Well this is another Neptune's garden block. I aim to make it into a wallhanging of nine blocks. Can you imagine starfish are one of my "things"? Will keep you up to date as I complete further blocks, and join it into a wall pictur.

Neptunes Garden

This block will join the others I have created in Ken's workshop Neptune's garden. I started this quite some time ago, but I have decided to get on with this and make it into a 9 block wall hanging. So this wall hanging will have blocks made in workshops tutored by Ken, or inspired by him. It has my favourite colour and it will probably feature in the centre. You could be forgiven for thinking I have a thing for starfish.

Neptune's Garden 2

As promised here's another picture of a work in progress. Thwe coming few weeks will show whether it is a WIP or a WISP. Hope you enjoy what is machine embroidering on hand dyed silk using polyester, silk and cotton embroidery threads.

Neptune's Garden

My workshop with Ken Smith w sas sheer delight. I learnt so much. I have scanned several of my pieces and hope to add more over the weekend.

I have finished one block completely and a second one is well on the way. The work was enjoyable, the company delightful and the feedback on the standard achieved was flattering. I hope to finish my blocks and combine them with earlier ones to work the into a wall hanging or maybe a throw for my bed. I am not parting with this unless the price is right!

While holidaying at my eldest daughter's home I started stitching on this piece. I bought some beads resembling stones and the image just happened. It was so much fun. It is not quite finished but will feature in the exhibition which will now happen in November 2007.I am excited about finishing this little piece. As the exhibition will feature quite a few artists there will be loads of visitors. Looking forward to this very much. The holiday at my daughter's was very peaceful and enjoyable. Jos worked on cleaning bricks which Wilma will use in her backgarden as pavers and I helped her with other things. She finished a review of one of her books which went to the publishers while we were there and we had a celebration dinner with her. We had a wonderful evening.

Kirsten's Horsey quilt

Well, here it is. A WISP UFO finally finished and passed on to its new owner. Now I will start work on her brothers Chelsea Soccer Club quilt.

It will have photos of his favourite players, also one of himself now that he has become his team's leading goal kicker. He is so proud, and so are his parents and grand parents.

Kirsten spent the day with us on Wednesday as she was ill. I gave her the quilt to snuggle up in and allowed her to take it home.

purple blooms

I know I have posted this before, but I have done a fair bit of work on it and it is ready to be mounted. As it was published previously, I won't bore you with how I made it.

My next project is poppies in the field. That's next week.

starburst

Merino top felted with silk fibres and ribbon. I beaded it and then hand embroidered it. This work really talks to me! When I get it either framed or put on a block it will look impressive. I hope it appeals to other people as well. It was quite difficult to get the pattern of the star when I was felting it, but I guess I succeeded in what I tried to achieve, and I really enjoyed the challenge!

Tutorial, leaves

Requirements

Sheet of silk paper

sheet of rinse away, same size

variegated machine embroidery thread

pins

sewing machine set up for free motion embroidering, feed dogs down, top tension slightly lower than normal, needle size 70-80.

Carefully pin rinse away to silk paper. Test your embroidering for tension, adjust if necessary. I have made a "how to" stitch your leaf. I do not sketch my leaves, practice makes perfect. However, you can sketch leaves on the rinse away, stitch on the lines but remember:

If you want the effect of the variegated thread, you must wind it on the bobbin. (Hope this is clear, you do not do this if you stitch on the silk paper.

I have used numbers to show my method of stitching the leaf outline, leaving space between the stitch lines to give a clear impression, but not the only way to do it!
Once you are happy with your outlines, carefully cut around the outside of the leaf, quickly dip in hot water, then place on old towel and dab with another old towel to remove excess moisture.