The Peacock Emporium

Two specially commissioned cushions - Paris & Ickworth House

2012-01-13T16:28:00.001Z

These two oblong cushions were designed and made for a special customer. They were a pleasure to make and a really pushed me out of my comfort zone! Ickworth House is a beautiful building near Bury St Edmunds. It has a destinctive rotunda which is represented on the cushion. Both cushions are made from Laura Ashley Oatmeal linen and the appliques are made using vintage tweed fabrics.

Back in action - vintage fabric purses

2012-01-07T14:32:00.000Z

After a well earned break I have been back to my sewing machine this week and have made a selection of purses from my gorgeous stash of vintage and liberty fabrics. The fabrics are so lovely to work with and make a welcome change from my usual Cath Kidston!

Tweed, tweed, tweed!

2011-12-04T20:49:00.000Z

This is part of my new winter collection of tweed products with appliqued flowers and vintage buttons. The purses also have beautiful vintage floral lining. I have really enjoyed making these and must thank Paula for kindly donating the fabric to me. A few purses are left in my ebay shop, but I have sold out of cushions until I get stitching again in the New Year. At the mo I have commissions galore which are keeping me out of trouble, but looking ahead, plans are afoot for a website launch in February. Wishing all my friends and customers a Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year.

My reupholstery project!

2011-10-31T12:11:00.001Z

I found this lovely dark wood chair in a secondhand shop. It was covered in a horrible old pub type fabric (and it smelt like one!), but it was only £30. I am not very confident with things like this but thought I would give recovering it a go. I am so pleased with the result that I just had to share!!! It has zips and buttons and weird shapes and everything!!!

More Christmas Products

2011-10-14T19:00:00.000+01:00

Here we have more from my Christmas collection. I have made some stockings with vintage fabric and others with Riley Blake Christmas fabric. I have trimmed them using ribbons, ric rac braid and mini pom pom trim. The button brooches are tiny - 4cm accross and match my mulled wine scented keyrings. More and more to follow!

The first bits from my Xmas collection

2011-10-13T22:58:00.000+01:00

More bits to follow soon. Just a little taster - these keyrings are mulled wine scented! They are in my ebay shop now. I have also made brooches and stockings.

Another special commission for another special customer

2011-10-04T21:08:00.000+01:00

This is a messenger bag made from Cath Kidston washed blue spot fabric with Cath Kidston sprig lining. The handle was made from two layers of cream webbing with striped tape stitched in the middle. The bag has two waterproof pockets for children's sports bottles. I also made a matching purse with a cupcake design.

Special commission for a special customer!

2011-09-21T12:17:00.000+01:00

Recently, a lovely customer commissioned me to make her a slouch bag with a matching purse and phone cover. This is the result. The spotty peacock blue fabric is Cath Kidston and it has been teamed with a pure irish oatmeal linen. The bag was designed by me - it is fully lined with the linen, fastens with a zip and features waterproof pockets for children's drinks bottles! I love doing commissions as it pushes me out of my comfort zone and often sparks new techniques and designs.

New Lavender Hanging Pillows

2011-09-08T22:05:00.000+01:00

This week I have been making little lavender cushions from Cath Kidston and Tanya Whelan fabric. Hate to tell you this - but I am starting to think about Christmas! Watch this space.

A diversion from Pink!!!

2011-09-02T14:11:00.000+01:00

I love pink!!! Living in a household of boys (including the cat!) I have to be a bit girly from time to time. Most of my products are very girly - pastels and muted colour. So to provide variety I have put together a little sari inspired collection using Amy Butler fabric. Still pink though - but this time HOT pink and lime green - I love it. I will see how to goes down and then perhaps more to come.

Lots and lots of purses

2011-08-30T23:35:00.000+01:00

My ebay shop has been a bit low on stock so I have been working hard to produce some new items. My shop is now full of purses and cosmetic bags made using Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley fabrics. Follow the link on the side bar to see the full collection.

A Dummy Bag made using Cath Kidston Fabric

2011-08-22T14:09:00.000+01:00

Recently, a lovely customer commissioned me to make a dummy bag to hang over a buggy handle. This is the result. It has an adjustable strap and waterproof spotty inner. The outside design is made using Cath Kidston Blue Spray and Laura Ashley Oatmeal Linen. A commissioned Kindle cover next!

Pyramid Sunflower Bag and Matching Purse

2011-08-12T11:54:00.000+01:00

This is a new design I have been working on for my exclusive collection at Ilovesunflowers.co.uk. It is made from a linen blend, is lined and has been stiffened so that it holds its pyramid shape. I have also made a matching purse that fits neatly inside. These will be available soon to order on the I Love Sunflowers website. Busy, busy, busy!!!

Last efforts before I am Mum again - cushions!!!

2011-07-20T11:51:00.000+01:00

So the summer hols are nearly upon us and I will be trying to keep The Peacock Emporium ticking over whilst entertaining two lively boys. This week I have been working solidly to get my shop filled, commissions finished and all the ends tied up. These cushions are a little trial to see how they sell. If they are successful I may produce more, but I am thinking that they may be nicer and more unusual in a bolster form.

Slouch Bags with Cath Kidston Fabric

2011-07-19T20:52:00.000+01:00

A customer commissioned me to make a slouch bag. I always welcome commissions as they push me out of my comfort zone and often spark a new range, but still I approach them nervously and can think of little else until I have a good idea of how to start. So the peacock green bag was my prototype and was followed by the denim bag which the customer requested. They involved inserting zipped pockets and a zipper lining which is always trial and error for me (is there such a thing as a zip course - if there is I need to go on it!) Anyway, I am pleased with the results. More bags to follow.

Some Firsts - Cushions and Crochet!

2011-07-12T14:43:00.000+01:00

I am going to produce some cushions for my shop, but wanted to have a little practise first. So I made some envelope cushions (zips scare me!!!) out of a vintage blanket, a lovely piece of fabric I have been hoarding for the right occassion and a woven remnant I found recently. I am also learning to crochet, so added the first ever crochet flowers I have made (they took three evenings to produce!!!). next I am going to have a go at putting my applique picture designs onto cushions in the same vane as the sunflowers ones I produced recently for ILoveSunflowers.com. I'm going in!

Discount Code for Wash Bags and Tote Bags

2011-07-07T11:08:00.001+01:00

Special Introductory Offer

15% discount at www.ilovesunflowers.co.uk

(Valid until 6pm Friday 15 July)

Beautiful Handmade Pink/Lilac Gingham and Rose Wash and Tote Bags

Discount Code – please enter at the checkout and your 15% discount will be applied:
WASHJUL11

New range for I Love Sunflowers

2011-07-06T22:27:00.000+01:00

These are some new products that I have been working on for www.ilovesunflowers.co.uk They consist of drawstring wash bags and tote bags for girls and linen appliqued cushions, all with the exclusive sunflower design that I have been commissioned to produce. Some of the products use Cath Kidston or Tilda fabric.

Drawstring Wash Bags with Waterproof Lining

2011-07-02T21:51:00.000+01:00

Here we have a new little collection of wash bags ready for the holiday season. They are fully lined with patterned fabric and have a waterproof layer as well. I am going to make some with children's fabric too.

Taggies - Baby Comfort Blankets

2011-06-22T20:51:00.000+01:00

I have been making these taggies for a little while now and they always go down a storm with babies who love labels. They measure 20x20cm and have a padded inner. I stitch the ribbons in place four times for security. The latest addition to my collection is the owl brushed cotton taggy. I love this fabric and am trying to think of other uses for it.

Feedsack Cloth - finally found a use

2011-06-21T13:55:00.000+01:00

I have been hoarding some lovely feedsack cloth from the US for ages now and have reluctantly decided to use it to make these little purses! Not sure of the date of the fabric but it is definitely pre-1950s. Not sure how these will go as they are not my normal shabby chic as they are quite funky. Let's wait and see.

Preparation for an exhibition

2011-06-09T10:42:00.000+01:00

Just thought you would like to see what I have been up to since Friday! Because of half term I have had no time to prepare for an exhibition I am in at the weekend. So as from Friday night I have been working flat out. Still a bit more to do, but I am nearly there. Wish me luck! Might have a few days off next week.

Brand New 'Nautical Collection' - Beach Hut Theme

2011-05-28T13:32:00.000+01:00

Here we have my new designs - appliqued and free machined beach huts made using Cath Kidston fabrics. Going down well so far!

North Devon anyone? Check out my products in this shop!!!

2011-05-22T15:11:00.000+01:00

If you are ever in Hatherleigh, near Okehampton in North Devon check out the Little Soap Box - they are now stocking my products. Sooooo excited!!!!

Sunflowers - a new exclusive range

2011-05-20T19:12:00.000+01:00

I have a new range of sunflower design products that are exclusive to http://www.ilovesunflowers.co.uk/ All ready for summer! The range include appliqued and free-machined pictures, cosmetic bags, purse, lavender hearts and lavender keyrings, all made using Cath Kidston fabrics. If you or anyone you know loves sunflowers check out the website.

Little Lavender Keyrings using Cath Kidston fabric

2011-05-09T15:59:00.000+01:00

So here is a new range of mine - little lavender keyrings. I have continued with chickens as they have proved so popular but have also developed the sunflower range for the ilovesunflowers website. I will get round to designing more - for my own sanity more than anything else!

I have been dreaming Sunflowers!!!

2011-05-06T14:53:00.000+01:00

I have been a bit quiet of late as family life has taken over - the long Easter break gave me time to recoup and plan my next textile adventure. So what have I been up to? Well, those of you who know me know that I am not still for long and this week I have been working on some exclusive designs for a website called www.ilovesunflowers.co.uk This is run by two lovely ladies in Norfolk who use local artists to create sunflower themed products. My products will be appearing on their website very soon. I promise to post pictures promptly. My sunflowers are not the traditional ones you might think of but have a Peacock Emporium twist. Have a tantalised you enough!!!! Watch this space and in the meantime check out the site.

All things Easter

2011-03-23T15:13:00.000Z

Here we have a few of my Easter products - can you spot the common theme? After Easter there will be a change of design - can't wait, although I do love chickens! I would like some of the real kind but hubby says NO!

Teacups and Treasures

2011-03-16T22:17:00.001Z

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Teacups-Treasures/164903453537432?ref=ts

If any of you are ever in North Somerset, check out this fab little shop. They are now stocking my products!!!

1940s Vintage Style Aprons/Pinnys

2011-03-10T21:30:00.000Z

I have been wanting to make these for ages and finally found a pattern. However the rebel that I am discarded that pattern pretty quickly and made my own adjustments and enhancements! The result is these ditsy print wrap aprons. They are trimmed with bias binding and fully lined.

Featured in a restaurant!

2011-02-26T13:54:00.000Z

I now have my products in a fab restaurant near to me and they have featured me on their blog. http://dinewithrelish.com/2011/02/check-out-our-new-suppliers/ Check it out. This restaurant is beautiful and they have displayed my products along with all their other produce. How exciting!

More new button badge/brooch designs - Octopus, Fish, Easter Chick, Ladybird and Beach Huts

2011-02-25T19:53:00.000Z

These are a slightly larger version of my original design at a whopping 4cm giving me scope for more adventurous designs. The beach hut flag was particularly challenging as it measures only a few mm - it called for a smaller needle I found.

My appliqued new button brooches /badges

2011-02-18T13:23:00.002Z

Here we have some new cute little badges/brooches that measure 29mm across. I applique these by free-machining them - tiny little movements are required on very small pieces of fabric. It reminds me of the man who carved things into the ends of matchsticks - well not quite that small but you know what I mean! I use cover buttons and then attach a brooch back onto them using epoxy resin.

New make up bags and purses - Cath Kidston fabric

2011-02-11T19:56:00.000Z

I bought some Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley fabric and started a new collection of treats. My sewing machine has been steaming this week

New applique picture designs - cats, cottage and sailing boat

2011-02-08T19:21:00.000Z

The 'Love Birds' series of these pictures have been selling like mad, so I needed a change and made a few new designs. I will see how these go down.

Valentines sets - Embroidered Purses and Button Brooches

2011-02-04T12:34:00.000Z

I have been working on these cute little sets. The brooches are 3cm across and make you go a little cross-eyed when stitching them! In the bags I put a little fabric sachet of lavender.

Our Rainforest quilt

2011-01-30T14:07:00.000Z

My little one and I have been making a rainforest quilt this weekend as this is his school topic. We stuck bits of fabric onto a background first and then went round the pieces on the machine. He even had a go at free machining himself! Animals include a harpy eagle (never heard of this before), tree frog, poison arrow frog, jaguar, crocodile and toucan.

Appliqued and embroidered pictures

2011-01-27T22:02:00.001Z

Had one of my many overnight inspirations on Tuesday night and woke up and made these appliqued pictures titled 'Teatime', 'Seaside' and 'Bird of Love'. All got sold today so making more tomorrow!

1950's style aprons and pinnys using retro and vintage fabric

2011-01-23T20:52:00.003Z

Here are the pinnys I have been working on as modelled by my mum! Going to make some 1940s cross over style aprons next if I can get hold of enough fabric.

A vintage shop wants 'stuff'

2011-01-21T21:59:00.003Z

A funky vintage shop in my town has bought some of my bits and bobs to sell and is going to do a special 'exclusive to Diss' display. I'm thrilled! Also I have just set up my Etsy shop and put a few things on there - check it out via the link to the side of my blog. Today I have been working on different designs of 1950's style pinnys - will post a photo later.

Makeup bags, purses and brooches made using vintage fabric

2011-01-19T19:54:00.004Z

I have had some interest from a local vintage clothes shop who want to have a look at some of my 'stuff' with a few to stocking a bit. So this week I have been using my vintage fabric to make brooches, purses and phone pouches.

Shabby Chic Button Brooches / badges

2011-01-12T14:58:00.002Z

You lot are going to get sick of my constant blogging!!!! Today's work involved making little brooches using free machining - they are only 3cm across! Fiddly and fun.

Lavender hearts made using Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley fabric

2011-01-09T19:02:00.004Z

My eldest son has flu and we have been confined to the house - in quarantine! In between nursing duties I have been making and using up bits and bobs of fabric and the huge amount of dried lavender I have been given from my friend's garden.

Vintage inspired make up bags and tweed purse

2011-01-07T09:41:00.005Z

So with much deliberation I have decided to give my hobby a chance to make me a few pennies. It means that I can be at home for the boys which I love and sew which I love. I am starting small - testing the water by selling on ebay and folksy - just to see what works and what doesn't. I have loads of vintage fabric which is just sitting here so I am going to make things that hopefully people will want to buy. I am also going to produce some larger more arty pieces to perhaps exhibit. This is all a bit scary as I am not used to putting myself out there, but I am going to give it a go and the most important thing is that I can still be mummy! I have called myself The Peacock Emporium. Peacocks became significant to me when I was having a rough time a few months back and everywhere I went peacock feathers appeared - so it just had to be! A few bits that I made ths week is on ebay right now - so check them out (search handmade make-up bag vintage). Hope everyone is well and I wish all my blogger friends a healthy and happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T22:32:00.003Z

Thanks for all the lovely positive comments recently- they really did cheer me up and it is good to get advice from like minded people. New things are afoot for me - I am going to do something brave so watch this space. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy and productive New Year.

Christmas Stockings made using vintage bits and bobs.

2010-12-09T16:15:00.003Z

Here are some Christmas stockings made using vintage tweed fabrics, trims and buttons.

Lake District Scene painted on Calico and embroidered - a commission

2010-11-09T22:18:00.004Z

So what have I been up to lately. Well!!!

I am now working three days a week sewing curtains for interior designers. I also have an order for 160 (yes 160) bags to fufil before Xmas. Oh yes - then there is the children and so on... Just managed to sneak in this cheeky lake district picture for a ruby anniversary present. It is painted calico which has then been hand embroidered.

Silk Painted Banners for my brothers fab wedding

2010-08-17T09:48:00.008+01:00

This weekend my brother married Helen after 15 years together. They married at Taperely Manor in Devon and it was a really special day. They asked me to make some banners to hang in the barn where the reception took place. These were 6ft by 3ft and I decided to silk paint them. Simon and Helen wanted the banners to represent the seasons and contain symbols of these seasons. They also wanted to have an overarching theme of spirals representing the cycle of nature. I hope I achieved this and was glad to be a part of their special day.

Finished!!!!

2010-07-31T19:45:00.003+01:00

I had confirmation from Sian today that I have completed the certificate course. I have decided not to do the Diploma yet as I have lots of arty things I want to do. I may well do the Diploma once I have run out of inspiration! I will continue to blog and follow all my Distant Stitch friends. I have really enjoyed doing the course and want to say a big thank you to Sian. Keep stitching everyone!

Helping or hindering?

2010-07-19T16:08:00.001+01:00

This is Simba - had a bit of help with my final piece!

Module Six: Presentation Board of Supporting Work

2010-07-19T16:06:00.003+01:00

Here I have put together all the elements used in the design and construction of my final piece.

Final piece for Module Six

2010-07-19T15:07:00.002+01:00

So here is my final piece. It is difficult to photograph as it is 110cm long. The strips have been cut from the fabric shown in the previous blog. These have been backed with dyed silk and stiffened with pelmet vilene. The little squares are very stiff and have been made from dyed silk with wax rubbings (heat set) and then bonded to pelmet vilene and felt giving a sharp edge. All the strips and squares have been wired together and then wired to a stick wrapped with dyed scrim. The lacy strips were sewn to the top stick and then allow to hang freely behind the more structured piece.

Module Six, Chapter Eleven

2010-07-19T14:57:00.002+01:00

Here we have the beginnings of the construction of my final piece:

1)Second layer - whip stiched circles

2) Base layer: zi-zag metallic whip stitch in intersecting lines. Fabric allowed to pucker and gather.

3) Top painted plastic layer added. Zig zags stitched and then layers cut back to reveal underneath.

4)SOS strips on dissolveable fabric - 4 foot long!

Module Six, Chapter Ten

2010-07-19T14:39:00.002+01:00

The following images show sampling and design development for my final piece:

1) Base layer

2) Second layer

3) Top plastic layer

4) Construction techniques and final decisions.

5) Construction and an additional idea

Chapter Nine: My chosen paper design

2010-07-12T10:09:00.002+01:00

I have decided on my final design. I have taken inspiration from the lovely zig-zag groyne shapes I discovered when researching the conservation theme. I cut up one of my previous designs from this chapter and repositioned them in strips to form a zig-zag:

The above image shows the strips laid out on the floor with no connectors. The final piece would hang vertically rather than in this horizontal position. The strips go from small and more tightly packed at the top to wider and spacier at the bottom to give perspective.

This is a close up of one of the strips - this will form the inspiration for my sampling. I intend to produce three separate layers.

Connecting the strips. One initial thought is to produce a lacy framework to attach the strips to. The above sample from a previous chapter produces this effect. Another thought is to connect the strips with wire (a rusty wire speaks to me) or to simply sew the strips together so they support each other. More ideas to explore in the next chapter.

Chapter Nine: Final Paper Designs

2010-06-18T20:33:00.002+01:00

I have translated a few of my smaller colour designs into larger more developed versions:

1) Top layer is paper that has been inked when covered with sellotape. This was cut into semi circles and reassembled on greeny blue paper. This was then cut again in the same way but opposite to the original and reassembled onto a background which has been decorated with 'SOS' in red.

2) This is the same design and method as above but uses a top layer of clingfilm with fragments trapped in it, then a layer of green inked paper mounted onto a bottom layer of greaseproof paper with melted wax crayon on it.

3) Royal blue waves mounted onto white paper decorated with 'SOS' and wax rubbings.
Waves then recut and mounted onto dark green background. This was then recut into a shape that draws inspiration from a splash theme I have used before. The pieces were finally mounted onto a green background decorated with red rubbings.

4) Zig-zags cut into a transparent sheet of plastic which had been painted green. This was applied to a piece of light green inked paper with red spirals wax rubbings (this is still visible through the plastic). The zig-zags were cut again and then applied to strips of red ink paper applied to tracing paper to carry on the transparent theme.

Module Six, Chapter Nine

2010-06-18T14:12:00.003+01:00

I have coloured a variety of different papers using different techniques ready for the design process for my final piece. Some of the techniques used include: sponging ink onto plastic, tissue and foil, bleaching thick handmade paper, trapping fragments between clingfilm layers, taking rubbings, melting wax onto tracing paper and combining all of the above.

Here are some small coloured designs I have produced using my black paper pieces from Chapter Eight:

My next step is to produce some of these designs on a larger scale (A3).

Module Six, Chapter Eight

2010-06-17T15:15:00.005+01:00

This is my initial research for the 'Conservation Theme': I have chosen the conservation of the North Norfolk Coastline.

The following photographs show how I have interpreted words with torn and cut black paper. Some of these words relate to my theme:

Module Six, Chapter Seven

2010-06-17T15:03:00.003+01:00

This chapter is about the use of dissolvable fabrics.

Above: small samples to test different dissolvable fabrics and stitching effects.

Below: larger samples to interpret drawn marks:

1) Spiral whip stitch

2) Lots of cable stitch in waves

3)A sample with fragments trapped between the fabric

4) A grid of cable stitch.

5) A spiral stitch sample mould round a glass when wet to produce the below 3d sample when dry:

Module Six, Chapter Six

2010-06-15T12:01:00.003+01:00

Here are my cutwork samples for Chapter Six. Each sample has its inspiration from chapter two below it to show how my designs have been developed:

1) Four layers of fabric put together at the start. Stitching on the top with whip stitch in zig-zag and cable stitch. Then layers cut through to reveal the different fabrics underneath. Edges then frayed

2) Red base fabric stitched with whip stitch in zig-zag of varying widths. Green fabric applied and stitched in a wave pattern. Alternate waves cut through to reveal red. Shimmer organza added and cable stitched. Organza then cut back.

3)Red base fabric decorated with metallic machine stitched spirals. Blue fabric added and vermicelli stitch on in waves. Blue cut back to reveal red. Blue organza added and stitched in waves with red cable stitch. Then cut back further to reveal red and blue underneath.

4)Green bleached fabric decorated with waves of blue cable stitch. Dyed scrim added and machine in waves of straight whip stitch. Scrim cut back to reveal green.

Module Six, Chapter Five

2010-06-07T13:00:00.005+01:00

Here are my samples that translate my drawing marks from Chapter One into free machine stitchery pieces. I have shown the pages of my workbook which show the inspiration for the samples and then have shown close-ups of the samples. Apologies for the poor quality photographs of the plastic covered samples - reflection spoils the quality.

1)Scrim stitched with wavy cable stitch. Scrim threads pulled and then stitched with zig-zig and straight stitching wavy lines.

2)Organza over layers of felt to pad. Zig-zag stitched in lines of varying widths. Another layer of organza added and then restitched with wavy zig-zag and straight stitch.

3)Plastic bag over dyed cotton. Continuous spirals of straight stitch in metallic thread.

4) 'SOS' stitched using red whip stitch.

5) Plastic over dyed cotton. Densely stitched zig-zag and then needle position changed dragging thread with it. Two colours of thread used.

6) Whip stitch in small squares stitched in alternate directions. Fabric allow to pucker and gather.

7)Cable stitched scrim using space dyed yarn. Threads of scrim pulled after stitching.

8) Continuing spirals in metallic and machine thread. Pieces of organza allowed to be caught in some stitchery.

9) Waxed transfer adhesive over bleached polycotton. Whip stitched circles.

10) Criss-cross of whip stitch to build up dense areas. Two colours used.

Module Six, Chapter Four

2010-05-30T14:39:00.003+01:00

Colouring Fabrics and Threads: I used a variety of techniques including: space dyeing threads, sponging fabric paint onto fabric, bleaching fabric, rubbing wax crayon and paint over transfer adhesive and tie-dyeing. I used colours found in my photographic sources - the red provides a contrast and is the colour found in the SOS photograph in the introduction to this chapter (first blog 0f this chapter).

1) My own dyed threads

2) My own dyed threads together with some bought ones (0n left) - as I had lots of lighter tones already I focussed on producing darker tones with my own dyed threads.

3) Dyed and painted fabrics.

Module Six, Chapter Three

2010-05-30T14:19:00.002+01:00

Free Machine Stitchery - these sample have been completed using free machine techniques. Each little square is 3cm.

1) These are completed using straight and zig zag stitches using ordinary machine thread and metallic thread. I aimed to provide as much contrast between each little square as possible.

2) The top diagonal half of this sample uses whip stitch with both the straight and zig zig stitches. The bottom diagonal half experiments with a variety of yarns and threads of different thicknesses and textures (slightly limited by what my machine would take - can't push it too far!)

Module Six, Chapter Two

2010-05-30T14:03:00.005+01:00

1) I firstly coloured papers using the techniques explored in chapter one.

I then went on to use these papers to recreate shapes found in my photographic sources. The papers were cut and reapplied to a background and recut. This process was developed so that some samples were cut and reapplied as many as 5 times.

2) A simple sample - cut twice

3) The same photographic source used in a different way - cut three times.

4) I love this one. Cut 3 times.

5) Cut 4 times

6) More complex sample - the previous two photographic sources were combined here and the piece was cut 5 times (it got very thick and difficult to cut!)

Module Six, Chapter One

2010-05-30T13:44:00.005+01:00

I used some images collected of the sea on the Norfolk coast to produce marks on paper:

1)Top: Marks produced with a dip pen, felt tips, crayons and pastels
Bottom: Sgrafitton - marks made in wax crayon

2) Top: Dip pen and wax marks
Bottom: Frottage - rubbings using children's rubbing boards and wax crayons

3) Top: More frottage using layers of wax crayons
Bottom: Resist - ink sponged over wax crayon

4)Top: Discharge - ink applied to paper, transparent surfaces - paper and fragments sandwiched between cling film and ironed.
Bottom: wax crayon melted between grease proof paper - top one sandwiched, bottom one one layer peel off to reveal wax.

5)Selection of different ideas including: acrylic paint applied to plastic bag, tissue manipulated with PVA, PVA applied over ink to produce a sheen, ink applied to selotaped paper, drizzled PVA, paint sponged onto foil

Module Six, Introduction

2010-05-30T13:28:00.003+01:00

I have decided to go with the theme of 'sea' for this module. My photographs come from the beautiful but sometimes bleak North Norfolk Coast and I will focus on the conservation of this coastline, as we have such a huge issue with erosion in this area.

Groynes which can be seen on most North Norfolk beaches - often eroded so much that they are of little use now.

A new set of interesting sea defenses at Sea Palling where money has been invested heavily in the conservation of the beach.

A protest at Happisburgh where the village is being lost to the sea - they would like improved sea defenses.

Paperwork for Module Five

2010-03-26T09:42:00.008Z

These are the final bits of paperwork for this Module and now it is complete!

Resolved Sample for Module Five

2010-03-24T14:32:00.005Z

So here is my Resolved Sample for this Module. The piece has a base of stiff tapestry aida and is padded in parts with layers of curtain interlining.

Some closer views: The centre is shimmer organza over padding which has been tucked and then burnt back in some areas to reveal the wadding underneath. Strings of beads have then been stitched into the tucks. Around the outside of this section are stitched beads, shells, washers and lace.

The next layer is elastic applied tightly onto a large piece of silk. This has then been embellished with couched metallic threads and yarns.

The outermost layer is very padded and is made from scrim which has multiple frayed tucks and is then stitch with couched yarns. The boundary between this and the middle section has been stitched with running stitch threaded with yarn and more beading has been added.

This last photo shows the piece sunk into a basket. I like the effect this has produced and reminds me of my original inspiration - rockpools.

Chapter 12, Module 5 Sampling for Resolved Piece

2010-03-24T14:12:00.005Z

The first three photos show my sampling in preparation for the resolved sample. I sampled for the three distinct layers and also for the highly contrasting shell/pebble areas.

1) This shows the centre layer where I wanted to achieve a watery smooth look. The preferred method from these is the smooth ripples of the silk tucks but I would like to use an iridescent fabric. The ripples could also be accentuated using iridescent beads.

2) For the second layer I like the highly textural results of gathering silk using tightly stitched elastic. I would like to stitch in between the gathers to add more texture.
3) For the pebble/shell feature areas I would like to use all the methods here combined into linear patterns

4) The last layer will be very padded. I would like to use a combination of the multiple frayed tucks with couched yarns

Module 5 Resolved Piece: Initial Ideas

2010-03-18T13:18:00.005Z

These are my first ideas and thought processes for my resolved piece.
1) Inspiration: I have been inspired by a photograph of a rock pool and a flat paper design I produced from this with wax and paint.
2) Colour Scheme: I have been inspired by the lovely colours of limpets in rockpools - whites, creams and beiges.
3) I would like the final piece to be 3-dimensional with three layers places one on top of the other, the centre being the lowest point. This is shown to a lesser extent in my paper mock up, but I would like this design to be more prominent in fabric.
4) Each of these layers will be treated separately before assembly and will be distinctly different in texture.
5) Some fabrics and fabric manipulated ideas have been suggested here but these decisions will be made once sampling has been completed.

a)Initial design sheet

b)Closer look at the photographic stimulus and shape divisions

c) Closer look at the paper mock up

Chapter 11, Module Five

2010-03-18T12:59:00.004Z

Design From Lanscape:
So here is my work for Chapter 11. Firstly I decorated some papers based on a few of my photographic stimulus. I used inks, crayons, paints, wax, cunky felt tips to produce the effects seen. I then produced some relief papers. I used straw, rice, buttons, scrunched tissue, sequin holes and bubble wrap to provide a wide variety of textures and reliefs. These papers were then used in the design process for my final piece.
a)Flat Papers

b)Relief Papers

I then looked at my photos and drew diagrams of the simple divisions to create shapes. For each diagram I used my flat paper to illustrate these divisions
c)

d)

In this photograph no clear shapes were visible to me so I chose to create abstract designs one of which was based on the Fibonnacci sequence.
e) Abstract Design

Chapter Ten, Module Five

2010-01-15T10:01:00.003Z

In this chapter I have translated some of my paper reliefs and their rubbings into stitched samples. For each sample I have firstly shown the sample on its own and then with its inspiration.

In the below sample I have used knotted blanket stitch sewn into circles and semi-circles. The stitches have been built up by going round repeatedly, sometimes over the same stitch. There are also neater blanket stitches sewn using a fine thread.

Here I have again used blanket stitch in a linear pattern. Some lines are stitched using an embroidery thread and others a yarn. Some of the lines have been whipped using this yarn to give more definition.

In this sample I have used running stitches that have been continually whipped with yarn to create the heavy thick lines. Then I have used varying thicknesses of thread and yarn to add fly stitches. The shapes of the fly stitches are more apparent in the rubbing than the original paper sample.

Chapter Nine, Module Five

2010-01-11T14:39:00.003Z

This chapter is based on using threads and stitchery to achieve differing textures.
Firstly I taught myself some stitches. They are sorted into 5 categories:

These samples show some different effects achieved using chain stitch sewn in a formal rhythm:

The below samples again use chain stitch, but have been stitched in a more informal rhythm:

These are the rubbings I have taken from my relief surfaces, in preparation for chapter ten:

Module Five, Chapter Eight

2009-11-07T10:29:00.005Z

I have chosen five of my paper designs from chapter 3 and translated them into fabric samples. Each of the five designs has two or more different fabric interpretations. Each fabric sample has been framed using images of the original source photographs and paper designs.

a) Based on rugged rocks. The left sample is polyester lining fabric that has been heated to form bubbles. These bubbles were freely machine stitched around and then the piece was heated again to produce more bubbles. The right sample is silk that has been randomly stitched and then gathered tightly in some places and more loosely in others.

b) Based on the limpets in a rock pool. The left side is gathered yo-yos made out of an old towel and then stitched onto the scrim background. The right side is thin lengths of silk stitched and then tightly gathered, stitched onto the scrim in a circle.

c) Another sample based on the limpets. The left sample is a piece of cotton sheeting pin tucked in circles and then heavily snipped. The right sample is the same technique as above with the silk, but this time using stiff netting.

d) The next two samples are based on the linear strata in rocks. This is a piece of linen scrim which has been heavily gathered by pulling weave threads.

e) In this sample string and straw has been put inside wavy tucks.

f) The next two samples are based on the bright white veins of quartz in rock formations. Here the cotton sheeting has been tucked using scallop stitch with wires inside the tucks. The cotton has then been manipulated by gathering the fabric and bending the wires.

g) Layers of jay cloth have been assembled with chiffon on the top. A thick cream thread has been stitched onto the top in wavy lines using machine zig-zag.

h) These last few samples are based on the very jagged cliff rock face. The top sample here is linen scrim which has been repeatedly tucked. The sample below it is the reverse of the first sample which has produced a different and interesting effect.

i) This last sample is foam shapes placed under silk taffeta. The shapes have been sitched around to hold them in place.

Racing Night

2009-10-27T14:43:00.005Z

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Last week we had a charity racing night in our village. There was a hat competition which sparked my (over) competitiveness - I just had to enter a homemade creation. However, rather embarrassingly I was the only one to wear a hat and as it was attached to my head and hairdo firmly I couldn't get it out! Needless to say I won!

Chapter Five, Module Five

2009-10-27T14:35:00.002Z

Here are the padded and quilted samples for Chapter Five which I forgot to upload earlier (sorry Sian).
a) Wadded quiliting: samples are quilted using straw, towelling, yarns, angel hair and layers of lace.

b) Shaped quilting: shapes achieved using sequin cut-outs, foam, drinking straws, buttons, rolled aida and wadding stuffed into shapes.

Module 5, Chapter 7

2009-10-12T17:57:00.002+01:00

This is my sampler of different fabrics manipulated in different ways. When I closed my eyes each did have a distinctive feel and I had varied the levels successfully. Some techniques used include: padding tucks, covering buttons and beads, fraying tucks, gathering fabric and knotting strips of fabric

Module Five, Chapter Six

2009-09-16T13:09:00.003+01:00

Here are the tucking, pleating and gathering tasks for Chapter Six:

a) A length of different simple tucks and then underneath a similar strip repeatedly tucked on top of the original tucks to produce its reduced size.

b) More complex tucks

c) Even more complex tucks, neater and more controlled than the previous page.

d) A combination of tucks used in a series of samples, some cut and reformed.

e) Simple gathers using machine and hand techniques.

f) More complex gathers including wrapping techniques.

Punch and Judy

2009-08-30T16:32:00.004+01:00

My boys have been wanting to play Punch and Judy for ages, so last week we had a spare afternoon so set about making a show. We don't have a Judy yet, so they have improvised with a puppet duck and the policeman is a tiger!

I'm an addict!

2009-08-21T18:11:00.005+01:00

Okay, so now it's turned into an obsession and I can't stop making bags. Help!!! Those of you who know me know that once I find something I like doing, I do it to it's very limit and then get bored and move on. I now think I have reached that limit and am looking for other projects to do. Some of these bags have been sold and others are for birthday/xmas pressies. I never usually wear or use my own stuff, but have decided to have the purple bag for myself as it suits a lot of the clothes I wear. So what next? Well my little one has asked me to make him some Punch and Judy puppets - so watch this space

More funky bags!

2009-08-10T09:50:00.005+01:00

A few more that I have designed and made recently. I really must get some coursework done!

Note: many of the retro fabrics I use in my bags come from: www.gagafabrics.com

Funky bag

2009-08-05T16:38:00.002+01:00

I have recently had a fetish for retro fabric and have made this bag. I made up the design as I went along and am pleased with the result.

Freedom

2009-07-29T17:54:00.003+01:00

The boys went to their Grandma's today giving me one day of freedom to do a couple of commissions. So here are the products of my day:
:

I have always held the belief that I can't knit. My sister-in-law bought me a book on knitted cakes, so I thought I would have a go. This cake took me three evenings solid knitting to complete and I now have come to the conclusion that I am far too clumsy to knit! I managed to sew all the holes together I think, but have warned everyone not to touch it in case it unravels. I will stick to sewing!

Fete stall

2009-07-12T19:27:00.003+01:00

Today we ran a stall at our local fete and dog show! The photos show all the things that I have been busy making in preparation to sell (hence why I have slowed up with the coursework). It was our second outing and there was a nice buzz around the stall. My 'stuff' went down well and I hope to do another stall this summer to get rid of the rest of my stock. By the way, a big thank you must go to my eldest son Alfie (pictured) who worked as my marketing manager and stock controller.

Summer School 09

2009-07-09T20:49:00.003+01:00

I had such a wonderful time with all my new and existing friends that I sobbed half of the journey back home. When home, I was greeted with lots of questions like 'have you brought us anything back?' and 'what's for tea?' which didn't help matters. Here are some pics of the results from Summer School. My artist by the way was Josef Franks who designed lots of fabric which was used in the film Mamma Mia. I love the film and have often paused the scene where the fabric is used to admire the patterns!

Creative Benji

2009-07-09T20:38:00.004+01:00

This is my four year old at work on the floor of my sewing room while I sewed. The first creation is apparently called 'Norwich Castle in the Snow' and it was made from my messy remnants found on the floor. He made the headband himself from fabric and sellotape and I'm not sure if it has any relevance to the creation on the floor! He has his own camera and likes to photograph his little scenes. The second picture reminded me so much of what Sian was telling us about her childhood. He often does things like this and loves to rummage in my button tin!

The Dickleburgh Tapestry

2009-07-09T20:24:00.005+01:00

This term I have been working with Year 1 and 2 children in my son's school. We have produced a large 3 and1/2 metre piece based on fairytales in the style of the Bayeux Tapestry. It is too large to photograph in it's entirity so here are bits of it. The techniques used are onion skin dyeing, momigami, drawing with fabric pastels, applique, painting and stitiching.

Module Five, Chapter Four

2009-05-14T12:31:00.004+01:00

In this chapter I have identified some white and natural coloured fabrics and examined their properties.

a. These are my selected fabrics for now. As the module progresses I will add to this as I find more samples.

b. This shows my experiments with a selection of fabrics. I frayed and stretched them and then tested their reaction to a naked flame and a soldering iron.

And in more detail:

c. Here are the decorative strips created by burning, melting, fraying, folding, plaiting, twisting slashing, cutting and knotting my different fabrics:

And in more detail:

Module Five, Chapter 3

2009-05-07T13:13:00.005+01:00

In this chapter I have interpreted six of my rock photos into paper reliefs.

a. I used the momigami technique (oil and scrunching) to produce an aged rugged look to the paper.

b. Strips of different thicknesses of tissue were layered to represent the strata in the rocks

c. Tissue was loosely twisted and then laid in lines to resemble the horizontal lines in the rocks.

d. Strips of thick tissue were sewn on the machine and gathered to form tiny limpet shapes. These were applied randomly to tissue lightly creased and applied to black card.

e. I picked out the quartz veins to represent in this photograph. The veins have been made with both loosely and tightly twisted tissue. A layer of tissue was then glued over the top of these veins to emphasise their position in the rock.

f. I used a lot of PVA glue and a single piece of tissue paper which was manipulated in the tissue to form swirls and lines.

Module Five, Chapter Two

2009-04-27T19:57:00.005+01:00

Here are the results of my paper relief investigations for Chapter Two.

a. Samples of different types of paper have been torn in different directions and folded to test how they can be manipulated.

b. This was an experiment to see how well 8 of my papers scrunched. Each started as A4 and was reduced to one eighth of the original size

c. These two pages show how tissue paper can be manipulated in different ways

d. This tissue has been stitched into using long stitches on the machine. The threads were then pulled to produce different effects

Module Five, Chapter One

2009-04-27T19:36:00.007+01:00

Here are a few of the photographs taken of the rocky landscape of Croyde Bay, Devon. Some have been cropped, changed into black and white or had their contrast amended. These and others shall be used throughout this module as inspiration.

A lovely swirly patterned boulder on the beach

The jagged strata of the cliffs

Quartz veins in the rocks on the beach

One of many rockpools

A rockpool uncovered at lowtide

Module Five: Inspiration

2009-04-27T18:27:00.005+01:00

The beginnings to this module have been inspired by a recent holiday in Croyde Bay, Devon. The beach there is home to some amazing rock formations both in the cliffs and on the beach. This rocky landscape shall serve as inspiration for Module Five. The above picture is the view from Cockrock Cottage, Croyde looking towards Lundy Island and was made using 'bits and bobs' collected from the beach and oil pastels.

Bags, bags, bags

2009-03-06T14:33:00.002Z

I have now made about 12 of these bags in various colours and styles. It was my mum's fault! We went shopping one day and she saw a bag she liked. After looking at the price label she turned to me and said 'you could make me one of these'. So I did and she took it to work where it was much admired and I was asked to make more! Yesterday, I finally managed to make time to make myself one!

Another commission

2009-01-26T18:26:00.003Z

The brief was - girly girly pink! So here we have it!

Chapter 11, Module 4, Final piece

2009-01-23T19:44:00.003Z

The finished book. This has used my family history as its inspiration. The pages are made from bought cotton paper as this could be passed through my printer. I colour copied documents relating to my family history (see love letter above) onto this paper and added strong tissue to segregate and protect the pages. The covers were made from paper pulp soaked in tea, then emerald green procion dye and then laid onto a natural coloured linen scrim. I also embedded pieces of lace from old handkerchiefs into the pulp. Once dry, I turned the edges over and added machine and hand stitchery inspired by my Grandmothers loopy and rather scruffy handwriting. I then scrunched the whole thing up to age it - producing a lovely soft and holey paper which reveals the scrim underneath. This was then stuck onto mounting board which has old postcards stuck onto it. I bound the book using Japanese Stab Binding as I needed a technique which would bind single pages. And here we have the finished piece.

Update on the commission

2009-01-09T18:13:00.002Z

The lady loved it and it now has a home in her hallway for all to see! What a relief. My next project is making superhero capes and goggles for my two boys and some of their friends!

My first commission

2009-01-06T20:23:00.005Z

I've have produced lots of pieces for friends and family for pressies and have sold a few pieces as well, but this was my first ever commission. It was a nerve wracking process and I am just hoping the lady likes it. Wish me luck!

Chapter 10, Module 4

2009-01-06T20:16:00.002Z

Here are my sweet little books I have made. I used cartridge paper with images of my old documents photocopied onto them, some of my handmade paper and some lovely pink handmade bought paper. I tried to use traditional methods of bookbinding, like the thacket method, to tie in with my all things vintage theme. I also made a folder to house all the little books.

Chapter 9, Module 4 cont

2009-01-06T20:12:00.002Z

This is just one more image of a grid embedded and stitched. This is my favourite and given me some ideas about my final piece. I love the aged look that this has. Only problem is - I have run out of the stiff hessian I used for this and can't find any more. I may have to substitute with something else.

Chapter Nine, Module 4

2009-01-06T20:01:00.003Z

These are the stitched grids embedded in paper. The stitching took its inspiration from some of the old documents I have been using in this module. There is a mixture of hand and machine stitching (free and normal) and some of the raw edges have been turned over and stitched to give a more formal look.