ScrapBag

 

I bought some lovely vintage fabric pieces recently, and having a bit of spare time, (yay!), - decided to do some stitching - which I haven't done for ages.  (This bag probably shows that!) However, I really enjoyed doing it.  Whilst rummaging, I also came across some beautiful buttons, which I just dont remember buying - maybe someone gave them to me* - anyway, I used those too.  

I've been fusing glass recently, (in a microwave kiln), and you have to wait while the glass cools down - so as I've been sorting through my fabrics, I did a bit of sewing, while waiting.

*have since found out where they kindly came from :o)

Tapestry Crochet

Carol Ventura

Irene Lundgaard

This seems to be a lovely technique - Tapestry Crochet - and fairly simple if you can do single crochets. (Though you can use other stitches).  Making it 'flat' is a little trickier as you have to crochet from right to left, and then left to right - in order to stay on the 'right side'.  However, if you crochet in the round - this is much easier as you are always working on the 'right side'.   Click here for a video link, with a very good tutorial
The work can also be felted if made in pure wool.

Richard Tuttle

This textile installation is in the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern (London, UK).  The colours in the photos are really saturated, but the actual piece is not quite as bright. Specially without the sunshine!  The fabrics were made and dyed in India - where the colours must look wonderful. There is an exhibition of his other varied works at The Whitechapel Gallery.

I'm afraid I wasn't so fond of a lot of the 'assemblages' but loved the more painterly pieces.

Jean-Paul Gaultier (iii)

 

 

I felt really inspired to do something with my J-P G photos, (from his exhibition), and have been making small painted sketches.  I used one idea of  'pattern', and played with it in Photoshop.  I cut out some of the picture, which I then felt looked like fabric cut pattern pieces - back to Square One! :)

Jean-Paul Gaultier - Barbican 2014 (ii)

These are just a few personal photos I took at the exhibition - 

I was interested in texture and pattern.

It's quite a substantial exhibition, and worth visiting, but find the 'talking' models a bit disconcerting!

Block Printing - Indian

Link

TeaBag Embroidery

You can, of course, embroider on anything. Here, I used some old teabags - dried out, cut and ironed flat, tacked (or stuck) on to a piece of calico backing, then machine and some hand embroidery.  I also added a small piece of burnt metal in the centre.  I pierced small holes through the metal, which was thin, and stitched it on to the fabric.  -  Very satisfying bit of recycling.

Nancy Nicholson

 



Joan Nicholson

Nancy Nicholson has the most delightful designs in her sew-kits. She also has stationery, printables, and lovely other stuff.   Do have a look.
Blog link.

Evelin Kasikov - CMYK Embroidery - Cross Stitch - on the edge!

Evelin Kasikov

Photoshop - (for beginners)

Using Photoshop as an inspiration for making other pieces of artwork - works wonders!  The ideas are endless, but here's a few simple ideas using a sample piece of embroidered applique I'd stashed away ages ago!

This is the original piece of applique work - I use a flatbed scanner ........



This is using the 'palette knife' filter, which adds a very painterly feel.

This is the 'water paper' filter which adds a very soft, hazy touch.

This is using the 'radial blur' filter

just a small photo of clear buttons

using the 'poster edges' filter - these could give you other ideas for drawings/paintings, textile pieces .... the problem is you could go on for ever - just using very simple Photoshop techniques.

Machine Applique

This is an applique technique - mostly machine stitched, with added sequins and some hand embroidery.  Different fabrics and nets are applied to a background fabric and decoratively machined and hand embroidered. 

Origami

The Origami Bride is probably a little too tricky for most people! 

but for lots of lovely instructions - try this website