Crafters Corner 2023/2024

Thank you, comments like this boost my self confidence (of which I have very little)

You have made some nice things too, and I like the colours you've used. Those are 'my' sort of colours

 

Sorry @Liriodendron I forgot to mention your socks. Are they so you know your left from your right? I had a friend who wore odd socks for that reason mmany moons ago whilst learning to drive. She never did pass her test despite L and R on her hands too.

Anyway, socks are definitely an opportunity to have fun and I love yours.

 

Really lovely @Chicky I love the bunch of embroidered flowers. Your socks a great @Liriodendron, knitted socks always come out better that crochet socks (will mine do anyway!). Your patchwork is fab @Obelix-Vendée I'd love to have your bag. @Michael Hewett I would put your painting on my wall it’s very good .

 

@SherwoodArrow the bag shapes is a classic French style (whose name I forget, sorry) which retails from 450€ for the basic leather model which has only one interior pocket. Mine is made from fabric scraps, including the leather straps and flap so I only had to buy the zips, press stud and the stiffener. Bargain.

 

@SherwoodArrow I only have one piece of lace now as I gave what I produced to my late mother and friends. When mum passed away my brother cleared her home and I didn't get the chance to reclaim them. I still have all my equipment and eventually will sell it.

This was an experimental piece of Bedfordshire lace that has never been framed but hidden away, so please excuse the folds in the fabric.

 

Thank you for the compliment @Obelix-Vendée.

Your handbag and patchwork are lovely. It must take some patience to create them, bringing all the pieces together.

I have cross stitched a number of 'twee' animals but if you're willing to search the web you'll be able to find an assortment of patterns like the Irises and other subjects. I started a circular piece last winter of Thor's hammer from a pattern. It caught my eye because it's unusual.

 

@Sheal There are techniques for machine patch and for making kaleidoscopes which make it easier than manual patchwork. I did this first using African wax fabrics but it can take an awful lot of that fabric to get the pattern repeats needed for this model.

I shall have a google for some new cross-stitch patterns tho I suspect I'll need a magnifying glass and lamp these days.

 

There's a lot more to patchwork than meets the eye @Obelix-Vendée . Was it difficult to work with the African wax fabrics?

Below is one of the sites I've used in the past. Etsy also has a good listing of cross stitch patterns. I bought the Iris kit from there and didn't realise at the time it was coming from Lithuania, it took six weeks to arrive. The kit didn't provide anywhere enough Anchor thread so I had to go in search for it here. I suspect that I was just unlucky though.

Lakeside Needlecraft Extensive range of cross stitch products

 

Thanks @Sheal I'll have a look later. Just pausing for breath at the mo after packing up a car load of stuff - clothes, bags, shoes, curtains, bedding - for the Recyclerie after they appealed for spring stuff.

The African wax fabric is easy to sew but the vibrant patterns mean that to cut the repeats needed for the kaleidoscope effect you end up with fabric full of holes..... and there are 8 fabrics in each plus the borders.




Your lace looks intricate! There are 2 or 3ladies in our group who do lace making with bobbins in another group. Takes them a couple of hours to do just a centimetre. Have to admire the skill and patience.

 

That is beautiful @Obelix-Vendée. The bright colours and patterns speak so much of Africa.

Yes, lace is very slow to grow but that also depends on the type of lace being made. The heavier lace's with thicker thread like the one above grow a little quicker.

 

Good morning artists

it has been a pleasure to see your work. I wish I could paint/knit/stitch like you guys. Well done for finishing that headache of a cross stitch @Sheal. Wow. I didn't have your stamina @Sheal so I cut this one short. Each flower had a bulb with roots which would have made the entire picture more square and pleasing to the eye. It is short of 3 flowers too ...

 

this is what it should have looked like

 

@Sheal your lace is beautiful. I really admire your skills along with the time and patience it takes to make them.

 

Thank you @Coccinella. I remember every problem of that particular cross stitch from the day I started it. I don't think it was much about stamina - more the patience of a saint. I do enjoy a challenge though.

Your flowers are lovely and I prefer it to the original. Not so busy if you get my meaning.

We've all got talents, for some it's just a matter of finding and developing them. I'm also an artist but not in the way you may think. In fact I don't think I've ever mentioned it here on GC. I'll leave you to think on that.

 

Thank you too @SherwoodArrow. I think anyone involved in art and craft needs patience.