Workshops and Websites

Embroidered Goose. Textile markers and hand embroidery on printed fabric, 2015

This week I've been busy making samples and worksheets for some of the workshops that I've got coming up. I've got several workshops coming up in different locations and I'm really looking forward to all of them! One of the things that I like about running workshops is that it gives me a good excuse to have a play about with materials and techniques. This helps keep my skills up to date and inspires me to try new things and expand my own skill set.

Sketches and notes for samples

Shadow Embroidery sample

Pin Stitch, shadow appliqué sample

I also often find that this 'playing' leads to new ideas and ways to resolve problems I've been facing in my work. In creating samples for an upcoming Shadow-work workshop I've been inspired to carry on with a large magpie piece I started and then sort of abandoned last year. I've now almost finished it and although it is quite different to how I originally envisaged the piece I think I'm quite pleased with it. It usually takes me a little while to decide I'm happy (or not) with a piece!

Shadow Work Magpie in progress

Shadow Work Magpie in progress

Similarly, in creating samples for an upcoming Hand Embroidery workshop at Tullie House I was inspired to work back into some fabric drawings I'd done last year, painting and stitching into them. I'm pleased with how this work is progressing and I can see how this might develop into new pieces.

Drawing on fabric: Painted and stitched

Drawing on fabric: Painted and stitched

I've also added a new 'Workshops' page to my website, which I've been meaning to do for a little while now. I love running workshops so I'm hoping that this might make me a bit more accessible!

Screen shot

Upcoming Workshops:

Hand Embroidery: Embellishing Printed Fabric

Saturday 20th February 2016

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle

Shadow Work

Saturday 27th February 2016

Cumberland Embroiderers Guild, Carlisle

An Introduction to Felt Making

Saturday 16th April 2016

Watchtree Nature Reserve

(Details TBC)

Textile Banners

Saturday 23rd April 2016

Tullie House, Museum and Art Gallery

Folded Sketchbooks

Saturday 7th May 2016

Watchtree Nature Reserve

(Details TBC)

Website re-naming

I think I must have had a bit of a rush of blood to the head, I got all enthusiastic and got a domain name and everything so now my website has a nice, easy to remember address: www.delicatestitches.co.uk

I've certainly learnt a lot about websites this week, not sure I really understand it all but at least I sort of have a vague idea how to do it! I still prefer making actual things!

A brand new website is born!

Having spent the past few days frying my technologically inadept brain, I have now created and published my very own website. Which is quite frankly rather exciting. I used wix as my knowledge of computery things is limited and it was recommended to me by a friend. I'm quite pleased with the results I think. I may even get really keen and upgrade it to an ad-free real domain at some point. But not yet. I'm off to do something more interesting, yay paint! Oh, yeah; here's the address! http://www.wix.com/delicate_stitches/helen-walsh
Let me know what you think (but be gentle please.)