February Already!

The evenings are getting lighter – have you noticed ?   Last week, on one of our daily walks we came across a couple of snowdrops and some violets, then, believe it or not, we saw some marigolds and some spray carnations – Spring is definitely on its way.   

Since I last posted, I’ve made loads more marmalade, I really have run out of even borrowed jars now but the stock should keep us going until next year.     I’ve been busy too getting things together for the production of Yeomen of the Guard which my operatic society www.crosbygs.org.uk is producing in a few weeks in Liverpool.   I have made a felt mask to be used in the production as well as other odds and ends.

Unframed picture

The strip picture is finished now and as a dark green, wooden frame – it looks great.  

I’ve been doing a bit of experimenting with different techniques as well – I’ve made a little purse out of the offcuts of a felt book cover which I made a while ago – I needle-felted it and then stitched it and wet felted it again – it’s quite pretty.     I’ve been trying my hand at quilting and made a sample using metallic thread and free machine embroidery on a piece of hand dyed cotton lawn.   It turned out so well that I decided to make that into a purse as well.   My next couple of experimental pieces are both made from silk and satin fabrics with lots of machine embroidery but neither of them are finished yet so I’ll be hoping to complete them for next time.

 

On Wednesday afternoon, I decided to use a scarf which I’d bought in a charity shop (not sure what the fabric is) to do some nuno felting.   It took a very long time to persuade the wool to migrate through the fabric but, eventually, it did and the textures are really lovely.     I also made some nuno prefelts to experiment with when I get time.

I’m not sure how  much progress I’ll make in the next week, it will be quite busy.   However, on Friday Liz, her neighbour and a couple of my friends from the City and Guilds course will be going to the Stitch and Hobby Exhibition in Manchester.   I’m really looking forward to it – of course I won’t be spending any money!!!