Last Spotlight contribution

 

Spotlight Textiles exhibited this piece at the Big 24 Quilt Show this weekend. It is inspired by a photograph of Framlingham Castle.

The image was enlarged and sliced up into seven sections - one for each member of the group. These sections were then interpreted in stitch and reassembled. 

The next Spotlight Textiles exhibition will have the theme of 'Spotlight on.......Architecture' and this piece will be shown again there. 

I left Spotlight Textiles in January 2024 but not before completing my strip for the quilt. Mine is the one on the far left.  

This is the original photograph used for inspiration.

I really enjoyed my time with Spotlight Textiles and wish them every success for the future.

 

Not everyone's a winner

 

Ghost Nets

Now that the Norfolk Makers Festival is over I can share my piece which was not selected for the juried exhibition.

The theme was 'Under the Surface' 

My work is all made from plastic - bubble wrap, plastic bags, plastic water bottle, fruit net and laminating pouches

Ghost Nets (detail)

It was inspired by reading about the so called 'Ghost Nets' which are large fishing nets which have become separated from their vessels and are now in the world's oceans scooping up plastics and posing a threat to marine life.

Conservation groups are trying to locate these nets and remove them from the seas. 

Ghost nets (detail)

The close-up images show the layers of plastics captured under the surface and held together by fusing with a soldering iron and machine and hand stitch

The work is quite large 12" x 39" and is tray framed on a deep edged canvas

Whilst disappointed that it was not selected for the Norwich exhibition I do understand as it was difficult to photograph; the plastic is very shiny and reflects the light. The jurors only had two images on which to base their decision. However I do intend to show the work as part of the 'Textile Connections' exhibition in July 2024

The Big 24 Quilt Show

 

Not long now until The Big 24 exhibition at Blackthorpe Barns, Rougham, Bury St Edmunds IP30 9HZ

This event is organised by region 8 (Suffolk and Essex) of the Quilters' Guild and will be a huge celebration of quilting and textile art from this region. 

There are 28 textile groups affiliated to region 8 - more than any other region - and 19 of them will be exhibiting at the Big 24 show.

I will have work on show as two of these groups; Out of the Fold and Spotlight Textiles

Out of the Fold will show their collection of handmade fans first seen as part of the 'Unfolding' exhibition

Spotlight Textiles are showing a joint piece inspired by an image of Framlingham Castle. Handing over my 'slice' was the last thing I did before leaving this group so I am looking forward to seeing the completed hanging at the show!

There are also almost 100 quilts on display from members throughout the region and I will have two pieces in the main show. Plus ten traders, tombola, raffle and refreshments. Lots of see, win and buy. Bring cash!

The show runs from Friday 26th - Sun 28th April, 10am - 4pm each day

Entry £5

Life's a Bleach! workshop on Saturday 1st June 2024

 

'Life's a Bleach!' one day workshop will be running at https://www.thecosycabin.co.uk/ on Saturday 1st June 2024

Working onto a black fabric we will build up layers of surface design using decolourant and household bleach*

I will demonstrate lots of different patterning and design techniques so everyone will leave with two pieces of unique cloth ready for stitch

Cost £45

To book please email mary.cs@sefwi.org.uk

*Note this technique can be very messy and smelly and masks will be worn

Pojagi workshop coming up at The Cosy Cabin

The 'Playing with Pojagi' workshop will be repeated at The Cosy Cabin on Saturday 25th May 2024

Working with cotton organdie this is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Korean Pojagi piecing technique. The end result with be a double sided, semi-transparent panel ideal to hang in a window or against a pale wall.

The example shown here is by Yvonne Romain from a workshop last year. I can supply all materials for £15 in a wide range of colours so you can work in those which match your decor. The size can also be adapted to fit your specific space as required.

Workshop fee £45

To book please email mary.cs@sefwi.org.uk

Now for something completely different.....

 

The Columba silk moth - what will he become? To see the end result, one of a series, visit the 'Textile Connections' exhibition at The Guildhall, Bury St Edmunds from 2nd - 6th July 2024