Losing the thread

More phrenology, stitched on the sewing machine, from the back, with the thick wool thread in the bobbin. A very different effect from the hand stitching.

Once the threads were pulled to the back for tying off, I decided I liked this effect, so may keep it like this and call it " Losing the thread" or even " Loosing the thread". As there have been a few blogs discussing the correct use of "lose" and "loose" perhaps it needs a dual title.

Phremininology

I found a female head at dsharp's blog. Increasing this in size and using the transfer pen led to this version.

I really like the delicacy of the features in this one and have stitched some words for my niece.

Quilts at the V and A and conscience at the Houses of Parliament

A day of contrasts. First to the V and A for the " Quilts 1700 - 2010" exhibition. This exhibition has been the subject of much debate on the quilting blogs and chat groups as the V and A does not seem to have involved the UK quilting guild, The Quilters' Guild in any of the organisation.

The exhibition is well worth a visit, even to non-quilters, as these textiles are rarely on display. The fabrics in the early pieces are startling for the contemporary feel of the prints on the fabrics. The photo opposite, from the V and A site, shows the quilt that intrigued me the most. It is exquisitely pieced, but then there is the central motif plonked on top of existing piecing, very asymmetrically. If I visit again, I will hire the commentary, in case there is a comment on this piece.

After this, off to the Houses of Parliament to attend the mass lobby to try to get changes to the libel law. It was very gratifying to see that the committee room assigned had to be changed to a larger one, and that a good number of MPs attended the meeting. Simon Singh also spoke, despite becoming a father for the first time 3 days ago. Do support this cause if you can as this is such an important issue.

Beautoufle pantoufle

It was the Contemporary Textile Fair this weekend. There are many wonderful objects in this fair, but this year, I actually bought something - a pantoufle. This is a gloriously tactile felt vessel, made a Gillian Royal.

The felt is thick, and soft, and she adds delicate machine stitching to the top and bottom ( more clearly seen in the second photo of the detail on the bottom).

This is the ideal ornamental object for a 2boy and 1 dog household. It is still looking beautiful despite being constantly handled, thrown in the air and used as an indoor rugby ball.

Phrenalico

Another head, this time stitched on calico, with the heavy wool thread for the outline and features and then the words and dividing lines in a lovely variegated brown/ orange thread. I did some false trapunto under the head and left the rest of the front of the cushion as plain calico.

The wool on the back left a ridge at the seam allowance that looked unsightly, so I stitched around the inner edge of this to give a better finish. Another "design solution" to an unexpected problem.

Fractals from family life

Younger son - " Where's the toothpaste?"
Mother - " In the bath"
Younger son - " Oh...... OK then"

I guess that's why they call it the blues

More making for the craft stall. We have a bag raffle, so if you come along there is a chance to win this bag. Made, using the squares we made with Sally Kelly , who often publishes in Stitch. Sally provided us with squares of calico , stamped with fabric paint, and we then embroidered over the stamped image.

Using techniques learned on the BQL bag challenge, I designed this bag. It is not fully quilted, but the main body is interfaced and the calico band is FMQd.

Fabrics are from Fabric Freedom.

Card, cards, cards

I've finally had a chance to load the photos of the cards I'm making for us to sell on the craft table for our quilt show on 7 - 9 May.


These are a great way to try out techniques as not too much time is invested in them and if they go wrong it's not a disaster.


These incoprporate lots of the techniques we used on BQL last year, in the canendar challenge.


I've even done a little phrenology head one, specifically for stitchers - I think you can read the words on the photo.

Phrenorelations

It is truly becoming an obsession. This one is for my younger son, with his favourite thoughts in his head.


I hope no family psychologists are reading as there is no section in there for any thoughts about his brother or parents.

I'm running out of pieces of blanket, so I will need to go charity shop trawling soon.

Phrenorticulture

Another phrenology head, this time as a raffle prize for a fundraiser for my son's school.

Appropriate gardening words added, so hopefully someone will want this enough to buy lots of tickets.