Friday, January 16, 2009




Thanks Carol-Ann for your comments; glad it's not just me worrying about the travelling books. Actually I'm really looking forward to them getting started, it's going to be great fun seeing how they're doing!



I've been playing with the idea for some time of applying to do the Diploma in Stitched Textiles at Windsor. I've never been tempted to do a degree course - too much research, when I really want to get on with the fun stuff. Need to talk to the other half, it's a big commitment.






Looking forward to a weekend getting down to some sewing. I also went to an art class on Wednesday, doing still life in charcoal. I really enjoyed it and felt quite proud of what I'd achieved. Took some photos the other day (when it was freezing) of things I saw on my walks with the dog. There's a house I often walk past on my way down to the river which seems to be lived in by an old type rag and bone man - there are piles of things left outside. Can be anything from old computers, to lots of fence posts and then the other day this amazing pile of old metal. There must be something I can do with a photo like this. I love the old Roses tin showing through the mattress.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Well into the New Year now and some work is beginning to come out of my workroom. I'm beginning a series based on city landscapes which I'm quite pleased about. More to follow.

We have a meeting of my local Embroiderers Guild (Oxford) tomorrow. I'm currently the co-Chairman. One great idea that my fellow Chairperson has introduced goes live tomorrow. Much to our delight we've got the vast majority of the membership interested. The idea is that those taking part are split into groups of six. Each person in the group has two A5 notebooks each. Every month you fill in a double page spread of both of you books and then pass one of those books to the next person in the group. The idea is to get people motivated and inspired, with the idea of our Branch exhibition in October in mind. Having kept a sketchbook for several years now, and being totally committed to and loving my stash of books I am now panicking about what to put in!! Of course previously the sketchbooks have been my property only and it's up to me whether I show them to everyone. I actually did, during Oxford Artweeks last year when I was amazed at how many people wanted to look at them. But this time is different - this time they're being passed around and so I want my double page spread each month to be PERFECT!

I'm being far too precious of course, the whole idea of keeping a sketchbook is to try out ideas and I must get over this. But I worry that if I'm finding this hard - when I've kept a sketchbook already - how hard are others finding it? I hope we don't get too many people falling at the first post. We'll have to have a go at maintaining interest/giving ideas etc. Anyone any ideas for some good websites to look at?