More Educational Needlecraft and Applique

In honor of Educational Needlecraft's 100th birthday(see previous post), I'm working on some pieces that either reproduce or reflect on those found in the publication. They will not become permanent offerings, but will be limited in number throughout 2011, and will most likely vary some in color and design. Here are a two photos of one that is currently underway.

100 Years of Educational Needlecraft

Amazing, it was 100 years ago, in 1911, that Ann Macbeth and Margaret Swanson's revolutionary instructional book was published by Longmans Green & Company. When I first became interested in Glasgow Style Embroidery, I found two copies of the book in the UK- one is the first edition from 1911, and I'm still happy to have it. It is listed on my website page of resources to "find out more".

Pioneers in the UK, the authors wrote other instructional books to better enable teachers of "domestic arts" to inspire girls and young women to expand their skills- and to encourage the social revolution that the arts could be for All, not just the economically secure. Practical creativity meant that needle crafts didn't have to be created from expensive materials, nor did they need to be confined to evening wear or purely decorative objects.

The publication is now readily available in paperback version, and also online.

If you're going to be near Glasgow Scotland the middle of this month- an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of Educational Needlecraft is scheduled. Textilefest includes a tribute to Glasgow's role in the textile industry-Visit http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/ for more info- there is even a workshop on making your own drawstring bag- Glasgow Style!

Hearts and Knots

As I mentioned, I'm having fun making some new sachets. While procrastinating about something else, I made this one:


I found the basis for it in book that details methods of construction for Celtic Knotwork panels of the Pictish School. Pretty fascinating design stuff!

And, not too long ago, continuing my current avian interest, and figuring that it will be Valentine's Day soon, I embroidered a Crow. That is addicted to love.

They are both now listed in my Etsy shop- link on the right hand side of the page.

LOVE Sachets?

It's cold, and it's white outside. My mind wanders and thinks about everything else other than What It Should Be.

So, I'm playing with Love Sachets. Heart Sachets. Kind of Arts and Crafts period, kind of not. But different.

I'm starting to put some into the Etsy Shop- link on side of this page. Check them out.

Smelling great!

WOW does the studio smell fantastic! If you don't like the smell of lavender, don't come over. I just got a new shipment of amazingly fresh organic Washington lavender buds; it's truly astounding how fragrant they are.

Here's a quick shot of a large order that went out recently....

And, I seem to be on a bird binge.

I've been watching them come to the bird bath, which is now frozen every morning. As it thaws, little visitors show up for a drink and perhaps a short bath. They must know that the mountains are getting slammed with snow, and soon enough, the white stuff will be here too.

I've been drawn to red tones, as the fall ends here in Montana. Not much can compete with the brilliant red of a Cardinal in snow, but the logwood dyed red silk I use comes pretty close, don't you think?

The Robin on the right uses the same ruby red silk, and being the early bird that it is, has nabbed a ball of tweedy cotton yarn- naturally dyed by the talent Andie at Renaissance Dyeing, in France. There is a link to her site on the right of this page. These sachets, and more, are available in my etsy shop(again, see right for the link).

Back from the Summer

Well, it's been some time. No excuses, except it WAS summer, and I was keeping busy.

I had an interesting project, one I never thought I'd make. Actually, I never even thought about making one til I got a phone call. Many of us might have a need for one, living in old houses, with old interiors, and still, it had never crossed my mind. Ok, I'll say it.

A FLAT SCREEN TV COVER

Do you have one? Well, someone in my state does! Here are a few shots. I wish I could show it to you in situ, but the owner doesn't live nearby. If he ever sends me a photo, I'll post it here.

Sorry, not the greatest shot, but I had a hard time getting the entire piece. It's 70" wide. Yup, a big boy. Here's some details.

The cover is entirely lined with a high count muslin, to avoid static. You can see that in the photo on the right. Anyway, making something for the first time is always fun, and sometimes challenging.

ETSY SHOP SALE

Visit the Thistle Handwerks Etsy shop for a SALE on anything with PURPLE or BLUE. Sale ends July 31st.

My gardens are overflowing with Penstemon, Clematis, Wisteria, Veronica, Allium, Pansies, and more- in every hue of purple/blue you can imagine. I just love it!