Cord Making Project

Day 3 of this quick, in-between-projects, project.

There was lots of satisfying evidence of progress...

...including I don't know how many metres of continuous basic cord.
I can cut out sections to make thicker cords, build up braids and construct ribbons that can be couched, manipulated into 3D embellishments and used in tassels.

Then disaster struck. My new Bernina stopped working. I took it in to the 'hopspital' twice.
It turned out all it needed was a computer update.
Phew, crisis averted but I did feel for a few days there that my right arm had been cut off.
Now it is time to get into the next project.

Cord Making Project

In between projects I was clearing up the studio when I saw how big my collection of 2nd hand machine thread had grown.
I decided to make a few cords with it, before moving on to my next project.
I started by sorting the big bag full into 24 hue groups.

I collected up the ends of 20 to 30 spools....

...and put the containers of colour grouped spools on the floor under my machine.

I passed the bundle of threads through the machine to be secured with a wide, open zig zag....

Synesthesia, #23 Orange-yellow

For the #23 Orange-yellow square I settled on a ground of layered sheers....

...then decided on the value range and intensity level of the threads.

Then wound the thick threads in the bobbin and cabled stitched them on the ground from the back.
My new Bernina has a very large bobbin that holds lots of thick thread making cable stitch such a pleasure to do.

Synesthesia #24 - Golden Yellow

Continuing the Synesthesia series.
Collecting up #24 Golden Yellow fabrics and sorting by value.

...and threads. An opportunity to use some of my many gold threads.

But sparkly wasn't right for how I feel about this colour.
So my collection of sparkly gold threads will have to wait their time for another idea.

Hemoglobin: Chlorophyll - the process

The ground is a collection of domestic linens (pillow cases, bedsheets, table cloths, bed spread) I dyed in reds and greens then strip-pieced. The resulting fabric hung on my design wall for a long time while I tried to work out what to do next.
The image of the finished work appeared one day.
The next step was to get out my collection of machine threads and sort them by value and intensity...

...then make a selection.

After several drawings on paper I was familiar with the vein pattern.
I drew the leaf outline on the back of the stabilised work then free-motion worked the vein pattern from the back.

 I repeated the process for the lung.
Using the smiley-face foam was a big mistake. It became more problematic the further I went. And a fellow stitcher pointed out the archival life of the foam was not likely to be very long. I ended up cutting most of it out. Working around the stitching was a time consuming job.

New Work for Briding Waters Exhibition

This work began with 12 pillows.
I sewed 4 together to make a rectangular form.

Next step was to make a cover to fit the form.

The 3rd step was to make the outer fabric cover.
 I drew a design on the wrong side of heavy cotton velvet and sewed over the lines with a wide twin needle.

Synesthesia #2

I decided to go with low intensity colours.
Next step is sampling. I sample only enough to see if is giving the effect I want.
I really want to use the luscious piece of patterned silk but it is not working.

So I got out fabric paints to darken the value and to make the pattern less dominant.
This is the simple ground I decided to work on.

I sewed loose, wavy lines over the whole ground.
Then I added fabric strips starting in the top quarter of the ground.
 A large open zig zag over each fabric strip gave the dynamic feeling I wanted.

Synesthesia #2
I snapped this image in my studio. It is not a good photo but I think it shows the strong upward movement I was working for.  

Sewing Machines

When I left home at 17 my parents gave me a Bernina sewing machine.

I gave my machine a thorough cleaning and oiling...

...and put it, with all of its accessories, into its case...

...and tucked it under my sewing table....

...because I have bought new machine.
There is much excitement in my studio.

My sewing corner got a thorough cleaning while I just looked at my new machine and felt a little sad about my faithful old Bernina tucked under the table (just in case I need it).
It will be a steep learning curve to go from an all mechanical 40-year old machine to working with the newest addition to Bernina's stable. I am ready to master my new machine.

VCA Student Work

Sarah MacLaren's work

Wylie Paterson's board

Wylie worked with a warm blue palette 

Wylie's machine drawing exercises 

Jane Kenyon @ SDA

In the same gallery as Clare, Jane Kenyon is exhibiting a collection of large machine embroidered works she calls 'Transformation'.

Jane Kenyon is another artist whose work makes the viewer dance as they move back and forward, changing perspectives from macro...

 ...to micro.

These images don't even begin to give the impression of the depth, complexity and flow of of Jane's stitching. 

VCA Lower Studio In Action

Have you ever seen such focus and awareness in a group studio?
Visitors often comment on the lovely atmosphere in the room?
The feeling is generated by the students who focus and work hard on each assignment while at the same time they are aware of others and respond with co-operation and support.

The central tables are where the students work and talk together. Each student can choose a marked off space when they want to work a the big tables.
We gather around the central table for Circle Time ( demos, group critiques, going through assignments, sharing of information).
Around the perimeter of the room each student has a table, which is their quiet place. They can work quietly on their own knowing they will will only occasionally be politely interrupted by others.
To the bottom right I have a table where I do one-on-one critiques. This is a most enjoyable part of the day because I make the time to see each student's work close up and they can talk to me about it.
Outside the room is the ironing table, light table, and spray area. The wet room is off to the right as is the bathroom and storage.
So this is where it all happens.