Thursday 20 January 2011

I'm Back (I think..)

I've been pretty quiet over the past 3 months because I have been doing a City & Guilds module in hand embroidery.  I've always wanted to have a go and just by chance was given the opportunity to take part in a research project into distance learning which meant only having to complete one module (there are 12!) It's made me realise what a lot of work is involved and no way I could commit to doing it whilst working nearly full time. Anyway,  it's been an interesting process.  I've had to draw and paint (not done since I left school and I'm rubbish at it!) and produce samples and a final piece and I've uploaded it and sent it all off today!!

Anyway, here are a few of the pieces I've completed.  I've taken the attitude it's the creative process I've been learning because I've definitely not been completely satisfied with some of the samples!

So .... I decided to work with peppers



Got a chance to use by doodling skills....







Another photo and my interpretation of it in pencil










And an interpretation in stitch...



This is only a small selection of the work involved but if you've never thought about the design process before, and have an interest in hand embroidery or machine embroidery (and the time!) it's well worth thinking about.  

Now I have to wait for the feedback.

35 comments:

Cath Wilson said...

Looks interesting, Carol. Bet you've had fun :D Love what you did - really stretching and a huge challenge! Well done you.

Sue said...

Welcome back!!!! Oh that brings back memories......it is such a lot of work but I hope you will find it worthwhile having done it!

Anonymous said...

Wow what interesting work and sounds like youve enjoyed the creative process.

Netty said...

These are all great and you are obviously really enjoying it. Am sure you will have great success with your module. Annette x

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. I think its great when you can follow something you always wanted to do, a great achievement, well done you.

cockney blonde said...

Wondered where you were, lol. Sounds like hard work and not my cup of tea as I hate needlework. If ever you see stitching on one of my cards (rarely) you'll know I've really suffered for my art, lol.
However, looks like you have a real talent as what you've shown us looks fab, x

Sid said...

Fab stuff....wish I had your drawing talent, mine's rubbish !! LOL

sam21ski said...

Fab isn't it Carol. Love what you've done and can sympathise with you. I'm currently doing a machine textiles course and have to do pretty much the same thing. I chose trees as my theme!!! I only started in September xxxx

Zue said...

How amazing to take yourself out of your comfortable realm and come up with such gorgeous embroidery. Also your drawings are very professional.
I am going to have a go at an embroidery piece as a DT project and I keep putting it off...well, now you have given me some inspiration.
Thanks
Sue xx

Jan said...

Well done! Always good to have another string to your bow.... not that you haven't got loads already!
Love the embroidery.

Heather said...

Love your drawings Carol, and your stitched interpretation. It's nearly 30years since I did C&G and I've never regretted it, but wouldn't want to try it with a full time job as well. It changed my life - I used to be a good housewife!!

flutterbycrafter said...

Welcome back, and what a way to return, such stunning work, so creative and so pleased that you've enjoyed doing this work. xx

penibear said...

Looks great!! Well done for going RIGHT out of your comfort zone, think you did a really good job - how long d'you have to wait for feedback?

Juls said...

wow this is such an inspirational post...I Love seeing where your idea originate from them and the gorgeous embrodery you have created is just stunning! Hugs Juls

Karin said...

Looks interesting Carol that must have taken you a long time to produce. Well done in completing it.

Suzanne C said...

Glad to see you posting again. Love that you are exploring your creativity!

Neet said...

How very interesting. Like your pencil work and your final interpretation of the pepper in embroidery is great. What fun it would be if you did not have to work, as you say. Hope you found it worthwhile but nice to have you back.

Joanna Oborska said...

Carol, you are very talented! It's beautiful!

Seth said...

Welcome Back, Love your art.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. love the sketching and doodling too. Great work,

hugs June

joanne wardle said...

wow! that's impressive!

Gillian .... said...

Good to see you back Carol, your new project looks really interesting and creative, love the different sketches and embroidery:)

Dotpat said...

Well arn't you the clever one my dear, brill work

Chris said...

Hey, Carol, your sketching is great. I love the final embroidered piece. I would have lost patience part way through. Congratulations on completing the module.

hazel said...

Love what you've done Carol, beautiful stitching and drawing.
xxx Hazel.l

Paula J Atkinson said...

Great work Carol, it helps to do something diferent & more challenging in our lives. Stops us getting stale & pigeon-holed.

Jo Capper-Sandon said...

Fab. You know I love it. I neeeeed to get back into this way of working. Love what you've done here.

Pia said...

wow what a great colours what interesting work
hugs Pia

Anonymous said...

I do admire you Carol, for doing something like this. The results are wonderful, I love your drawings & embroidery! x

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

Sooo glad to see you back, I really missed your creations! Looks like you have been really busy lately but you definately look like were having fun! ;))

Lynne Moncrieff said...

Carol, really enjoyed seeing another creative side to you. I haven't tackled such embroidery since Art & Design days at school and I have to say, never done with a smile on my fave, in fact, always reluctant to work on my pieces but now, you have sparked an interest in me. Hope you will show us more of your embroidery. Well done you for trying a new challenge. Lynne M x

craftimamma said...

This looks great Carol. I can fully understand the work involved. I did a C&G in Fashion and Design about 17 years ago over a 4 year period (it was on 2 levels) and it just about consumed my waking hours and a lot of what should have been sleeping hours too. The course included some machine embroidery as well which I thoroughly enjoyed (still have the samples in the loft somewhere).

Love the examples you've shown us here and the finished piece is lovely.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

thekathrynwheel said...

Awesome! I can't believe the embroidery came from a pepper!

Anonymous said...

Morning Carol. You deserve a big pat on the back :-) these pieces are brilliant......well done you. S x

Janny said...

Welcome back girl;o)Great drawing, keep up the good work you have talent!And lovely embroidery!