Saturday Workshop

Back in June when the sun was shining and the air was warm (yes it did happen once or twice!) I was very lucky to spend a day at a workshop run by Cas Holmes.   It was arranged by Context, the Contemporary Quilt group I belong to and what a great day it was too.

It was titled "PAPER, TEXT AND IMAGE – DEVELOPING IDEAS FOR TEXTILES" and we had to take with us a variety of papers, fabrics and paint.   I must admit I hate putting things together for workshops, particularly when I don't have much of an idea about what the end result is going to be.  I either end up with too much or too little!   Being a creature of habit I stuck to my rusty colours and also took some rusty nails just in case!

We started by printing on to some of the papers and fabric using what ever came to hand including leaves and other items found in and around the Hall.  My nails came in handing as I used them as a printing 'block'. Then came the task of building up layers of fabric and paper held together with paste.

Cas was a wonderful tutor and although we were left to get on with our own materials and ideas, she was constantly going round the room commenting and advising as she went.   

I ended up with three pieces which I have used in differing ways.

The first one I stitched in to (having waiting at least a week doing nothing, as advised by Cas).  Also added some rusty nails!

The finished work mounted on cream board ready to frame.

The second piece I intend using as the design for a quilted hanging.  I want to dye some fabric to use but I also want to incorporate paper and found items.

The final piece I cut up as it was a bit 'busy'.  The pieces are now in one of my sketchbooks and who knows they may to used one day.

At the end of the workshop we had a show and tell/discussion which was made all the more worthwhile by Cas's thoughtful and though provoking comments.

A truly great day!

Play Day with Jo

Back in February my craft-mate and fellow Thread and Shutter member Jo and I got together to have a creative day together.

We started off dye some fabric and threads using snow.   We had intended to 'ice dye' but as the good Lord sent snow, we just had to use that instead.  It really is a great way to dye fabric as the resulting colour are generally very deep and rich.

Fabrics prepared ready to start

Jo packing on the snow

Snow packed fabric, ready for dye powder

   

Dye powder added - left for ice to melt

Finished fabrics

We also made some felt using the wet method - not my favourite way as it takes too long!

My effort

Jo's work

Just to finish off the day, Jo did some rust dyeing too.

Fabric wrapped and layered with rusty items

The resulting fabric