Felting Strange Landscapes

natural felt balls in the highlands

So I went to the highlands of Scotland last week for a wedding; after which my family and I went for a walk up a hill near Loch Ness and look what I saw:

Felt balls on a barbed wire fence! Fantastic! The highland bulls must rub past the barbed wire and the hair gathers around the barbs until it felts together to create a string of felt beads along the fence - natural felting - fantastic. Here is a pic of the beastie that must have caused this phenomenon:

Curious Drawers at Stroud International Textiles Festival

Went to Stroud last weekend to the Textile Festival with my sister and had a great time despite the awful weather! There were a series of open studios and exhibitions spread out around the town. One of the best was called 'Curious Drawers' which featured a group of textile artists who call themselves the Brunel Broderers.

It included an interactive piece where you were encouraged to take up a needle and thread to stitch into a chest of drawers. Here is my sister in stitch action:

There was also a great stall area where they were selling little pieces of work; I was so amazed at the fantastic work on display and I fell in love with several of Lizzie Weir's pieces that were for sale; in the end I only bought one but I am thrilled with it and I am sure you will agree its quite beautiful and the composition just sings to me:

Now all I need is a frame...

Sideline Blog World Ideas

Going to use this that I bought ages ago to make this. Love it! Will post pics when done.

Meanwhile here is an image to sum up the past few days.

Sampler

Been quiet for a while - busy but quiet. Still stitching when I can fit it in.

Felt, Cloth, Stitch