Wednesday 11 January 2012

Flower Power

Over the past week I've been spending my time planning new classes and getting samples up to date, so I've been on the look out for any new ideas that will give students in some of my classes a chance to practise their free machine embroidery. One of my Christmas presents was this book from Alisa Burke which is full of fun projects.


I like her idea of using stitching as a form of doodling...


so I've been doodling flowers...


and leaves... on fabric and paper...


Cutting them out and putting them all together...




To make a flowery garland like the one in Alisa's book.


I decided it needed a butterfly too.


The finishing touch!


So now, not only have I got lots of new ideas for projects for my students...


I've also got a colourful garland which I think I might just hang on my door!

25 comments:

  1. That's lovely - and you didn't have to feel guilty that you should have been doing some hoity-toity degree work! xx

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  2. That is really lovely. I love doodling with the machine too. I must check out the book. Thanks for sharing. x Jo

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  3. I have this book Gina and have loved seeing your inspiration from it. I haven't seen it much recently as I've lent it to my friend's daughter to inspire her textile GCSE!

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  4. What a great take on the ideas in this book Gina, your garland looks fab!

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  5. Lovely doodling and a really pretty garland.

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  6. It looks like a beautiful breath of spring! Enjoy.

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  7. What a great idea Gina, and a wonderful way to learn control when free machining. The flower wreath is so effective and must have been fun to make.

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  8. Have you seen Zentangles or zendoodling ( look at you tube)
    thought I might have a go sometime.
    as usual your work is so inspiring.

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  9. Beautiful! Love those bright colours and newsprint leaves.

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  10. That works so well - especially the paper leaves.

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  11. Your garland is lovely and colourful.I enjoy flicking through the book it is very inspirational.

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  12. This is lovely, so cheery on a drab winters morning.

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  13. Extraordinary, Gina. I nearly bought the book yesterday when I was at Hobbycraft, but decided I was already spending more then planned. Love the ideas and your garland.

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  14. Oh wow Gina that is really gorgeous! :)
    V x

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  15. I think I'll order this book - then I can practise my free motioning embroidery in other ways. Your garland is very jolly :-)

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  16. Your wreath is beautiful Gina - and the butterfly just finishes it perfectly! Sorry I've been out of touch for a while - I'm just trying to catch up on everyone's blogs. Lucy xxx

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  17. Wow thats brilliant - now there's ANOTHER thing I've to put on my "want to do" list ... I'll need to live to be 110 to do all the things that inspire me.

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  18. I really should get up and try using my machine in this way, you do inspire!

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  19. Fantastic, inspiring stuff! Just wish I could machine stitch as neatly as you ;-)The needle never seems to go where I want it to go :-/

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  20. Looks fab! I got a darning foot the other day and a freestyle embroidery book , can't wait to get playing :-)

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  21. Lovely garland, suitable for all year round!

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  22. What a beautiful garland! I do love the little butterfly you added, there's nothing lovelier than butterflies amongst flowrs.

    :) Deb

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