Stitch June/July 2024

With summer now here, the natural world is providing embroiderers as usual with plenty of inspiration, from wildlife and landscapes, to nature’s colour palettes and textures, too. Nikki Parmenter has managed to capture almost all of the above in one stunning project! Her fabulous frog is worked in a multitude of thread shades, with fabrics, felt and even plastic scraps providing a kaleidoscope of colour in the finished work of art. As with Jenni Davis’ clever clothes line hoop last issue, there’s nothing like seeing how to work these stitches in action, which is why we’ve asked Nikki to produce a companion video masterclass for this project. She takes you through some of the techniques involved – working with fused fabric and free machine embroidery to create incredible results first…

Make a fabulous frog perched on a lily pad using a selection of layering techniques including plastic entrapment and fused fabrics, all created with free machine embroidery. You will use a range of materials and processes to achieve a stunning result. YOU WILL NEED MATERIALS For dragonfly, butterfly and frog: PVC plastic, A4, x 3, available per metre from Dunelm • Selection of synthetic fabrics and iridescent cellophane in greens, golds and yellows • Paper, Gold or Silver (if possible) • Funky foam, 2 small pieces, from Hobbycraft • Safety eye • Padding/wadding For lily pad: Felt, A4, green, yellow or blue • Synthetic fabrics including chiffons and organzas in greens and blues, small pieces • Netting, A4 in green, blue or yellow • Padding/wadding EQUIPMENT Glue gun • Fine…

NORTH EAST THE BORDER TEXTILE GROUP EXHIBITION: BORDERS IN STITCH SATURDAY 8 AND SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2024, 10AM - 4PM. Foulden Village Hall, TD15 2GB Parking is available in the village carpark opposite the hall and limited disabled parking is available outside the hall. Entrance fee for adults £3. Borders in Stitch will showcase a wide variety of textiles using many techniques created by members during the last three years. Light refreshments will be available, and the opportunity to purchase bargains in haberdashery and fabric. For more information about our group, please visit www.bordertextilegroup.org.uk SOUTH WEST TEXTILE & STITCH AROUND MARLBOROUGH SUMMER EXHIBITION OF TEXTILE ART FRIDAY JUNE 7, SAT JUNE 8 & SUN JUNE 9 2024 10 - 4PM; Kennet Valley Hall, Lockeridge, Marlborough, SN8 4EL Entrance Fee £4…

Can you share with us a little about your background and your career so far? My parents always encouraged my twin sister Prue and me to be creative. They gave me a copy of The Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlecraft when I was about 11 or 12. I loved working my way through the book, trying a bit of knitting, crocheting, patchwork, embroidery etc. I trained as a graphic designer at university and specialised in book design. I then brought my two loves together and started creating books about embroidery about 25 years ago. What has led you to focus on whitework? What about whitework do you find particularly rewarding? I love the elegance of white on white – it is timeless. I also love how removing colour from…

FOR MORE GREAT BOOKS SEE PAGE 16! THE ESSENTIAL EMBROIDERY STITCHES CARD DECK By: Betty Barnden Publisher: Search Press ISBN: 978-800922303 RRP: £14.99 3 DECKS TO GIVE AWAY This set of cards is perfect for beginners and experienced stitchers alike. It includes a handbook with essential embroidery info and 50 cards spotlighting individual stitches. Each card features a snapshot of the finished stitch, suggested applications, and clear step-by-step instructions. Based on Betty Barnden’s acclaimed book, The Embroidery Stitch Bible, this versatile card deck is a great addition to any embroiderer’s bookshelf. FOOLPROOF FREEFORM EMBROIDERY By: Jennifer Clouston Publisher: C&T Publishing ISBN: 978-1644034200 RRP: £18.99 3 COPIES TO GIVE AWAY Join Jennifer on a journey of creativity and inspiration in her book. Learn how to create your own unique embroidery style…

How long has the group been running and how many members are there? Bath Textile Artists are happy and proud that this year marks the 40th Anniversary of the foundation of the group. The group currently has 12 members. Where do you meet and how often? The group meets monthly at the British School Room in Sherston or The Compass in Tormarton. Occasionally we have meetings at members’ homes. What sort of regular activities does the group get involved with? Sometimes, members run workshops or projects within the community and, on occasion fundraise for a good cause. The group aims to expand the concept of textile art. As part of the yearly exhibition process, work is presented and discussed at meetings. The work for each exhibition is generally based on…