Madeleine
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 !
Oh, that is adorable! Your explanation was perfect. That is something I must try. Love the little hearts.
Posted by: debbie | July 22, 2005 at 04:30 PM
Beautiful, must do something like that!
Thanks for the how to
Esther
Posted by: Naturallly Nice | July 22, 2005 at 04:30 PM
I really want to try this now! But do I wait to finish the quilts and stuff I have on the go now? Noooooo...Thanks for the tute!
Posted by: Rachael | July 23, 2005 at 03:17 AM
This is wonderful, Lyn!!! Can I ask how big it is? I don't think I have the energy to dye my own wool, but I have a basket of wool and wool felt swatches that I scooped up a while ago in hopes of discovering a possible project for them. This might be it! They aren't as nice as nubbly as a blanket, but I do have lots of different colors.
Posted by: *jenny | July 23, 2005 at 02:25 PM
I have a huge pile of wool blankets gathering dust - thanks so much for the inspiration! I just love your bird piece!
Posted by: samlamb | July 24, 2005 at 06:37 PM
That looks so great! Beautiful colours - a great idea. I am truly inspired.
Posted by: claire | July 25, 2005 at 02:59 AM
Love this! And you explained it all very well, I'm anxious to try it now. And as you say a great project for the kids. Would love to see some of their finished pieces too. Thanks for sharing this.
Posted by: vicki | July 25, 2005 at 05:13 AM
Hello! Thanks for your great comments on my blog! Its cool to make contact with other bloggers!!very exciting. I really love the pieces you have made with the blankets, the colours are just gorgeous! Madeleine's work is delicious too! Bet you have great fun making them with your children!
Posted by: mandy | July 25, 2005 at 10:27 AM
Wow, the hearts and the bird is so cool! I love your use of lots of colours and stitches! I like your site too, will defently come back! Thanks!
/H
Posted by: Hanna | July 25, 2005 at 02:19 PM
I just love your kitty on the lawn chair. You are so talented and creative.
Posted by: sandra lamb | August 09, 2005 at 04:21 AM
saw some pillows made by Madeline Millington at the art textiles 3 exhibition, in the devon guild of craftsmen bout 3 months ago, they are amazing!! i am a textile student and i have now used her as my artist to critically analyse!!! Also at the art textiles 3 exhibition me and other students in my group had our shoes (which we made from a Jenny Dutton workshop) Displayed!!!!!! HOW EXCITING!!!! xx
Posted by: Heleyna | May 19, 2006 at 01:37 PM
saw some pillows made by Madeline Millington at the art textiles 3 exhibition, in the devon guild of craftsmen bout 3 months ago, they are amazing!! i am a textile student and i have now used her as my artist to critically analyse!!! Also at the art textiles 3 exhibition me and other students in my group had our shoes (which we made from a Jenny Dutton workshop) Displayed!!!!!! HOW EXCITING!!!! xx
Posted by: Heleyna | May 19, 2006 at 01:37 PM
I love these love-hearts. One day I am going to make something like this.... I have got so far as buying the blankets, so at my current rate of progress I will probably have finished it in, oooh, 2013?
Posted by: Calypso | November 10, 2008 at 10:49 AM