Fibres, felt and fairs

It was a busy week and I have got quite a bit to show for it but it seems to have flown by – why is it that I never seem to accomplish everything I intended?     I did photograph the flowers and  book covers  I made last week, though.



Large flowers
 

 

So what have I been doing since I last posted?   Mostly catching up with the web-site – I had been very remiss at keeping it up to date but now, thanks to a lot of hard work by Liz, I think it is bang up to date.   Note to self – keep on top of it!

The felt flowers are now finished, as you can see – I really like them.    I also made a felt picture – taking inspiration from Moy MacKay’s book  and a picture I had of some standing stones.    I felted merino wool and silk and then machine embroidered the details and finished it off with some hand embroidery in my favourite French knots.   The results were very pleasing and I’ve framed and mounted it.  I did debate whether or not to frame it or just attach in to a board backing but I think the mount and frame suit it; I did, however, take the glass out of the frame – it didn’t do justice to the texture of the whole thing – I know it makes it more vulnerable to dust etc. but I’ll have to risk that!

On Friday, we went to the Brindley Theatre, Runcorn, where they were running a craft fair.   As usual, we met some lovely people and it was good to be next to our old friend Silvana who makes lovely jewellery, www.jewellerybysilvana.co.uk.   Unfortunately, there were fewer people about than expected but we made some useful contact and Louise, who was in charge, was really helpful and welcoming.

Saturday was the day when Wingham Wool came to Friday Felters at Frodsham – they brought literally tons of fibres (merino, silk, cashmere, alpaca, angora, camel, bamboo etc.)  felting, spinning and weaving accessories and books.   It was like an Aladdin’s cave.    It was really great to see the enthusiasm of all the people who came along to browse (and buy).  It’s really very useful to be able to see and handle the fibres rather than just seeing them on the internet.   I stocked up on merino wool tops and bought some silk and bamboo as well – I can’t wait to get started using it.  I had hoped to find some warping thread for the loom but although they don’t supply that they suggested somewhere I might find it – that’ll be another day out for Liz and I then.