Daisy's bit of stitching

I've been doing a bit of hand stitching lately.

Inspired by the great Julie Arkell, Janet Bolton, Jessie Chorley and

 Betty Pepper workshops I've been lucky enough to go on recently.

I've hardly been able to put my needle down!

I've been working out of a suitcase.

It's full of bits of gorgeousness but I've

found it incredibly relaxing to just use

whatever is to hand rather than being overwhelmed

with the contents of my sewing room.

I have loved sewing little scraps of loveliness together.

I dream in colour.

Do you?

This was a piece of smocking that I bought

from the Embroiders Guild box of goodies 

at the Knitting and Stitching show in Harrogate.

I've turned it into a cuff by adding a bit of

vintage fabric and a few press studs.

I adore using old threads too.

They compliment the mellow faded fabric so well.

'She loves the sea'

This dress is a project that has been

sitting in my head for a long time.

I have a collection of antique dolls clothes

but didn't really know what to do with them.

When I bought this French linen dress earlier in the year

the idea started to come together.

It was beautifully patched and so very easy to work with.

Each piece seemed to find its own place.

I have to say I have loved wearing it. 

It will continue to be a work in progress

as I find new treasure to add to it.

The last show and tell for today is 

'A shy rabbit'

I have no idea why she turned French but turn French she did.

'Where is she?'

The inspiration for this one came from

reading lift the flap books with Steve's grandson.

The delight on his cute little face when he sees

what's hiding!

'I am here'

 says my little pink rabbit.

I'm off on a trip to York tomorrow with the lovely 

Lemonade Kitty for a girly sewing day.

Will report back soon.

Have a lovely evening.

Hugs

Daisy xxx

A Pepperpot Doll arrived from Julia Jowett

I first met Julia last November at the 

Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate.

Her work made me stop in my tracks.

It made me hold my breath.

It drew me in.

Right in,

 to the this wonderful world she had created.

This week I have been lucky enough to share

a part of that world.

Want to see?

 She arrived beautifully wrapped.

This postcard has gone straight on my wall!

I felt like it was my birthday again.

I took my time and enjoyed the moment.

And here she is...

my beautiful girl...

with her exquisite stitching.

I've found a perfect place for her to live.

She can wave at the Arkletts sitting nearby...

 

And gaze out of the window at the passers by.

To Julia, thank you for creating such a gorgeous girl.

I love her so much and feel very honoured that she is now living with me.

Julia can be found on facebook

and will be based at Unit Twelve from the beginning of August.

Thanks for reading.

Night night

Love Daisy xxx

The Bolingbroke Hospital - a view backwards at the Contemporary Applied Arts

Yesterday I made a special trip to London to

The Contemporary Applied Arts gallery on

Percy Street in London.

The exhibition was about The Bolingbroke Hospital

which closed in 2008.

Each of the artists were given a selection of objects

used in reminiscence work with the elderly patients.

As regulars to my blog will know I am a huge fan of Julie Arkell.

Here are a few of the photos I took.

This piece was called 'un dress'

A found dress was turned into an apron

with a photo of the original piece  displayed in a paper mache frame.

These were the surplus bits of fabric left over.

I found the exhibition very moving especially this

label which reads 

'Please pray for all ill in this hospital.  Many thanks.'

'What's left?'

With her thread and pins.

'Caring for the everyday'

with her 'be a good neighbour' badge.

Boxed hankies with poignant text.

A red hand knitted pixie hood.

A low alcove of  creatures each with their own stories to tell.

Embroidered hospital cards.

One of my favourites

'I keep remembering all the visitors'

An exquisite box of treasures.

A view backwards.

'Resting'

'Help' is now living with me.

Safe with all my other Arkellets.

'I'll stay here' didn't want to come.

Shelly Goldsmiths 'Circle skirt'

A close up on the text.

Two more pieces by Shelly.

Beautiful shiny pins.

A close up of dear 'Help'

She seems so much happier away from the bright lights of the city.

I would like to thank the CAA for letting me take so many photos.

The exhibition finishes on 21st July but is well worth a visit.

Wishing you all a great Tuesday.

Hugs Daisy xxx