Icons

I have just returned from a lovely day with Angie Hughes experimenting with techniques to make embroidered icons. Organised by CQ Region 7, 14 of us explored the use of metallic foils on black velvet to create aged icon images. I never thought I would find a legitimate reason for scoffing Ferraro Rocher or Quality street, but their wrappers work brilliantly!
The images are a bit too real for my taste, but the skills are definitely transferable and I can see their use in a future JQ at at the very least!
Photos show completed icon and a part close-up.

Day-a-month with Angie Hughes

This has been an interesting programme for me as I had done very little Machine Embroidery before signing up. My motivation was more about getting more into my machine quilting than become an embroiderer, and I am delighted with the progress my machine quilting has made, I am much more confident, enjoy the challenge even if my stitch work is still a little basic and my control a little wonky!
On Wednesday we spent the day block printing, including making our own blocks from plastazote blocks and pressing objects into the preheated block. This is a technique I will definitely use again and although I set out only to make samples to see what could be done, I have actually made a simple needle case from one piece, an idea Angie came up with.
Foiling the fabric prior to printing worked very well ands I can see this being really useful when starting my next new work - which I already know will have an African feel.
A couple of photos of these samples above.