Coming of Age

This year has been a special one for me.  I have focussed on my own creative journey and less on enabling others.  This has meant stepping back from regular classes and workshops and looking to others for their guidance and inspiration.

During the year I have been so fortunate to meet other artists and enjoy working with their materials for a change, some of which are very different from my own.  I designed this brooch using some of my embroidered motifs for inspiration.  Emma White and her team at the Jewellery Makers were encouraging and patient, helping me to create my ideas in metal.

Silver & copper brooch made with Emma White

Skipton Stitchers ran several workshops during the year and I rediscovered machine embroidery with Anne Brooke and her little paper boxes and Cathy of Dear Emma Designs with embroidered fabric bowls

 

Anne Brook's paper boxes

Fabric bowls made with Cathy 

The year has finished with a an exhibition at Farfield Mill, Sedbergh with Textilia 3.  Entitled TREASURED it celebrates all the little things in life that cherish, even if they are a load of old junk.  The inspiration behind my bird pictures came from a gift of vintage scissors and pins from the wonderful Sue (suestitchintime17)

Heron with carpet scissors

Pheasant with a collection of scissors, pins and button hooks

Chaffinch with button hole scissors and tailors chalk

Beetle with pins

Cheers to 2023!

Something to write about

 

Hand embroidered sketchbook covers 

Among the many tasks that I have set myself, this one has given me the most pleasure.  I love stationary and especially a good sketchbook.  Throughout the year I have been journaling - recording my holidays, adventures and things that I have cooked or eaten and a sketchbook is an essential element.

I've made these sketchbooks to accompany at new piece of work that will be displayed at the Mill Bridge Gallery, Skipton at part of Textilia3's exhibition SELF.  They will be on sale at the gallery which is open Thursday-Saturday 11am-4pm, 1st-24th December 2022.

For the love of spoons

 

It's a while since I've written anything but I'm starting to get my creative mojo back - hurrah!

I'm a member of Textilia 3 I am working on a new body of work called SELF.  I have to admit that it's been hard turning the spotlight on myself but after several false starts I began to focus on some of my Grandad's funny sayings.  His favourite was a rather back-handed compliment:

"Whatever else you are, you're a good cook"

Using a collection of antique spoons for inspiration, I have started to make kantha-stitched versions incorporating vintage fabrics.

SELF will go on show at Mill Bridge Gallery Skipton during December 2022.

Love yourself

Sometimes we can be too hard on ourselves, too critical of our failings, too driven to achieve perfection, too quick to take on more work.  As I stitch this heart sampler designed by Kelley Aldridge (featured in her book Raised Embroidery) I am trying to untangle myself and get a better perspective on life.  Over the last year or so, my blog posts have been rather random and infrequent but you can follow me on Instagram to see my current work

 

Back to school

 

In keeping with the trend for staycations, I took my latest workshop to The Stitch Society in Saltaire.  Working in part of the historic Salt's Mill complex, The Stitch Society make and sell their fabulous artisan work wear.  They have a light and airy teaching room overlooking the Leeds Liverpool canal which is a perfect place for small groups.

We stitched 3D elements using techniques such as wired work, Yorkshire buttons and woven picots to create a mini cactus garden in a glass bowl.  Katrina (centre) has only recently taken up embroidery as a lockdown project and was particularly pleased with her work!

Shadow play

Taking time for myself, I've been 'attending' some online workshops with Textile Artist Stitch Club.  This one was all about creating texture with stitches and it allowed me to spend a lovely afternoon in the sunshine practising some knotty stitches inspired by the shadow patterns made by leaves.  I used a variety of threads from traditional stranded cotton to raffia with a smattering of glass beads thrown in for good measure.  Thanks to Brooks Harris Stevens for a fantastic workshop!

 

Teaching again!

 

Hurrah - I will be teaching again!  After months of restrictions and virtual meetings I am so pleased to tell you that I will be offering workshops in real life.

I am running a day-workshop at The Stitch Society in their wonderful new rooms at Saltaire on Wednesday 16th June.  You will learn some of the basic stitches for raised embroidery and make three sculptural cacti which will be 'planted' in their own little terrarium - a perfect low-maintenance addition to any home office!

The day-workshop runs from 10am-3pm, price £45 which includes materials and lunch.  Why not treat yourself to a day out?  Places can be booked by contacting me on 07904 010430 or cketteman@aol.com