tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58624250032005037842024-03-13T20:26:53.466-07:00CAROLANN J ALLANslow textiles - Embroideries / Quilting /Patchwork / Shibori / Eco PrintCarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-7869737147937622262018-01-22T09:54:00.000-08:002018-01-22T09:54:13.086-08:00Six week workshop - Sunnybank Mills, FarsleyI am running a six week course to include the following techniques; an introduction to embroidery, english paper piecing (hexagons), hand stitched shibori and indigo dyeing which will result in an A5 book cover to treasure.<br />
<br />
Venue: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/554765638198092/">Sunnybank Mills</a>, Farsley<br />
Commencing: 18th May 2018<br />
Time: 2.30-5.00pm<br />
Follow link above.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-38455670816208260352018-01-16T10:48:00.001-08:002018-01-16T10:48:23.110-08:00Stitched Together Exhibition at Green Howard's Museum<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://stitched-together.org/">The Stitched Together </a>project finished last year which resulted in an <a href="https://stitched-together.org/exhibition/">exhibition</a> at the <a href="http://greenhowards.org.uk/stitched-together/">Green Howard's Museum</a> in November-December 2017. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All the participants of the project created their own messenger bags which were very personal and individual and techniques used were English paper piecing, printing (eco and screen), applique, hand and machine embroidery and cyanotype.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.dionneswift.co.uk/stitched-together-exhibition/"><span style="color: black;">Dionne Swift </span></a>and I both created pieces alongside all the Military Wives messenger bags. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sadly this project and exhibition has now finished but we are lucky enough to take it to various shows, the first being the <a href="http://www.stitchandhobby.co.uk/glasgow/spring/">Creative Craft Show</a> 8-11th March at the SEC, Glasgow. I will also be teaching two workshops on the Saturday and Sunday. Dionne and I will then take the exhibition to the <a href="http://www.stitchandhobby.co.uk/birmingham/spring/">Creative Craft Show</a> 15th-18th March at the NEC, Birmingham. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQOdmmX9DpRCyolEBM2-uZQW8vW3fY89XUMoeAw5sW0VytyU8fsOkLf1pbasr4ysUO1TYL8uXt13FDzxbbXWHhcghYaMMpjjH1E0BlGUo0KVc0MXSRJTxIHAsEduhIsIdAqB3rok2sOFl/s1600/IMG_1604+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQOdmmX9DpRCyolEBM2-uZQW8vW3fY89XUMoeAw5sW0VytyU8fsOkLf1pbasr4ysUO1TYL8uXt13FDzxbbXWHhcghYaMMpjjH1E0BlGUo0KVc0MXSRJTxIHAsEduhIsIdAqB3rok2sOFl/s400/IMG_1604+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If your at either Show please come along and say hello.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-64483987563679102792017-03-13T11:58:00.001-07:002017-03-13T11:58:51.018-07:00I'm back! It's been a long while but I am back and looking forward to some exciting adventures!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am presently second Artist in the military wives project called Stitched Together in Catterick, Dishforth and Topcliffe. Four wonderful groups of very eager people to learn lots of new skills.</div>
<div>
Full details can be found <a href="https://stitched-together.org/about/">here </a>and the lead Artist is <a href="http://www.dionneswift.co.uk/">Dionne Swift</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have introduced quilting, hand and machine embroidery, printing, patchwork, Shibori and there is much more to come. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Plus news of my new workshops - details will follow shortly. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Introduction to hand Embroidery<br />
Shibori </div>
<div>
Hexagon English paper piecing</div>
<div>
Eco Print</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolannjallan/">Instagram</a> @carolannjallan<br />
<a href="http://carolann%20j%20allan%20-%20textile%20artist/">Facebook </a> CarolAnn J Allan - Textile Artist<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/CarolAnnJAllan2">Twitter </a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
CarolAnn<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-22182123878549094992015-03-27T04:58:00.000-07:002015-03-27T04:58:33.339-07:00Finished dressWell I finished the dress but made it far too big! My daughter always tells me off as I buy clothes the next size up but in fact I made this dress two sizes up so it was loose..... So I will cut the pattern down and make it again - you learn. The pattern was really easy to follow and I stitched (with lovely linen) around the yoke. So I will get the linen I really wanted for the next project and try again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1430471603"></span><span id="goog_1430471604"></span><br />CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-70006945683313778052015-02-20T05:43:00.000-08:002015-02-20T05:43:29.623-08:00Sewing bee inspired!It's the great <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03myqj2">British sewing bee</a> time again and I am feeling inspired. Never done dress making before so thought I would give it a go. I love <a href="http://www.merchantandmills.com/">Merchant & Mills website</a> it's a modern day "old fashioned" draper with lots of style and brown paper!<br />
<br />
So I am trying their lovely Dress Shirt with Japanese cotton and a little bit of linen thread, so wish me luck!<br />
<br />
<img height="298" src="webkit-fake-url://352b58a3-6fd7-4d06-aa54-30778185e108/imagejpeg" width="400" />CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-54764824932331552842015-02-17T07:35:00.000-08:002015-02-17T07:35:07.231-08:00New studioIt's been a while! Sometimes life just takes over and you take a break.....<br />
<br />
I am now settled into my studio at <a href="http://www.sunnybankmills.co.uk/art-space.php">Sunny Bank Mills</a>, and at the moment just playing and enjoying settling in. People keep asking me what I am doing - the truth is I am finding out for myself catching up with a few unfinished items (am sure everyone can relate to that!). Personal Development is required and to remind myself that I learnt a lot in my degree and need to experiment, play and always always learn more and enjoy that process.<br />
<br />
We recently had some taster workshops at Sunny Bank and I started a 'community cloth' project to encourage people to come and stitch memories of the mill and the village. Some people drew then stitched their homes - it's an ongoing project and over the next few months on the last Friday of the month I will be in the gallery cafe on a Friday afternoon hoping people will come along, learn some stitches and have fun chatting and creating.<br />
<br />
So for now ........<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-1511171653175366352013-11-07T12:10:00.000-08:002013-11-07T12:10:14.188-08:00Fashion for the drab<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I own up straight away for pinching the wonderful post title Claire Wellesley-Smith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://clarabellacraft.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/weekend.html">http://clarabellacraft.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/weekend.html</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last Saturday I went to her Muted palette <a href="http://clarabellacraft.blogspot.co.uk/p/natural-threads-saturday-4th-may-10.html">workshop</a>. Had a very relaxing learning day discussing the muted palette and dyeing with French marigolds, walnuts, surprisingly Herb Robert ( Geranium Robertianum) of which I have lots in my garden, and many more. As recommended by Claire I will leave them a while before rinsing and they will be used for quilting projects.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<img src="webkit-fake-url://C1273F64-0C4A-4613-9EB1-E276BC45BBF4/imagejpeg" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Key drab into google and it comes up with the following:</span><br />
<table cellspacing="5" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="hw" style="font-weight: bold;">drab<sup> 1</sup></span> <img src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/pron.gif" style="cursor: pointer;" /> <span class="pron" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 158, 131); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; cursor: pointer;">(dr<img align="absbottom" src="http://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/abreve.gif" />b)</span></span><br />
<div class="pseg">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>adj.</i> <b>drab·ber</b>, <b>drab·best</b></span><br />
<div class="ds-list" style="margin-left: 1cm;">
<b style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.</span></b><br />
<div class="sds-list" style="margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>a. </b>Of a dull grayish to yellowish brown.</span></div>
<div class="sds-list" style="margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>b. </b>Of a light olive brown or khaki color.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="ds-list" style="margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. </b>Faded and dull in appearance.</span></div>
<div class="ds-list" style="margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. </b>Dull or commonplace in character; dreary: <span class="illustration" style="font-style: italic;">a drab personality.</span> See Synonyms at <a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dull">dull</a>.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="pseg">
<i style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n.</span></i><br />
<div class="ds-list" style="margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. </b>A dull grayish to yellowish or light olive brown.</span></div>
<div class="ds-list" style="margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. </b>Cloth of this color or of an unbleached natural color.</span></div>
</div>
<hr align="left" class="hmshort" style="height: 1px; margin: 6pt auto 4pt 0px; width: 134px;" />
<div class="etyseg" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-top: 6pt;">
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.234375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.234375); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.300781); -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[Alteration of obsolete French <tt>drap</tt>, <i>cloth</i>, from Old French; see <b>drape</b>.]</span></div>
<div class="runseg" style="margin-left: 0.5cm; margin-top: 3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="runseg" style="margin-left: 0.5cm; margin-top: 3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I personally love the "drab" colour palette it's organic and natural qualities are certainly not what people use the term 'drab' for today.</span></div>
<div class="runseg" style="margin-left: 0.5cm; margin-top: 3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="runseg" style="margin-left: 0.5cm; margin-top: 3pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you - as always inspiring, calming, knowledgeable - you always come away with wonderful historical facts about the amazing history of our textile heritage when you spend time with Claire. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-26059888402297900862013-09-25T09:13:00.001-07:002013-10-01T07:45:24.503-07:00Taking timeMy daughter will be leaving for uni the end of this week so it's been busy getting together everything she needs etc. I haven't been hand quilting as much as I had hoped but she also understands I don't want want to rush it and the quilt will be ready when she comes home for Christmas. <br />
<br />
I haven't been sleeping very well ( and I know lots of other parents feel the same). You want amazing things for your children but at the same time to be safe . You do your best but then have to let go and it's that worry that you aren't keeping them safe anymore it's out of your control! But as long as they know you are always there to support them its the very best you can do. To anyone who reads this post I guess you can tell there is a little bit of therapy going on here for the loss of my little girl - but hopeful that the friendship and love for my daughter turning into an independent woman.<br />
<br />
Taking time<br />
<br />
<br />
I wrote the above post before taking my daughter down - Bristol is a beautiful city and it is lovely where she is living and studying, plus she has great flat mates. So it was emotional and it's a new phase for our family at hope as her sister misses her. I cried all the way back (same as lots of other parents I know) but feel happy that she feels happy! As we walked around Bristol I felt very excited so look forward to visiting again (but not too soon!)<br />
<br />
Now I need to get on with some stitching..............<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5862425003200503784" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="webkit-fake-url://1A84DF18-B239-418C-8638-B811369AC855/imagejpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="238" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-76592889444605493512013-08-07T00:46:00.000-07:002013-08-07T00:46:08.697-07:00Quilting and stitching with loveI recently bought <a href="http://cassandraellis.co.uk/">Cassandra Ellis' book Quilt Love</a> which is full of beautiful quilt projects - ones for memory, new born etc but the one I loved is the 'sending off' quilt.<br />
<br />
My eldest daughter will shortly be going off to university so the idea of giving her something so personal as a hand made quilt appealed to me. It has taken quite a while to collect all the fabrics - Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett but also squirrelled away fabrics for 'that special project', then piece it all together. I didn't actually follow Cassandra's design but I would really recommend this book for her projects.<br />
<br />
Whilst I have been stitching I have been thinking about Imogen - remembering since she was small all the lovely walks discussing plants, snails anything to capture nature to your small child. Also all the lovely creative things (along with her little sister) collecting leaves, conkers- making patterns in our garden, mud pies, easels on the lawn and wet paintings all over the garden. This was an important part as a mother. I hope the next step - apart from always being there for her no matter whatever, is the continuing mother/daughter friendship. I want her to love university and do wonderful things but also enjoy coming home.<br />
<br />
I love the idea of quilting bees and how family and friends sit together and sewed - what a lovely sharing way to create. Thankfully I had the help of my good friend Sue to help me place it all together as it is large for a beginner! Will post a picture when it's finished. But alot of stitching is required before then.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p2sbtOCZHHa1Dm_A-ZsasjSRVbBW5kp9Q3oIelpUaLA_lyFIfeI374KRR1V0I3ZpcAXco2FwPrGFa3N3E6FDbcLj49ZElVIHV0Z-xi1ko-_YkGpAoLrblRkwB2M6tnQ2AzzPkmsMS6H3/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p2sbtOCZHHa1Dm_A-ZsasjSRVbBW5kp9Q3oIelpUaLA_lyFIfeI374KRR1V0I3ZpcAXco2FwPrGFa3N3E6FDbcLj49ZElVIHV0Z-xi1ko-_YkGpAoLrblRkwB2M6tnQ2AzzPkmsMS6H3/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-60666151517797465892013-03-21T07:11:00.000-07:002013-03-21T07:11:23.837-07:00Embroidered Sweater for CHSI <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I mentioned in my last post that I had embroidered a sweater in merino dk and chunky for the Fashion Show at the </span><a href="http://www.chsi.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">CHSI</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> show in February so here are a few images.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The garment will also be at </span><a href="http://www.hh-cologne.com/en/handarbeit_hobby/fuer_aussteller/index.php"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">H&H</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> in Cologne this week as part of the spinners (who I work for) show.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkRFiGwuPhQ9FPQCB1_QO0rIYWo_XdmEmqa2g_2joLHiQ2i3sCkBHw3zMUNue-rveToY6dzI4MFLznAV_bGommYsFPaRiaez_csAon4uJN15G0GYkbZpe39r4E8XbjFO_mJS2c0nCAlnK/s1600/Embroidered+Sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkRFiGwuPhQ9FPQCB1_QO0rIYWo_XdmEmqa2g_2joLHiQ2i3sCkBHw3zMUNue-rveToY6dzI4MFLznAV_bGommYsFPaRiaez_csAon4uJN15G0GYkbZpe39r4E8XbjFO_mJS2c0nCAlnK/s400/Embroidered+Sweater.jpg" ssa="true" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqGudHzvpGyL_UrApNsh-qmoim8hmOnzLoAhrHHPWc9ba1v4Z3DSH8uCR3qFWAIv7mGAprbyB4yWaxDytbHAzP0qLxVrtqSjbXh4VXh1JqJ6hQEqpAD234d4JUwmmjILR0i_FwD46ihP9/s1600/C+Allan+Emb+Sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqGudHzvpGyL_UrApNsh-qmoim8hmOnzLoAhrHHPWc9ba1v4Z3DSH8uCR3qFWAIv7mGAprbyB4yWaxDytbHAzP0qLxVrtqSjbXh4VXh1JqJ6hQEqpAD234d4JUwmmjILR0i_FwD46ihP9/s400/C+Allan+Emb+Sweater.jpg" ssa="true" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh843hkHsWOox-Ht3fIAIfa91IVgZV8cDLoZVUjS17ktHgNfOW1EoG23qPzK_s907XAbHNnYl182IlutHxT2Rb332VEZt7SGKdt0NBMN5xZM6XRjaqAc4ZbazY0526SAFBRpNSkxS-9r7bu/s1600/Em+Sweater+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh843hkHsWOox-Ht3fIAIfa91IVgZV8cDLoZVUjS17ktHgNfOW1EoG23qPzK_s907XAbHNnYl182IlutHxT2Rb332VEZt7SGKdt0NBMN5xZM6XRjaqAc4ZbazY0526SAFBRpNSkxS-9r7bu/s400/Em+Sweater+copy.jpg" ssa="true" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really enjoyed embroidering with wool for a change and did alot of raised embroidery using knitting needles!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-3069077223617267392013-01-31T12:51:00.001-08:002013-01-31T12:51:54.652-08:00Busy Life!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I havent blogged for quite some time as life is very busy at the moment. However I do have an embroidery project on the go for the <b><a href="http://www.chsi.co.uk/">CHSI</a></b> show at the NEC in February. This is an embroidered/embellished hand knitted tunic for the Fashion Show which is held each day. It is a trade show so the spinners I work for will be showing and launching new products.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I still have quite alot to do so will post a photograph next week - its been lovely using wool on wool for a change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This coming weekend I am at the <b><a href="http://www.ysp.co.uk/">YSP</a></b> for a workshop with <b><a href="http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/mark-hearld-birds-and-beasts">Mark Hearld</a></b> and am very excited to meet him, see his exhibition and get something creative done for myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<img src="http://www.ysp.co.uk/media/images/events/gallery/390_list.jpg?634952622485456250" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-66430653173334707232012-09-13T07:06:00.000-07:002012-09-13T07:06:02.937-07:00Steven MacIver - Dillon Gallery - New York<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Prepare to be amazed! </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look at <a href="http://www.stevenmaciver.com/"><strong>Steven MacIver's</strong></a> exhibition currently in the <a href="http://www.dillongallery.com/exhibitions/"><strong>Dillon Gallery</strong></a> in New York. He uses Twilleys of Stamford Goldfingering in Gold and Silver for his installations.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Words from Dillon Gallery:-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Steven completed his BA in Fine Arts at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen and his MFA at the Slade School of Art. Following his graduation in 2004, MacIver was honored with the Sainsbury Scholarship in Painting and Sculpture at the British School at Rome. His fundamental preoccupation with the creation of various types of space was deepened by his time in Rome and can be seen in his renderings of stadiums and coliseums. He uses these abstracted architectural studies to deeply explore how space is used and contained.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For MacIver, the fundamental aspect of art is the ability to draw a line well and this is clearly demonstrated in his explorations with internal and external space. He calls his artistic method a type of “excavation” because he uses a scalpel to remove paint in a reductive method from the canvas. The result is a structured surface that is both glossy and flat: a type of interplay between drawing and painting. His various compositions, made of a multitude of intersecting lines, create both a real and imagined space. Amongst the many awards and grants this gifted young artist has already received, the Rome Prize for study awarded to him by the Slade School placed him as one of the leading young artists from Britain. He currently lives and works outside Oxford."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steven said it took 6 miles of yarn and 3000 trips up and down a ladder to prepare his installation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish him the very best for his exhibition which runs from 6th September - 2nd October in New York. Amazing work.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX6lH8euvIKhQPU-H5uyERDM2tkmhZStC9nXs4GHPfDsdV3e3LJmL-bpCGCkteG1JRznNe8tGZw5T2d27TSKxeRsrhqs36B0YPEgvru0SgfBeMK_vSmtVss4ynRt6vCFbWKkS5PsT2h9r/s1600/Nexus+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX6lH8euvIKhQPU-H5uyERDM2tkmhZStC9nXs4GHPfDsdV3e3LJmL-bpCGCkteG1JRznNe8tGZw5T2d27TSKxeRsrhqs36B0YPEgvru0SgfBeMK_vSmtVss4ynRt6vCFbWKkS5PsT2h9r/s320/Nexus+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U9Z3xGybpDtIdO95YIxMv5NDWGr-PAAKm5Lor_DN01uNwdtwz3PFSHAc6cjvtMtHKtVvssVq4sxcHM2hdrM3I4iQjXMCiDyZF5tUQ2rKlSJ89EOXd_wVapch4Rxhu8uJyZl7OnVH5dCT/s1600/Installation+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U9Z3xGybpDtIdO95YIxMv5NDWGr-PAAKm5Lor_DN01uNwdtwz3PFSHAc6cjvtMtHKtVvssVq4sxcHM2hdrM3I4iQjXMCiDyZF5tUQ2rKlSJ89EOXd_wVapch4Rxhu8uJyZl7OnVH5dCT/s400/Installation+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-23824678174478497112012-07-01T03:58:00.000-07:002012-07-01T03:58:22.195-07:00Eco PrintingAround 3 years ago during my <span style="background-color: white; color: #2a1407; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;">Blodeuwedd - The Flower Bride project I buried a silk scarf in our compost heap at home. I placed rose leaves onto the silk then rolled it up and thought I would find it again after 3 or so months. Well my husband found it 2 weeks ago, he passed me a dirty roll and said I presume this is yours! It never made it to my project and unfortunately I don't have the original photographs to show the first step before burial. My tutor at Bradford <a href="http://hannahlamb.blogspot.com/">Hannah Lamb</a> may well remember the missing piece from my files. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a1407; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #2a1407; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Now that I have found it I hope to revive it within my ongoing project with vintage scarves. I feel that I can add this (embroidered of course) as the only 'new' scarf - as it really was found and revived.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #2a1407; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #2a1407; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://clarabellacraft.blogspot.co.uk/">Claire Wellesley-Smith</a> and Hannah will understand my delight at finding it - there is no comparison to the wonderful <a href="http://prophet-of-bloom.blogspot.co.uk/">India Flint</a>!</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a1407; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNrQg_9v95Qldc46H80HH81b-4Gp9mK2_V082IydLE2zK4DDtUdTaNisGI9Jis9ireNgKqufumZdu6fenjNSqKMtsF8xoWJY8i3pJQdjlTXFC-cfKyr2WCeAXc1qKTRuWK16ulORIL7Q3/s1600/IMG_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNrQg_9v95Qldc46H80HH81b-4Gp9mK2_V082IydLE2zK4DDtUdTaNisGI9Jis9ireNgKqufumZdu6fenjNSqKMtsF8xoWJY8i3pJQdjlTXFC-cfKyr2WCeAXc1qKTRuWK16ulORIL7Q3/s400/IMG_2068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a1407; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-20208863973890317972012-06-25T11:30:00.002-07:002012-06-25T11:30:43.353-07:00Natural Dyeing - Workshop with Claire Wellesley-SmithI had a lovely weekend on <a href="http://www.clarabella.co.uk/">Claire Wellesley-Smith'</a>s <a href="http://clarabellacraft.blogspot.co.uk/p/sustainable-stitch-workshops.html">Natural Dyeing Workshop</a> at <a href="http://www.hivebradford.org.uk/index.php">The Hive</a> in Shipley. The two days covered an introduction to natural dyeing using plants from the garden and also kitchen waste such as onions. The colour palette produced from plants/trees such as woad, elder, walnut, madder and indigo (to name a few) are joyous. Although some can produce bright colours they certainly aren't harsh like synthetic dyes and really do echo the colour palette of your garden.<br />
<br />
Claire is a very good tutor, calm, organised and very willing to share her wealth of experience. It is not just about learning what you can do with plants etc but also the history behind natural dyeing. It was really interesting.<br />
<br />
The other nice thing about attending this workshop was sharing within the group of people attending - all very eager to learn more, getting our hands (with rubber gloves on!) stuck in and delighting in the outcome. This organic way of dyeing isn't always predictable - so its exciting to see what comes out of the pot and after its dry, the final colour. Of course you can always dye your fabric first in onion skin dye, once dry (or rised) you can put into the Madder pot and out comes a lovely orange. Gaining other colours comes with experience.<br />
<br />
Claire's guidance produced a room full of colour in silk, wool, yarns, fleece and cottons. This introduction was exciting and there is so much more to learn. I am looking to using the fabrics within some patchwork which as I feel the 'slow' process of creating and the calmness it brings is perfect; therefore stitching into the fabric and making slow textiles is another important process.<br />
<br />
Thank you Claire, your workshop was wonderful and inspiring. I would recommend this to everyone who enjoys creating organically, involving the slow process and the excitement the whole process brings, learning a new skill which was just pure fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_mhvGSgWg-4FoE5YlTtnMuQdlU4TjWJDCwqHgmGn7Yn5x0Xc91Wj11cVyZMS1FdquH0-wNnC2vYkxmOdsgi1r6R7OuPKjtlOfAjpYOqN2VIDb69g5AMAESwI2qRPs38glwejqwLAcRZv/s1600/IMG_2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_mhvGSgWg-4FoE5YlTtnMuQdlU4TjWJDCwqHgmGn7Yn5x0Xc91Wj11cVyZMS1FdquH0-wNnC2vYkxmOdsgi1r6R7OuPKjtlOfAjpYOqN2VIDb69g5AMAESwI2qRPs38glwejqwLAcRZv/s400/IMG_2065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will post more photographs this week but here are all my fabrics just drying in the sunshine.</div>
.CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-74795156207086360362012-05-29T14:20:00.000-07:002012-05-29T14:20:52.371-07:00Workshop - Fiona WilsonOn 19th May I attended one of <a href="http://fiona-wilson.blogspot.co.uk/">Fiona Wilson'</a>s workshops called <a href="http://fiona-wilson.blogspot.co.uk/p/stitch-workshops-for-2010.html">Drawn Marks for Stitch</a>.<br />
<div>
Because we had completed our degree together (Fiona graduated the year before me) Fiona was worried that she couldn't teach me anything (I am sure she wont mind me talking about this).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I explained that even though a person has completed a degree etc sometimes life takes over and you forget a) how much you know b) how to think, create and just play c) you can lose confidence in your own skills. Therefore I had a wonderful day, drawing and stitching, playing and remembering! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fiona is an excellent 'teacher' she is calm clear and very informative. But most importantly she allows you to play in your creativity, which is something you quite often forget to do. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you think you cant draw - you can, if you are a relatively beginner to machine stitching - she teaches you skills to use your machine better - even if your machine only has a straight stitch there is so much you can do with it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you Fiona for a lovely day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmK3pNe0yH1VKMolw55esalb-XM6GKNVj99mBy6qQWan2dFydAGWjxmppFRzJ4geT_fkBUO23nkJLaPL6NSK2_nTh-FRA0tQwbkQ3VwDy2Muj7zatR7CPBr74Ct_3x0a7X-AP0TkeQQm-z/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmK3pNe0yH1VKMolw55esalb-XM6GKNVj99mBy6qQWan2dFydAGWjxmppFRzJ4geT_fkBUO23nkJLaPL6NSK2_nTh-FRA0tQwbkQ3VwDy2Muj7zatR7CPBr74Ct_3x0a7X-AP0TkeQQm-z/s320/IMG_2010.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dFEzVSBdHo0wNa70DKNyGB5mKC9uvIJkY3nYZqnIX1tW_I61PRFCYvyI3ZoDFXNGeTGylMnhnD8KGkZYPeNP2uWABfSGpJNvDmgbcBkR8oBa0k0STh3lOcxDGCfySJYKSHWD1z-MI5Um/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dFEzVSBdHo0wNa70DKNyGB5mKC9uvIJkY3nYZqnIX1tW_I61PRFCYvyI3ZoDFXNGeTGylMnhnD8KGkZYPeNP2uWABfSGpJNvDmgbcBkR8oBa0k0STh3lOcxDGCfySJYKSHWD1z-MI5Um/s320/IMG_2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-16296496157071734512012-05-29T12:40:00.001-07:002012-05-29T12:40:22.726-07:00Found and Revived continuedStill progressing with my project but haven't found a "Winter" design scarf yet - I am looking for nylon, preferred age around 1950's/60's similar to the ones I have. Ebay hopefully will be a source - but if anyone has an old scarf in a drawer they would be willing to sell me?<br />
<br />
I really hope to find one with a label on (my spring ones just states Nylon, Italy) but I love the fact its still on.<br />
<br />
I find some stitches more enjoyable - cretan, herringbone, french, whipped spider web and bullion are favourites - in fact I cant really think of any stitch I don't particularly like but I am sure you know what I mean when you have ones you just love doing.<br />
<br />
With the wonderful weather I have been stitching outside in the shade, which is just perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZyradRdKcOyYUUOe-bmRPqqycGmpRTZUfTZ-WO1LqHZsANdO6xyLgg_4DYV1x3SQHUVlqEFMcU-4THkmfbARvWk-1MNbfN25-fVCQF-HKjN7pWRPWhOLQPV6K-lkaVifsWKz0Nccht4O/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZyradRdKcOyYUUOe-bmRPqqycGmpRTZUfTZ-WO1LqHZsANdO6xyLgg_4DYV1x3SQHUVlqEFMcU-4THkmfbARvWk-1MNbfN25-fVCQF-HKjN7pWRPWhOLQPV6K-lkaVifsWKz0Nccht4O/s320/IMG_2020.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-26366037745747208532012-05-09T11:24:00.000-07:002012-05-09T11:24:23.197-07:00Found and RevivedI have a new project on the go called "Found and Revived" and here is a sneak peak. I love vintage scarves even when they are slightly damaged and worn in places and by embellishment and embroidery you can revive areas.<br />
<br />
They won't be wearable because they are too delicate - this is a Nylon one made in Italy (looks like 1950's/60's) and there will be four in total.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzYce4EBwdWYBxGzQBruuCNNbVpZEuL4l9crKdcQs_INO_4wHNjuvy31mEPFDU_DIVUUi2vP9hS5w4wLz495yetmMhyphenhyphen9apSA9qAl4qbG4Ew9Jz2-26XIS2OJ31h0qxdUPNrQNkQM6rekd/s1600/IMG_1659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzYce4EBwdWYBxGzQBruuCNNbVpZEuL4l9crKdcQs_INO_4wHNjuvy31mEPFDU_DIVUUi2vP9hS5w4wLz495yetmMhyphenhyphen9apSA9qAl4qbG4Ew9Jz2-26XIS2OJ31h0qxdUPNrQNkQM6rekd/s320/IMG_1659.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulGBs7Ju8gKDsA7qRUvhJf7crBJ1QOny-ZIIkdcF4USnMmVtFFP1ASI60b0eoI0U5WHDN9Xk_sxDpPFuZouU7u2gg8R4Xfb-D3Hpl6q53ZnXt9zZp2oJA_X1kEdJ0nJDz9rwyxqtCYHdk/s1600/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulGBs7Ju8gKDsA7qRUvhJf7crBJ1QOny-ZIIkdcF4USnMmVtFFP1ASI60b0eoI0U5WHDN9Xk_sxDpPFuZouU7u2gg8R4Xfb-D3Hpl6q53ZnXt9zZp2oJA_X1kEdJ0nJDz9rwyxqtCYHdk/s320/IMG_1663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-69291639833496602532012-04-19T13:07:00.002-07:002012-04-20T00:06:58.538-07:00Susan CrawfordLast November I met <a href="http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/Home.html">Susan Crawford</a> at the Knitting & Stitch Show in Harrogate and yesterday had the pleasure of meeting her again. She adapts vintage knitting patterns and resizes them - but stays true to the original design. She has written <a href="http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/Books.html">3 books</a> (two co-authored with Jane Waller) A <a href="http://justcallmeruby.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/stitch-in-time-photoshoot-on-film.html">Stitch in Time (Vol I&II)</a> and Vintage Gifts to Knit. Vintage fashion, patterns and the history of British knitting are her obsessions (her words) and I would say she is unique in her style and adaptation, reclaiming and reviving amazing designs.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My knitting is basic to say the least but I hope sometime in the future I will have time to (try) knit one of her designs. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/Books_files/SIT2_Front090dpi.jpg" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-6049166862292097442012-04-09T14:31:00.004-07:002012-04-09T14:41:53.518-07:00Studio Space<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzNoLO6HPv6F-sYc0jBfUmyeDFgUCFmo9cErPlz3MQ-V97y-mMCcBsICQeCrZTryUrwy19NvsFT_aNS51iSLDgL9XPrVsyYdrrq9eq8TBCjxz907XLVs-sUHmCDyLjb_9IgNAbdmC9fLt/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzNoLO6HPv6F-sYc0jBfUmyeDFgUCFmo9cErPlz3MQ-V97y-mMCcBsICQeCrZTryUrwy19NvsFT_aNS51iSLDgL9XPrVsyYdrrq9eq8TBCjxz907XLVs-sUHmCDyLjb_9IgNAbdmC9fLt/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729518755514034514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-nVB0l7QBAE8Yf3RP2yLoQlUzpPIeLOYU_-Ynwk8Di1CJtRwv5Ik7VIYzznm72KcnL04zvV5lgkv_kNkQ5krpI2WfodirjaLXfTu0_CO4z2aw0YymiGj_KsnhumdmWS-VI6V3dzlvYl7/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-nVB0l7QBAE8Yf3RP2yLoQlUzpPIeLOYU_-Ynwk8Di1CJtRwv5Ik7VIYzznm72KcnL04zvV5lgkv_kNkQ5krpI2WfodirjaLXfTu0_CO4z2aw0YymiGj_KsnhumdmWS-VI6V3dzlvYl7/s320/IMG_1589.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729518413335215714" /></a><br />I have been using our basement for quite some time as my studio space but always sat in my dining-room to sew because of the large windows and the light being better. So I finally made the change into our spare bedroom upstairs which is a lovely light/bright space - I should have done it years ago. <div><br /></div><div>A lot of de-cluttering has had to take place which is good and I now have a more creative room to work in. There is still a lot to move up here but essentially I can now work straight away which makes me feel so much happier. Light is so important when sewing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Its tidy at the moment - not sure what it will look like in a few weeks time.....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-88352404508674176472012-03-12T10:33:00.001-07:002012-03-12T10:33:50.328-07:00The Library of Lost Books: Get Involved<a href="http://thelibraryoflostbooks.blogspot.com/p/get-involved.html?spref=bl">The Library of Lost Books: Get Involved</a>: This is a big project and it needs your help! The Library needs workshop facilitators - folks who would like to work with the public on ...<br />
<br />
This is a fascinating project - have a lookCarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-74893685347739684982012-03-05T11:58:00.005-08:002012-03-06T13:12:44.647-08:00Studio Day - Dionne Swift<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}" >Had a lovely time with <a href="http://www.dionneswift.co.uk/workshops">Dionne Swift</a> today. She held a Studio Day - not a workshop - but time you could go and work alongside her (she was busy getting ready for another exhibition). They were several of us dyeing, printing and stitching and I managed to get quite a lot of printing done which was really satisfying. </span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}" ><br /></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}" >Thank you Dionne - your new studio is a fabulous space - lots of light, well organised and a relaxing space to think and create.</span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >Photographs to follow.</span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word; font-weight: normal; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></h6><div class="mvm uiStreamAttachments clearfix" ft="{"type":10}" style="zoom: 1; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div class="UIImageBlock clearfix" style="zoom: 1; "><div class="UIImageBlock_Content UIImageBlock_MED_Content fsm fwn fcg" style="display: table-cell; vertical-align: top; width: 10000px; "><div class="uiAttachmentTitle" ft="{"type":11}" style="word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word; "><span><br /></span></div></div></div></div>CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-50485389520470526712012-02-20T02:42:00.003-08:002012-02-20T03:44:28.280-08:00Spices - work in progress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25EBeXAN9FqkGqEC4mkZI0gHR7rRn3DPFC7bCAAtF5h_DrQlFOgb3xY0BWupSDopv6MGC_mAe98K-DfIgTD6I-YToMthiK_3vYIFO4XuL_LeN_-6dtmS_BL1UC-l_13uXSQQseIwAIV_W/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25EBeXAN9FqkGqEC4mkZI0gHR7rRn3DPFC7bCAAtF5h_DrQlFOgb3xY0BWupSDopv6MGC_mAe98K-DfIgTD6I-YToMthiK_3vYIFO4XuL_LeN_-6dtmS_BL1UC-l_13uXSQQseIwAIV_W/s320/IMG_1290.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711178274440345202" /></a><br />A peaceful morning at home which is a luxury - so back into stitching. Lots more to do...<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-13855076933518680922012-01-30T01:31:00.000-08:002012-01-30T01:55:17.818-08:00Back in the Saddle again!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrFXfeboqKBymATOe-GogDkQyFOZQyFW6EXgEscJcyKS2pfXbxGirid-5vjzBmV5RWQZ1FrEqLoEU2s0aibymyMVgUjOaHdXfpioLpdc67DCe1GkE8Xscr9GnQ93xUeVcebAGWaOv01e0/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrFXfeboqKBymATOe-GogDkQyFOZQyFW6EXgEscJcyKS2pfXbxGirid-5vjzBmV5RWQZ1FrEqLoEU2s0aibymyMVgUjOaHdXfpioLpdc67DCe1GkE8Xscr9GnQ93xUeVcebAGWaOv01e0/s320/IMG_0799.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703358510480628594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Spices</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl1PRFV801PHsU4wKn8wJv2-OETh2Wzwh7XxNCgAx_xPcwfgaF_nn9oUQyzjOQUagpTvEDtw6ceT0086TnnbiClQgDsJSw3K2urqfDH8Pdyg1k2r32HIIMse1yFlHoJ6PlhjJJ3J9fCYb/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl1PRFV801PHsU4wKn8wJv2-OETh2Wzwh7XxNCgAx_xPcwfgaF_nn9oUQyzjOQUagpTvEDtw6ceT0086TnnbiClQgDsJSw3K2urqfDH8Pdyg1k2r32HIIMse1yFlHoJ6PlhjJJ3J9fCYb/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703357974869938674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"> Cornish Landscape</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZqRL7nJB48">Happy New Year</a> - click on the link!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been looking at fabrics and ideas in my need to get creative again after my months of nothing (well actually I have been very busy but not in my own creative work!).</div><div><br /></div><div>Setting myself two little projects with very different themes; </div><div>Spices - A lovely friend gave me pieces of fabric she picking up in India - actually off the floor whilst she was having a jacket made and knew I would appreciate these which would otherwise be thrown away. The colours of the silks reminded me of lots of lovely spices. There are also off cuts of saris which I purchased from <a href="http://www.thebeetroottree.com/">The Beetroot Tree</a> at the Knit & Stitch Show last November.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cornish Landscape - I was in Cornwall 2 years ago and did quite a lot of drawing so wanted to re-visit this theme.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I'm back in the saddle again.........</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-33713995571812119542011-11-14T12:16:00.000-08:002011-11-14T12:18:51.037-08:00Apologies - a lull in creativityWork and lots of home decorating (groan) appears to have taken over all my time at present so nothing interesting or new happening creatively!<div><br /></div><div>I will be back soon.........................</div>CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5862425003200503784.post-14911942175936512272011-09-16T23:25:00.000-07:002011-09-16T23:42:26.381-07:00Collagraphic Workshop - Dionne Swift<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVyCoad621oeqPRrmjXJn1_XZobiLbxcEWNl4WkLYMOfVskXO3PY1xZFoNcI5n0XVfrpWvglTnvYqT7PdIyqJMy4Dr1uIHUrUqAJZaWvxhYr5aFcgUqcYmDLg8LTBbYHom3_RxGHuJDdR/s1600/IMG_2948.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVyCoad621oeqPRrmjXJn1_XZobiLbxcEWNl4WkLYMOfVskXO3PY1xZFoNcI5n0XVfrpWvglTnvYqT7PdIyqJMy4Dr1uIHUrUqAJZaWvxhYr5aFcgUqcYmDLg8LTBbYHom3_RxGHuJDdR/s320/IMG_2948.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653214990200422194" /></a><br />Yesterday I attended one of Dionne Swift's workshops - Collagraphic Printing. I did quite a bit of this during the last year of my degree, but I feel that attending workshops gives you new ideas and spurs you on to renew skills. Unfortunately I dont have a press at home - I would love one!<div><br /></div><div>Had I been a beginner I would say that this workshop is perfect for both inexperienced and experienced. Dionne's teaching is clear, she gives you time to go through each process (of which there are many) and you progress through to take home some good and useable pieces for future projects, framing etc. This is a lengthy process and takes care and time, but very therapeutic!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the link for her future workshops:- <a href="http://www.dionneswift.co.uk/workshops/">http://www.dionneswift.co.uk/workshops/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>She is presently renovated her new studio in Holmfirth, which looks like a fantastic space for her, so looking forward to visiting her there. <a href="http://www.dionneswift.co.uk/contact/studio/">58 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3AZ</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Dionne x </div><div>Please excuse the slightly wonky photo!!</div><div><br /></div>CarolAnn J Allanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709038179881944268noreply@blogger.com0