In the Mail

You probably know I am a fan of Book Depository in the UK - not only because of their great range of books and terrific service but mainly due to the free shipping anywhere in the world. Even down here in Australia. Sorry to the book store owners out there but these prices are usually half what I have to pay here.

I am always looking for great new books on my travels and then if I see them - I check them out on Book Depository and then they magically arrive at home, sometimes even before I do.

This was the case this time and here are my latest additions to an ever growing textile library.
The first one is all about how to make books from scratch - very interesting and I could get addicted - once I start that is.

I got the urge to do some more felting again after seeing all the great textile work in NZ. I have an obscene amount of wool rovings at home gathering dust since I bought them (all available colours of course). There was a lady doing nuno scarf demonstrations when I visited Ashfords and I realised I had all the basic ingredients so I promise I will do some really soon.

I did a class with Lisa Engelbretch in Houston a few years ago and loved it so when I saw this book I had to get it. Now perhaps I will be inspired to use all my pens and inks bought over the last few years.

When my friend Alex was here from the US recently she showed me this book which I really enjoyed. Her copy was actually borrowed from her local library but I think I got to own mine before she left the country. Really interesing ideas for creating landscapes with textures and fabrics.

Next time I might show you the bits and pieces I did actually buy in NZ.....

Sea Foam

Taking a break from pictures of Calcutta to show you a little piece I call Sea Foam just to prove I am being creative.
This work was created accidentally while doing some wet felting when the fabric used to keep everything in place decided to felt itself into the piece. I loved the effect so much I left it there.
Some beads added themselves magically for additional texture




I am a member of the Australian Textile Arts and Surface Design Association and they have just updated their website. It is worth checking out.

More Embellishing

Here is my latest piece. I think it still needs a little more but thought I would post anyway. Any comments or suggestions appreciated.

First made a piece of prefelt with rovings and some organza.

Then cut this piece up into rectangles and then diagonally and placed on 2in squares of acrylic felt





The placed on a grid on some green felt and felted down. The detail in the little pieces get a bit lost . I tried doing it from both sides but didn't like the green coming through to the top. Consequently there are lots of visible holes in the squares which I don't really like.

Also felted some nobbly yarns onto the grid.

Bit of simple stitching with yellow perle cotton but I think it still needs a little more something. I will block it so it lies flat.

New Toy

I am very excited as today I added a new machine to my playroom - sorry - studio.
I have wanted an embellishing machine since they came out so today was the day. Of course, having followed Dale Rollersons journey of writing a book about how to use them I also had to have that as well. Delivery was perfect. Both arrived today, video watched, book browsed and tomorrow I will start to play.
As my exhibition is still on and the Janome Xpression is such a light machine I think I will take the book and the machine to the Gallery and be an 'artist in residence'. It is a public holiday here tomorrow due to APEC, which is causing great traffic jams and annoyance in the city but not in Camperdown. If you are passing please drop in.


This is Dales book which can be purchased from the Thread Studio

Felted Finish

This has been created on a piece of hand made wool and silk felt and embellished with beads. I love the tactile nature of felt and beads together.