Machine Embroidery Workshop

Today I held a Machine Embroidery workshop. Some people had done some free machining before but not a great deal. In the morning I used my own machine embroideries based on seascapes as an inspiration for discovering the different marks that can be made with both straight stitch and zig-zag.

Variations were explored in speed and direction:

In the afternoon experiments in form followed the principle that spiral stitching creates peaks from flat fabric. Added to this zigzag stitch over wool yarn gave the opportunity to build in the same way as coil pots or basketry. Some lovely colourful pieces were created and stimulated ideas of further developments into jewellery, bowls or mini hats. It was great fun imagining what might be achieved!

What do you think?



A Weekend with Arran Visual Arts

For two days at the beginning of June I taught a workshop to Arran Visual Arts. What a treat to be invited to this lovely island! Of course the theme had to be landscape and seascape with such lovely views do dip into both on the island and across the water on the mainland.
Photographs were used to find interesting lines, shapes and colour schemes. Surfaces were created on both paper and fabric using crayons, stitch and specialist texture making fabrics. Experiments were made and developments into structural forms were trialed. Fun was had by all, including me.
Here are some of the bits and pieces: