Linus shawl

It’s been a while since I finished a shawl, but here it is: the Linus shawl, a free pattern you can find here on Ravelry.

I used a recycled bourette mix yarn (cotton and silk), bought at Bart&Francis, who specialise in all kinds of yarn, thread and fiber. It’s always an adventure to browse through their shop, with lots of discoveries!

This is a very easy knit, it’s relaxing and I love the result. 

Ceci n'est pas une pipe

Inspired by the work of Sharon Peoples, I used the technique of random cross stitch to recreate the work "Ceci n'est pas un pipe" by the Belgian artist René Magritte.

the fabric is wrapped around a mount board and I also used some wadding to give the piece some depth.

It fits neatly in the tin in which it is presented. 

I hope to have added to the joke the artist intended. 

presented in the box:

the box:

An old piece of clothing gets reused :

Abstract stitching on paper

 

This is the work I made for the workshop by Jean Rill-Alberto.

The abstract design of geometric forms is first drawn, then stitched, onto paper. Some shapes I coloured in. It's fascinating to work with abstract shapes and to see what happens if you combine them, or highlight some of them. Also the stitching on paper is a real favourite of mine!

wet felted sample

Something I have wanted to try for a long time is wet felting,  a process of continually rubbing wool fibers together with soap and water to form a firmly felted object.

A workshop by Jeanette Appleton was the perfect opportunity : an exploration of contrasts in colour, texture and surface by using the felting technique on a sewed piece to which running stitch is added. 

I loved this technique and the surprising results, for instance how different the silk fabric and synthetic fabric reacted to the felting process. It calls for more exploration!  And using wool is always a big bonus!

I added some running stitch to silk and synthetic fabric, which then became the starting piece for the wet felting:

The back of the piece, the felted wool:

Cartoons

Inspired by another workshop I did with Saima Kaur (more information on the first one you can find here), I made this sampler with micro stories. I love the versatility, the humour and lightness of this method and will defenitely explore this further 😊.

Calender collage

For my second workshop with Anne Kelly (information on the first one you can find here ) I made these two collages. I used a calender with images of Claude Monet paintings, scraps of cotton fabric, silk fabric, ribbon and different kinds of paper (pages from an old book, illustrations, a paper napkin). I added some drawing, some painting, a bit of ink printing and a few embellishments. The pieces are then completely machine stitched.

This one is about my love for walking and the natural world:

This is a wish for the near future: a summer of reading and peace. Preferably in a beautiful natural setting:

Small wall hangings

I made some small wall hangings, using plastic lids I covered with fabric. I then sewed trapunto pieces on them, adding beads, buttons, little roses and lace.

I find this an original way to try out new things.

Inspiration in nature

For this small piece I used a spider's web as an inspiration. The idea I got from Sabine Kaner, who often uses patterns and shapes found in nature.

I painted the base calico fabric with watercolour paint. The 'web' is created with different embroidery stitches and appliqué.

Handmade sketchbooks

I used different kinds of paper for these little sketchbooks : Japanese handmade paper, pages from an old book, wrappers, sketching paper, decorated paper.

The pages are handsewn together with bookbinders’ thread. 

The covers are unique designs I hand-painted with water-colour paint, sometimes with added embroidery.

The backs are covered (handsewn) with matching fabrics.

In every book I have all ready sketched a flower. 

This is a labour of love and I hope these little books will end up with people who love to sketch, write or collect stuff in them!

(I will show and sell them at this local event on Sunday July 3th : Kunst Montmartre Beveren-Waas in Belgium)

The sketches on book pages:

The covers painted:

Bookbinding:

Happy window

I often hang sayings and crafted things in the window, in the hope that it brings a little happiness and the odd hopeful message.

Here you can spot my embroidered bumblebee, my craftivists banner, a lovely very pink rainbow and some great sayings from Flow magazine, one of my favourites.

I wish all windows showed similar things: our daily walks would certainly be more interesting and it would give lots of conversation material!