Tuesday 8 November 2011

Quitting the Quilting.....

In my last blog post I said I'd show you how I was getting on with my little strip quilt....well it has transformed into a fabric weaving! :-) I think I'll leave the quilting to Maggi and all you other brilliant people out there and admit defeat. 
I am not a quilter.                                              
On the other hand I do love tearing strips of fabric and stitching onto them. The one below is a work in progress....I was intrigued to find the colours perfectly matched the dried honesty that Maggi gave to me. 





(Not Photoshopped...honesty!)
Most of those lovely fabrics were sent to me as second prize in a give-away from Plum Quilts. You can see the gorgeous piece she made with them here.
I've got lots left and have started another weaving (with the strips unpicked from my failed quilting attempt ;-)
That's 4 I have on the go now.......

Just over a week ago Maggi and I visited Staunton Harold Craft Centre in Leicestershire. We wanted to see the work of Michelle Homes (who had her work displayed in a recent exhibition at The Beetroot Tree). She shares a workshop and gallery with another artist, Carol Saunderson...its called the Archangel Studio. Michelle's work was on the front cover of Embroidery Magazine last month - you can see it here.
We spent a lovely half hour in the gallery chatting to the talented ladies and I bought one of Michelle's little machine-stitched ladies. As you can see, Carol's whippet likes to keep warm in the workshop!
After that it was lunch in the craft centre.......
....everywhere looked so beautiful it was hard to believe it was the last week of October!

I spent most of yesterday crocheting....I want to make a blanket but first I thought I'd experiment with different yarns and patterns....
...some are wool, some are cotton but still haven't quite decided yet. I'm going to Yarn in Beeston tomorrow with Mum, to get some advice and buy more supplies! I really like the African flower hexagons (pattern here ) but I think I'll probably go to go for the square top right (pattern here ).

And finally..... a Peachy pic (of course).
 I do yoga most days and I think the Boy has been watching. His spinal twist is amazing!!
(This is his favourite hiding spot on the landing)

And definitely finally..... have you discovered Pinterest yet? Sharon and I have - its amazing!!!!!
http://pinterest.com/     (My boards are here)
 I can lose whole days there!!!

33 comments:

melvin said...

Hello Linda, have a good day.
Melvin

Sandy said...

Oh Linda your quilting is brilliant.
So wonderful work.
Love it.

Anonymous said...

Love your post today....all full of colors and textures. The photo of the stitched woman caught my eye immediately and how nice that you bought one!

Crocheting is one thing I go back to when winter comes. And your photo of all those motifs is worthy of a poster (oh, except for the one that's not quite finished!!) with the beautiful colors. Went over to look at the link and thought those motifs were pretty, but I like the square one you picked, too. It looks like a flower in the center.

Thanks for an uplifting post....makes me want to hop on a plane and visit someday!

Hugs
jan

Anonymous said...

Lovely weaving. Looks like I'll never make a quilter out of you! Have you used a gold stamp on it? Nice pictures of Staunton, I am actually quite taken with Carol's work even though we went to see Michelle's. You crochet as well??
There should be a health warning on your blog - or at least you should be banned from putting on links to your Pinterest site. The boy is a contortionist.

Cynthia Schelzig said...

I love how you put those fabric strips together...what a lovely array of color. Thanks for the links ...will check those out ...of course,,,my Peachy shot...made me smile. Cats sure do love to sleep in strange contortionistic....is that even a word? postions don´t they. This one takes the cake but I know why he hangs out there ,,,as he loves the wallpaper you picked out...looks fab that aqua and grey on white. Pinterest you say...oh let´s not gooooo there. When I first discovered it I was held captive on my computer for hours....I have to stay away from it by orders of the Art Police,,,but I will go have a look see at your display. Wishes for a great rest of your week and hello to cutie....noooooo, not your husband,,,,,PEACHY!!!!

Caterina Giglio said...

not a quilter either.... peachy is adorable and yes, pinterest is great, I am currently addicted to tumblr... sigh... xo

Su said...

Love the idea of cutting stuff up and weaving it (I've just read another blog about the same process!). Peachy is lovely - funny how they like certain places isn't it.

Sandies' Patch said...

No matter what the content of your post, Peachy always grabs my attention, I could 'Catnap' him, he's so gorgeous!
Now, the fabric weaving is lovely and I can understand why you like it in preference to patchwork/quilting...it grows quicker! Reminds me of 'Spiritcloths' work.
Envious of your visit to Staunton, love that place and the food!
I like the Green Man pottery and jewellry in the corner unit next door to Michelle Holmes' studio.
I saw her Angels she stitched, I think it was about this time last year.
I like the Bread shop too, especially their olive flat bread, yummy!

Looking forward to seeing the completed weaving!

Have a great week,
Sandie xx

Julie said...

I love weaving fabrics and yours are beautiful. Do you manage not to stab yourself on those pins? I'm forever cursing mine! The last time I did any crochet was to make one of those waistcoats back in the 70's (showing my age again!). I am definitely not going to join Pinterest, I can't cope with any more distractions but I like your page and can see the attraction. :-) xx

Morna Crites-Moore said...

Love the color in that woven piece -- and the stitching as well. As for crochet - damn! I wish I understood it. I can knit, but crochet directions stump me. And I REALLY want to get into crochet with fine wire. Guess I'll just have to take a class. Plus, I know that half the battle is just DOING it. Please tell Peachy I say "meow, trpp, trpp, purrpurrpurr." xo

Morna Crites-Moore said...

P.S. I like your banner! :-)

Heather said...

I'm not a quilter and can't crochet either! Your stitched woven pieces and crocheted samples are delightful. Whichever one you choose to work with will make a lovely blanket.
Love the Peachy pic - he is a contortionist.
Thanks for all the links - I shall enjoy checking them out.

Nancy said...

I love your fabric weavings...so beautiful.....

Love the cat sleeping; reminds me of my Simon...

Don't get me started on Pinterest...I am so addicted...please visit me...The button is on my blog....

Anonymous said...

Pinterest is so totally addicting. Love your weaving and stitching and gosh crochet. Lovely colors too Linda. Peachy is getting some good releasing with that twist! xox Corrine

Judy S. said...

Love your crochet samples! You sure have a great eye for color, Linda. And that Peachy is just too cute!

Shashi Nayagam said...

Your weaving is beautiful Linda and the crochet samples too. Watch out Peachy might decide he wants to do weaving too lol!!

~*~Patty S said...

Hello Dear One ~ I am here playing catch up after our trip to the west coast ... again I could not help but think how the same number of miles headed the other way would have brought me close to you!
But our nephew's wedding was in California and we did have a brilliant time.

I think the way you play with fabric is fabulous...quilter or not...keep doing what you do so beautifully!
oxo
and you are very naughty indeed giving me your Pinterest link...off I go :)

Becca said...

Hi Linda! Love all your different yarns and patterns. I still want to teach myself to crochet more than just those little flowers, but just haven't yet. Love the colors in your first piece too. :-)

Lynette (NZ) said...

Gorgeous pinks...I haven't succumbed to Pinterest yet cos I am very afraid I would lose whole days {giggle}

Lorraine said...

I tried quiltiing too but it didnt suit my style as it was too neat. I like the textures of your weaving better...more arty looking. Looks like a great day out...your crochet is fab and love that cat doing the camel/cobra!

Plum Cox said...

Wow! Love how you are using the fabric. I'm glad you're not going to take up quilting and show us all up.....you seem to have an excess of talent in everything that you try and enjoy - great weaving, photos, crocheting....!!
Keep having fun - that's the main thing. Quilting won't go away, and you can always play with it again another time, when you might find an aspect of it that you enjoy more. Happy crafting!

Rosie said...

Reading about your trip with Maggie made me wish I'd been there! Loving the crochet patterns - I can only do squares (and not very well). Peachy looks as adorable as ever, our Rupert on the other hand is in the Dog House .....

Bunty said...

Love the beautiful fabrics Linda and they are great woven. We can't all be good at everything - I can't crochet and have always wanted to but I can quilt on a very small scale and in fact have started quilting again in the last few months.

All your work is stunning. You are also so lucky tobe able to visit all the interesting craft centres and workshops you post about.

I agree that Peachy's spinal twist is amazing!

Barbara x

Unknown said...

I love your little art "quilt!" what makes a quilt anyway? The batting inside it? Oh well .... You are charting new territory :)

Emma said...

Lovely fabric weaving, we can leave trad quilting to those with the precision techniques, & crocheting too! Beautiful colors. That spinal twist looks wonderful - if I try to do any yoga downstairs I get a faceful of my dog who just wants to join in!

Janny said...

Thnkx for sharing your beautiful work and gerat pictures, I enjoyed it :-)

Emelie said...

First, Peachy Boy is so beautiful and you tell him so please from Emelie.
This is a most entertaining post,
Such beauty in the gardens yet, love the weaving, the painting, how it is all presented for the viewer. I feel new inspiration right now!

Anonymous said...

I love these woven pieces and the colours are great. Not colours I would normally go for myself but they really appeal having seen them together! Definitely going to have a go at the African hexagon flower. Thanks for the link. :o)

Terri said...

I can't believe I missed this post!
Anyways...your spirit cloth is amazing. Those are lovely colors! The crochet is fab too. I love to crochet and am thinking too, of what I want to do this winter.
Peachy is so adorable. I think he has that spinal twist down to a fine art : )
Hope you are well.
Hugs,
Terri

Lynn said...

I love what you are doing with your fabric weaving, when you embroider on it, it adds so much texture doesn't it? Never mind if you don't feel you are a good quilter, you can always have another go later.
Loving seeing your crochet too, funny how we seem to explore different forms of art, and crochet really can be an art form.
Nice day out you had too, looks like a beautiful day you had :)

suziqu's thread works said...

Love your fabric weaving and such a beautiful blending of colours too!
Your crochet pieces are beautiful too. I am making one similar in grannie squares with mohair - purples, mauves, browns, olive.
Have a wonderful week!
Suzy

MulticoloredPieces said...

Really like your weaving/stitching piece--lovely colors. Also thought your Stef Francis piece was smashing.
Happy holiday stitching!
best from Tunisia,
nadia

Jaqi said...

Fabulous post Linda I loved reading it. You always make the most wonderful things and I adore the way you display your pictures, I cant get mine to go like that , there must be a secret to it is there? lol hope you are well and getting ready for christmas . spk soon Jaqi xx

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