New dates for courses in 2011

I know, I know. You've all been asking me to set some more dates for the courses but this is a busy time for the Gallery and I've taken my time looking ahead to 2011. So at last I can announce new dates for Created courses. They are all on the website click here to find out when your course is running.

It seems a good time to remind you that we now do gift vouchers for the courses and that we can run a course just for you and a group of friends. If you'd like to know more, then contact me at the gallery.

Felted Jewellery Part 1

At long last  I've started teaching the felted jewellery course. Pam, Margaret & Orlinda popped down to the courtyard today for the first of the three sessions. We worked on mastering the dark art of cord making for necklaces & bangles in session one. It's quite a trick to get the method just right and is definately not a beginners skill. The technique depends on to the felter's skill for success and the cords react to their felting 'touch'. We began by making some felt worms and moved on from that strange point. Life got tricker when we tried joining the worms to make a continuous cord but we battled on as practice makes perfect. By 1pm we were all ready for lunch and a bit of a rest. Exhausted but happy!

More crafty creative things to share with you.

Last Friday I was overcome with excitement as I found myself the proud owner of a Bernina 830. Yes, the Rolls Royce of sewing machines. The original 1970s model, complete with attachments. Naturally I took it for a service & that's where my first recommendation comes. The Chesterfield Sewing Centre is tucked away in the 'awkward' bit of Chesterfield town centre on Stephenson Place. It's impossible to park outside but stroll round if you want some wool or a new sewing machine. I understand that they are hoping to start a knitting group at the cafe next door & that the Debbie Bliss wool is on its way. So pop in & tell them what you'd like to see stocked there.
A bit further away is the Harley Gallery & Artists Studios over on the Welbeck Estate (between Worksop & Mansfield). There you'll find Hope & Elvis (http://www.hopeandelvis.com/) the studio of Louise Presley. She runs 'All things vintage workshops' throughout the year. Her course information says 'whatever level of skills you hold this is a unique opportunity to work with reclaimed materials to create something truly personal.' A quick scan of the courses leaflet show that her next course on 12th September is on Sewing Know How for those who need to build their skills. More courses are Bookbinding, Loved Again & Tweed Bags...
Finally I would like to mention Dionne Swift new workshops to help you expand and progress your textile skills. Dionne says

"I'll help you to develop individual projects as well as inputting new ideas and techniques.There are no exams, course work or deadlines. We focus on enjoyment and learning new textile skills in friendly and welcoming environment. Work at your own pace and to your own direction.

As a core group develops I'm happy to be guided by their needs to dictate the course content and structure.Autumn Term 2010 explores stitch and composition, with exciting drawing techniques for textile enthusiasts. We will be developing images into stitched surfaces and print screens for the following term..."

The workshops run from 10am - 3 pm and include initial materials, tea/coffee and cake. If you would like further information get in touch:

Email : info@dionneswift.co.uk Website : http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/post-to-arts-news/www.dionneswift.co.uk


Go on, take a gander at any that take your fancy!

Too good to keep to myself.

Now I'm going to do some sharing with you. It's because I love you and I think that you should know. I found these great resources through Twitter, but don't hold it against them. Twitter is not just for Stephen Fry & he'd probably not follow any of these people but you can. Or just go to their websites.
If you like cutting edge fabrics, ribbons & patterns try the Seamstar website for lots of ideas at http://www.seamstar.co.uk/ and blog http://www.seamstaruk.blogspot.com/. I'm completely in love with these fabrics and can feel a bit of retail therapy about to strike. I've got some very clear ideas about how I'm going to use my new stash. I just need to get down to the Courtyard & break out the sewing machine.
Another great website is from Backstitch http://www.backstitch.co.uk/. Again we've got fabric, patterns and craft items but also some articles to read over a coffee.
And finally... The Sewing Directory http://www.thesewingdirectory.co.uk/ which is a portal for all manner of stitchy, sewy things.
I hope that you enjoy this little briefing on what I've discovered. I'm in the mood for discovering new things at the moment and printed fabric is calling to me, again. So, as and when I find new leads I'll let you know.

Knitting and all that.

Well I said I'd let you know how the knitting session went - it went well. I enjoyed myself and managed to adapt my plans when my knitting newcomer turned out to be not such a complete novice. We worked on her tension then did casting on and binding off. All went well & I hoped I gave her confidence to keep knitting without being put off by truely amazing knitters & their displays of dazzling knitting skills.

For those of you who'd just like to have a go, try the internet -its full of instructions. And google the Yarn Harlot. She does make me laugh.

Beginners Knitting

I am trying something a bit new today. I'm teaching beginners knitting down at the Courtyard. As a latecomer to knitting I know the frustration of wanting to knit but just not being able to get your tension right. In my case, far to tight. Also, those patterns? Way to complex.
I loved the yarns and longed to use them but the 'lore' of knitting got in my way.
About 5 years ago I learnt to relax and love big needles. This meant that my tension was much looser and I began to explore the world of knitting. I just chose lovely yarn and made cushion covers. Throws work well, too. Its the very basic part of knitting but it suits me well.
My friend Becky Parker of Ludi & Co introduced me to 'painting with yarn' which means concentrating on colour & texture rather than fancy stitches. She opened my eyes to what beauty can be created by garter & stocking stitch.
So if your interested, give it a go. You can find lots of help online with videos on youtube & whole communities of knitters out there. As for me, well - Marcella would like a Stitch n Bitch group at Mesamis. Interested?

Feeling Creative?

We've got some space on this Sunday's felted bookcover course if you are interested. It's part 1 of using a resist in feltmaking and suitable if you've done a little wet felting before. Those of you who have done the felted pot course with me in the past will find that this is something for you to try on similar lines. If anything, its easier than felting a pot.
I've taken my first booking on the 6 week 'Inspired by Design' course starting on Tuesday evenings in September. There won't be a lot of space so if you are interested, get your name down quickly.