tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225113622024-03-13T20:10:18.730+00:00Stitching with Schnauzer and SiameseWorking with mixed media images which are only possible in the creative arts, gives me great joy. I have the constant help of trusty friends the Schnauzer and the Siamese.I enjoy digital and traditional media and use both in my work.Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.comBlogger670125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-60838036614169470912020-02-02T14:51:00.000+00:002020-02-02T14:51:09.388+00:00Messy studio time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been very busy printing and colouring </div>
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Mainly papers..but about to start on some fabric.</div>
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<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-35918633304618750872018-05-13T12:43:00.002+01:002018-05-13T12:55:10.406+01:00Gillian Ayres<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I have long admired the British female artist</span><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gillian_Ayres">Gillian Ayres.</a></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">W</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e are lucky enough to have one of her works in the local Swindon art gallery. I went along to the gallery last Friday for their free lunchtime talk and to look closely at the painting they have which is called Florestan( 1986)</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial";">It is a fantastic example of abstract art. Local school children have nicknames it "fried eggs".</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial";">The size is quite large as is so much of her work.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Link to Swindon Art Gallery blog</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://friendsofsmag.blogspot.co.uk/"> here</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Her work was included in an exhibition last year at Chichester. Along with Swindon Art Gallery's---- Maggie Hambling piece, descent of the bulls head. Alic eKettle also had a piece in this exhibition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">A review of the Chichester exhibition by Linda Kasmaty appears </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><a href="http://friendsofsmag.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/women-artists-power-and-presence-at.html">Here </a></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-58040703915780624652016-01-21T15:22:00.000+00:002016-01-21T15:22:20.042+00:00Better late than never<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New year everyone.. sorry I am a bit late with my greeting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been a lax blogger again... but decided to rectify this and to go for a walk today with the camera. The sun was shining when I took this decision, and of course by time I got out of the front door ..... sun had disappeared. There was still a chilly wind persisting, but wrapped up warm, decided to make the best of it. Well worth it as it turned out, an abundance of opportunities to take photos. I just loved the colours of this winter tree. Sure I can do something with this........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whilst I was taking this shot, I heard a rustle behind me.........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On turning round I realised I was being watched from the top of the 6 foot fence. So I glibly passed the time of the day, telling the feline what a pretty cat it was, as you do. It was not that impressed as you can see. Then some further rusting and scrabbling........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cat number 2 emerged....... but was not in a mood to hang around and have its beauty praised by me..... whoosh and it had disappeared over the fence.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ef4BeXcOVQA/VqD0DCYZ7LI/AAAAAAAAFvk/SdotiI3ACQQ/s1600/bush1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ef4BeXcOVQA/VqD0DCYZ7LI/AAAAAAAAFvk/SdotiI3ACQQ/s400/bush1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not sure if the felines had spotted some mice in the foliage on my side of the fence.... or if they were directing me to this bush..... trying very hard to flower in the freezing cold conditions. Anyone know what it is? Amazing white flowers. Decided not to go for a big close up photo.... just in case there were mice under the bush, so you will have to zoom in.</span></div>
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Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-67108580883633444532015-12-20T17:59:00.000+00:002015-12-20T19:19:46.262+00:00Day 20... playing with software again.. ... still thinking landscapes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I played around and forgot to make some notes about what I was doing.... so may never be able to repeat this! </span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-10836168899291573332015-12-19T17:52:00.000+00:002015-12-20T17:54:59.975+00:00Day 19- English countryside. ...... inspiring. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am thinking of using some landscape photos I took last year to develop some new pieces of work. Love the sky in this one.</span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-44377508828421086342015-12-18T22:10:00.004+00:002015-12-18T22:10:55.847+00:00Day 18.. great excitement it has arrived!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The book has finally arrived.. we had 3 postal deliveries today ( unheard of normally!) .. I know there were 3, as I had been watching out for this delivery. I knew from Facebook that some of my mates had already had theirs delivered by the postie, so I was somewhat impatient and green with envy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">My package also had a lovely surprise of some gold paint included, for me to play with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Forgive me though I had to give it the treatment, with the new free software. Just cannot stop messing about with it. ..... but now must leave you .....I have a book to read.</span></div>
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<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-39230782115863500102015-12-17T21:46:00.000+00:002015-12-18T21:57:49.920+00:00Day 17---more playing with images<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can't stop playing with the layers option in Paint.net, the free software programm that Maggie Grey showed us on her blog. . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last month I was teaching a group..... how to make a start on developing sketchbooks...... and we sketched and took photos around the town of <a href="http://www.cotswolds.info/places/cricklade.shtml"><span style="color: red;">Cricklade</span></a><span style="color: red;">,</span> where we were meeting. It was great fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">This is a photo of the Church seen through a gateway.... and I have enjoyed playing with layers today to create this image. I should be wrapping Christmas presents and stuff like that, but am enjoying playing on the computer.</span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-57307875767634947982015-12-16T17:18:00.001+00:002015-12-16T17:18:39.453+00:00Day 16 - free software and more playing....<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maggie Grey gave me the heads up about this free software program .... see her tutorial on her blog<a href="http://magstitch.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/new-book-and-some-free-software.html"> <span style="color: red;">here</span></a></span>, <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used a photo of a hedge to try out her tutorial on layers.... so easy to do on Paint.net ( just google it) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not content.. I then used Artistic sketch from the menu.. and also inverted the photo again...... fascinating and very easy program to use.... thanks Maggie G.</span></div>
Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-70813881821261246642015-12-15T16:52:00.000+00:002015-12-16T17:11:10.222+00:00Day 15 - playing with and reviewing my sketchbooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just a couple of sketchbook pages.... I am enjoying this sort of free work in my sketchbooks.. but the time has come to review it. I had a chat with fellow artist Bev .... and feel I am on the way to creating a meaningful review.</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now is the time to play with fabrics and thread and mark making. </span></div>
Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-8040790634958089152015-12-14T22:12:00.002+00:002015-12-14T22:12:33.105+00:00Day 14-- decking the halls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least all the lights worked first time ... phew! </span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-66981587906477781492015-12-13T21:00:00.004+00:002015-12-13T21:00:45.916+00:00Day 13 - sky tonight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really should have written dusk rather than tonight ... loved the colours... magical.</span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-91647836401930174542015-12-12T20:56:00.000+00:002015-12-13T20:58:14.719+00:00Day 12 A black and white day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThOERVsaakk/Vm3bpXaEboI/AAAAAAAAFrc/bDBFZJAmPeA/s1600/B%2B%2526%2Bw%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThOERVsaakk/Vm3bpXaEboI/AAAAAAAAFrc/bDBFZJAmPeA/s400/B%2B%2526%2Bw%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great fun.</span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-7531211294896239792015-12-11T22:15:00.003+00:002015-12-11T22:15:44.873+00:00Day 11--- Christmas post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnTSksH_ReQ/VmtKbCy60sI/AAAAAAAAFrE/2kJrEnSCMpg/s1600/post%2Bbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnTSksH_ReQ/VmtKbCy60sI/AAAAAAAAFrE/2kJrEnSCMpg/s400/post%2Bbox.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its the time of year that this post box gets lots of use by the nearby residents. The postman delivering every morning to the houses also has lots of work to do. Exciting isn't it?</span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-52419519446172026922015-12-10T20:00:00.002+00:002015-12-10T20:00:26.209+00:00Day 10- the Parkinsons Disease Carers Christmas lunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is an unofficial group that came together on Wednesday afternoons whilst the PD sufferers went to an exercise class organised by the local Parkinsons UK branch. Their website link is <a href="http://www.swindonparkinsons.org.uk/news.htm"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a></span>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As carers we found we had a lot in common, and so for the last 3 years we have ben meeting for a Christmas get together at the <span style="color: red;">Blunsdon House Hotel, </span><span style="color: black;">we are always well looked after. </span></span></div>
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<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-35626787637559312052015-12-09T18:19:00.000+00:002015-12-10T18:26:49.314+00:00Day 9-- nostalgic summer visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hk-5TS-KepY/VmnCf-OMuhI/AAAAAAAAFqk/w0uuJ2xPZHQ/s1600/burford%2Bbench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hk-5TS-KepY/VmnCf-OMuhI/AAAAAAAAFqk/w0uuJ2xPZHQ/s400/burford%2Bbench.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Took this photo back in the summer, whilst walking through <a href="http://www.cotswolds.info/places/burford.shtml"> <span style="color: red;">Burford</span></a>. Down by the River Windrush, is this wonderful bench with flower pots. Waiting for a bus here is a delightful experience. Think Burford are definitely setting the standard for thoughtful seating whilst waiting for a bus.</span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-71907493211457356732015-12-08T21:52:00.000+00:002015-12-08T21:52:07.294+00:00Day 8- Christmas lunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ruF9fMf_7S8/VmdPJWULclI/AAAAAAAAFqE/K_cHDZhWOK4/s1600/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ruF9fMf_7S8/VmdPJWULclI/AAAAAAAAFqE/K_cHDZhWOK4/s320/food.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't it a wonderful feeling when a group work together well? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My stitching group today all contributed to the Christmas lunch at the meeting.. soup, bread, cheese or desert. What a spread and plenty for everyone. The photo shows the end of the lunch, not a lot left! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We had fun too.. a secret Santa raffle and Christmas crackers too.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOOFAvkVyMU/VmdQM6MH47I/AAAAAAAAFqM/CNzD3pmMkkY/s1600/crackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOOFAvkVyMU/VmdQM6MH47I/AAAAAAAAFqM/CNzD3pmMkkY/s320/crackers.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots of social chat as well. Perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course ..... there was the washing up as well..... !</span></div>
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<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-56997726525147355672015-12-07T21:15:00.003+00:002015-12-07T21:15:50.485+00:00Day 7- the walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winter is certainly here... although the weather is quite mild and there has been a lull in the gales and storms. The weather forecasters are threatening bad weather again for later this week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Took the opportunity to take a quick stroll again </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">today and this piece of pavement furniture always makes me smile..... mind the low flying bicycles! </span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-74412324286917408502015-12-06T17:09:00.000+00:002015-12-06T17:09:40.472+00:00Day 6- Taking a walk... and selling a Singer<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qEnSpVCsvY/VmRpUCEDRbI/AAAAAAAAFpk/Y7xgcB9lCLQ/s1600/bench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qEnSpVCsvY/VmRpUCEDRbI/AAAAAAAAFpk/Y7xgcB9lCLQ/s400/bench.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I had to post a birthday card today, and as it is only a short walk to the post box, I also took the opportunity to take a 5 minute stroll around the neighbourhood to see what is going on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came across this park bench, that someone has decided to repaint, think they have made a good job of it..... I really like it. The original colour was that royal blue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I also came across 2 delightful puppies, 12 weeks old........ they were cocker- poos.... suspect they are specially bred these days, in olden times they would have been called cross bred mongrels'. These days I suspect they are designer puppies.. fashions change! Never the less, they were gorgeous dogs.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d87zFThzzvo/VmRpNcfJRFI/AAAAAAAAFpc/baRjIeQhDlU/s1600/Singer%2B66%2BK%2Bhand%2Bmachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="499" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d87zFThzzvo/VmRpNcfJRFI/AAAAAAAAFpc/baRjIeQhDlU/s640/Singer%2B66%2BK%2Bhand%2Bmachine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am trying to have a bit of a sort out, and I have kept this hand cranked machine for myself. Until now... have decided it is time to find it a new home. It stitches beautifully, but it does not have a wooden cover. I have always kept it covered with one of my hand dyed Shibori cloths. It is such a pretty machine. I think it dates from 1919.. nearly 100 years old. I hope I can find it a loving new home.</span></div>
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Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-85535371663012794042015-12-05T23:14:00.004+00:002015-12-05T23:15:16.397+00:00Day 5- stitching and flowers too.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been continuing some more slow stitching, it is very relaxing, but this piece of work needs some good light to work to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The daylight was quite good for most of today, but I do find these colours quite difficult by electric light. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPQ5ot2yN-s/VmNuZCG_UwI/AAAAAAAAFpE/E6I2tKo9jAU/s1600/more%2Bflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPQ5ot2yN-s/VmNuZCG_UwI/AAAAAAAAFpE/E6I2tKo9jAU/s400/more%2Bflowers.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Same quilt in the background as yesterdays post, but some more wonderful flowers.</span></div>
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<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-74572883014382370782015-12-04T17:02:00.000+00:002015-12-04T17:02:02.627+00:00Day 4 -Some more special flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCW2vxlp_BU/VmHGj13IhPI/AAAAAAAAFo0/5BWDO1fdUdU/s1600/flowers%2Bagain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCW2vxlp_BU/VmHGj13IhPI/AAAAAAAAFo0/5BWDO1fdUdU/s640/flowers%2Bagain.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are beautiful roses, I received them yesterday. The quilt hanging on the wall behind is one of my hand painted watercolour quilts. I thought the colours went together so well.</span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-61043751281943744832015-12-03T20:17:00.002+00:002015-12-03T20:17:18.925+00:00day 3 - A special day today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots of lovely presents today on this special day. </span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-62910804006007837532015-12-02T21:19:00.001+00:002015-12-03T20:14:59.677+00:00Day 2 -Handwerk.. working with the hands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWo67J1lVhM/Vl9aj0G00II/AAAAAAAAFoU/0CoUue4mvP8/s1600/cable%2Bknitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWo67J1lVhM/Vl9aj0G00II/AAAAAAAAFoU/0CoUue4mvP8/s400/cable%2Bknitting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I always seem happiest if I have some thread, yarn or fabric in my fingers. This yarn was particularly pleasant .. quite soft and great to knit with. The colours were a bit odd when combined, but they were free of charge. So cannot complain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This photo was taken at Hampton Court, on the Green at the <a href="http://www.thehandmadefair.com/"><span style="color: red;">Handmade Fair</span></a></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, it was an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday and this cable knitting was one of the workshops on offer. Great fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">This venue bought back many happy memories of the time we lived at Hampton Hill, just up the road. The lovely craft/yarn shop I used to frequent in that locality has long gone. A sign of the times I'm afraid. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Probably the same everywhere now. I can remember going in to the shop every week to buy and ounce or two of the wool I had put by to create a jumper. Did that regularly until the jumper was finished Very different times.</span></div>
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Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-1511676808954400842015-12-01T17:19:00.004+00:002015-12-02T21:30:18.821+00:00Day 1 -Stitching slowly.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uneItF0wzqo/Vl3QZMUejJI/AAAAAAAAFoE/PSaWFur-5n8/s1600/slo%2Bstitching1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uneItF0wzqo/Vl3QZMUejJI/AAAAAAAAFoE/PSaWFur-5n8/s400/slo%2Bstitching1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Something I seem to have been doing for a long time now, <a href="https://theslowstitchingmovement.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: red;">slow stitching</span></a><span style="color: red;">,</span> seems to have been taken up as a new movement and gaining momentum in the craft magazines. Some advocates are developing stitch retreats, articles and<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slow-Stitch-Mindful-Contemplative-Textile/dp/1849942994/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448989712&sr=8-1&keywords=slow+stitching"> <span style="color: red;">books</span></a> to help develop awareness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I think anyone who has enjoyed hand stitching .. or even other hand crafts like knitting or crochet, probably are aware of the soothing and relaxing medative state of mind that can happen when absorbed by the technique of hand work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Here, in my small piece of embroidery, I have combined eyelets made on my Bernina sewing machine with the<span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Experience-en-US/Tips--Tricks---Tutorials/USA/Accessories/EyeletSet"><span style="color: red;">eyelet attachment</span>,</a> and then surrounded the machined eyelets with hand stitch .. in this particular case, chain stitching in a variegated thread. Pure bliss to stitch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">The stitching will probably end soon, as I have lost the variegated thread....... might be a slow process to find out where I stowed it away safely. Always the way isn't it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">There is also some interesting articles in the latest edition of Through our Hands online magazine......... have a look<a href="http://throughourhands.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1a6e3f37290a6b9d1fc36005b&id=b0aa61185e&e=427cb45351"><span style="color: red;"> here</span></a></span>.</div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-61629951555810568862015-11-30T22:29:00.004+00:002015-11-30T22:29:51.512+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQRkBRptrCU/VlzMlMMXeaI/AAAAAAAAFn0/z3NFBJwfcQ4/s1600/31-day-blog-challenge-1-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQRkBRptrCU/VlzMlMMXeaI/AAAAAAAAFn0/z3NFBJwfcQ4/s1600/31-day-blog-challenge-1-300x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thought this was a good idea, as I have neglected my blog and have felt for some time that I wanted to work on it again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I find it difficult to access my blog via my tablet..... and so have had to change my way of communicating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can find out more about this challenge <a href="http://muppin.com/wordpress/index.php/the-31-day-blog-writing-challenge/"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I used to really enjoy keeping up with my blogging buddies, and so lets hope many of you take up the challenge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hope to see you tomorrow!</span><br />
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22511362.post-6046271579860327612015-06-06T12:50:00.002+01:002015-06-06T12:52:08.210+01:00Journal Quilts and dying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYiJBrFIbF8/VXLbFE9PZDI/AAAAAAAAFnI/Q8zmFwNexuo/s1600/JQ1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYiJBrFIbF8/VXLbFE9PZDI/AAAAAAAAFnI/Q8zmFwNexuo/s400/JQ1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been taking part in the <a href="http://contemporary-quilt-group.quiltersguild.org.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Contemporary quilters</span></a> Journal quilt challenge..... I decided to use my <a href="http://www.bernina.com/en-GB/Products-GB/BERNINA-products/Sewing-Quilting-and-Embroidery/BERNINA-7-Series/BERNINA-780"><span style="color: red;">Bernina780 </span></a>for all 12 quilts and challenge myself to finding out all the controls and settings on the machine for what I am trying to achieve. It is great fun. I have decided to use white cotton fabric and white cotton thread ( it will allow me to dye the journal quilts at the end). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here I am trying to use my new found knowledge about the embroidery module..... am loving the challenge. However it does not show up very well in the photo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I have just heard today that some of mine will be on show at the <a href="http://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/"><span style="color: red;">Festival of Quilts</span></a> in Birmingham in August, and then they will be on tour with ICHF shows. Better get some sleeves attached to the back of my journal quilts and get them in the post soon.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JOy47yN224/VXLbIAiuqEI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/mo-KJ0Eq7mA/s1600/dyeing%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JOy47yN224/VXLbIAiuqEI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/mo-KJ0Eq7mA/s400/dyeing%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather has turned summery here these last few days despite some strong winds, so I have been dyeing some fabrics. I inherited the fabrics last year and they have been waiting to be coloured ... am really pleased with the results, just what I wanted. I used the warm primary colours this time and have amazed myself with the pleasing results. </span></div>
<br />Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15475953428534361538noreply@blogger.com2