Drawing Attempts

First few pages in book filled so far.

My sketches of the abbey, done under very windy conditions.  They wouldn't look much better in the calm!, 

Special Sketch Book

To prepare for my week in Whitby I made a long sketch book at my class in early October.  

I designed the pattern on the cover using Walnut ink followed by Brusho powder spritzed with water. 

Later stamping with my ammonite stamp using Stewart Gill metallic paints.

It is the first time I have used beads on the Coptic binding on both back and front of the cover.

I finished off the cover using wax hair spray which has sealed the Brusho. I've spoiled the Brusho in the past using acrylic wax by smudging the colour.

The pebbles in the background are from beach combing at Sandsend, a lovely morning with friends wandering the sands. 

A Week in Whitby

Last week between Monday and Friday I visited Whitby with a group of like-minded people, staying at Sneaton Castle, stitching part of the day and exploring the town and abbey too.

I set myself a challenge of hand making a felt rabbit for a baby due in the New Year. I was surprised by the result and managed to keep calm with this small item after a few minor hiccups around the head.

As the baby is a boy I will make some clothes for Alfie the rabbit.

I also began the top of this quilt made from a Lewis and Irene charm pack I bought at the Quilt Show in September.  Since returning home I have finished joining all the strips together and found a suitable length of fabric in my stash for the back.  Hope to get it all together later this week.  The stash is gradually reducing, hurrah!!! But I must not buy any more fabric.

Christmas Gift

On Sunday as well as finishing off the quilt I also made this apron from fabric bought at Doughtys when I was in Hereford.  I think the contrasting fabrics sit well together.  

Anne Brooke Workshop

Garstang was the venue for our workshop with Anne, making a paper collage picture using pieces of wallpaper, tissue, wrapping and map papers.  My two efforts are illustrated below, not always easy using machine stitching with paper, needed to take care not to overstitch and the paper separating.  Lots of different ideas from all those who attended. Thank you to Linda from Creative Threads who organised the day with plenty of tea, coffee and home made cakes.

The first to be completed using lots of different papers.

My simple bird using less paper, I love the simplicity of this one.

The last two were created by other member in the workshop.