Gimme Stitches

Myself and my friend Lynn live miles apart and consequently don't see each other that often, but now and again we take the opportunity to book onto a workshop to have a lovely day being creative and catching up.  So, on Wednesday we met up at Art Van Go at Knebworth to take part in a machine embroidery workshop led by Alex Waylett.

Even better - we only needed to take our machines and threads, as Alex supplied a huge rainbow of fabulous fabrics, not to mention extra threads for us to use and glitz in the form of sequin and beads etc.

Firstly we chose our fabrics, then we snipped, layered and machine stitched, using zig zag and automatic patterns. We then made the resulting sumptuous fabric into little freestanding 'boxes' 

There was enough fabric left to make cards with the off cuts

A lovely way to spend a day - and now I'd better do my Spectrum homework before Wednesday.

Gimme Stitches - Foo Fighters

Walking In The Sun

To take advantage of the Spring-like weather, I went walking with my friends Lynne and Libby last week.  We always have a lovely day, with much laughter, and cake, obviously - but it's always better with a bit of sunshine, and we certainly had that.

We started at Much Hadham, and did a circular walk of about 5.5 miles - and for once, we didn't get lost.

We walked along a pathway through the woods, which will soon be full of bluebells.  Lynne, who is much more observant than me, pointed out that the bluebells 'stitch' themselves through the dead leaves ........

I tried to take a selfie while we had a sit down halfway round to enjoy the sunshine and the view, but mostly the Lindt chocolates that Libby's husband had kindly tucked in her rucksack.  However, we all look so dreadful in the photo, that they'd never forgive me if I posted that, so here's the view instead

Although we didn't get lost, we did slightly deviate from the plan, so yet again we had to shimmy under a barbed wire fence.  

But the bonus was that we got to the children's playground before the kids got out of school, so we had the place to ourselves

I'm sure THAT wouldn't be allowed in the Ramblers.

Walking In The Sun - The Zombies

Alexander

I've been away and back, and away and back again.  But now I'm home and so today I went to the V&A to the the Members' Preview of the Alexander McQueen 'Savage Beauty' exhibition.

I was expecting it to be packed, but it wasn't nearly as busy as I'd expected. Maybe because for the first time (well, since I was a member) you had to book timed slots for the members preview. Anyway, I went in at 11.30 and didn't come out until about 2pm, there was so much to see.

My favourite dresses were from the 'Widows of Culloden' collection, Autumn/Winter 2006, with lots of tartan, black lace and tulle.  This is just one from the collection.

I really love the combination of fabrics, and at some point I'd love to have a go at making something (slightly more wearable) from tartan and black lace.

I also loved this from the 'Angels and Demons' collection, but not sure I'd ever have the occasion, let alone the ability, to pull off embroidered silk tulle and painted goose feathers.

I don't think I've ever been so moved, or excited, or inspired by an exhibition. I can only echo the sentiments that I heard several times today - 'What a sad loss of talent'.

It really was spectacular, and if you have the slightest interest in fashion or textiles, or even if you don't, I urge you to go and see the exhibition for yourself - it's on until 2nd August.

I've already booked my next visit.

Alexander - Charlotte Hatherley