Collages

For some time now I have used BubbleJet2000© for printing images. In my last post I talked about some new methods. I wanted to share with you the results of my recent experiments.

This first collage has pictures printed onto cotton sheeting using BubbleJet2000© The background is made up of various papers with vintage lace and fabric that has been machined and hand stitched.

Then I decided to use inkAID on fine silk crepe. I have been thinking a lot about the vintage element and my need to use vibrant colours. So, this seemed the ideal opportunity. Using two different wedding photographs from my recent purchase. I set about experimenting. The first is of what I believe to be post WW1 and the second to be post WW2. For the first one I stayed with the sepia colours and vintage lace. Then for the second one I got out my vibrant silks and yarns. I found that once I had stitched on the silks I rather liked the hanging threads, they have remained and I am calling it "Threads of Time"

Good Fortune

Recently I had lunch with a friend and we were talking about recycling table linen in textile work. Before I left I was given this lovely collection of table linen.

Then this weekend another friend has given me two boxes of old lace and embroidered net. I've been busy laundering it all. I feel very fortunate to be the beneficiary of such wonderful gifts.

Last week I went to East Berkshire College at Windsor for their end of year show. There were many beautiful pieces. I decided not to take my camera as it is too easy to become absorbed with taking photographs rather than looking at the detail of the work. Three pieces stood out. A chair with an amazing felt cover in rich reds and blues with the quote from William Morris "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful" embroidered into it along with other stitching. It was stunning. Long narrow textile pictures of the coast. With stitching was so delicate it was almost invisible unless you were up very close. Then length wise panels of figures at the park in shadow and in the open. Trees and text all printed onto a fine fabric. It was magical.

I have been trying out various methods of transferring photographs to fabric. Some that I have previously used and some new ones. It was while I was at Windsor I got some different products. I used Gel Medium to transfer, not very successful for fabric. I have used it on paper before and that works well. The transfer solution using a photocopy has worked well. Then I used inkAID and this has been very satisfactory. I will photograph the work tomorrow, hopefully.

Anonymous

While I was in Bridport I came across this collection of old family photographs. They were for sale in a specialist antique camera shop.

It felt odd buying photographs that belonged to another family and with that their history. I have gone through them, sorted them into family lines where I can. I feel that I might be able to give them back some life.
These children have some wonderful expressions. I wonder how their lives turned out.

Very few have any details written on the back, this one just says "twins aged 3". I like the car in the background.

Life

I have had a wonderful few days in Bridport. Walking along the cliffs, sitting soaking up the sun and reading at Burton Bradstock. A good look around the charity shops where I managed to get some old table linen to recycle. Also a collection of old photographs which I am beginning to use in mixed media work, more on that another time. I visited the museum for the very first time. The Saturday market was busy but no finds for me this time. Not had much time to create anything since I got back.

The sun was shining as I had breakfast in the garden this morning. Then this afternoon there was a great hail storm.

Collages and Vintage Fabric

These collages were made at 10:15pm on Saturday night. I just had to make something with some of the fabric that I purchased.

Vintage and Handmade Fair

The most beautiful weather yesterday made my drive across the southern Cotswold's to Chipping Sodbury just perfect. It was my first visit to Chipping Sodbury and I was not disappointed. The local online information said that it was rather like Chipping Norton. It is in some ways. Though Chipping Norton is on a hill and the houses tend to be grander than those, I saw in Chipping Sodbury. Many of the Chipping Sodbury houses appeared to be much older, there were all sorts of interesting roof lines. It was certainly a very busy market town.

The Vintage and Handmade Fair was wonderful. I got to meet Viv of Hens Teeth and to see some of her beautiful work.

There were many items that one would wish to purchase. I limited myself to two lots of vintage fabrics.
Here is just one piece from the blue bundle.

Also a lovely collection of old lace which after a soak in non chlorine bleach and a wash has come up a treat.

Sewing Machine and Embroidery

I am fortunate enough to have my Great Grandmother's sewing machine. The machine does chain stitch rather than straight stitch. I had it out on display during Art Week and it attracted much attention. I have not used it for years, I guess I should try.

Recently had a lucky find in the local Red Cross shop. I bought the table cloth with the intention of re-cycling it, but now I have laundered it and admired the embroidery I am not so sure.