Friday 27 July 2012

Phew! What a week

Last week I commented on a coming heat wave, thinking I was probably putting the scuppers on it, but it certainly arrived.  Although I longed for some sun, it has been very warm here so plenty of excuses to sit in the shade and do something undemanding, physically undemanding that is.

Last Friday I registered for the next Module in my City and Guilds Creative Quiltmaking course - and my heart sank a little when I saw it was nearly wholly devoted to patchwork, which is not really my 'thing'.  However not one to be put off by a challenge I used a couple of templates to create these little pieces of mosaic patchwork using the traditional English paper piecing (See how I can throw in all this jargon now).

Although quite fiddly I enjoyed sewing these and rather liked the tiny hexagons, there was an even smaller template, but I think this is small enough for me.
As I have to produce a small patchwork mosaic I had to choose a colour scheme.  I must say that the Keshalls' course gives their students a wonderful free choice of subject matter, so I chose a photomontage that I had made from one of my orchid photographs as my starting point and gathered together some fabric swatches.  I even had another dyeing session as I was a bit short of greens.

I used Koh-i-noor intense watercolours and Inktense pencils for the colour



It was then time to choose what shape and size of patches to use.

I went for the triangles, and as you can see I have made a start on them.  I sat in the garden stitching some of them one afternoon.  It doesn't take long to accumulate a little stash.


When I got bored I started stitching them together - my stitches are about as even as I can get them at about 1mm apart.


I am aiming to make a sample about A4 size - I don't think I would want to tackle anything larger with this size patch.  I can also feel the unaccustomed exercise in my fingers and wrists. You have to grip them quite hard to get the needle though the layers. I am hoping to watch some of the Olympic opening ceremony this evening which will be an ideal time to create some more triangles, unless it is so good I can't take my eyes of the screen.*

I thought I would also take this opportunity to share a couple of  A4 sketchbook pages done in the garden this week.



The shield bug was very obliging and landed on my page.

I'm off to the Isle of Wight for a few days next week to visit my dad,  leaving Marvin the cat to look after Mr T (or is it the other way round?). I have also booked my ticket for the Festival of Quilts on Thursday 16th of August.  Will any of you be there?  I'm especially looking forward to seeing some of the Kemshalls' work - I have never been before.
Well that's me done for the week, and I guess I have managed to achieve quite a bit - but it has been much too hot for gardening or housework!
I hope you have a great weekend and I will see you soon - and it is August next week, new calendar page needed.
Jill

*Footnote: I stayed up to watch Danny Boyle's Olympic opening ceremony and I didn't take my eyes off the screen, it was that good, so no more triangles, yet.




10 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

Just imagine making a double bed quilt from all those tiny hexagons or triangles! People do but they must have much more patience than I do! Your source of inspiration (C&G terminology from years ago!) is great and I can't wait to see your interpretation sample quilt. Have a lovely time on the IOW and hope the weather is kind for your stay. I've been doing a bit of gardening followed by a sit in the shade with some knitting and a cup of tea and then a bit more gardening. There's a lovely breeze here today. Do hope it stays fine for the opening Ceremony.
Hope Marvin and Mr T will look after each other!

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

More wonderful work Jill. Like you I'm not into that kind of quilting I'll take your word for it that it doesn't take long to build up a little stash haha. But well done for taking up the challenge.
I would love to go to the show but after going to Poland for a few days in May then paying £300 car insurance in June plus saving a few pennies for the Northern Quilting and Needlework shows in Harrogate end of Aug beginning Sept I don't think my bank balance can stretch that far. Have a great time.
Anne xx

ju-north said...

That looks really good Jill! Good on you for trying new things!

ShabbyChicShaz said...

Love what you're doing with your patchwork super colour work. It's not my thing either, not really liking regular shapes or straight lines (so I'm really struggling) but I too am signing up for a patchwork course as my tutor is so innovative and flexible, and has said I can learn the 'rules' and then break them lol. I particularly like your photo montage, it would make a lovely background for further embellishment. Look forward to seeing your other work. Mine doesn't start until Sept :(

flutterbycrafter said...

I just love all your Orkney whether it's sketching or needlework. I love patchwork so I appreciate all the hard and fiddly work gone into your pieces xx

flutterbycrafter said...

Don't know where 'Orkney' came into it, I typed work, lol. That's what happens when you type without glasses on, on an iPad

Maggi said...

Love the photomontage pages. At least with small paper pieced shapes they come together quickly. Nice sketchbook pages from your garden too. I will be manning the SAQA stand at FOQ from 10-11.30 on the Thursday and it would be lovely if you have time to drop by and say hello.

Jee said...

I'm hoping to get to FoQ, probably Thursday, will know nearer the time so maybe we shall meet.

LAC EMP 2020 said...

Jill, I quite fancy a little bit of patchwork hexagon stitching. I think that's because your colour/pattern choices make it look so interesting. It reminds me of the patterns in the mixed media work of artist Jill Ricci. Her work is all about colour and pattern and it might give you even more ideas! Enjoy the IOW. I would quite like to visit the FOQ and have looked to see if any coach trips were going from down here but they are not. I shall have to look forward to reading a full show report from you in due course.

menopausalmusing said...

A post just dancing with colour........ LOVE IT. Also loved the opening ceremony, so totally, totally different and creative.