My current obsession , (or one of them...there are many) the most current however, as in yesterday (and earlier this week) is to join random embroidered pieces together thereby creating a seam to embellish. These two were never intended to be put together but they were in my line of vision so there was no way I couldn't do it. I spent a few happy hours last night adding pink beads and silver sequins to the joining seam here along with turkey work, more sequins and more beads along one edge. What's not to love?
Just in case you missed it yesterday there's a new adventure planned for 2019, yes.....the whole year.
Ledgers, a record of stitch.
A Ledger. 'a record'.
Begins Monday 28 January 2019.
Duration 52 weeks.
Video posts fortnightly.
Private password protected blog.
Private online forum for discussion and image presentation.
No deadlines.
No set tasks.
Lifetime access.
Learner location not an issue.
Suitable for the beginner and the more experienced.
No hidden 'extra' charges.
Welcome mail including suggested supply list sent upon registration.
Ledgers and embroidery. Why? How?
The why.
Record your ideas for stitch on beautifully composed and presented pages within a bound ledger, or other presentation method of your choice, creating a record, a resource which will become your 'go to' library of stitch and design ideas in which you will have catalogued preferred thread colours, favourite fabric choices and ideas for pattern and surface design.
The how.
Using video demonstration I will show you how (using your chosen imagery) pattern and stitch ideas can be developed through the study of colour, shape and texture. This sampling and investigating will be recorded in our ledgers where we will also examine exciting and innovative presentation ideas for stitch and embroidery samples.
During the early stages of our online learning programme I will guide you with regard to your imagery choice. This 'starting point' could be a favourite scrap of cloth, a postcard or an appealing image from a favourite book. There is no hard and fast rule for this, each of us is inspired in a unique manner with favourite patterns and colours which are personal to us.
Using our chosen imagery we will examine colour and record our discoveries by wrapping thread cards, snipping cloth and creating stitched scraps.
Paint and pencil?
I feel I need to address this. I am paint and pencil phobic. I avoid their use at all costs. There are many ways to create a colour study without their use. If there is a non pencil/paint method I will find it.
That does not mean you can't use paint or pencil. Instruction will be given on where that may be appropriate should you wish to utilise those.
Early stages
Following initial investigations into colour we will progress to pattern examination, again using stitch and embroidery process to record our discoveries.
Through the duration of this online learning programme we will 'create and record', whilst always paying detailed attention to the presentation of our studies and samples.
Sampling in this manner often gives rise to ideas for finished pieces, inspires new work and informs the design process. Guidance with regard to this aspect will be given, you will be encouraged and supported throughout.
This is not a book making class. I will be working in a bought ledger/sketchbook during this online programme however you are free to present your pieces in any way you choose. That may be in a bought ledger/sketchbook, you may wish to make your own ledger, you may wish to mount your pieces simply, on sheets of paper or cloth. Guidance will be provided with regard to this apsect of the presentation process throughout.
Finally, no tasks/sampling are compulsory. You can choose to follow me diligently or you can take inspiration from video demonstrations and adapt those to suit your own creative needs. The most important thing as far as I am concerned is that this class brings you pleasure, that you have fun and that you feel at ease as part of a wonderfully creative community.
There are several posts on this blog which give a good indication of what can be achieved during a Ledgers class. Those links are below....
Registration is open now but will be taken down on Saturday for a few days as I am going to London. (Christmas shopping allegedly but I may accidentaly wander into a fabric shop too)