Stitching

Some things I've been stitching lately!

Cross Stitch Dog

Bird Decoration

Eye Mask

Present for my mum.

Quilt Fest No. 3 - Rose Wood

Out of all the wonderful things I saw at the Festival of Quilts, the one I was least expecting was the amazing work of Rose Wood. You can just make her out in the picture below, sipping a cup of tea in her exhibition space. Rose was joint winner of the Graduate Showcase (shared with Alice Fox). Inspired by Issey Miyake, her work features clothes and jewellery made from textiles that are cut and folded to move with the body. On her website she describes this as 'kinetic'. She makes really cool films which explain her work much better than I can.


Untitled from rose wood on Vimeo.

Rose Wood Exhibition

Some pieces of work on display

Festival of Quilts - Part 2

As well as being inspired by the stunning quilts last Sunday, there was also lost of fun to be had looking at the various shop displays and lovely things for sale. Some of my favourite shops are pictured below, Amy Butler, Liberty and some smaller names that I hadn't heard off. I especially enjoyed meeting one of the ladies from the Royal School of Needlework who stitched the lace on Kate Middleton's wedding dress. It's not that I'm a massive Kate and Will fan, but I was definitely excited to see samples of one of the most famous dresses in the world and meet someone who worked on it!

Amy Butler Display

Possibly another Amy Butler

Amy Butler display

Liberty of London display

Royal School of Needlework display

Close-up of royal wedding dress lace

Dotty Fabric!

Festival of Quilts - Part 1

Last Sunday I had a great time at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham. I hadn't realised quite how huge the quilting world is! Hundreds of people had flocked to see the best quilters in Europe exhibit their work and to spend money in the shops selling an array of materials for creating textile art. From traditional American quilts to abstract textile art, jewellery and clothing, the festival really promoted the artistry of quilting. Below are just some pictures of my favourite quilts. I have tried to reference the names of the quilters were i an remember them. I wish I had brought my SLR camera with me as the pictures aren't as clear as I'd like, and I wish I had booked onto some of the workshops before they had sold out. Next year I will more prepared. 

'Sealed with a Kiss' by Peggy Fairburn. I loved this quilted version of the Gustav Klimt painting 'The Kiss'.

'Billy Joe Armstrong'. I'm not sure who done this portrait of the Greenday front-man, but I was blown away by the level of detail that went into it.

Group Quilt, I can't remember the group name but I thought it was fantastic. I love how they have recorded the place name origins of the townlands in Co. Fermanagh and focused on the beautiful historic landscape.

'Hearts Desire' by Deborah Kembell, close-up of the winning Traditional Quilt category

Pacman Quilt - I don't know who this is by but I thought it was brilliant!

'Army Wives' apron by Kristin La Flamme from the SAQA Beyond Comfort display.

I found the SAQA display incredibly inspiring, especially the Army Wives aprons. They  were so intricate and delicate.

Close-up of Army Wives apron.

Summer so far

I know summer is nearly over when I start thinking about autumn jackets and wearing comfy scarves. This summer has been lovely, but I have not ticked nearly enough things off my to-do list. I have been to weddings, had lots of fun nights out and some nice day trips, and I have many more planned. I have even managed to book in a little holiday for the end of the month! So far, summer has comprised of:

1. A nice trip to the South Bank to see an orchestra.

2. A trip back home, involving long walks and taking pictures of baby ponies (or foals)!

3. A trip to Drogheda and an Irish sweet shop.

4. Making pretty a pretty tiara.

5. Getting a massive delivery of delicious Tayto crisps.

6. Pimms (plus champagne, wine, cider and a detox).

7. Strawberries.

8. Gorgeous miniature ponies.

9. Donkeys!

10. Finding a stack of books in my old bedroom, hidden in the back of a cupboard behind a mass of teddy bears.

lovely things

Ink sketches of buildings are one of my favourite things, so I was very pleased to see these lovely items for sale by Spanish designers Atelier Duermevela.

Atelier Duermevela (image via Blossem)

I also love this illustration by Cristina Guerreiro on Paperwork.

Buildings by Christina Guerreiro