I think I've been on a little voyage...a voyage of discovery!About 15 years ago, I had a bit of a penchant for machine embroidered earrings - I particularly remember a pair that were shaped like bishop's mitres. At the time, I thought, 'why am I spending money on this? I can do it myself!' So, I did.
A lot has gone on since then. Art college, a job, getting married, having children - the usual. I'm making jewellery...but with no machine embroidery! Why? Because my trusty machine gave up the ghost after 17 years of service, and I was blowed if I could get my new machine to co-operate! (Notice how it was the machine's fault? Couldn't possibly be mine!!)
Enough was enough. I had to conquer this! I pestered the lady in my local haberdasher's. She couldn't help. I wrestled with endless pieces of decent material, and my rubbish bin filled up at an alarming rate. I dawdled about having a shufty around flickr - so many wonderful artists store their work there for public viewing. It's really a visual treat, a gallery in your computer!
I had the fortune to stumble upon dogdaisy92, and Jackie, who creates divine works of embroidery art. The lady is a godsend! With her as inspiration, I had one more attempt - success!
The pictures above are the result. Look closely and you'll see elements of machine embroidery, and also a bit of couching! Haven't done that for years! Notice how everything I make has to be plastered with beads and embellishments? I just can't help myself - but I guess it wouldn't be 'me' without them!
Jackie, thank you so much for your time and inspiration. xx
