Showing posts with label x stitch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label x stitch. Show all posts
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Progress Report on Seaton Delaval Hall design
Those of you who are patiently waiting in the wings will be pleased to hear that I am making progress with the Seaton Delaval Hall design. I have stitched all the major features now, and am starting on the fill for the remaining stone work areas. My first attempt, on a small area, did not create the effect that I wanted so I'm taking another tack. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel now. All I can say now is "Watch this space..."
Sunday, 22 August 2010
Home instead of Away
My homestead has been sadly neglected over the last few weeks while I've been concentrating on my Seaton Delaval Hall design. Although it isn't quite complete yet, I'm taking a couple of days off in order to catch up with some of the chores. I will get back to it shortly so those of you who are patiently watching for the chart to become available needn't be faced with a long wait. The grass is long enough to make hay now, so, while the sun shines...
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Preparations
It's that time of the week again... preparation time for tomorrow's centre stage spot at Seaton Delaval Hall.
I am actually using brown thread on a natural colour linen but it is still loosely considered to be blackwork. I chose brown because the black clashed with this particular fabric. I am stitching across two threads of the fabric so it works out the same as had I stitched on 14 count Aida. I chose linen over Aida because I thought it better suited the historic nature of this property. It is also easier to make straighter lines where necessary. I'll try to finish off the details that require a lot of concentration so I can get on with the seed stitch I have in mind for highlighting the rest of the stonework tomorrow.
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| centre stage spot for Linda Morris, Seaton Delaval Hall |
This is what I'm aiming for when I prepare for my day at the hall. Don't be fooled by the lack of people in this picture. Believe me, I talk to a lot of people throughout the day! I just thought I'd catch the scene before the view was blocked.
So, today is being spent getting all the loose ends sorted out. I'm ironing the table cloths, printing out some more promotional material, and packing everything into a suitcase. Everything, that is, except for my design of Seaton Delaval Hall. I'll continue to work on that once everything else is ready.
Meanwhile, here's a picture of what I've done so far...
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| blackwork design of Seaton Delaval Hall © Linda Morris, 2010 |
Lots to do so I shall leave this for now with more to come at a later date.
Friday, 13 August 2010
The world of marketing
Friday has finally arrived and I am really looking forward to my day at Seaton Delaval Hall. I always enjoy talking to those of you who visit this property. Today is going to be my chance to redress my equilibrium as it follows on from one of the most irritating days I have ever suffered at the hands of companies who insist on forcing their marketing strategies upon me.
Yes, I know that businesses need to make a presence if they are to compete successfully. After all, I'm one of them. So do charities. However, the current strategy of ramming it down my throat is not endearing me to any of them. Ringing my doorbell and then thumping incessantly on the door in a futile attempt to drag me away from my work only serves to irritate me. This happened not once or even twice. I can't remember for sure but I think there were 4 different occasions whereby the battering strategy was applied to the door. When I didn't bite, each one of them blocked up the letter slot with a bag demanding clothes for charity - a different one in each case, and not all of them from actual charities. I just threw the bags onto the pile that has accumulated over the past two years so I can re-use them for other things. Had I not remained vigilant with removing these bags, our mail would never have been delivered. And, had I filled the 100 or so bags that have arrived during the last two years, Hubby and I would now be greeting the world stark naked! Just how much clothing do you think we have to donate to charity? Truth be told, we wear our clothes until they are beyond repair and then they go to the local recycling depot to be used as stuffing in furniture or car seats.
Between batterings on the door came the phone calls. I have to answer them in case they are related to my business. Each claimed to be for market research but turned out to be companies wishing to draw my business away from current suppliers. Two of them were definitely from companies that I have told several times now to remove our phone number from their lists. We registered our number with the TPS 11 years ago so they really haven't any excuse for flouting the law. I've also registered our address so we will receive considerably less junk mail through the door. To say the least, both approaches are failing miserably.
So, what is the upshot of all of this with regards to my business? I definitely do not want to be remembered for badgering potential customers. I absolutely will not spam you if you e-mail me. I will not add your address to any mailing lists as a result of you doing business with me. I will not sell your personal details to third parties. I am happy to release my phone number to people who are genuinely interested in my work but I am not displaying it in this blog because I know it will be abused if I do so. I do give out some advertising materials while I'm exhibiting or selling my work but only to those of you who seem keen to have it. Hopefully you will pass it along when you are finished with it. I know it is going to take longer to get my name known out there as a designer this way, but I'd far rather end up with happy customers who pass my name along to others for the right reasons. I enjoy cross stitching and blackwork... and I want to keep it that way.
Yes, I know that businesses need to make a presence if they are to compete successfully. After all, I'm one of them. So do charities. However, the current strategy of ramming it down my throat is not endearing me to any of them. Ringing my doorbell and then thumping incessantly on the door in a futile attempt to drag me away from my work only serves to irritate me. This happened not once or even twice. I can't remember for sure but I think there were 4 different occasions whereby the battering strategy was applied to the door. When I didn't bite, each one of them blocked up the letter slot with a bag demanding clothes for charity - a different one in each case, and not all of them from actual charities. I just threw the bags onto the pile that has accumulated over the past two years so I can re-use them for other things. Had I not remained vigilant with removing these bags, our mail would never have been delivered. And, had I filled the 100 or so bags that have arrived during the last two years, Hubby and I would now be greeting the world stark naked! Just how much clothing do you think we have to donate to charity? Truth be told, we wear our clothes until they are beyond repair and then they go to the local recycling depot to be used as stuffing in furniture or car seats.
Between batterings on the door came the phone calls. I have to answer them in case they are related to my business. Each claimed to be for market research but turned out to be companies wishing to draw my business away from current suppliers. Two of them were definitely from companies that I have told several times now to remove our phone number from their lists. We registered our number with the TPS 11 years ago so they really haven't any excuse for flouting the law. I've also registered our address so we will receive considerably less junk mail through the door. To say the least, both approaches are failing miserably.
So, what is the upshot of all of this with regards to my business? I definitely do not want to be remembered for badgering potential customers. I absolutely will not spam you if you e-mail me. I will not add your address to any mailing lists as a result of you doing business with me. I will not sell your personal details to third parties. I am happy to release my phone number to people who are genuinely interested in my work but I am not displaying it in this blog because I know it will be abused if I do so. I do give out some advertising materials while I'm exhibiting or selling my work but only to those of you who seem keen to have it. Hopefully you will pass it along when you are finished with it. I know it is going to take longer to get my name known out there as a designer this way, but I'd far rather end up with happy customers who pass my name along to others for the right reasons. I enjoy cross stitching and blackwork... and I want to keep it that way.
Monday, 9 August 2010
As my blackwork design grows...
I've had yet another interesting day centre stage talking with lots of you during your visit to Seaton Delaval Hall. I did manage a bit more stitching this time though. I've worked out a plan now that allows me to do the trickier bits through the week and leave the easier bits for my actual visit. And it is looking as though I've passed the halfway point now. I have several ideas for stitches that will add even more depth to the scene but, at the same time, I don't want to make it too busy.
These centre stage spots are proving to be quite an interesting way for me to experience a National Trust site. As I study each detail of the architecture, I find myself becoming more attuned to the building and pondering what life might have been like for the people who ventured into it during its heyday. I can't help wondering what they might have thought of my attempt to capture this view of the hall through needle and thread. Paintings and drawings were more the norm back then, and blackwork techniques would have been applied as decorations on clothing. At that time, the North East of England was already busy acquiring a long list of very talented people who were unafraid to try new things. So, I like to think that they might have approved of what they probably would have perceived as my slightly offbeat application of blackwork, for the times.
As many of you who have already talked to me know, the North East of England is not where my origins lie. I was born and raised in Canada but now call the North East my home. A very special Geordie lad is responsible for my decision to up sticks and move... but that is another story! My needlework enables me to explore the history of this area as well as is influenced by it. I am not short of admiration for the many talented characters that are associated with this region. It's downright impossible not to be inspired! I feel so lucky to be living here.
Thanks to these centre stage spots, I have now added Seaton Delaval Hall to my list of favourite places and am busy capturing it in blackwork. I have more ideas for further designs of it... I just wish there were more hours in the day so I could explore all of my ideas for all of my favourite places here! Needless to say, I can't wait for Friday to roll around so I can park myself centre stage once again. I hope to see you there!
These centre stage spots are proving to be quite an interesting way for me to experience a National Trust site. As I study each detail of the architecture, I find myself becoming more attuned to the building and pondering what life might have been like for the people who ventured into it during its heyday. I can't help wondering what they might have thought of my attempt to capture this view of the hall through needle and thread. Paintings and drawings were more the norm back then, and blackwork techniques would have been applied as decorations on clothing. At that time, the North East of England was already busy acquiring a long list of very talented people who were unafraid to try new things. So, I like to think that they might have approved of what they probably would have perceived as my slightly offbeat application of blackwork, for the times.
As many of you who have already talked to me know, the North East of England is not where my origins lie. I was born and raised in Canada but now call the North East my home. A very special Geordie lad is responsible for my decision to up sticks and move... but that is another story! My needlework enables me to explore the history of this area as well as is influenced by it. I am not short of admiration for the many talented characters that are associated with this region. It's downright impossible not to be inspired! I feel so lucky to be living here.
Thanks to these centre stage spots, I have now added Seaton Delaval Hall to my list of favourite places and am busy capturing it in blackwork. I have more ideas for further designs of it... I just wish there were more hours in the day so I could explore all of my ideas for all of my favourite places here! Needless to say, I can't wait for Friday to roll around so I can park myself centre stage once again. I hope to see you there!
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Back to Seaton Delaval Hall I go...
I'm going to be back at Seaton Delaval Hall this coming Sunday, the 8th of Aug., 2010, and again on both the 13th and 20th of Aug. I am making steady progress on my blackwork design of Seaton Delaval Hall so these dates should hopefully push me into finishing it by the end of August. Famous last words!! At least that is my aim. With any luck, I'll not be too long after that producing the charts for sale although I'm not actually able to sell them from my table at the hall.
The support and interest in my work has been fantastic - thank you one and all for that. And I am really enjoying chatting with everyone so please continue to stop by for a 'hello' at the very least. Hope to see you there on Sunday!
The support and interest in my work has been fantastic - thank you one and all for that. And I am really enjoying chatting with everyone so please continue to stop by for a 'hello' at the very least. Hope to see you there on Sunday!
Monday, 2 August 2010
Seaton Delaval Hall centrestage experience
All I can really say about yesterday at Seaton Delaval Hall is "Wow"! I haven't talked to so many people for a very long time. Far more of you stopped to have a chat than the week before - many thanks for that. I honestly don't know where the time went.
Needless to say, not a lot of stitching was accomplished, but at least I did have enough in place before I arrived so you could get some idea of what I was doing. Working for oneself can sometimes be quite isolating so it is really useful to be out in the public eye from time to time. You are proving to be quite a motivator for me so I sure hope I will be granted a few more spots there.
And, I must also give a big "thank you" to the National Trust for granting me these centrestage spots. It allows my business to stand out from the crowd. It's a bit different to the usual sort of publicity such as flyers and adverts. I appreciate the opportunity to 'put a face on my business'.
So, what's next? Well, I shall keep working on my Seaton Delaval Hall design so there is even more progress to show the next time I'm there. And I would like to finish the hoopoe design so that chart can go on sale. So it's onwards and upwards with drawing pictures on fabric using needle and thread!
Needless to say, not a lot of stitching was accomplished, but at least I did have enough in place before I arrived so you could get some idea of what I was doing. Working for oneself can sometimes be quite isolating so it is really useful to be out in the public eye from time to time. You are proving to be quite a motivator for me so I sure hope I will be granted a few more spots there.
And, I must also give a big "thank you" to the National Trust for granting me these centrestage spots. It allows my business to stand out from the crowd. It's a bit different to the usual sort of publicity such as flyers and adverts. I appreciate the opportunity to 'put a face on my business'.
So, what's next? Well, I shall keep working on my Seaton Delaval Hall design so there is even more progress to show the next time I'm there. And I would like to finish the hoopoe design so that chart can go on sale. So it's onwards and upwards with drawing pictures on fabric using needle and thread!
Saturday, 31 July 2010
Centrestage... again... preparations
As promised, I've made great strides with my Seaton Delaval Hall design, in blackwork, this week. Progress will be very apparent tomorrow when I'm centrestage again. Hope to see you there!
Monday, 26 July 2010
Post centrestage at Seaton Delaval Hall
Well, yesterday certainly went by quickly! My thanks go out to all of you who stopped to have a chat and admire my work. I had a most enjoyable day as a result. Unfortunately, I didn't make much progress on the blackwork design I am creating of Seaton Delaval Hall for you to see it grow. I will be back there again on Sunday though, and I am working on it throughout the week so progress will be apparent on the day. I promise!
I will be converting this into a chart for those of you who might be interested in purchasing it to stitch for yourselves. I need to finish stitching it first so there will be a bit of a delay while I work on the chart contents. They take some time too although I now have a template to speed things up a bit. I'm really going to press myself to get it ready before the end of August.
Although I am stitching it on 28 count linen, I am doing so over 2 threads so it could easily be adapted to 14 count Aida. If all goes according to plan, the finished design should even fit within an 8 x 10 inch frame. Ha! Ha! Does anything ever go to plan? Well, I will try my very best.
So, there we have it. A most successful event and more to look forward to besides!
I will be converting this into a chart for those of you who might be interested in purchasing it to stitch for yourselves. I need to finish stitching it first so there will be a bit of a delay while I work on the chart contents. They take some time too although I now have a template to speed things up a bit. I'm really going to press myself to get it ready before the end of August.
Although I am stitching it on 28 count linen, I am doing so over 2 threads so it could easily be adapted to 14 count Aida. If all goes according to plan, the finished design should even fit within an 8 x 10 inch frame. Ha! Ha! Does anything ever go to plan? Well, I will try my very best.
So, there we have it. A most successful event and more to look forward to besides!
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Centrestage day has arrived
The day has dawned sunny and bright. I made a list... and checked it twice... So, I'm pretty sure that I'm ready for my centrestage day at Seaton Delaval Hall. They do charge an entrance fee to the property but there is no extra charge to have a look at my work. I am also willing to troubleshoot cross stitch and blackwork problems so bring along the piece that is causing you grief. I'm looking forward to meeting you there!
Friday, 23 July 2010
Getting closer
I am only 2 days away from being 'centrestage' at Seaton Delaval Hall. The last bits and pieces are coming together nicely so it should be a fairly relaxed day on site. I'll bring along the Hoopoe so you can decide whether or not to include a background. And you'll be able to watch my newest design grow throughout your visit. Any ideas as to what it might be?
Friday, 16 July 2010
Centre Stage at Seaton Delaval Hall
I am about to go centre stage at Seaton Delaval Hall on July 25th. There is a charge to visit the property. You are most welcome to stop by for a chat, or for help with a cross stitch or blackwork problem, while I stitch my latest design. Finished and nearly finished designs will be on display. Samples of printed charts will also be available for viewing but sales are not possible on the day. Hope to see you there!
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Work in progress
At last, I have advanced enough with my new design to be able to post some progress pictures here for you. I started this while participating in a stitch-a-long hosted by the Cross Stitch SAL group on Facebook. I am interpreting Thomas Bewick's "Hoopoe" print in cross stitch and blackwork.
I began with the cross stitch although the normal practise in blackwork is to start with an outline. Since I am doing this on 14 count Aida, it was easier to stitch it this way around.
I finished the cross stitching on the crest a little later in the day...
I then applied the backstitched outline of the bird and long stitched the beak.
The next stitch-a-long happened towards the end of June. I was concentrating on other aspects of my business during the intervening time so not a lot of progress was made. It also coincided with a rather busy craft market but I did manage to finish the feet and legs. I also started outlining the wing in the foreground.
Meanwhile, I managed to make a lot of progress during yesterday's craft fair. I haven't quite finished the blackwork on the bird but that should take only 10 minutes or so.
I want to use a French knot for the eye. Also, I'm debating on some modern style blackwork for the background. Thomas Bewick featured each animal with an environmental background so I would like to include a representation of this as long as it doesn't overpower the bird. So, there is at least one more progress picture to follow...
I began with the cross stitch although the normal practise in blackwork is to start with an outline. Since I am doing this on 14 count Aida, it was easier to stitch it this way around.
I finished the cross stitching on the crest a little later in the day...
I then applied the backstitched outline of the bird and long stitched the beak.
The next stitch-a-long happened towards the end of June. I was concentrating on other aspects of my business during the intervening time so not a lot of progress was made. It also coincided with a rather busy craft market but I did manage to finish the feet and legs. I also started outlining the wing in the foreground.
Meanwhile, I managed to make a lot of progress during yesterday's craft fair. I haven't quite finished the blackwork on the bird but that should take only 10 minutes or so.
I want to use a French knot for the eye. Also, I'm debating on some modern style blackwork for the background. Thomas Bewick featured each animal with an environmental background so I would like to include a representation of this as long as it doesn't overpower the bird. So, there is at least one more progress picture to follow...
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Ryton Summer Festival
Yet another craft fair is upon me. I have a table in the craft tent at the Ryton Summer Festival so please do drop by to say hello if you are coming along. There is an entrance fee to this event so please check their website for the prices and times. Speaking of times, I will be there until 4:30 p.m. only. Somehow, I don't think I'll be able to compete with the music later on so it makes more sense for me to leave when the organisers allow a break in proceedings. Hope to see you there!
Monday, 28 June 2010
Back from market
It was a very busy day at Bede's World yesterday despite the World Cup football match. In fact, they had a very busy weekend. I managed to make a wee bit of progress on my new design but there is still quite a way to go yet. When things calm down a bit, I'll post some progress pictures here. I'm preparing for the Ryton Summer Festival (I'll be in the craft tent) this coming weekend so it's all go, go, go at the moment.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Off to market
It's early o'clock and I've nearly finished packing so I can head off to Bede's World for the day. I'm taking along the new design I'm working on so you can watch it progress throughout the day. With any luck, it won't be too much longer before it becomes available for sale. Bye for now!
Friday, 25 June 2010
Craft Market and Stitch-A-Long
As you have probably noticed, I haven't managed to make any entries since the last stitch-a-long. Researching places where I can sell my charts has taken far more time than I thought. So, I'm starting where I left off with the last stitch-a-long as I head into the one this weekend.
The difference this weekend is that I'll also be attending a craft market at Bede's World on Sunday June 27th. I'll be stitching my latest design while selling my charts. More craft market and exhibition information is to follow soon.
The difference this weekend is that I'll also be attending a craft market at Bede's World on Sunday June 27th. I'll be stitching my latest design while selling my charts. More craft market and exhibition information is to follow soon.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Stitch-A-Long
This weekend will find me participating in a stitch-a-long hosted by one of the groups on Facebook. Each person works on a cross stitch project and posts pictures of their progress throughout the weekend. Everyone is invited to provide constructive comments for each other, and can even provide a bit of help for those who get stuck with their stitching. People from all over the world can participate because each of us is stitching in our own home - no travel involved.
I will be working on a new design so glimpses of it will appear there over the weekend. I know I won't have time to finish it because I stitch as I design and design as I stitch, thus making for slow progress. However, I'll probably keep posting pictures of my progress there as it develops over time. I'll try to do the same here, as a 'taster' of new designs to come. For obvious reasons, I can't show every new design this way but I thought it might help to show the process I go through to arrive at a finished design. I'm more likely to post pictures here after the weekend is finished so I look forward to your return at that time.
I will be working on a new design so glimpses of it will appear there over the weekend. I know I won't have time to finish it because I stitch as I design and design as I stitch, thus making for slow progress. However, I'll probably keep posting pictures of my progress there as it develops over time. I'll try to do the same here, as a 'taster' of new designs to come. For obvious reasons, I can't show every new design this way but I thought it might help to show the process I go through to arrive at a finished design. I'm more likely to post pictures here after the weekend is finished so I look forward to your return at that time.
Monday, 12 April 2010
Morpeth Gathering Weekend
What an enjoyable weekend I have had at the Morpeth Gathering! I have chatted with so many lovely people that I can't begin to count. The organisers also treated me very well, and made me feel most welcome. Although I am no stranger to the Gathering, it was my first time selling my charts and demonstrating cross stitch there. Needless to say, I am keen to return next year.
I have also taken advantage of the weekend to network with like-minded crafts people. I am sure we will be keeping in touch as time marches on, and some will probably even become good friends. I feel as though my enthusiasm has been thoroughly recharged now.
I have also taken some photos to develop into potential designs. They will be a little while coming but I am definitely getting plenty of ideas for the future. Hopefully I'll have 3 or 4 ready in time for next year's Gathering.
Meanwhile, I have loads of work to do now. Many thanks to both those of you who purchased charts, and who helped make the time fly by stopping for a chat. Hope to see you in the future!
I have also taken advantage of the weekend to network with like-minded crafts people. I am sure we will be keeping in touch as time marches on, and some will probably even become good friends. I feel as though my enthusiasm has been thoroughly recharged now.
I have also taken some photos to develop into potential designs. They will be a little while coming but I am definitely getting plenty of ideas for the future. Hopefully I'll have 3 or 4 ready in time for next year's Gathering.
Meanwhile, I have loads of work to do now. Many thanks to both those of you who purchased charts, and who helped make the time fly by stopping for a chat. Hope to see you in the future!
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Jobs on the go
Well, I made the mistake of fiddling with my page tabs at the top just one more time. I encountered a lot of problems with the HTML formatting so I'm going to leave well enough alone for the moment even though the formatting is not consistent across the board. I may experiment with the new Blogger Template Designer in future to see if I can find an easier way of posting. However, that is going to have to wait until I do a couple of other jobs first.
One of these jobs is to link into social networking sites in some way. I have noticed some other cross stitch companies doing this so I thought I'd experiment with that as well. I would rather not blatantly advertise my business on relevant group pages though. Yes, I might pick up a few sales that way, but the group pages really have a different purpose. I suspect I would stand a better chance of just annoying people. It doesn't feel quite right to me to blatantly advertise there despite the fact that others do so. I'll add my blog address in any special areas specifically set up by the groups for that purpose, but I won't take it any further than that unless I have received permission to do so.
The other thing I really must do this week is to get organised for the Morpeth Gathering. Posting here may therefore become a bit scarce until after the 11th of April. I'm getting quite excited about it. I've been attending the Gathering for several years now, usually as a competitor in a couple of different events that interest me. This time will see me selling my charts instead, as well as demonstrating my craft. I will miss the events in which I have participated but the time has come to move on. I'm sure this new move will prove equally exciting and interesting for me. Hope to see you there!
One of these jobs is to link into social networking sites in some way. I have noticed some other cross stitch companies doing this so I thought I'd experiment with that as well. I would rather not blatantly advertise my business on relevant group pages though. Yes, I might pick up a few sales that way, but the group pages really have a different purpose. I suspect I would stand a better chance of just annoying people. It doesn't feel quite right to me to blatantly advertise there despite the fact that others do so. I'll add my blog address in any special areas specifically set up by the groups for that purpose, but I won't take it any further than that unless I have received permission to do so.
The other thing I really must do this week is to get organised for the Morpeth Gathering. Posting here may therefore become a bit scarce until after the 11th of April. I'm getting quite excited about it. I've been attending the Gathering for several years now, usually as a competitor in a couple of different events that interest me. This time will see me selling my charts instead, as well as demonstrating my craft. I will miss the events in which I have participated but the time has come to move on. I'm sure this new move will prove equally exciting and interesting for me. Hope to see you there!
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