Studio Sorting in Full Swing!

Lots of boxes have been sorted and put away in the cupboards down the eaves. (Out of sight, out of mind)

I’m now working on the books. Most of them are sorted out but there are always a few which don’t fit into any category. I also have quite a lot of oversized books, which have to go together because they don’t fit on the other shelves.

Bookcase number one, sorted and filled.

Bookcase number two, almost done.

Why did I bother sorting them all into categories? Now I’m having trouble fitting the groups of books into the remaining spaces.

Oops! There seem to be a few more piles lurking under tables and in boxes. Bookcase number three is almost ready for the onslaught but I think I may be able to fill it immediately.

I wonder if there’s a cure for bookaholics.

Finished at Last!

On this occasion, the suppliers delivered the right vinyl floor covering!

It’s a pale, mottled colour, as I wanted the studio to be light and bright, although I may regret that choice in the future. 

That doesn’t look very exciting, does it? It’s much better in the flesh (I mean – in the plastic).

There are cupboards in the eaves, down both sides. I seem to have so much stuff now -  I may need an extension to the loft conversion!

Here is my lovely Gammill. This is the only time it will be displayed in such a clear space. In fact, even as I write, the previously uncluttered area  has now been sullied by having the contents of about fifty boxes emptied out into it.

Dare I even consider visiting the Festival of Quilts next week? Oops! Too late! I’ve already bought the tickets!

Course With Frances Pickering.

Recently, I was fortunate to attend a bookmaking workshop with Frances Pickering. It’s difficult to get onto these workshops, as Frances is so popular and after experiencing the Summer School, I can see why.

The theme was Mediaeval. I don’t want to give away too much about the techniques involved but we made the covers first, using paint, print, etc, then we stitched into them. Frances showed us how to make beautiful, random effects on the inside pages of the book. I’m including a few of the pages I did at the workshop but I haven’t completed the book yet.

If you enjoy making books, I thoroughly recommend going on a course with Frances. This year, she’s teaching an extra course at Hawkwood because of the constant demand. I’d also recommend Hawkwood if you enjoy delicious, home-cooked food. I’m sure that I came home heavier than when I went! Needless to say, I’ve booked again for next year!

Here is Frances demonstrating how to achieve the random effect on the pages.

This is my front cover, inspired by one of the many interesting reference books which Frances brought along. I made a scribble sketch and then stitched into it.

Here is the back cover. This time, I made a printing block from self-adhesive funky foam and mount board.

This is the inside cover, which included some (loosely described as) French knots. It’s unusual for me to include hand stitch so that was a momentous occasion.

I’m just showing a few of the pages with the technique that Frances showed us.

More Hafodunos

 

As you can see, lots of lovely rust here. Having said that, maybe most of the human race wouldn’t get quite so excited about rust!

I loved this spider’s web with droplets of rain on it.

More lovely rust on this urn. I think I’m beginning to overdose on rust – it’s very addictive.

Just Checking.

After having a lot of trouble installing and using Windows Live Writer (who said it was easy?), I’m just trying again to see if it is working this time.
















This is a photograph of Hafodunos Hall in Llangernyw, which is the subject of Chimera group’s current challenge. Although the hall was set on fire several years ago and has been deteriorating ever since, it has now been purchased by a buyer who has a renovation programme in place. Despite its condition, I feel that  it has lots of atmosphere and interesting, decorative features. It’s been a very beautiful building and hopefully, it won’t be too long before it’s restored to its former glory.

"OTHERWISE PREVENTED FROM COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Did I really write that? I must have tempted fate. Apparently, the suppliers sent the wrong floor covering so the new date will be the 30th of July. At least the studio is pretty well cleared and ready for the fitters now.

STUDIO ALMOST FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At last, my studio is well on the way to being finished!  No more squeezing into small spaces on the edge of tables in the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, etc. At the end of this week, the floor covering will be put down, unless the fitters are ill, lost, kidnapped, or otherwise prevented from coming.
This is a view of it painted - but still full of tools, fabrics, boxes of 'stuff' and longarm quilting machine.

My quilting machine is lurking under cloths, to protect it from dust but soon, the beast will be released!