The world comes to me.

Had a couple of really great days this week!
On Tuesday I had a student who is on a trip from Melbourne, taking a break from acrobatic performance to learn rag rug skills. She was the first student  that I welcomed into my new studio space at home. Talking, learning, exchanging ideas, she too went home happy with two projects started.
On Wednesday I went to Africa -sort of. An indigo dyeing day at the home of Magie Relph. Magie is very knowledgeable and really does demystify the art of indigo dyeing. I love exploring the many techniques for preparing fabric to resist the dye. Having gasped with awe and wonder at the site of the fabric turning blue before your very eyes, there is more magic as you unpick/undo the stitching/take out the marbles, pegs etc and see the pattern that has been created.
I really want to use some of this fabric in my locker hook work, but I can't bear the thought of ripping it up.....
Perhaps I could make some fabulous indigo pieces for my acrobat friend to use in her dangling performances....
www.africanfabric.co.uk

Workshop at LBT

I really enjoy meeting people and teaching my rag rug skills. I had a very keen participant at the LBT Summer Fair, who went away fired up with her first project- a proddy heart. So keen in fact that within a few days she has emailed a photo of the finished piece.
It seems that there are lots of people who want to learn craft skills and revive the art of making things. Rag rugging is a cheap and easy hobby, what better than curling up in front of the fire with a rag rug or cushion or some other project on the go.

Getting ready for HOST

Time to take stock of the year's work and get ready for HOST Open Studio Trail.
September 17th/18th at LBT.
Private view Friday 16th at the CAB building, Huddersfield University.
This year there will be a wide variety of artists at Lawrence Batley Theatre.
I look forward to meeting people, showing and talking about my work. I hope to see you there.

www.hoststudios.co.uk
www.thelbt.org/events

Finished work for Delivery Suite at Bradford Royal Infirmary

I'm really pleased that I have completed the hooking of the BRI piece. Here it is, hot off the press. I need to do the finishing and framing next.
This is a departure in the type of work I do, in terms of scale and design. It makes me feel energised and looking forward to more work on a grander scale.