14/06/2008 by Debbie.

This is my 3D article for my diploma, it will also double up as “Summer Bloomers” for the Village Green Quilters Challenge. some Day it is going on a Moonwalk. I made the fabric from scraps layered between organza and soluble laundry bags and then free machined on the surface. The flower technique I learnt at a Margaret Beale workshop. Next task to make using the same techniques a mask for a ball in black & silver for my daughter.

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30/05/2008 by Mary.

Quadriga are a group of four textile artists- Kate Cox, Delia Salter, Lynne Seaman and Sandra Meech.  Their exhibition is at the Old Fire sation Gallery, Henley on Thames until 31 May.  I have always loved the work of Sandra Meech and so it was interesting to see how her latest work has developed.  I particularly liked her ‘London Series’ including a dimensional piece ‘Under the Arches- London’ -she has stitched through wire to create the texture and detail.

Kate Cox has produced some excellent studies of water in her dyed cloth.  I particularly liked ‘Ebb and Flow’.

I had a long chat with Delia about her work. She has stopped using wadding and is enjoying hand stitching through several layers of dyed or photo transferred fabric. I liked her small pieces called ‘Waterloo Sunsets ‘reflections of the sunset in the water from the South Bank, while listening to The Kinks’.  I did not like a piece inspired by London Calling by the The Clash!

Does anyone else need music to inspire their fabric creativity?

Anyway well worth a visit and both Sandra and Delia were very generous with their time in discussing their work. 

Mary

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26/05/2008 by Kevin.

As a non-patcher, I am amazed by the obsession that people have with patchwork. If it was a drug then it would probably be regulated – it isn’t and I am sure there are a lot of partners around the world wishing it was regulated!  My wife has spent the whole bank holiday weekend designing an overly complicated sampler and then making it.

So what makes people so obsessive?  The house is full of loose threads that escape from the construction process – we have a loft full of cloth and threads. Every cupboard is bursting at the seams with all the paraphernalia that surrounds this so called ‘simple’ pastime.  As an outsider, it is difficult to see what the obsession is.  What seems odd is that once complete – the obsession ceases and it seems fine to give it away – or whatever.  So the challenge is in the planning and construction, not the having. 

Thinking about it, is it that different from people who obsessively complete crosswords, or sudoku puzzle books?

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