Plans for 2014

Now that I'm on track with the way I want my business to go, I'm ready to start posting messages again. The big news for 2014 is that I have joined Network Artists North East. Plans are afoot for an exhibition later in the year...

Winding Down

Now that I've recovered from the weekend, I thought I'd share with you another aspect of my job as a designer of counted stitch patterns. This one involves attending fairs and markets which I'm sad to say is rapidly coming to an end for me as the sales are not enough to warrant the expense of travelling to them. My one exception is the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering as I'm getting the distinct impression that demonstrating my work there is popular. If nothing else, my demonstration imparts a sense of how much time and work goes into the arts and crafts that are entered each year in the competitions. This year's entries were again of the highest quality that I have come to expect of the competitions at the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering. All that hard work and the way they are displayed after judging really make this competition stand out in my opinion. Keep up the good work!

So, what is involved with demonstrating at an event such as this? Well, there are weeks of preparation time before I even head out the door. First of all, I try to come up with a design that relates to the Gathering in some way, whether it stitcks to the current theme or incorporates some of the 'characters' who regularly attend. I've already written about my designing process elsewhere so I won't repeat it here. The only point to note is that it takes a lot of time. I'm getting quicker with experience but the computer doesn't save nearly as much time as I would like it to. I work from my own photographs and they just don't convert readily into the cross stitching software. A lot of manual adjustment is needed before the pattern looks reasonable enough for me to use. I could cut a step and work directly from a grid over the original picture but that requires more concentration than is really possible while stitching in public. So, I spend a lot of time in the planning stage in order to make life easier at my table in the craft exhibition hall.

I also find that blackwork suits itself better to public demonstrations than does cross stitch. Blackwork uses just one colour so I'm not tied to the pattern as much as I am with colour changes in cross stitching. The silhouette pieces I do in blackwork involve cross stitch but I just need to start at one line and end at the other, thus eliminating the need to flick back and forth to the pattern. Where double running stitch comes in, I just need to find the starting point. After that, I'm repeating steps until I hit the other line before reversing the steps on the return run. So again, there is no need to spend a lot of time referring to the charted design. It's easy for me to stop what I'm doing for a chat because I can pick up where I've left off without needing to work it all out again. You have no need to worry about interrupting me at all!

As the 'day' approaches, there are also practical matters to consider. Is the car filled up with petrol, the tyres with air and the windshield washer bottle with liquid? Have I packed all the bits that I need? Do I have the right change for parking? Am I going to need my thermals or will it be rain gear this year? (ha! ha! ha!) The list is endless.

One thing I don't do is prepare a script of what I am going to say at the event. I know my own designing process and how I tackle the various elements involved in my work well enough to wing it. I judge your interest in what I am doing and build from that point. This means that I can get through the entire weekend still sounding fresh and enthusiastic instead of turning into a robot. I really do enjoy my work and I want you to go away believing that I mean it!

Starting time for me is pretty early each day that I'm demonstrating. I prefer to start my day with a substantial breakfast so I can just keep going all day... saves sticky fingers when working with fabric and thread later on. Sometimes it just gets too busy to actually wash my hands and the wipes aren't always enough. The first day also includes setting up time so the days are long.

My day doesn't end when the exhibition doors close either. I spend each evening stitching as well so the design grows enough over the weekend for you to see the difference each time you return. I thought I'd have this one nearly finished by the Sunday but the linen I'm using for the design of the bondager costume is not co-operating. It isn't as even a weave as I thought so the counting side of things is rapidly going out the window! However, I will post a picture of it here when it is completed... I'm working on it every day so hopefully that won't be too much longer. Finishing up a proper pattern for sales purposes will be a bit longer though. I prefer to stitch as I design my patterns so I'm sure I'm achieving the effect I have in mind. They simply don't look quite the same on paper as they do on the fabric. That way I can make adjustments to better suit the fabric. I leave the instructions for stitching the design until I'm happy with the fabric side of things.

So, that's what it takes for me to provide you with a demonstration of blackwork. I have yet to have anyone take me up on my offer to guide you through a difficulty you've encountered with a pattern... it doesn't have to be one of mine... but maybe that will happen the next time we meet at the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering. Meanwhile, I am learning lots from you as well. One of this year's conversations of note revolved around the Quaker tapestries. Others involved national costumes - many thanks to Lesley Bentham for keeping me straight with the bondager design. Hopefully some more designs will surface for next year... I'm running some ideas through my mind while I'm finishing this one. All in all, I've had a most enjoyable time and I hope it has been the same for you.

Dusting off the models

It's nearly time to dust off stitched models of my designs for the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering.

I always find that this event recharges my designing batteries so it's all systems go at the moment. Hope to see you there!

Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering Approaches

Although I'm quiet at the moment, you can rest assured that there is plenty happening behind the scenes as I get ready to attend the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering this coming weekend. I'll be demonstrating blackwork in the Morpeth Town Hall from Friday through Sunday.

For those of you who have never been, the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering has lots of activities to suit the entire family. There is plenty happening both indoors and out so the Gathering is not completely dependent upon good weather. Hopefully, we'll see you there!

Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering Postcard

As you can see, I am getting on with some designing and stitching in preparation for the upcoming Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering.

The Gadgy, as the town bailiff character is popularly known, is amongst the favourite figures present each year at the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering. I am busy capturing this character as a textile postcard. Just a small amount of seed stitch and a Northumbrian tartan surround needed to complete this design.

More designs to come soon!

New business strategy

Finally! I've had a good think about my business strategy and have now changed several areas of my blog to reflect it. That strategy is to focus more on designing and let others do the selling. In other words, simplify!

Craft fairs and markets are fun and give me plenty of opportunity to talk with people but the sales simply aren't offsetting my expenses. It isn't good business sense for me to continue that way so I'm pushing to find stockists and other creative opportunities for selling my patterns instead.

I will be placing a few new designs on my blackwork page (see the tab above) over the next few days. If anything interests you before I find stockists, by all means contact me (see the More about me tab above). Although I'm not planning to continue the mail order service that I was doing before, I am willing to make the odd exception.

As before, I will continue to update you through this blog so you can access the information at your own convenience.

Blackwork Demonstration

I'm demonstrating blackwork tomorrow (June 24, 2012) at Cherryburn National Trust. Plans are also afoot for providing some classes via The Textillery which is based there and is soon to go operational. Find out more when you drop by. Regular charge to see the site applies.

Thomas Bewick Exhibition

A lovely time was had demonstrating blackwork yesterday on the first day of the Thomas bewick exhibition at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead as you can see from this picture taken by June Holmes.

I have chosen several subjects from Thomas Bewick (and his apprentices) prints to turn into textile postcards. Patterns will become available as I complete my samples. I find it helps to stitch them as I design them so problem areas can be refined before passing them on to my customers.

The exhibition is running until the end of May so there is still plenty of time to catch it. What appears behind me is only a small part of the actual exhibition. There are lots of extras to go with that as well about which the staff at St. Mary's Heritage Centre will be only too happy to tell you when asked.

You'll next find me there on May 12 at which point I should have at least one or two more of these postcards actually finished. No pressure on myself! You may wish to return a few times to see them actually grow between May 12 and the end of the month. I am happy to chat as often as you like!

Bewick in Blackwork Demonstration

I'm all set for demonstrating blackwork at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead for the opening of their exhibition about Thomas Bewick tomorrow. I've pulled together a few examples of Bewick's work which I'm turning into postcards. These can either be sent through the post or kept as collectors' items and are ideal for displaying on small artist's easels or dish stands. I'm stitching samples only at this stage in order to simplify the final patterns that will be available for sale. If all goes well, I might actually have the patterns ready for sale by the end of the exhibition. So come back from time to time to see the progress. You'll find me there May 1, 12, 19, 20, 26 & 27.

Blackwork Demonstration at Cherryburn

Thought I would post a quick few words to remind you that I am demonstrating blackwork at Cherryburn National Trust today from 11-3. I'm turning a couple of Thomas Bewick's prints into textile postcards in the process. Well, I'll be working towards that end as it takes a bit of time to actually stitch the picture onto the cloth. I'm sticking with double running stitch as much as possible as that was the traditional stitch used when blackwork first began. Also, it means that the postcard itself stands a chance of making it through the post without snagging on anything along the way. Hope you'll want to come along to see what I'm up to. There is no extra charge - just the regular fee to view the property.

Next on the agenda

Now that the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering has ended and I've met my deadline with the commissioned piece, I can look at my calendar.

Blackwork demonstrations are next on my agenda. April 29, 2012 will find me at Cherryburn National Trust (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.). May 1 will see me demonstrating blackwork at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead for the opening of their exhibition on Thomas Bewick. I will also be around at the latter venue on May 12, 19, 20, 26 & 27. In all cases, I will be interpreting Thomas Bewick's prints in blackwork, primarily through textile postcards that I have designed based on his work. I am looking forward to this opportunity as I've always felt that much of his work would lend itself well to this medium.

Now it's time to get on with the myriad of things that need to be done in preparation for these events. Hope to see you there!

Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering approaches

I just realised that the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering is about to start and I haven't posted anything to say about it. So, here comes a quick entry.

I'll be having my customary table in the craft exhibition room in the Corn Exchange at the Town Hall. There is a small fee for viewing the exhibition... well worth it as the quality of the work on display has always been of a very high standard.

Last year, I worked on my blackwork design which was made specially for the Gathering. This year, I'm once again demonstrating blackwork by turning some of the Gathering's more popular 'characters', who featured on that design, into textile postcards. Yes! They really can be sent through the post! A lot of people like to make them as collectors items as well because they display nicely in the house without taking up a lot of room or requiring expensive framing. If I have a particularly productive day today, I might even have a bookmark to accompany them.

My usual cross stitch patterns will also be coming along. If you wished you'd bought one of them when you saw them the last time, there is no fear as the opportunity to do has arisen again. I'll be there for the entire weekend (Friday through Sunday) so I hope to see you there. I love to chat with people so there is no worry about disturbing me while I work.

Final Blackwork Taster Session

This Friday, the 24th of Feb., is the final blackwork taster session in my series at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead. The links tell you all about the session and the venue.

I would also like to hear from local people (Gateshead and surroundings) with an interest in blackwork, whether or not you are already experienced. There is a possibility of starting up a blackwork stitching group at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in the future if any interest is shown. The cost will probably be £1 a person for use of the venue plus donations for any tea and coffee that is consumed. Each person would provide their own stitching materials. I see it as an opportunity for people of all levels of experience to help each other out as well as have a good natter. If this appeals to any of you, let me know. Things I particularly need to know are:

• what day of the week suits you best (providing a time slot is available at the venue)
• best time of day (providing a time slot is available at the venue)
• maximum length of stay
• how often you would like to meet
• how soon you would like to start
• would you be interested in working on a group project for display at St. Mary's Heritage Centre  (not mandatory)

I haven't got a specific project in mind at the moment but I have seen the exhibition work done by another group who meets there regularly. I have yet to consult with the staff about this idea but I would approach them if any of you are particularly keen to try it out. I'm thinking it just might add some extra interest to the meetings, especially as skills grow.

Please contact me at the e-mail address in my profile (it's more likely to be picked up by spammers if I include it here) if this is something that appeals to you.

Blackwork Demonstration

This afternoon's blackwork session at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead is open to all comers. There is no charge for the blackwork demonstration but a small charge will apply for those who wish to try out my supplied project. Hope to see you there!

Blackwork Taster Session

Just a reminder that I am preparing to repeat the January taster session in blackwork this coming Friday, 10th Feb., from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. if anyone is interested. The venue is St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead, a lovely well lit place to stitch. Hope to see you there!

New Blackwork Taster Sessions Coming Soon

Originally, I'd planned a longer workshop on a larger project for every Friday afternoon in February. Unfortunately, not enough interest was generated in order to meet the minimum numbers. So, I've decided to repeat the taster session I held in January in their place.

I will repeat this workshop throughout February, at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead, as follows :

• Fri. 3 Feb - 13:00 - 16:00
• Fri. 10 Feb - 13:00 - 16:00
• Fri. 17 Feb - 13:00 - 16:00
• Fri. 24 Feb - 13:00 - 16:00

Each session costs £6 with all materials provided. The project is a bookmark. Anyone who has purchased the bookmark in a previous session (January's session included) is welcome to join the repeated workshop for just £1 a session to cover the cost of using the venue. Pre-booking is necessary so please contact me in advance. Hope to see you there!

Blackwork Tip: planning the running stitch paths

Last Friday's blackwork taster session at St. Mary's Heritage Centre has had me thinking some more about how to better explain the tackling of running stitch paths which make up typical blackwork designs. I came across this Blackwork Embroidery Archives site which has the clearest explanation that I have encountered.

For those of you who who participated in my session, the above instructions relate as follows:

• The first 'pass' you made on your outline equates to the First Journey in the Basic Running Stitch section.
• You then filled in the blanks between these stitches as described in the Return Journey section.
• The main vein equated to the Main Journey section described under Working Complex Journeys.
• The side veins equated to Working A Side-Trip.
• The infill patterns required you to plan as for Working Complex Journeys, the idea being to keep the reverse side mirroring the front as much as possible.

Hope this helps you while you finish the project at home!

After the stitching...

Many thanks to today's participants at my blackwork basics workshop. I enjoyed the afternoon and hope I've managed to gain some more blackwork enthusiasts now. Hope to see you again!

Today's Blackwork Workshop

All systems are go for the blackwork workshop this afternoon at St. Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead. There are still a few places available if anyone has a last minute urge to try out the bookmark on which we will be working. Click here for details.

Blackwork Workshops

It has been a while since I last wrote but things have been happening behind the scenes. The first event I have planned for the New Year is a blackwork taster session from 1-4 p.m., 13 Jan. 2012, at St. Mary's Heritage Centre. Full details, including cost & directions to the venue, are on their website. Alternatively, you can e-mail me direct to book onto the workshop.

I am following on from this with a longer blackwork workshop delivered over 4 afternoons in February, again at St. Mary's Heritage Centre. Further details can be found here on the Gateshead Council website. Again, you are welcome to contact me direct for further details.

St. Mary's Heritage Centre is a bright and airy venue, well suited to stitching. It is located next to the Sage Gateshead on the bank of the River Tyne so it is easily accessed by bus. There is also limited parking on site. This fills up quickly but there are several other Pay & Display car parks nearby, the one on Church Street being the closest.

Blackwork is a stitching form that has really grown on me. I hope you will think the same after the sessions. Hope to see you there!