silkparadise

2010-12-04T00:10:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I entered anything on my blogspot, but I do want to show that I am thinking about creating quilts and also some nice machine embroidery. Currently working on a guitar quilt. Hoping my son will be able to help put photos on. But there is one I want to show off now

2008-01-11T23:01:00.000-08:00

Well this is another Neptune's garden block. I aim to make it into a wallhanging of nine blocks. Can you imagine starfish are one of my "things"? Will keep you up to date as I complete further blocks, and join it into a wall pictur.

Neptunes Garden

2008-01-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

This block will join the others I have created in Ken's workshop Neptune's garden. I started this quite some time ago, but I have decided to get on with this and make it into a 9 block wall hanging. So this wall hanging will have blocks made in workshops tutored by Ken, or inspired by him. It has my favourite colour and it will probably feature in the centre. You could be forgiven for thinking I have a thing for starfish.

Neptune's Garden 2

2007-11-23T00:34:00.000-08:00

As promised here's another picture of a work in progress. Thwe coming few weeks will show whether it is a WIP or a WISP. Hope you enjoy what is machine embroidering on hand dyed silk using polyester, silk and cotton embroidery threads.

Neptune's Garden

2007-11-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

My workshop with Ken Smith w sas sheer delight. I learnt so much. I have scanned several of my pieces and hope to add more over the weekend.

I have finished one block completely and a second one is well on the way. The work was enjoyable, the company delightful and the feedback on the standard achieved was flattering. I hope to finish my blocks and combine them with earlier ones to work the into a wall hanging or maybe a throw for my bed. I am not parting with this unless the price is right!

2007-09-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

While holidaying at my eldest daughter's home I started stitching on this piece. I bought some beads resembling stones and the image just happened. It was so much fun. It is not quite finished but will feature in the exhibition which will now happen in November 2007.I am excited about finishing this little piece. As the exhibition will feature quite a few artists there will be loads of visitors. Looking forward to this very much. The holiday at my daughter's was very peaceful and enjoyable. Jos worked on cleaning bricks which Wilma will use in her backgarden as pavers and I helped her with other things. She finished a review of one of her books which went to the publishers while we were there and we had a celebration dinner with her. We had a wonderful evening.

Kirsten's Horsey quilt

2007-07-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is. A WISP UFO finally finished and passed on to its new owner. Now I will start work on her brothers Chelsea Soccer Club quilt.

It will have photos of his favourite players, also one of himself now that he has become his team's leading goal kicker. He is so proud, and so are his parents and grand parents.

Kirsten spent the day with us on Wednesday as she was ill. I gave her the quilt to snuggle up in and allowed her to take it home.

purple blooms

2007-06-29T04:56:00.001-07:00

I know I have posted this before, but I have done a fair bit of work on it and it is ready to be mounted. As it was published previously, I won't bore you with how I made it.

My next project is poppies in the field. That's next week.

starburst

2007-06-29T04:47:00.001-07:00

Merino top felted with silk fibres and ribbon. I beaded it and then hand embroidered it. This work really talks to me! When I get it either framed or put on a block it will look impressive. I hope it appeals to other people as well. It was quite difficult to get the pattern of the star when I was felting it, but I guess I succeeded in what I tried to achieve, and I really enjoyed the challenge!

Tutorial, leaves

2007-06-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

Requirements

Sheet of silk paper

sheet of rinse away, same size

variegated machine embroidery thread

pins

sewing machine set up for free motion embroidering, feed dogs down, top tension slightly lower than normal, needle size 70-80.

Carefully pin rinse away to silk paper. Test your embroidering for tension, adjust if necessary. I have made a "how to" stitch your leaf. I do not sketch my leaves, practice makes perfect. However, you can sketch leaves on the rinse away, stitch on the lines but remember:

If you want the effect of the variegated thread, you must wind it on the bobbin. (Hope this is clear, you do not do this if you stitch on the silk paper.

I have used numbers to show my method of stitching the leaf outline, leaving space between the stitch lines to give a clear impression, but not the only way to do it!
Once you are happy with your outlines, carefully cut around the outside of the leaf, quickly dip in hot water, then place on old towel and dab with another old towel to remove excess moisture.

purple passion

2007-06-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

A mix of shiva rubbing background, covered with silk paper and purple flowers made from silk paper moulded with Sonja textile medium. I will now finish this off and possibly get it ready for the exhibition.

shiva stick rubbing

2007-06-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

As you know I bought some "special packs" from Quilting Arts. This is what I did with one of the packs. It had shiva sticks and rubbing pates. This is the result of the blue metallic stick on habutai silk

a forest scene

2007-06-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

Especially scanned to show my inspirational forest scene. It is all done with silk paper and tulle. I used metallic threads and rayon variegated embroidery thread to get the effects I wanted. There is more work to be done by hand, but I wanted to show the work in progress.

silk paper tutorial

2007-05-19T04:56:00.000-07:00

Requirements: Jo Sonja's textile medium silk fibers (silk top) water dish washing detergent 2 containers to mix detergent and textile medium Large piece of bubble wrap, 2 pieces of tulle 1 craft roller, 1 cat litter tray (your pieces of tulle need to fit in the tray) One old hand towel Method: Spread bubble wrap on table. Place cat litter tray on top Place one piece of tulle in bottom of cat tray, Carefully pull small tufts of silk fibers of silk top, place on tulle until it is completely covered (take care that fibers are all in the same direction. Place a second layer of small tufts of silk from side to side, Place third layer in same direction as first layer. Place second piece of tulle on top and gently pat down. Mix small amount of detergent (several drops) with about 50-100 ml ( this would be up to 4 fluid ounces). Using your roller dip in the container of water with detergent, and gently place on the whole silk/tulle sandwich. Pat down again and gently rub to remove creases. Very gently turn over and place more watery detergent on bottom of sandwich. Gently pat with towel, I find gently pushing towel down works well. Mix 50 ml (2 fl ounces) textile medium in 150 ml (6 fluid ounces) of warm (not hot) water and paint this onto your sandwich. Let the sandwich drip excess back into cat litter tray and place somewhere safe to dry. You can iron it when dry if you have any creases. When dry and ironed you can use your paper as a stitching fabric. Enlarge some of mine and you will see the effect. I also use some snippets of various threads under the third layer, gives a really nice effect, or I place it on top, cover with tulle and stitch through it all. Playing with various alternatives will give you some great ideas and inspiration. Hope you find it as much fun as I did. Hugs, Maria

autumn leaves

2007-05-16T00:48:00.000-07:00

Here they are my very own autumn leaves. I am so excited by the effect including the little holes!

For autumn leaves

2007-05-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled with the effect I created here. I will stitch it into autumnleaves and that too will finish up in the exhibition.

Another picture for my show

2007-05-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

The woods used to be my favourite place when I was a child. I still love the forest. The trees, the sounds, the smells. The colours especialle in autumn.

ready for the show

2007-05-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately this image is not quite what I had in mind. It just did not fit under the scanner. I really love the effect of silk paper with machine embroidery and beading. Loved working on this.

ready for the show

2007-05-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased with this piece. It has a tranquil feeling for me. The naive interpretation of trees I find quite exciting. When Jos finishes the presentation it will be a real winner for me.

after the last post what could be next?

2007-05-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Silk paper confetti, what else? I enjoy making silk paper. All the posts in silk paper are works in progress for my upcoming exhibition. I am really looking forward to this.

Will anybody come to see my art? Will anybody want to own my work?

Well if not I will have to get a studio with enough wall space. Ah to sleep per chance to dream of success?

What is success anyway but the creative process?

Silk paper figures

2007-05-04T07:53:00.002-07:00

This paper shows 2 naive figures. I like it as it reminds me of a solid relationship. After 54 years of marriage......

silk paper lace and flower

2007-05-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

silk paper creations

2007-05-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

a silk paper flower and silk paper with little bits of fancy thread

Then there is the silk paper with machine embroidery

more gathering photos

2007-05-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

From left: Brenda hiding behind Catherine, Sandie peeking between Catherine and Viv, Maureen behind Vivienne and Julia. Viv has her camera ready for action.

more gathering photos

2007-05-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

From left we have Julia Camilleri from Perth, Sandie from the back of beyond, and the happy-go-lucky Vivienne from Perth. A fantastic trio of artistic women I was delighted to meet. Met Vivienne in Canberra and was delighted to spend time with her and Eddy in the caravan park.

Catherine puts in an appearance...

2007-05-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Well it would not be a gathering without Catherine AKA Rowdy. Just what we all need a rowdy gardener. She might even scare the snails, aphids and scales away. I should be so lucky!

More gathering blocks

2007-04-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

Creating the blocks for the get together at Sandie's and Chris's place was a real challenge, but I got the done in time! I have received a number of Thank You emails and thought I should post all the other ones, as well as the ones that were made for me!

Gathering blocks

2007-03-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

Jewel coloured, though mostly purple, some hand dyed silk ribbon, and favourite stitches. Now I wonder who would pick this one?

2007-03-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

Everybody's favourite colour. I love this block, the leaves are machine embroidered, there is a sample of my hand dyed silk ribbon (turquoise) . We have no idea whose this will be, have we?

2007-03-10T18:06:00.000-08:00

Well here is another gathering block. I am very happy with the effect of this block. Whose will it be????

gathering blocks

2007-02-11T02:34:00.000-08:00

At last I have pieced all my gathering blocks. I will post them as I finish the embellishing. My quilting buddies just love them, they might put them in their bags given half a chance!

2006-11-25T18:17:00.000-08:00

Here is one restored part of the tablecloth edge. The coloured dots are my work. If you imagine this is just one of 22 nibbled areas you will get an idea of the amount of work involved. Every other row had to be hand unpicked until all the damage was excluded. Of course it also meant a lot of threads to be darned in (2 for every row) But the happy dance has been done!!!!

A fun workshop

2006-11-22T04:05:00.000-08:00

I spent 8 wonderful days in workshops with the incredible free motion embroidery teacher Ken Smith. Some of the comments people make about this talented teacher/artist are wonderful.
"he has magic hands" "He can make embroidery look like creating the natural world all over again". His sense of humour and fun are a delight. I know I sound like an addict, and I guess I am. If you get the chance... crawl, walk, swim, fly and attend one or more of his workshops. I have never enjoyed a teacher, or an activity more. The pieces pictured here are my interpretation of a piece of bark, using Ken's methods and techniques. But with all his workshops the emphasis is on enjoying the process.
After 4 wonderful days my piece of bark looks more realistic. Magnify to see the intensive work that has been done! Now for the decorations!

Landscape workshop Ken Smith

2006-11-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

On day 4 the intensive workshop finished and my picture was declared excellent by teacher and students. The photo does not really do it justice, but I willbring it to Sandie's at Easter. This was one of the most wonderful workshops I have ever attended!
To interpret the picture : There are three eucalypts the direction of the embroidery shows the prevalent wind direction. At the bottom of the picture are bushes with purple flower buds, and some water. I am very proud of the final result.

2006-11-16T14:25:00.000-08:00

The landscape workshop I attended with Ken Smith as the talented tutor was sheer delight. After day one I had this fabulous framework for my landscape. I did not work from a photo instead I worked from an image in my mind.

restoration

2006-11-08T23:15:00.000-08:00

restoration

2006-11-08T22:18:00.000-08:00

silkparadise
Girls this is a picture of a tablecloth edge. It had been attacked by hungry or cold mice ????
I have had to unpick around the damage and then restore, the original work was in a thin very highly twisted cotton the thread was no longer available so the "restoration thread" is thinner. You can imagine the work involved unpicking very tight tension crochet at least 70 years old and bites here and there. Whenever I get an area nicely unpicked and I start to crochet it might start to unravel further along. There were over 20 damaged pieces. The picture shows what was probably the worst piece. Anmyway there is less than 10 places to restore.! I will definitely do a happy dance when it is finished.

2006-11-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

My Brooch

2006-09-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

I attended a workshop with Wendy Koolhof and made this fabulous brooch and some earrings. The scan does not really do justice to the product but you do get an idea. If I catch up with Mary and Viv they will get to see it in person!

Michelle's tablemat with serviette

2006-09-18T02:57:00.000-07:00

Michelle is the daughter of my youngest daughter, she is rather gorgeous and I have to say this about my grand daughter. I made these tablemats and serviettes for her engagement. They are in purple which is her favourite colour, as is mine. I will be making a table runner to go with it. I hope to finish it before the Canberra get together. I don't know why this image disappeared, so I am posting it again.

Leah's Bag

2006-09-18T02:48:00.000-07:00

Leah, my grand daughter will be leaving high school this year. I am making this for her leaving outfit. It is black silk with some lace trapped under tulle and machine embroidered.

It will have black silk lining and a cord with tassels to finish it off.

Dolphin at play

2006-09-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

I made this little wall hanging for a commission. As I did not like the conditions, I kept it for myself. About the size of 2 A3 sheets, it is made with silk paper, tulle, couched woollen thread, beads and shells, finished with machine embroidery.
The "bird" is actually an angel watching over the dolphin! I love this piece.

purple fantasy

2006-09-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

I was trying to delete and edit the posts that did not publish my photo. So I am reposting my purple fantasy.

burgundy rambling

2006-09-07T02:40:00.000-07:00

This picture was also started in a "sheer heaven" workshop by talented textile artist,Ken Smith, and it now lives with my daughter. A number of threads and randomly cut silk habutai was trapped under bridal tulle and machine embroidered. A fun workshop.

burgundy rambling

2006-09-06T22:44:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favourite creations. I started this too in a Ken Smith workshop. When I finished it I wondered what I was going to do with it. My daughter came to visit. She admired it so I gave it to her. It will hang in her purple room which is her guest room. I will visit it soon.

silkparadise

2006-09-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

silkparadise
My dear son Anthony came by last night and showed me how I went wrong with the bouquet. So here we go again!

silkparadise

2006-09-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

silkparadiseI really have a taste for it now. So I will be posting one block I started in a Ken Smith DESIGN class. It was so much fun!

silkparadise

2006-09-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

silkparadise
I love evening bags, here is a sample I made using techniques acquired in Ken Smith workshops

silkparadise

2006-08-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

silkparadise
This mask was made at Ken Smith's worksop in Mittagong. It was a wonderful workshop and I invited Ken to Tasmania to run a workshop here. He has been coming back every year since then and I have made some wonderful items using his techniques. If you are into machine embroidering, drive,fly,run,walk or crawl to one of his workshops. You will never regret it. Lucy had a cat, now in cat heaven, by the name of Byron. The mask reminds us of Byron. Lucy will get this mask eventually, perhaps when I don't want it anymore, as if.......

silkparadise

2006-08-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

silkparadise

2006-08-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

silkparadise

2006-08-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

silkparadise
I am trying to place a picture of Lucy's quilt. She picked the pattern and I made it for her 11th birthday. She really loves the brightness and the warmth. The butterflies are hand appliqued and the quilting is minimal, done by hand so it still all stays in place. Her sister wants a horse quilt which is a work in progress and brother wanted one with monkeys, have been unable to find anything I liked enough to work with.

silkparadise

2006-08-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

silkparadise

I was thrilled with the feedback from visitors to my blog. It was so easy, but can't do it again. Tried and tried. Guess i must be cyber challenged. Maybe I need a class....

flutterby

2006-08-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hello,
My name is Maria and I am 72 years old. Married since 1953 to a wonderful man who is my best friend as well. We have 5 children and 12 gransdchildren. We came from the Netherlands in 1954 and now live in Tasmania. My hobbies vary from all kinds of textile art to music, quiz shows and crosswords.

My real passion is machine embroidering and I subscribe to various magazines for inspiration.
I am very lucky to have a small studio that I try, not always successfully to keep tidy and well organised. I am making quilts for all my grandchildren and am on number 5. I also create handbags, tote bags and wall pictures.

This picture lives in Wollongong it is a machine embroidery executed freehand with silk and rayon thread. I call it purple fantasy. I started this in a workshop with Ken Smith.