Just time for a quick post today, I've been doing a google search on Madeleine, but unfortunately her site is down at the moment and I can only find this link. ( Sorry link won't work properly,click on crafts directory, then textiles then scroll thru' the pages) The quality of the photographs really doesn't show the beauty and detail in Madeleine's work, her tiny perfect stitches have to be seen to be believed .
She is also great fun and I am going to try and nag her to start a blog next time I see her.
The technique is very easy, just find some wool blankets from the back of the cupboard or jumble sale or charity/thrift shop. Tear or cut them into smaller pieces ( mine are usually about 20 x 40" ), and then dye them with an appropriate dye. I use Dylon multi purpose dye.
If you dye one piece at a time using the same pot of dye, each piece will be a lighter version of the last . Just top your pot up with boiling water when necessary. I normally get 3-4 pieces from the same pot.
For the bird picture , you start off with your main piece of blanket and build up your design in layers using any stitch that takes your fancy. In other words you make it up as you go along.
The birdy piece was embellished with sequins and beads, but this one I left as it was ( for a change ! ).
I plan on doing something like this with the children next week, it's a perfect project for them as the blanket doesn't fray and they can use big darning needles and inexpensive wool to sew with.
That's it , as you have probably noticed, I'm pretty crappy at explaining things,so if none of this makes any sense, let me know.
Have a great weekend, I'm going to paint my toenails and put my lippy on, before heading off to a party at the pub tonight.
YIPPEE !
