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Post by lindsay on Feb 16, 2021 9:36:16 GMT
Has everyone stopped felting and fibreing (I know that’s not really a word) or did we just loose the enthusiasm for checking in and chatting about it?
I’m really interested to know what people are up to so I’ll put something out here and hope others join in.
I’m in felt and fibre overdrive. As I said in my last blog, I decided to take some online classes to stop me staring too hard into the gloom of a winter lockdown stretching ahead of me with no known end in sight. Ok, I also want to avoid having to clear out cupboards and clean in the corners of the ceilings.
I’ve wet felted a backpack (as part of Teri’s class) which I will post in the relevant section. I started dyeing wool and fabric because I needed some 14 mic merino tops in different colours and only had white. I usually try to avoid ‘hobby-creep’ where you do more and more different things but this was necessary. Such joy! I’ve loved doing this. Then it snowed a lot so I thought - snow dyeing! More joy.
I did an online live international felt-along workshop by Baribon at the weekend (this is what I needed the 14 mic merino for) which was interesting and I’m really pleased with my necklace. I will post that when I’ve got decent photos. And now I’m working through Fiona Duthie’s online class on Ink on Cloth, which is fascinating.
I know I’m incredibly lucky to have the time and other resources to do all this stuff. I also know I’d be crawling the walls if I wasn’t doing it (& not cleaning them or the ceilings). I will post some pics in the dyeing and wet felting sections.
Anyone willing to share what they’re creating?
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Post by lyn on Feb 16, 2021 16:33:30 GMT
My life is busy at the mo and there's not enough time for creating! (Annie is in the same boat.) On a daily basis I do check in to the forum and the forum blog and I love seeing what everyone is up to and I try to think about new projects for the future. I've managed a small challenge piece and I'll show it at the end of this month in a forum blog post.
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Post by MTRuth on Feb 16, 2021 19:35:44 GMT
Thanks Lindsay for starting this up again. I still do my daily dose of fiber but it's mainly for my class that I'm taking. I have been told not to post anything from that so it has really limited what I have to post about.
I also did some snow dyeing of ten silk scarves that I need to take to the shop near me. I have written a post about that. More on that in your dyeing post.
I am also still slow stitching on my landscape. What I need to do is get all the pieces that are complete and work on the framing process. I dislike that part so I always seem to put it off. But I need to have them ready for summer so they will sell since that's the busy season.
Your idea of taking online classes is a good one. I still have another year on my class so I can't add anything else to my plate at the moment. I look forward to seeing your necklace and to your work from Fiona's class.
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Post by Karen on Feb 16, 2021 20:53:38 GMT
I’ve been playing with samples recently....initially spurred in by the first quarter challenge. I won’t show them yet or I might not have anything to write about when it’s my turn next to blog! I have just made a very simple wallhanging using Bergschaf, Viscose and shells/pebbles from the beach in Alnmouth. I’m thinking of making a larger one next with a lot more detail. http://instagram.com/p/CLXf57eFSQ8
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Post by lyn on Feb 16, 2021 21:09:30 GMT
It's very calming to look at Karen - it would be great on the wall of a 'quiet' room. Oh yes, do go for another!
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Post by MTRuth on Feb 16, 2021 23:34:56 GMT
Very nice, Karen
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Post by lindsay on Feb 16, 2021 23:36:57 GMT
Thank you all for posting things. It was lovely to hear from people. I think I must have had a little ‘is anyone out there?’ moment. I took some photos of my necklace which was good then had a really unsuccessful afternoon felting ink things that ended up looking like slush in the middle of the road. Onwards and upwards.
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Post by MTRuth on Feb 17, 2021 16:50:49 GMT
Today I am machine stitching cords on to trees (to give some definition to the bark) on my wall hanging for class. The end size is 18" by 30" and the base is painted canvas. It is quite a challenge to get it under the sewing machine and handle the size. It's the biggest thing I have ever attempted to stitch. Wish me luck!
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Post by Shepherdess on Feb 17, 2021 22:25:53 GMT
That's my fault, Lindsay. I am usually the one that posts the daily dose post. I have not been doing much lately and so have to save it for the blog. We are deep into winter and just out of lockdown Tuesday. I have the mid-winter blahs. I did have an inquiry about a large commission piece but it would cost too much so that isn't happening. It was interesting to think about and work out what it would cost. I think I may do a smaller version for myself.
Was the felt a free thing or a class? I know Sarafina does a free needlefelt along. Jan has been doing them. We should post in the workshop section when there is a free class/felt along.
An interesting wall hanging Karen. I always like inclusions.
I should make myself some slippers. I need a new pair.
I will say that the blog does keep me going, I have to do somthing so I have somthing to wright about.
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Post by lyn on Feb 17, 2021 23:21:08 GMT
Good luck Ruth - sometimes it is a battle to get stuff under that pesky little needle.
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Post by lindsay on Feb 17, 2021 23:30:55 GMT
There’s no fault, Ann. I was just feeling a bit sad that there wasn’t much was being posted on the forum (by which I mean quantity rather than quality). The daily dose bit seemed to offer the chance to check in and hear what people were doing without having to post a full project or question. I’m glad the blog helps to keep you making things. It must be challenging to post so frequently.
The felt along was a paid for event: more than 8 hours over 2 days. I wouldn’t normally find that challenging but because of the timing I had to do it at home on the dining table rather than in my studio. On the up side, my home is a lot warmer. On the down side, my studio table is a great height for working at and my dining table is not. I will post a photo in the wet felting section
So, today I did some more inking onto prefelt as part of my class then I got out loads of beautiful coloured silk fabric. I’m planning a wet felted bag with lots of pieces of silk in the blue / green / purple range and I wanted to think about colours. I’m hoping to dye the wool (definitely hooked on dyeing) so want to decide what colours & shades I’m aiming for. I enjoyed just looking at and feeling the fabric.
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Post by lindsay on Feb 17, 2021 23:32:48 GMT
Today I am machine stitching cords on to trees (to give some definition to the bark) on my wall hanging for class. The end size is 18" by 30" and the base is painted canvas. It is quite a challenge to get it under the sewing machine and handle the size. It's the biggest thing I have ever attempted to stitch. Wish me luck! Good luck, Ruth! I’ve never done any machine stitching on to felt but it sounds like a substantial challenge.
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Post by MTRuth on Feb 18, 2021 16:59:36 GMT
Ann, sorry to hear you have the mid-winter blahs. I do know how challenging it can be to post on a near weekly basis. But as you say, it keeps you going because you know you have to have something to post about.
Lindsay, I am really looking forward to seeing your new bag, the colors sound scrumptious.
The first tree on my wall hanging has the silk organza stitched down, the cords applied and now just needs the top layer of stitching left. I have completed the second tree as it only had a bit of stitching as it is supposed to be in the distance and not have a lot of detail. On to the third tree. There are five all together. Then I have the roots to do which takes quite a while. But I am making progress. I am getting used to maneuvering a big piece but it is still challenging. I need more space around my sewing machine as I keep running in to other things.
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Post by Pandagirl on Feb 20, 2021 3:26:16 GMT
I wish I were creating, but stage 4 lung cancer and the meds have robbed me of energy and stamina. I’m not saying this for sympathy, it’s true. I love seeing what everyone is doing it keeps me in touch with Felting. Thank you.
I keep hoping things will change, but for now just staying alive and living every day is my creativity.. Please keep creating and keeping me involved. Thank you again.
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Post by lindsay on Feb 20, 2021 10:53:17 GMT
I’m so very sorry to hear that, Marilyn. Sending you lots of good thoughts and best wishes x
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