abundance X

Lanterns, 2013, Porcelain, East Lambrook Manor Gardens

One of the reasons why this summer has resulted in a complete lack of blogging is that I've had several exhibitions to prepare for*.

I'm honoured to be asked to be part of Abundance X at East Lambrook Manor Gardens in Somerset. East Lambrook is one of the homes of the English Cottage garden look and has the most amazing plant nursery. When I go back for the private view I'm stocking up on some plants.... The show is open from 21st September to the 6th October so if you're in the area drop in and have a look.

Arboreal Sun II, 2013, Calico, Natural Dyes and Portland Wool

Arboreal Moon (detail), 2013, Calico, Natural Dyes and Portland Wool

For this exhibition I've combined my love of textiles and my love of ceramics. I've created so large canvases inspired by India Flint's dyeing techniques with some porcelain additions and stitching with some handspun portland fleece. Combining my loves of clay, yarn and plants has been truly inspirational.

*I'll bore you with the details of the other shows later....

hello 2013 & Woolly Wednesday....

Happy New Year to you all! 2013 is the start of more new great things I'm sure!

Now I know I didn't spin this myself but it's wool - right?

In late 2011 I started this Kaffe Fassett throw for my mother - in that time there have been many ups and downs and it sure has been a challenge. 

  

But I finished it. All 300 odd rows, crocheted edging and velvet lining. It nearly defeated me several times - I kept having to wander off and find something small and less demanding to knit.

I could just sit and stare at it for ages....

 

It has a new home now (a tidy home.) I miss it - sort of. I don't miss the fact it sat in my work basket staring me out in a threatening manner until I picked it up.

Now I can be selfish and concentrate on spinning, knitting and making for me (until the next lot of elving starts)

ps... Suzani is Ravelled here

spinning the sky

Ever lie on your back staring at the blue, blue sky? (Not that people in the UK had much chance of that last summer.) Ever been amazed at the vivid colours that appear in nature?

 

Some of the of the bundle of tops I bought in Hay on Wye are the colour of the sky on a summers day. I gently blended them with white merino as if they were clouds chasing across the sky.

Jago says when I have my basket of carded batts that I'm a giant spinning the sky. He's making me look at colours in a new way - how the hedgerow shades would look blended into a yarn... I love the fact I'm seeing the world with a three year old engaging with his fascination and sense of wonder.

in progress...

I have a new love.

Ceramics you are my first love, nothing will ever change that but spinning is warm, fluffy and much more portable. Before Jess was born I bought a secondhand spinning wheel and had a few lessons. Then I found out I was pregnant and pregnancy and sheep and lambing time don't really mix -  I live in a rural area with lots of lovely sheep all around. So I gave up for a long time. My spinning wheel looked mournfully at me from the corner of the room. I felt a bit guilty...

This summer I was walking through Hay-on-Wye (as a stop off on our way to Snowdonia) when I found a shop with with a baskets of beautiful hand dyed merino and bamboo tops. A few of those bags came home with me and I dreamed of my wheel again, it was time...

By the time we got to our holiday cottage I was dreaming of the yarn I would make... The fates were smiling on me and in a local store I found a drop spindle and a copy of Respect The Spindle. I'm hooked. I go everywhere with a bag of fibre and a drop spindle (along with my knitting.) The house is covered with fluff, I answer the phone spindle in hand and get in a muddle as I realise that I can't write down notes and spin at the same time. My family just smile - and indulge me - bless them!

(More about what I'm spinning in a future post)