After the presentation

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Embroiderers Guild in Hexham for inviting me to talk to your members on the subject of designing blackwork in the 21st century. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with so many of you afterwards; I always find that part easier than the actual presentation. You made me feel very welcome and the discussion that ensued afterwards has helped to inspire further confidence in my own work. I don't profess to be an expert in the field - I simply enjoy pushing the boundaries to see what kind of artwork I can produce by incorporating historic techniques such as blackwork and cross stitching into it. And I hope in some small way that I have encouraged some of you to find more of the artist within yourselves as well.

Design related talk for Embroiderers Guild

Tomorrow I will be giving a talk on designing blackwork in the 21st century for the Embroiderers Guild in Hexham. I am really looking forward to spending an afternoon in the company of people who love to stitch. Can't wait for 2 pm at the Torch Centre!

Arts & Crafts Fayre

You can find me demonstrating blackwork at the new Arts & Crafts Fayre being held at South Causey Inn, Beamish Burn Road, Stanley, Co.Durham DH9 0LS on Tuesday, January 27, 2015. As always, I'm also happy to help anyone who has run into a cross stitching brick wall.

Gateshead Inspired exhibition drawing to a close

Yesterday saw the last of all our workshops related to the Gateshead Inspired exhibition at St. Mary's Heritage Centre. There are still 3 more days for viewing the exhibition itself before we take it down on Friday. The Heritage Centre is closed today so viewing is available from Tues. through Thurs. only.

The venue is one of my personal favourites. It is very light and airy with a wonderful view along the River Tyne. Seats are provided so you can sit and drink in the atmosphere as well as study, in comfort, parts of the exhibitions they hold. There are plenty of activities going on each week to satisfy other interests as well. St. Mary's Heritage Centre is definitely worth repeat visits.

Gateshead Inspired Officially Opens

Today certainly passed very quickly! I thoroughly enjoyed the ladies who attended my blackwork workshop this morning. I'm really looking forward to the next session I'll be undertaking on August 17. There is still some room for last minute attendees...

Then our official opening was underway with fantastic Northumbrian music provided by Robson's Choice. St. Mary's Heritage Centre is such a lovely venue and the acoustics were perfect. A great place and day for our opening event!

Gateshead Inspired Exhibition about to start

I'm taking a few minutes off from stitching to let you know that it's full steam ahead for the Gateshead Inspired exhibition showing at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead, 9 - 22 August, 2014 (closed Mondays). I still have some room on my blackwork basics workshops if you are at all interested. I'm not sure about the other workshops but a phone call to St. Mary's Heritage Centre should provide you with the information. Must run as there is still a lot to do...

Gateshead Inspired: Workshops

Gateshead Inspired: Arts, Crafts and Photography Exhibition is more than a static exhibition of our art. Several of us are also holding workshops scheduled throughout the duration of the show. These will be conducted on site at St Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead on a variety of dates.

Last, but not least in our series of workshops, is the Hooky and Proggy Workshop: Get Creative with Trish Turnbull running on Sunday, 17 August, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aimed at adults and children over 8 years, (children under 14 accompanied) this beginners workshop in the tradition of hooky and proggy techniques will get you started to make a small mat, bauble, heart or picture or begin a larger project such as a tea cosy, cushion cover, hanging or handbag to complete at home.

All the materials you need will be provided, but bring your own scissors. This is a brilliant way to conserve favourite items and recycle them into something new, so if you have any old clothes or spare material to cut up then bring them along and see how they can become something new and creative to decorate your life.

Cost: Adults £10 and Children £5 includes all materials

Contact Box Office: 0191 433 4699 or buy online at www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson