVWBxJ5Ypx0aGmZug1aH3jx0Umr5qMJskyHRVlIC_32hVmKsS92Ex55y3XNR5Sxjtz8rE3_DxRyOA0fp5UE7DM/s320/SHIRT+WEAVE+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think this is going to turn out well as the colours complement each picture perfectly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LckCBcicUCK4FQ1r-5KfnaaZNXb-Qj1dW57LSy_wvd68ovfz9NmP9CKT_jaJRo6NEhl4QccDyzqmhtSWU9jJzVC0ER5X51rfwzlQ0errTsxBxr12dGcRwGxr-pijdEGT_Of505bbcY8/s1600/SHIRT+WEAVE+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LckCBcicUCK4FQ1r-5KfnaaZNXb-Qj1dW57LSy_wvd68ovfz9NmP9CKT_jaJRo6NEhl4QccDyzqmhtSWU9jJzVC0ER5X51rfwzlQ0errTsxBxr12dGcRwGxr-pijdEGT_Of505bbcY8/s320/SHIRT+WEAVE+10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I machine stitched around all the edges of the squares to keep the weaving secure, cut away the surplus ends and then machined them together into a metre square. I used a slice from an old sheet to back the piece and then I used the collars and button straps to edge it. The collar stands became the loops at the top to hang it to the rail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdeyUx1ACUGA_R2hM_gtQhKWV3ewnvIfj6HEu3xU9o4iVd-49CSxIBTrIynRot9_A_mIGY0DM33K_M0Arn205Tha-8HNqslRMvBlZXqzR3wO0hr0sS30iUtem7DGzD3Etozigta_zG-g/s1600/SHIRT+WEAVE+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="369" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdeyUx1ACUGA_R2hM_gtQhKWV3ewnvIfj6HEu3xU9o4iVd-49CSxIBTrIynRot9_A_mIGY0DM33K_M0Arn205Tha-8HNqslRMvBlZXqzR3wO0hr0sS30iUtem7DGzD3Etozigta_zG-g/s320/SHIRT+WEAVE+11.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here it is completed at last ready for the next step.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrzZI_agz1c46KHJ6ML08QcKvJJ2haktn7-ifS3s4g1xoFGHoX9z9JkPYPW3-PyHd6sq6ZdKqF9wwB2vEzl0H47SXR6IKCzRLyJuMoZM1mYxzefgZGXUnQLGFnXw2DoeVfoFwxDSbLmo/s1600/SHIRT+WEAVE+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="488" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrzZI_agz1c46KHJ6ML08QcKvJJ2haktn7-ifS3s4g1xoFGHoX9z9JkPYPW3-PyHd6sq6ZdKqF9wwB2vEzl0H47SXR6IKCzRLyJuMoZM1mYxzefgZGXUnQLGFnXw2DoeVfoFwxDSbLmo/s320/SHIRT+WEAVE+12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have hand stitched each picture to the hanging and left plenty of space for future embroideries to be added. It will soon be hanging in the hall, as soon as I can persuade Bob to drill some holes in the wall for the rail!</div>
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<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-84397259496391071452019-07-06T10:35:00.000+02:002019-07-06T10:35:06.269+02:00BALTIC CRUISE PART 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT4oUZC8JBtNMpMz1VzbRNQu-l3ODYURbMFeJc8L2RUnvWoC6zo8Uxd6XkKtM-x16TyxtozF4WT4E8oA_EjF-L3MhwjpVnu3wOLtQ7otJSqqXAU9lCIgF9JVWTCYhHW2n7VnHtDdtyqM/s1600/SKETCHBK48+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="640" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT4oUZC8JBtNMpMz1VzbRNQu-l3ODYURbMFeJc8L2RUnvWoC6zo8Uxd6XkKtM-x16TyxtozF4WT4E8oA_EjF-L3MhwjpVnu3wOLtQ7otJSqqXAU9lCIgF9JVWTCYhHW2n7VnHtDdtyqM/s320/SKETCHBK48+025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sorry, I nearly forgot to finish posting my Baltic cruise journal sketches but I'm back now and starting with this sketch done as we sailed away from Helsinki. We had taken a tour to a traditional village and had a look around the city but the weather was damp and I wasn't too inspired till I saw the pretty islands as we left and the seagulls escorted us along the coast.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC2CNHPQnXUY43_YKlmnetR5NtKEjWR3j3FbUrCEyEJhK5OcxlWNPPLi9FXWwX59E4diR8Liwi-mvBeCA2qcZS2VLjoDGA67gGcSEF7sHOMm59kfutpA6Wk1DxH5LDPTOEjL3Z3mVRWw/s1600/SKETCHBK48+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="640" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC2CNHPQnXUY43_YKlmnetR5NtKEjWR3j3FbUrCEyEJhK5OcxlWNPPLi9FXWwX59E4diR8Liwi-mvBeCA2qcZS2VLjoDGA67gGcSEF7sHOMm59kfutpA6Wk1DxH5LDPTOEjL3Z3mVRWw/s320/SKETCHBK48+026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our next port of call was Stockholm and we woke to a beautiful sunny morning, sailing through the archipelago. We seemed very close to the shore and had a lovely view of the pretty red cottages and pine forests that line the coast. That swirl on the bottom right is a scrap of silk and mohair yarn I bought later in Stockholm in a fascinating shop in the old town.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVVOFSIQThpTR9kOEZNqcF4_z9jep-iRqsEi8QsIFA4MAupKfHrIRwrGnT2XujCj0kuA4vfTAtwmDw3rCFrPJLZvPu0nzslGXl1AkfsQhaP8yA6LJKA80-s2EWN2QRL6tL1MhdkL_Dm4/s1600/SKETCHBK48+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="640" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVVOFSIQThpTR9kOEZNqcF4_z9jep-iRqsEi8QsIFA4MAupKfHrIRwrGnT2XujCj0kuA4vfTAtwmDw3rCFrPJLZvPu0nzslGXl1AkfsQhaP8yA6LJKA80-s2EWN2QRL6tL1MhdkL_Dm4/s320/SKETCHBK48+027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our mooring was a few kilometres out of the city and we had a magnificent view from our balcony of the amusement park with it's incredible rides. I could hear the screams of the people as they swooped down on that tall tower structure. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN2NrtxtmQYeeioTb_tXz1f4xcUWfplDZuYeIWSGqXI0eTDBbAvvrbJBxfsCTqYTI6MH2jR6DNBHKe2AsSfpgnV-90z1VBnjyOu_ZuHjQP3kIskp7NIewH1dgIBfpDkfXXD2WiuMbia8/s1600/SKETCHBK48+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="640" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN2NrtxtmQYeeioTb_tXz1f4xcUWfplDZuYeIWSGqXI0eTDBbAvvrbJBxfsCTqYTI6MH2jR6DNBHKe2AsSfpgnV-90z1VBnjyOu_ZuHjQP3kIskp7NIewH1dgIBfpDkfXXD2WiuMbia8/s320/SKETCHBK48+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were transported to the city by bus and decided to visit the city hall as we had already been here before and seen most of the other sights. We had a very interesting tour and then went in search of lunch in the old town, Gamla Stan, where we had meatballs, the typical Swedish dish. After a bit of shopping for herrings and crispbread we took the bus back to the ship for our tour of the ship's bridge which was a great experience.</div>
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From Stockholm we had a day at sea while we sailed to Warnemunde in northern Germany where we docked right next to a pretty holiday resort. We were able to walk ashore and explore and found that we could take a train to Rostock for only a few euros.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAwi_GbC2BGjqWPIui71KbO6ewcBrV0dOUyM1z6PaA4BrxRea0v8CputHTWLU26C1xnhzSzPNFACTCwhgWjJeXSh9bsSrvAXuiGne9aVXzf1Aw_rpvxZHQOdvC6fwxNbnIvfJjP_Vl_A/s1600/SKETCHBK48+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="640" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAwi_GbC2BGjqWPIui71KbO6ewcBrV0dOUyM1z6PaA4BrxRea0v8CputHTWLU26C1xnhzSzPNFACTCwhgWjJeXSh9bsSrvAXuiGne9aVXzf1Aw_rpvxZHQOdvC6fwxNbnIvfJjP_Vl_A/s320/SKETCHBK48+029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We found an attractive town with some interesting architecture and a good choice of bistros for lunch. Later we took the train back to the ship and bought a few souvenirs along the way in a fantastic shop by the port.</div>
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Our last stop was at Copenhagen which we had visited before so we decided on a casual walk from the port with our new friends, Jerry and Sorrel. We stopped for coffee in a pretty hotel courtyard and a herring and beer lunch at Nyhavn before another drink stop on the way back to the ship. </div>
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Here we are on the last shore day of our cruise after lunch at Nyhavn.</div>
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We had a wonderful cruise with so many new places seen and friends made and it certainly was a new experience for us. We're normally country folk, preferring rivers and landscapes to cities and crowds but this was the only way to be able to see so many places in a short time.</div>
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<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-84076526991205188602019-06-15T10:23:00.002+02:002019-06-15T10:23:34.532+02:00BALTIC CRUISE PART 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRND8HuGwepLh_9lN0CKokcTvh-2-PBA7JinEXievHRlEWVnZnfb-u1PLjqIDX0P1f-RYii1zWfVjxjqAQU8jLtsrda-Qqrwtj2RmpV-3LGjPJNOPqwqvX1ptwAQj8k9dFoaggRcnl6Y/s1600/SKETCHBK48+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRND8HuGwepLh_9lN0CKokcTvh-2-PBA7JinEXievHRlEWVnZnfb-u1PLjqIDX0P1f-RYii1zWfVjxjqAQU8jLtsrda-Qqrwtj2RmpV-3LGjPJNOPqwqvX1ptwAQj8k9dFoaggRcnl6Y/s320/SKETCHBK48+010.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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On Friday of the first week of our cruise we arrived at Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, a wonderful mediaeval city built on a hill and enclosed by walls. We went ashore and had a look around on our own as it was only 15 minutes by foot from where the ship was moored. It was a fascinating place with narrow streets and a lovely central square where the craft market was in full swing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty7JhCVtLtk72EBOElLC9y3Bje_vif8AdvcyXm-y9Y3_mEwTC089OSi9pjGKh4ltsoWh6f3ZeqB1aj7jk3A_9lYHnD1yNsPyPMkZsZRQY-0LHfAXvFdx9kOzLuvpbIJsyaet2Eouo9AQ/s1600/SKETCHBK48+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="640" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty7JhCVtLtk72EBOElLC9y3Bje_vif8AdvcyXm-y9Y3_mEwTC089OSi9pjGKh4ltsoWh6f3ZeqB1aj7jk3A_9lYHnD1yNsPyPMkZsZRQY-0LHfAXvFdx9kOzLuvpbIJsyaet2Eouo9AQ/s320/SKETCHBK48+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We climbed gradually to the top for the fantastic views, stopping along the way to look in souvenir shops and some of the galleries selling textile art in particular. We finally got to the Alexander Nevsky cathedral at the highest point and found a quiet bistro for a delicious fish lunch. Because of the damp weather the outside tables were empty and the place seemed closed but we looked inside and found an old curved roof and rough wooden tables and just a few people eating so we stayed and avoided the crowds down in the square! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRNb3tgviiILfA8ZIczhgjWNfYrJJsPY9tkMRwVTOYKw8i76q8sZ62-JNBKkCZFLEKquMeodeuqETnt8Yf0gEjK3Jx3FZcDr1pPW5WpVY-5u2QiDay36ebxcK86kQvvNxDI15jaaKA88/s1600/SKETCHBK48+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="640" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRNb3tgviiILfA8ZIczhgjWNfYrJJsPY9tkMRwVTOYKw8i76q8sZ62-JNBKkCZFLEKquMeodeuqETnt8Yf0gEjK3Jx3FZcDr1pPW5WpVY-5u2QiDay36ebxcK86kQvvNxDI15jaaKA88/s320/SKETCHBK48+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This map gives you an idea of the fortified design of the city and our route as we strolled about.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCmhC_Te6A9nIiTM8fq382O4BOcbVWS7yX84Mz3jSSjpj0WuBkPlrEFT9O2svv03wsO0Jr9LlhYJZsisn5OtaoaWs4EL0Za7RfBM9BoR5ZkD9Gose-lEyC0kHw6AH8dapcqonlfmXoHc/s1600/ILATA+FELT+SCARF+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="634" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCmhC_Te6A9nIiTM8fq382O4BOcbVWS7yX84Mz3jSSjpj0WuBkPlrEFT9O2svv03wsO0Jr9LlhYJZsisn5OtaoaWs4EL0Za7RfBM9BoR5ZkD9Gose-lEyC0kHw6AH8dapcqonlfmXoHc/s320/ILATA+FELT+SCARF+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I couldn't resist spending some money here and when I met Natali on her stand at the market selling her beautiful scarves I just had to go for it! She sells under the name of iTALA and you can find her on Facebook if you want to see more of her products.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eGog0xEgNwyPN_mWG9o8l31JVRod5Wb-hZawiHTCh43zI97QZhUDt3uUiufolQ-PkaaI9M2ZVwnDEHXDTtvGxAe2_1FMpZ7W5iwBMzNO18J9MN_pjBc7WENOJmFLxtoy8Y1qvlDh_wc/s1600/SKETCHBK48+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="543" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eGog0xEgNwyPN_mWG9o8l31JVRod5Wb-hZawiHTCh43zI97QZhUDt3uUiufolQ-PkaaI9M2ZVwnDEHXDTtvGxAe2_1FMpZ7W5iwBMzNO18J9MN_pjBc7WENOJmFLxtoy8Y1qvlDh_wc/s320/SKETCHBK48+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Soon it was time to leave Tallinn and head for St Petersburg to spend the weekend. This map shows you where we were able to go with our guided tours. In Russia it's essential to have a visa to visit the country and for us it was easier to take advantage of the group visa organised by the travel company. We were warned to keep up with the group and not to get lost as it would cause a lot of difficulties finding our way back in a country where few people speak our language.</div>
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I took hundreds of photos of the Hermitage and Winter Palace and made a few sketches in my journal after we came home. The pace of the visits didn't allow for any spare time and we were pretty exhausted by the end of each day!</div>
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Every souvenir shop is full, floor to ceiling with Russian dolls of all sizes and prices from 7euros to 700 euros. I decided to buy a fridge magnet instead as I know a doll would just gather dust on a shelf somewhere!</div>
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On the Saturday evening we were taken to a 'Cultural Faculty' to see a display of traditional music and dancing. A small troupe gave us a wonderfully vibrant, lively show with lovely costumes, beautiful singing and the men really did do those high leaps and crouching dances.</div>
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I had never heard of the Cathedral of the Spilled Blood so when I saw a preview on the ship I had to go and see for myself. Its just as you would imagine, an onion domed church with the most amazing interior covered in mosaics and golden highlights. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFIBF2ug3dTd0R-Kwf6Xi-VS_9tpys1HnC5hE5FkqdqPaPwr6nsY3VJlnLh29PuVtAUf-AUq_QgqTKWD8Ie47Pls0DYG3TkqorrrNzor_231Pn4YAHKvRMCLyBrBYA3cTl75kLXytG_E/s1600/SKETCHBK48+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="640" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFIBF2ug3dTd0R-Kwf6Xi-VS_9tpys1HnC5hE5FkqdqPaPwr6nsY3VJlnLh29PuVtAUf-AUq_QgqTKWD8Ie47Pls0DYG3TkqorrrNzor_231Pn4YAHKvRMCLyBrBYA3cTl75kLXytG_E/s320/SKETCHBK48+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All too soon it was time to leave this fascinating city and set sail for Helsinki. </div>
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I amused myself sitting on the stern of the ship watching the wash as we sailed along.</div>
<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-57116971199180319912019-06-08T11:14:00.000+02:002019-06-08T11:14:26.683+02:00BALTIC CITIES CRUISE 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30sRGrXmJGtviBPmsXxR44E_EUppBBapwIFiF9uTfhETBo9R_cN9O5WsLd-_LaWSpjpl2Uujhfo9DB8epawEWMZXcv3kAn-xjCYS64EwB5rL5767fyNBLqw8K6FyKeyGKYBkoKlkpA6o/s1600/SKETCHBK48+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="560" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30sRGrXmJGtviBPmsXxR44E_EUppBBapwIFiF9uTfhETBo9R_cN9O5WsLd-_LaWSpjpl2Uujhfo9DB8epawEWMZXcv3kAn-xjCYS64EwB5rL5767fyNBLqw8K6FyKeyGKYBkoKlkpA6o/s320/SKETCHBK48+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have dreamed of visiting St Petersburg for over 50 years and we finally decided the best way was to take a cruise and visit several cities along the way.</div>
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I started my preparations by weaving a cover to put on a book I bound myself incorporating the maps of each city as well as over all maps as end papers.</div>
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I drew our route inside the front cover and had to make alterations when the ship took a detour around Denmark.</div>
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The title page.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tBo8cZCi_7PfIhLpS5xt4wBTToEMxLyZr1NaGfXqiOSD6-R3c7G6zb71D3tyVGjSSimUabF8mNpliQEv9MgxjA8rSInP94mUluXGswOeKvhVCkNJ48L0HiUvE3k3ZW9Iu8bq6KVmBzs/s1600/SKETCHBK48+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tBo8cZCi_7PfIhLpS5xt4wBTToEMxLyZr1NaGfXqiOSD6-R3c7G6zb71D3tyVGjSSimUabF8mNpliQEv9MgxjA8rSInP94mUluXGswOeKvhVCkNJ48L0HiUvE3k3ZW9Iu8bq6KVmBzs/s320/SKETCHBK48+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We joined the ship at Newcastle and spent a whole day at sea on the way to Oslo, our first port of call. It was a warm sunny day so we sat on the balcony during the afternoon and while Bob snoozed I was treated to the sight of a flock of gannets who followed us for over an hour, long enough for me to take lots of photos and make this sketch in my journal.</div>
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We arrived in Oslo the next morning and decided to take one of the ferries across the harbour the Bygdones where the main historical museums were located. We met a charming Spanish girl while we were waiting for the boat who spent the morning with us.</div>
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Our first visit was to the Viking ships museum where we saw a selection of grave ships that dated from the 9th century. These were former warships that were then used as the coffins of important people, filled with artefacts like gold and sledges and incredibly well preserved because they had been buried in earth rather than in put in the sea.</div>
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Next we went to the Folksmuseum, a lovely parkland area full of historic buildings that have been re-located and furnished in the style of the age. The ancient farmhouses have grass growing on top of them and seem very primitive inside. Each house had a person, dressed in the costume of the time and able to relate the story of their period. We saw house that had been on the outskirts of Oslo before it was redeveloped at the beginning of the 20th century as well as an apartment block with each flat set up in a different decade up to the 1970s.</div>
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The museum building had some beautiful costumes, woven wall hangings and rugs as well as painted furniture. I was fascinated by the story of this red shirt, woven by it's owner that would have lasted her lifetime.</div>
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As we left Oslo there was a tremendous rainstorm which completely obliterated the shore but quickly cleared away to give us this lovely sight.</div>
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We passed under this bridge at sunset so I had to make a drawing from one of my photos as we sailed on to our next port of call, Tallinn in Estonia.</div>
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<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-76828036697062688892019-05-12T13:09:00.000+02:002019-05-12T13:09:38.685+02:00FISHY WALL HANGING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiNlX292dRsPDK4YdHYjlvpDxQ3eTtw3dQZIK0Ef0wTFPtcP8E7Cw_KCo2tsWsGUFuGlAXkHmzJKAyt4uQ3O93tw0gjdrhkGFzKVfUrveuAO1q0nr87mNz1UOCIK3LYoYBDUrM6VHD5I/s1600/2019+ST+PETERS+CHURCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiNlX292dRsPDK4YdHYjlvpDxQ3eTtw3dQZIK0Ef0wTFPtcP8E7Cw_KCo2tsWsGUFuGlAXkHmzJKAyt4uQ3O93tw0gjdrhkGFzKVfUrveuAO1q0nr87mNz1UOCIK3LYoYBDUrM6VHD5I/s320/2019+ST+PETERS+CHURCH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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During my recent visit to family in England I spent a couple of days with my daughter Justine and on one of these we had a day out in the Surrey hills at the village of Hascombe. After a delicious pub lunch we went for a walk to see the bluebells and ended up by St Peter's, the village church. Being curious we went to have a look inside and what a surprise, we found an exquisitely decorated Victorian church almost completely covered in fabulous wall painting and decorations from the ceiling to the ground. I was particularly taken with the walls depicting the fish caught by St Peter and decided to make a wall hanging.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Me49SZ7IR4XY6fS3wHHcFGjjfHhcda_txVMftA9yHc5mNAPoXRasfD6HyOl2a2-mMTWRanK8U-pDiApDqOnZdRMRB_vT1-nhI5X-Ia0bg0joTOHlfH9a0oy1wBKw_OLncioK6LYCTA/s1600/JUSTINE+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="640" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62Me49SZ7IR4XY6fS3wHHcFGjjfHhcda_txVMftA9yHc5mNAPoXRasfD6HyOl2a2-mMTWRanK8U-pDiApDqOnZdRMRB_vT1-nhI5X-Ia0bg0joTOHlfH9a0oy1wBKw_OLncioK6LYCTA/s320/JUSTINE+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started by printing my photo and making some templates for the wave shapes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkNQ5uzmaZYF_nLhGn9iv_LR0qZrA00p7TE4jqsSVmVq3qw0GYNme1gEdFNV0SH-ymJYYZROZJyHQgKRk4F2RiXLB7KaWGDbNn0uAJ0Xu9cxSsNuDC55c83Jh1zQ_rR8Qehx2SJQUs6U/s1600/JUSTINE+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkNQ5uzmaZYF_nLhGn9iv_LR0qZrA00p7TE4jqsSVmVq3qw0GYNme1gEdFNV0SH-ymJYYZROZJyHQgKRk4F2RiXLB7KaWGDbNn0uAJ0Xu9cxSsNuDC55c83Jh1zQ_rR8Qehx2SJQUs6U/s320/JUSTINE+002.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Then tracing some fish from an identification book.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPd-3jyTMD1kSwap9Rctagn6iFJLQ7yWHwTjgZ383a0ayPCFiPSjs9wv8pSo87ne_FpWgsl9ecfcHqZ6JsWYCbTWCNcrFJm-pMHIIdfNZNwEsE4guvING3-SeCW9KlBksETnFzNQNqT0/s1600/JUSTINE+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="640" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPd-3jyTMD1kSwap9Rctagn6iFJLQ7yWHwTjgZ383a0ayPCFiPSjs9wv8pSo87ne_FpWgsl9ecfcHqZ6JsWYCbTWCNcrFJm-pMHIIdfNZNwEsE4guvING3-SeCW9KlBksETnFzNQNqT0/s320/JUSTINE+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I gathered an assortment of tulle, organza and chiffon fabrics as well as some fine organdie for the background and started cutting out my shapes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHr_bRrVfOHtyfAe0x9F4ZpAE_WaC6Pqo9lrcxqIB0TWJRkTQZ2K5_ntgfsvOs-tcjJ4e407SHBOktqiyBh06IBoFCPzZLmX98-yVZsxUxmZ3kt45X6zeMNwBQ9QyVRacCH7hG-r5Iow/s1600/JUSTINE+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHr_bRrVfOHtyfAe0x9F4ZpAE_WaC6Pqo9lrcxqIB0TWJRkTQZ2K5_ntgfsvOs-tcjJ4e407SHBOktqiyBh06IBoFCPzZLmX98-yVZsxUxmZ3kt45X6zeMNwBQ9QyVRacCH7hG-r5Iow/s320/JUSTINE+006.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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You can see here how I layered them up using scraps of bondaweb to hold the pieces together till I was able to do the stitching which I did in invisible thread.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEzG-RTzyb7YDBeFmqg2vaB9hoW9YT6x9Joa1ty50uR4Yd22s9TWebivMhkgAbIzJtuMjLHMIdu-J3oU2ta-3ys5zhD3zRadB0IjzyfyVW1Ye5EWeqY_A5qyAXf6qd39G1aydYV52z9s/s1600/JUSTINE+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="604" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEzG-RTzyb7YDBeFmqg2vaB9hoW9YT6x9Joa1ty50uR4Yd22s9TWebivMhkgAbIzJtuMjLHMIdu-J3oU2ta-3ys5zhD3zRadB0IjzyfyVW1Ye5EWeqY_A5qyAXf6qd39G1aydYV52z9s/s320/JUSTINE+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made ten waves altogether and after attaching them to another sheet of bondaweb I cut each one out carefully ready for the next step.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmrwluUv5QL1iQbdjOPq0PMENdG2d8HZdU9sO6zGNi923XfdHFi9UGbcMaD4vvC4EWh9s_1yJjhY7kkx_7z22vyv-frQtlm00OnswymhSb-5ZneYKlf7o0LNosduf5wjlChQowoHmd-s/s1600/JUSTINE+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="581" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmrwluUv5QL1iQbdjOPq0PMENdG2d8HZdU9sO6zGNi923XfdHFi9UGbcMaD4vvC4EWh9s_1yJjhY7kkx_7z22vyv-frQtlm00OnswymhSb-5ZneYKlf7o0LNosduf5wjlChQowoHmd-s/s320/JUSTINE+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then it was the turn of the fish which I traced onto a piece of organdie and painted with gold and silver fabric paints.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy2DMxy7xP4BMEn6LIthmU5rh8IwR2iyt1dxOw_kdyQfERfSFQ7RET8CoJ6HLxCsliDqjD0vyqcKzFCeQbHQP-apWceDMTMX0SFF6AMzklQ3vY1HaHjdC_faWJitnKtT8yW5yvqyz8rQ/s1600/JUSTINE+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="588" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy2DMxy7xP4BMEn6LIthmU5rh8IwR2iyt1dxOw_kdyQfERfSFQ7RET8CoJ6HLxCsliDqjD0vyqcKzFCeQbHQP-apWceDMTMX0SFF6AMzklQ3vY1HaHjdC_faWJitnKtT8yW5yvqyz8rQ/s320/JUSTINE+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I stitched the outlines and details in a grey thread and attached the bondaweb to the back before cutting out the shapes.</div>
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Now for the assembly, first to arrange the waves on the organdie background and stitch all around each piece using the invisible thread followed by the gold outlines which consist of a sparkly yarn held down with a golden yellow machine embroidery thread.</div>
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Then the fish come into the piece, arranged and ironed on, then stitched in place with invisible thread.</div>
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I found some brown yarn in my stash and twisted it to double the thickness then using another template for the shape which I drew around to show where to place each piece of the fishing net, I stitched each line, knotting as I went down the piece.</div>
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The final step was to attach a piece of turquoise fabric to the back with more bondaweb and then cut around the shape. I made a channel along the top for a thin pole and hung it up using some more of the fishing yarn. It's been a labour of love doing this and has taken me practically all week but I'm pleased with the result.</div>
<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-7929447312684153522019-04-13T10:34:00.000+02:002019-04-13T10:34:33.250+02:00A WEEK OF WEAVING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhz9tx3fUqnaTzgJB8nR34DD_LCMD2poqzJOeMfSQkh_Fl_Htp5XNlmeyTo2TLuFrC7RZIwY1CaQAcBx5kzruZubGQTAGOzx6aH5F1Sou5DwK0aXeYI4ctpg8Ax1IDV5ivcNpyfOao9g/s1600/2019+PINK+CUFF+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhz9tx3fUqnaTzgJB8nR34DD_LCMD2poqzJOeMfSQkh_Fl_Htp5XNlmeyTo2TLuFrC7RZIwY1CaQAcBx5kzruZubGQTAGOzx6aH5F1Sou5DwK0aXeYI4ctpg8Ax1IDV5ivcNpyfOao9g/s320/2019+PINK+CUFF+5.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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I've had a fun time this last week or so on my weaving frame. I wanted to try and make some cuff bracelets after seeing some on the internet.</div>
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I had a rummage through my stash of yarns from Michel and found some pretty pink shades in different textures like chenille and sparkly acrylic. I set up the loom with a plain pink cotton for the warp as it was the strongest and then started to weave across alternating the different colours. I ended up with a piece measuring about 7 x 20 centimetres. At each end of the weaving you can see some red yarn woven across in 3 lines, this is to prevent the weaving coming undone when I take it off the loom and is removed when I have stabilised the weaving with some fine iron on interfacing.</div>
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I searched my collection of fabric scraps and came up with some co-ordinating batik but I had to go shopping for the fine elastic and the pearl buttons. I faced out the weaving with the lining, adding the loops at one end and making the opening in the middle to make it easier to turn through which only needed hemming when I finished.</div>
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After stitching on the buttons I had a pretty cuff bracelet, perfectly co-ordinated with my pink jumper.</div>
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This inspired me to try another, blue one which goes well with jeans and white tops.</div>
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The buttons for this one came from an old necklace my sister gave me years ago (thank you Juliet!)</div>
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Then I thought I would try one woven in the other direction, with the warp on the short side instead of the long one. In fact I was using up the warp after weaving the front of my new bag. It's quite wasteful if I throw away the rest of the warp from the 50 cms frame when I've only woven 20 cms for the project. Above you can see the finished weaving with the iron on interfacing to keep the yarns in place.</div>
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I took a few wooden beads from an old bracelet to decorate this one.</div>
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The buttons are beads from another old necklace which I coloured to match with nail varnish. And I'm sure you recognise the lining, it's a scrap from my new holiday blouse made from a sarong.</div>
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Next time I'll show you the new bag I made so watch this space and thank you for visiting today.</div>
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<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-18088768458950688602019-04-06T10:26:00.001+02:002019-04-06T10:26:12.535+02:00WINTER HOLIDAYS 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvCuKE0NcZobfkILHZzAJdm1I7yiAjQUekMJHJXpMNthQoxzL5lN7qOa2AI8EOhUE_Peej17U7Jjs2yXV0rniaJ-XeiP5S447fzqVKzZv5TKQQyuxSNuZOyL6AF6qrFJ1oAW_B0-Vjy4/s1600/2019+TENERIFE+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="629" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvCuKE0NcZobfkILHZzAJdm1I7yiAjQUekMJHJXpMNthQoxzL5lN7qOa2AI8EOhUE_Peej17U7Jjs2yXV0rniaJ-XeiP5S447fzqVKzZv5TKQQyuxSNuZOyL6AF6qrFJ1oAW_B0-Vjy4/s320/2019+TENERIFE+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had 2 lovely sunny weeks at Los Cristianos on Tenerife in a comfortable modern hotel overlooking the harbour and bay.</div>
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I took some embroidery supplies with me so that I could sit and stitch in the sun.</div>
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I was inspired by the cacti used to decorate the public areas of the hotel combined a couple of sketches for this one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVriJ93QynDTZ4anG9p1hmFmbflpHipaWY70ucut8lFHP1kArdccD29bae4fJAHhByuWhNFA7B8dhmd17iVv6gELo501fyv-vXYGZeOTA92d9hYoFZ47UnBvhlTDux_WAsCXSX1-Gli84/s1600/SKETCHBK46+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="430" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVriJ93QynDTZ4anG9p1hmFmbflpHipaWY70ucut8lFHP1kArdccD29bae4fJAHhByuWhNFA7B8dhmd17iVv6gELo501fyv-vXYGZeOTA92d9hYoFZ47UnBvhlTDux_WAsCXSX1-Gli84/s320/SKETCHBK46+026.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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There was a nice pool area with plenty of interesting trees and plants to draw.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="640" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKKrZdU0dU3NiJabggP6o4juNVQ13EJo84_eqnKHGBu_SX0LAYCGqMp9b6cQnBpcH0z-7YEwgVKaSVRyVekGMq3677g5rzFlafBwFpioyiPWUeJMkxCJjeiCCxnbQ20Xa5p7ofpC1ARM/s320/SKETCHBK46+027.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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I took a handful of inktense crayons and some water soluble Triplus pens so I was very happy sitting for the afternoon drawing what was in front of me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpm8hCbjApai_MwTpYzZkecf8xiLNsbE1RlIvA5lgZgyl_t4c4G219_XIKZZtV9X4sZDHxdhG0ct3PXANxziCBGs2NP-2ekPCbocdLJIqpvnORuQMA_l1reJLo_5Q1p8c1_Ue1NFHWh0/s1600/SKETCHBK47+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="638" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpm8hCbjApai_MwTpYzZkecf8xiLNsbE1RlIvA5lgZgyl_t4c4G219_XIKZZtV9X4sZDHxdhG0ct3PXANxziCBGs2NP-2ekPCbocdLJIqpvnORuQMA_l1reJLo_5Q1p8c1_Ue1NFHWh0/s320/SKETCHBK47+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These pots of cacti were on the roof of the hotel in a chill out zone where we could relax on big sofas and sun loungers with extra cushions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xKEqXe1HaM19W1AIhyKYxBctS6L2HTPtnnW63CU_5jexWSM-iFlBbjmkgCazP4w0iv1h86-aJNUF0ckhS6xmOLP8vext_RK2V-DeHBbUWT1IG3YHPIfiNiZLZ0JbAkePC7o4ad10Vws/s1600/SKETCHBK47+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xKEqXe1HaM19W1AIhyKYxBctS6L2HTPtnnW63CU_5jexWSM-iFlBbjmkgCazP4w0iv1h86-aJNUF0ckhS6xmOLP8vext_RK2V-DeHBbUWT1IG3YHPIfiNiZLZ0JbAkePC7o4ad10Vws/s320/SKETCHBK47+018.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
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The cactus bar had it's 6 foot high symbol in a huge pot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9333cEItNE5-Gh7Lk-7ANk2rjzbPtGIW6s-3BAOI_mKZQGYkoXDkChilzdwRaGdRg5VCFajCoyf2igbNzqUnsSBCqLklYp7YgYBmkUNHhFoSyo3dY8fTYiCZz_hEiesFcrgDTK_W-OUY/s1600/PAREO+MARKET+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="574" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9333cEItNE5-Gh7Lk-7ANk2rjzbPtGIW6s-3BAOI_mKZQGYkoXDkChilzdwRaGdRg5VCFajCoyf2igbNzqUnsSBCqLklYp7YgYBmkUNHhFoSyo3dY8fTYiCZz_hEiesFcrgDTK_W-OUY/s320/PAREO+MARKET+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While we were there I went to the market to say hello to Sharon and buy a few more of her beautiful sarongs. She was delighted to see what I had made in previous years and I've promised to email her a picture of my next creations.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgy2J4LHaCVj_JV4LrDGU22cvZ6tUqIejCs29jsQCzwYnh2Pj-trk3pZyY_XHRi6PckPA7xYQ_VkT4GjuwbI2d7jmuPCmaTWoaqSkLOH1eK6ILJHbJc0SFJiF7Jx1PRqBCI1fJQbvEfHA/s1600/2019+TENERIFE+SUNSET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgy2J4LHaCVj_JV4LrDGU22cvZ6tUqIejCs29jsQCzwYnh2Pj-trk3pZyY_XHRi6PckPA7xYQ_VkT4GjuwbI2d7jmuPCmaTWoaqSkLOH1eK6ILJHbJc0SFJiF7Jx1PRqBCI1fJQbvEfHA/s320/2019+TENERIFE+SUNSET.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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My final stitch pic is an interpretation of the view from our balcony at sunset. I re-cycled lots of bits like the ribbon from a basket of goodies from the hotel, a cord from a sun-hat and the sun is cut from a perfume sample card.</div>
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We're already thinking of our next trip, a cruise to the cities of the Baltic in May and I'm planning to make a sketchbook to record the journey.</div>
<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-82174045511487906102019-03-04T16:23:00.001+01:002019-03-04T16:23:30.331+01:00NEW HOLIDAY WARDROBE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="640" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijig0M2abC5CJg24SxUWmRU2t2tBmYopr9M0822nnihRke9IcClv80VMc20mITUTOKhMNcRureaf2kMIY2bJKEtye8g_8rTusV27x4fX1BFQuJLUrVTZPCmYLxlgINc7Im7NVQrGCG0GQ/s320/2019+SARONG+FROCKS.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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At the end of the week we're setting off on our winter holiday to Tenerife and I'm really looking forward to some warm sunshine. </div>
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We've been to this Canary island several times before and each time I have bought myself a couple of sarongs from the weekly market at Adeje, with the intention of making a summer dress. I already have four and when I found another untouched sarong in my drawer I decided it was time to make another one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBg7uCWrRIzfJN1PibQYg-VHmCJ70QQKPx56uddXXTla9a7Bryr437G2wXyeqyah_SKR1jxNS4C1Jc87atDM5F7ae1ysD1IkE2kn02kkV3jBBKaizb8b8mQTpSwhGWpCEYT0imOn-INAw/s1600/2019+SARONG+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1600" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBg7uCWrRIzfJN1PibQYg-VHmCJ70QQKPx56uddXXTla9a7Bryr437G2wXyeqyah_SKR1jxNS4C1Jc87atDM5F7ae1ysD1IkE2kn02kkV3jBBKaizb8b8mQTpSwhGWpCEYT0imOn-INAw/s320/2019+SARONG+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I copied the design from another dress that's cut on the bias which gives a lovely drape and fit and set to making this dress. The fabric is a synthetic of some sort that's very light and uncrushable which is perfect for packing. Sorry but I can't seem to turn the photo!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Dcw5eH7U9HW6eO44CyFUMUkQEtR_5dlv9VBebp3c07peWRCcT7gp3jRbwcnNn63iVWdwtmrmaulzAs-odm_ttn5lgRgp7DRrGw1bSMQSyryypVWrtLMpu8T4ZCbyIpfYFS54FgM6ZxE/s1600/SKETCHBK33+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Dcw5eH7U9HW6eO44CyFUMUkQEtR_5dlv9VBebp3c07peWRCcT7gp3jRbwcnNn63iVWdwtmrmaulzAs-odm_ttn5lgRgp7DRrGw1bSMQSyryypVWrtLMpu8T4ZCbyIpfYFS54FgM6ZxE/s320/SKETCHBK33+021.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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Here is a drawing from one of my holiday sketchbooks showing a lovely long dress that's very comfortable that used two sarongs with enough left over for a scarf.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxA_rHgu2Xy-N7G3140MwkanuksHyaZSx60JFbeIC5hnlG3hny4AeQIqs9ixAvWwCvNGveNg88c0TGhwjonIN8aPYVrfeBe6c4w1qZrQs5S77J4YN3YIKLL1BoxhdH_dZxe7agIo5KUE/s1600/SKETCHBK+25+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="640" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxA_rHgu2Xy-N7G3140MwkanuksHyaZSx60JFbeIC5hnlG3hny4AeQIqs9ixAvWwCvNGveNg88c0TGhwjonIN8aPYVrfeBe6c4w1qZrQs5S77J4YN3YIKLL1BoxhdH_dZxe7agIo5KUE/s320/SKETCHBK+25+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In a previous year I bought two different coloured pieces and even planned the layout to make the most of the limited length of the sarong.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ENgSgwcY2nYDavFXecXpOXdFakXrnMREkjD0b0Q6eiZ3J76Od1GrfoyEI3OFMqRiO5ONX2OPxHn66hLDunm3lTorPYg7QRMhXtkl41Lyl14FpgboKsmulmpZsMrfgsmoNRpH5pM40-M/s1600/SKETCHBK+25+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ENgSgwcY2nYDavFXecXpOXdFakXrnMREkjD0b0Q6eiZ3J76Od1GrfoyEI3OFMqRiO5ONX2OPxHn66hLDunm3lTorPYg7QRMhXtkl41Lyl14FpgboKsmulmpZsMrfgsmoNRpH5pM40-M/s320/SKETCHBK+25+18.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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It was quite a challenge to get a frock out of barely 2 square metres of fabric and I sometimes had to add a different lining to the bodice to complete the garment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsPa6ijWOTsvKZIsU_27jb95dMxtgRgLRhZzCrQ7BPy_HXdkklQ1aiZOvQrumZhd8_hdPS9mL7n983G5W5gLpBEO32Qbsl28d8LUGoYUj2Z3qJx7tve75PEMVT9HFLc4f0jRwhTQXLSE/s1600/2019+SCARF+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsPa6ijWOTsvKZIsU_27jb95dMxtgRgLRhZzCrQ7BPy_HXdkklQ1aiZOvQrumZhd8_hdPS9mL7n983G5W5gLpBEO32Qbsl28d8LUGoYUj2Z3qJx7tve75PEMVT9HFLc4f0jRwhTQXLSE/s320/2019+SCARF+1.JPG" width="314" /></a></div>
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I'm always on the lookout for pretty fabrics and when I found this scarf at the local Red Cross shop for only 50 centimes I just had to buy it! As you can see it's quite large so I had plenty to play with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAwuiupSO9x5vIcaMPDQyfzIVY7INCxBnblZFb19o0x7-J6KUkH26Bcnl3fjutyqD64nFvS8EJlgJNVVqW21H-eMask0Wtc4rXT9vHVml-6jDl1C80blVapkfCot_u5xX_TuPSCisudE/s1600/2019+SCARF+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="308" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAwuiupSO9x5vIcaMPDQyfzIVY7INCxBnblZFb19o0x7-J6KUkH26Bcnl3fjutyqD64nFvS8EJlgJNVVqW21H-eMask0Wtc4rXT9vHVml-6jDl1C80blVapkfCot_u5xX_TuPSCisudE/s320/2019+SCARF+2.JPG" width="154" /></a></div>
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After the success of the blue dress pattern I thought it might work well for a summer top so I used the contrast hem to make the pointed front and cut it all on the bias again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilOCUUAtSbM2AmCG0pKx3e7nn_QIRdVBMoWrLfzsJl-4mP8b10o5qRanJABn9YBDX0iHCc06bT9m2MIfHUYaILISqyVX_ykpIi4jOsX4e2684XvZV503McU5T0GguLeaBCpydWBBubt8/s1600/2019+SARONG+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1600" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilOCUUAtSbM2AmCG0pKx3e7nn_QIRdVBMoWrLfzsJl-4mP8b10o5qRanJABn9YBDX0iHCc06bT9m2MIfHUYaILISqyVX_ykpIi4jOsX4e2684XvZV503McU5T0GguLeaBCpydWBBubt8/s320/2019+SARONG+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A friend recently gave me a sarong that she didn't want when she was packing up to leave the country and thought it might suit me being my favourite colour. I managed to make a shirt out of this one with three-quarter sleeves that perfectly match my summer trousers. Isn't it handy when everything co-ordinates!</div>
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Well that's it for now, hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into my holiday preparations, see you in April with some sketches from the trip. </div>
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A bientot!</div>
<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3077177506321870423.post-10045743129606452222019-01-18T16:43:00.003+01:002019-01-18T16:43:44.062+01:00SEEING RED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRsn5MYoz7WYiDu9XBHWxzN2SkJgfMedm4BInqjDrhm1sFbFnuBq1kcaO8hk2b6m7wJ5vEYE5geDIy-cLcuNNWM_ZKRQX6Vmzl6SOkFOTceJRVH7HY4k5Gm1atLg1kYqzpb4FUSEKm_I/s1600/2019+RED+WEAVE+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="640" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRsn5MYoz7WYiDu9XBHWxzN2SkJgfMedm4BInqjDrhm1sFbFnuBq1kcaO8hk2b6m7wJ5vEYE5geDIy-cLcuNNWM_ZKRQX6Vmzl6SOkFOTceJRVH7HY4k5Gm1atLg1kYqzpb4FUSEKm_I/s320/2019+RED+WEAVE+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have a large plastic storage box full of yarns in all shades from orange through red and burgundy as well as some variegated multi-coloured ones.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgHZ5nGrCKUYISDyrUX537TQgGDEhlbHxS3juz-ilkYC6d-dQKXDhGULJptRPjYglJ4ocvH2WJvEfjPdqcRdBtEil5RP1oLcBhJLF2zVEvGIAIW-peBcTsELDZLdm5NTF8jLfvvvYu_c/s1600/2019+RED+WEAVE+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="393" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgHZ5nGrCKUYISDyrUX537TQgGDEhlbHxS3juz-ilkYC6d-dQKXDhGULJptRPjYglJ4ocvH2WJvEfjPdqcRdBtEil5RP1oLcBhJLF2zVEvGIAIW-peBcTsELDZLdm5NTF8jLfvvvYu_c/s320/2019+RED+WEAVE+003.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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I started to think about patterns I could weave using these colours and thought of my granddaughter Kirsty and her amazing red hair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yVl3cLBd026quuk0QmyEq3gUT1r_B0a77ufKbg6Um7QMhZ87E72brgRG8imgu8Zwly4jd1yzarx_UTgJotPLaS5OpVPNxN4IovV3YdPOAr8ILg8Pj2BlIox_jZBW75QG9lyGDgZtBRQ/s1600/2019+RED+WEAVE+003.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yVl3cLBd026quuk0QmyEq3gUT1r_B0a77ufKbg6Um7QMhZ87E72brgRG8imgu8Zwly4jd1yzarx_UTgJotPLaS5OpVPNxN4IovV3YdPOAr8ILg8Pj2BlIox_jZBW75QG9lyGDgZtBRQ/s320/2019+RED+WEAVE+003.png" width="186" /></a></div>
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I've drawn and painted her many times since she was born 23 years ago so it wasn't hard to find some suitable examples to use as inspiration.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9wkoaIQkUeRM_oOrsC__0DJaP8KT5Ln3ve7TIFapkd0I-UnkEKAIjScalrGaWL8TvnnE-0y-WfFpKAgUxqvAzBv8vg_uDUlKi6kxvMqV8B7BRjP8Hg_Nz9d3lA-P4lnl56XPwLkgyWw/s1600/2019+RED+WEAVE+004+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="397" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9wkoaIQkUeRM_oOrsC__0DJaP8KT5Ln3ve7TIFapkd0I-UnkEKAIjScalrGaWL8TvnnE-0y-WfFpKAgUxqvAzBv8vg_uDUlKi6kxvMqV8B7BRjP8Hg_Nz9d3lA-P4lnl56XPwLkgyWw/s320/2019+RED+WEAVE+004+%25282%2529.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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This is the latest drawing which I used for her embroidered portrait for my centenary quilt wall hanging.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI78piLsGSiye18dwbjSQ2h5L1mPQ-DRBC5FhQvb3AXJmulc5xhwDJkiaWMDBxaEBLgYnpStCMCKFB7A-dX7iL3pFlSMkLkKnyJKmAuI1G98k56hWvjsonycUKa0qaC2tDvPEiT3gpOls/s1600/2019+RED+WEAVE+004+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI78piLsGSiye18dwbjSQ2h5L1mPQ-DRBC5FhQvb3AXJmulc5xhwDJkiaWMDBxaEBLgYnpStCMCKFB7A-dX7iL3pFlSMkLkKnyJKmAuI1G98k56hWvjsonycUKa0qaC2tDvPEiT3gpOls/s320/2019+RED+WEAVE+004+%25283%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I worked out the design using a selection of the yarns and you can see the test sample at the top of this picture then I started to weave the two pieces I needed to make a bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPTpfJPeKQKW5mJ8tVwGUL-dxlLqZhZ65CNgMLJsVuAPgklwryTxCbtvyiwexmnhqXqP5cAQnjRJ2P1xORFxl-1xOkiUNhJppmJhkJopM-PA2b8iDSKyNSY13T6fJ0XlzNKMk8XcsXB4/s1600/2019+RED+WEAVE+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1099" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPTpfJPeKQKW5mJ8tVwGUL-dxlLqZhZ65CNgMLJsVuAPgklwryTxCbtvyiwexmnhqXqP5cAQnjRJ2P1xORFxl-1xOkiUNhJppmJhkJopM-PA2b8iDSKyNSY13T6fJ0XlzNKMk8XcsXB4/s320/2019+RED+WEAVE+004.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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I made a page in my weaving notebook with the design of the bag, a swatch of the chosen colours and the fake suede I planned to use for the base, sides and shoulder strap of the bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMqsn8opQTZnV5A2yz_aFM6Y5d5Y8XNTYEY3Lhhebw59pRBGSho2qko2vz9d9fGFP567Q5Gaz8OLRqDMZdVmG64ZFBCpyJpMOjzV4zejYdbctVv-rvrSHp14Z21EGJhdcZsE3V_EVfQ4/s1600/2019+RED+WEAVE+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="437" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMqsn8opQTZnV5A2yz_aFM6Y5d5Y8XNTYEY3Lhhebw59pRBGSho2qko2vz9d9fGFP567Q5Gaz8OLRqDMZdVmG64ZFBCpyJpMOjzV4zejYdbctVv-rvrSHp14Z21EGJhdcZsE3V_EVfQ4/s320/2019+RED+WEAVE+005.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
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I used the different yarns randomly, mixing thick with thin, shiny with bobbly and adding a tiny bit of bright orange to make everything pop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXO_RTORERncEISz__RBrgDc_j7NFWNtjFTh5EEyfXW1NxMU0_DFfKkaxdHj7d-PX0DaMz-I3lZPzpMi0S8_oLZmuU2RFFvcCGA-3fkY9QaWQGQRfAX_pZVzaHAnQ-clPa0OucNUmE5Ho/s1600/2019+RED+WEAVE+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXO_RTORERncEISz__RBrgDc_j7NFWNtjFTh5EEyfXW1NxMU0_DFfKkaxdHj7d-PX0DaMz-I3lZPzpMi0S8_oLZmuU2RFFvcCGA-3fkY9QaWQGQRfAX_pZVzaHAnQ-clPa0OucNUmE5Ho/s320/2019+RED+WEAVE+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When the weaving was finished, I had two pieces, one measuring 16 x 22 cms and the other 35 x 22, both of which I reinforced with iron-on interfacing and then facing out with shiny red satin. I kept the fringe free on the top end of the larger piece so that it could be the edge of the front. I also added a pocket on the inside just the right size for a mobile phone. I found a large bead to use for the fastening on a necklace bought in in Egypt many years ago and hardly ever worn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WehllUn52Fy43zy8RradoC8Z-kEao91CNJa3aMU0lsB_u6m133jiuqIlAuJ3_TWud3wR7S881r9A5D4oZGf5BDloG_LaCXpipWAPuHpSTghU3k_o2e3JIHCnGvBkpddP8yf4JueEsXg/s1600/2019+RED+WEAVE+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WehllUn52Fy43zy8RradoC8Z-kEao91CNJa3aMU0lsB_u6m133jiuqIlAuJ3_TWud3wR7S881r9A5D4oZGf5BDloG_LaCXpipWAPuHpSTghU3k_o2e3JIHCnGvBkpddP8yf4JueEsXg/s320/2019+RED+WEAVE+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut the suede into a long piece 8 x 150 cms which I joined with a flat seam then stitched to each piece of the bag so that the larger piece of weaving formed the flap. I turned in the sides so make the strap narrower over the shoulder. </div>
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The bag will be a birthday gift for Kirsty in May so please don't tell her if you know her!</div>
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<br />Valerie Gardinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623165378738928347noreply@blogger.com0