Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Upcoming Workshops


I will be teaching a couple of classes at the new quilt shop in Salmon Arm, B C and then a five-day workshop at Sorrento Centre's Quilt Week in April . . . would you like to come and join me?

Needle Felted Wrist Cuff ... Learn needle felting for the first time or enhance your felting skills in this short class where you will create a unique felted cuff bracelet. Using wool roving and yarn you will make a delightful base that can then be further stitched, beaded and embellished. Suitable for hand felting or needle felting machine..
Friday, February 6, 9:30 – 12:30
at Thread n Paper, Salmon Arm. phone 250-832-3937 
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Silk Fusion - Lustrous silk fibre can be manipulated to become “paper” or “fabric” that can then be used in a variety of fibre art and scrapbooking projects. In this class you will create a piece of silk fusion and explore many ways that you can use it in future projects. In the second class you will be on your way to completing an art quilt by embellishing your silk fusion with machine quilting, funky embroidery stitches, and beads and silk cocoons. It's a whole new way to play with fibre! (On the right is a sample is made from some beautiful new creative packs that include silk along with hand dyed fabric, thread, ribbon, cocoons etc.) For beginners to advanced.
Saturday, March 7 & 21, 1-4pm
at Thread n Paper, Salmon Arm. phone 250-832-3937
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Butterflies and Dragonflies
Butterflies and dragonflies have delightful patterns on their wings that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Come and join us for five days of exploration into the designs we can create using butterflies and dragonflies as our inspiration. We will do some free motion thread painting on organza, play with textile paints and foiling to enhance some designs and experiment with additional beading and hand stitches for embellishment. We will explore artsy ways to make their bodies and attach them creatively. You will be provided with an idea for creating a small art quilt with a butterfly or dragonfly as a focal point, or you might choose to work on your own design. This workshop will be enjoyable for those who are experienced quilters but it is also a great way to jump into art quilting if you are a novice. The only experience you need is being comfortable with your sewing machine. I hope you will come and have fun with us!
April 25-29 (arrive on the 24th and leave on the 30th if you are staying onsite)
at Sorrento Centre 250-675-2421 or www.sorrento-centre.bc.ca) for more information and registration.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Wildflower Meadows in Felt and Stitch

Wildflowers are a favourite theme for me when I am needle felting. The felting seems to lend itself to gentle landscapes and adding hand stitched flowers and foliage seems to make them come alive.

This is the first time that I have stitched the felted landscape to a fabric background and then continued the stitching into that background.

The piece was then wrapped and stapled to a stretched canvas for hanging.


Saturday, January 10, 2015

Valentine's Day Inspiration

I rarely make "seasonal" items but this week I had the urge to create something with a Valentine's Day theme. I have been having fun needle felting lately and decided to work with my red wools (with a touch of purple and orange to liven it up). The heart is silk fusion with free motion stitching appliqueing it in place. 

I love the curly locks of hand dyed wool ... and I added some funky hand stitches (knots and crosses to carry the theme) and some pretty silk yarn to the surface. Here is the result!








The final piece was wrapped onto an 8" square artists' canvas and stapled to the back. It makes a delightful small wall decor that can be enjoyed year round. 

This is available in my Etsy shop (click on the box on the right of the screen to go there).