Monday 14 September 2015

Bristol Whales and some weaving

Recently I passed these amazing whale sculptures in the Millenium Square in Bristol, the waves are made out of recyled plastic water bottles, read more about here - bristolwhales.tumblr.com


 Last week I went on a wonderful two day course with the talented Susie Gillespie in
Devon www.susiegillespie.com. Her work is a mix of fabric and tapestry weaving, this is the piece I made,
I have to say I am very pleased with it and have learnt lots of new techniques to incorporate into my own work.
There were four people on the course, one local woman and the rest of us stayed us stayed in
 beautiful accomadation in the barn. I would call Susie's style of decor minimalist rustic, anyway very 
comfortable with linen sheets on the beds and all mod cons.
Ok blogger is acting a bit strange, hope this all appears.



11 comments:

  1. This piece is lovely, Debbie! Am I correct thinking that some threads have been selectively removed? The color additions are perfect.

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    1. Thank you Barbara, no threads have been removed the spaces were made by knotting 4 warp threads together. Its very effective isn't it. This is a very fine linen warp set up on a traditional floor loom. I don't think I will be able to get such a fine effect from my tapestry looms but am looking forward to experimenting,

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  2. such beautiful cloth and colours & re that whale, have you read "Not Forgetting The Whale" by John Ironmonger? a wonderfully uplifting tale

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    1. Thanks Mo, all the materials were provided by Susie, she uses lovely subtle shades of linen in a limited palette, it makes my huge stash look a bit overwhelming and unnecessary. I haven't come across that book, must look it up.

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  3. Lovely work! I've always admired both withdrawn work and all the fancy ways of hemstitching and manipulating the weave of fabric ... because there is absolutely no way I could force myself to do it! All the counting! All the precision! Brava! Great job!
    Susan
    PS Thanks so much for the comment on my blog too!

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    1. This was actually very easy, all done with a crochet hook.

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  4. this piece is exquisite! love it and I see what you meant in your latest comment on my blog, am flattered you think our pieces are 'related'

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  5. Thank you Saskia, I feel a bit embarrased that you are flattered, I love your work it is so original, and feel it relates so well to your surroundings as I am heavily influenced by mine.

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  6. Lovely! I am going on the January workshop and can't wait! I also hope to come to the meeting for SW textiles group this month and join.

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    1. How lovely you will really enjoy it, are you staying there its a fabulous place. I will be at the SWTG meeting in January so please come and say hello if you make it, we all wear name badges.

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    2. I will do yes I am staying there a couple of days of creativity away from my children, bliss! Donna.

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