Sunday 25 March 2012

Time marches on.



I cannot believe it has been two weeks since my last post but there it is - I am another two weeks older.  I had a really great time at the Contemporary Textile Fair at Teddington - it was great to see such a variety of work of astounding quality - I did not buy much, a couple of multi-ribbon necklaces which will be great with scoop necked jumpers as I feel the cold round my neck, and a fat quarter of hand dyed and discharged cotton.
However on Thursday I went to the NEC to the Sewing for Pleasure/Fashion, Embroidery & Stitch/Hobby Crafts show.  Joanne, Jan and I decided we would go by train from Milton Keynes, and by buying bargain train tickets on-line it only cost us £10 return straight to Birmingham International Train Station.  It was quite an adventure for us, as none of us had been there by train before.  I did have to get up at 6.30 which is unheard of for me. I had to practice going to bed early for a few days as we are usually night owls here. But it did mean  I was ready for the clocks going back last night.  The show was terrific with lots of familiar names about.  I did take my little point and shoot camera, but I completely forgot about it until I was too tired to walk round again.  However this Victorian quilt was on display near the restaurant where we were about to have our umpteenth cuppa.  It reminded me of one that had been on Antiques Road Show very recently (it wasn't the same one). I just love the details.






It was interesting to compare it with this piece of contemporary work by Susan Chapman.  All of this endeared me further to working with textiles myself.


I also took the opportunity to spend a bit  on supplies.  So I bought some silk thread from Oliver Twists for dyeing and a few reels of coloured thread from their bargain basket.  I also got some bundles of sari ribbon and thread plus a lovely mixture of fancy threads from Stef Francis. I also got a bundle of pieces of Egyptian cotton, which I washed ready for dyeing - it is hanging on the line behind the threads. (Which are just there for show)

I also bought some 'Hot Spots' and foil from Kim Thittichai and loved Jenny Langley's work - thank goodness for the internet and the show guide to help remind me what I saw.

My feet held out well, but this weekend my back is giving me a great deal of trouble, so this is being written in short bursts, interrupted with walks round the garden and 10 minutes or so of ironing, which is fine

The garden is crying out for some maintenance and the lawn needs cutting, but it will just have to wait. However the containers of bulbs I planted up in the autumn were well worth it. These little botanic tulips are a beautiful intense pink.


Lastly, at the show they had a display of costumes from Downton Abbey.


These looked as wonderful in real life as they do on the screen and in no way looked like 'props', but authentic period outfits.  The costume designers used altered antique garments and vintage textiles and trimmings where possible.

My favourite had to be Lady Sybil's harem pants in beautiful shades of georgette over turquoise silk.

Hopefully I will get around to posting some more of my work before too long.
Do have a good week and I shall aim to visit your blog too.
Jill

15 comments:

Jez said...

Hi Jill, I loved reading about your exhibition visits - we can't get around to more than fairly local events these days, so it is extra good to read/see your comments. I'm learning a bit more about blogging, but struggling to build a more interesting site is slow work - but I'll get there. Regards, Jez

Clare Wassermann said...

Hi Jill - I was there on Thursday as well and had a thoroughly nice time. You photographed far more than me!

Jane Housham said...

I love that Victorian quilt -- and am interested at how similar it is in spirit to the broken pottery mosaics I like which I think are from the same era.

ju-north said...

It's almost too much to take in when you go to these shows! Pleased you had a good time!

Anna said...

I'm sure the early start was worth while, but it makes it a long day!! Thanks for an interesting post and I hope your back improves soon.

Iz said...

I love that sari silk stuff in skeins - so addictive!

LAC EMP 2020 said...

Jill, I have no idea how ironing can help your poor back but I hope it improves this week. I have never ever been to the NEC but I imagine it as a cavernous space and feel for your poor feet. Time to put them up now though and contemplate how you are going to use all those goodies you bought. Lots of bright colour in your post to match these glorious days we're having. Maybe they'll surface in a quilt of your own someday soon...?

Joanna said...

What a wonderful, if tiring, day. The Victorian quilt is just beautiful, stunning. Looks like you got some lovely goodies, the multi-ribbon necklaces are gorgeous.

Like Lesley, I too am struggling to see the back-beneficial qualities of ironing!

Your Spring flowers are such wonderful vibrant colours.

menopausalmusing said...

Days out like that are back breaking aren't they? I found myself clicking on that quilt for a closer look and it is absolutely stunning. I also thought that modern piece of stitchery wonderful. Enjoy the sunshine!

Emma said...

Shows are exhausting aren't they & those programs are wonderful - I find myself quite methodical for a change so I don't miss anything! I'm off to visit Susan Chapan's work - thanks for the link. Feet up!(ironing?)

lynda Howells said...

Hi..l exhibited at teddington..it was a great three days. "Did we meet"?My stall was No.2 Love your images here.Thanks for sharing Jill. Ironing certainly doesn't help my b ack but makes it worse. My husband would love it to help...!Haxxx

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Oops sorry about that, I thought I was on another blog :0 haha not that it was rude or anything, just called you the wrong name!
I went to the NEC on the Thursday too with a couple of friends. I just love Oliver Twists and Stef Francis' stalls, the colours just draw you in.
Anne x

Anonymous said...

I am trying to make a replica of Sybil's harem pants from Downton, but i don't now what the back of the garment looks like. Could you please describe it for me?

Jill said...

I'm sorry Anonymous, it was 18 months ago, and I only had a brief look.