Braintree Exhibitions

I've had SUCH a lovely day today. I decided to drive over to Braintree to see "EAST 13" the latest exhibition of work by East Anglia Stitched Textiles at Braintree District Museum, and "A Walk On The Wild Side" by O2 Textiles at the Town Hall.

Libby Smith was stewarding at the Museum, and kindly said that I could include photographs of her beautiful work on my blog - thanks Libby! She is working with recycled vintage fabrics and haberdashery to produce wonderful works of art, inspired by the idea that fabrics and notions absorb memories from the past. This is a close up of one of the dresses -

and two pretty pairs of dainty shoes - I love the suspenders at the front!

We had to leave the exhibition in a hurry as unfortunately the fire alarm went off, but we were standing in the sunshine, and then the firemen arrived - so every cloud ......

Anyway, it was a false alarm thankfully, so after a cup of coffee I went back in and took photographs.

I then made my way across the road to the Town Hall and visited the O2 exhibition. More inspirational and lovely work. These two pieces were made by Wendy Greene who was stewarding today. I love the combination of Fuchsia and Lime.

I've come back full of ideas for my C& G pieces - must get my sketchbook out! Having both exhibitions on at the same time made for a great day out (they both finish on Saturday 11th, so you'll have to be quick if you haven't been yet). On the way home I called in to Blake End Craft Centre to get some "essentials" from the patchwork shop - well, you have to, don't you? The sun continued to shine on the way home so had the roof down and sunglasses on and sang all the way back with Brucie (Springsteen, not Forsyth - I do have SOME standards!)

I must have an early night for a change, in preparation for a couple of very busy days - I am on the Art Van Go stand at Alexandra Palace tomorrow and Saturday - wish me luck - and don't forget to say 'hello' if you're passing.