Chriss Smith's 'Bits and Bobs'

Hiya Everyone,
Here is a lovely trunk show of Chriss Smith's lovely handiwork!

As you can see - stunning.

You can't make just one.....

:) Misha

NOT - Margaret Black's Work - We would like the needlewoman to come forward!

Here's a feature of lots of her stuff:

A lovely needlecase - look at that!

Look at this gorgeousness!

12/06/14-Update - we think this might be Linda Wallace's work above and below....???

One of those beautiful blocks in progress - though be warned - if you attempt it, you will labour for your love!

12/06/14-Update - we think this might be Chriss Smith's bag???

A lovely lavender bag......don't be misled, those little baubles on the ends of the cording are a pain in the keester - so I hear - I haven't attempted yet. I'm scared!

And the back - still beautiful!

Thank you for sharing, Margaret!

Glenshee running out!

Hiya Folks,
It just dawned on me that I've heard a nasty rumour.
Apparently Glenshee Linen is made for the Japanese market. They have ceased their ordering of the linen, so it is not economical to purchase part of the lot created for their market any longer.
What does that mean? Buy all the Glenshee you can get your mitts on, but make sure it's the real stuff, as rumour also has it that there are impostor linens out there!

In the Beginning....

Anyone starting Ruskin must plot where they are going to start cutting, and doing a padded roll. This is scary and intimidating, and makes me break out in hives and here's why:

This is what you end up with above.

Another shot above.

Yes, the above pins do mean something. It makes me want a tranquilizer just looking at it!

I think I need a lie down now......

Thank you to the kind (but insane) Mary Wilson who let us photo this mess. After you have pinned, you will find that you will not leave that fabric no matter what until you are finished. As you will live in fear one of those suckers will come out!

Fore!

Check me out!

This is part of one of those famous 8-sided bags. This one is being done by Unagh McCullough. This is the famous Pattern 36 (I'm going off memory here). It has taken me donkey's years to do the one I just did. At my rate, I'll have an 8-sided bag in 20 years.

Unagh looks like she's not having the battles I was!

It's a Hat Trick!

For you USA folks who might not be up on your football (soccer) lingo - that's three goals in one game!
I'm here to post some more - maybe I can crash the blogger site with loads of uploads?
I'll see how much I can get done before my laptop battery dies....or I fall asleep....

This is a bit of work by The Unknown Lacemaker (UPDATED 6th February - it is Anne Makin-Taylor!). We actually can't remember who has done it! Anyone have any ideas?
This is a traycloth - something that everyone usually starts with - but this person has done quite a bit....and puts me to shame! If you know their name, please let me know so that I can update!

It's TwoFer Thursday!

Can I do two in one night?

Quick question - why does blogger hate me so? I'm sure there are tutorials on how to do this, but somehow I think I should just be able to divine how to do these posts! Excuse any silliness on my part - as I have no idea what I'm doing!



This is Doris Stokes who let us take a photo of her working. You'll find that when you do Ruskin lace, whether it's your first time, or you've been doing it for 10 years, you still need the book! The book is the line by line coach. Elizabeth Prickett did a fantastic job of it, but unless you know how to take it sentence by sentence, the book can give you a headache! Paracetemol (Tylenol for you USA folks) is required for your lace kit!
Thanks, Doris!

A New Post!

Hiya Everyone,

I'm sure you know worse bloggers, but I just can't imagine how bad they must be!

I've had a sit down with Angie and she has helped me put names to photos that she has taken. We'd just like to say, this is all done from her addled brain, so if there are any mistakes - please let me know!

Let me see if I can remember how to do this posting thing!

This is a selection of some of Karen Quickfall's needlework cases.

Are you envious? Because I am.

I covet them.

Her work is immaculate.

Disgusting, really!

(She knows I love her, don't worry!)

Let's see - can I get two photos in one?

This is another set of gorgeous needlecases. Because who can have just one?

If you're like Joey and want to learn Ruskin (though it would be better if you didn't live in the USA!) get yourself to Karen Quickfall. If she can teach me, she can teach anyone. Patience of a saint. And very entertaining stories!

Yay! It's 2012 and only January and I've managed to post!

Wa Hey!

:) Misha

Karen Quickfall Pattern No. 65

This is a photo of one of Karen Quickfall's boxes. Yes, take a second, it's stunning, isn't it?


Let me put another closer photo of it for you:


I think Karen has done Pattern 65 here. Karen.....corrections are welcome!

You can see why she teaches!

One of her best tips (and might be the best tips of others, too) is to use red as a background, it shows off the lace beautifully! I think you'll agree!

:) misha

What do you need?

I'm trying to think of helpful bits of information for those that might stumble upon this looking for a new needlework challenge.

What do you NEED to make Ruskin Lace (well, besides some help?)? Here's what will keep you busy:

1. & 2. Elizabeth's Book and DVD (I'd say these were vital...and I do mean vital! - I've been doing it for only two years and honestly can't do a damned thing without the book to look at).

3. Glenshee Linen. Why, oh, why? It's strong. It's an even weave. It's nice, and can handle what you are going to do to it. Could you use something else? Probably.......but, I have my doubts it would hold up properly.......and I wouldn't recommend it.

4. Linen thread.....different weights, but you could use many different brands here, though I have the one I use, which I will post more about in the future...with photos.

5. Sharp embroidery scissors....with a fine point.

6. A tapestry needle.

7. A sharps needle.

8. A thimble.

9. A tape measure that measures to a 1/16" (that's a 1/16th inch for you Europeans!).

That's it. Not loads.....and most embroiderers will have at least five of these already. The linen is a bit tricky, but I lucked into a beautiful eBay moment one day when I found a huge amount of it on sale for peanuts.....to the envy of the other Ruskin lace team!

So - how do you start? Look at this blog as it evolves......you might think it looks a bit rough initially......but it might just linger in your mind. Look at the samples that are and will be posted, to see what you think.

See if you know anyone who does it (doubtful if you are out of Northern England).....sink the dough into the book and DVD.....and watch the dvd......do not read the book first....except for the history part. It can be a bit much. If it still intrigues you ...start small. Pick one of the easy patterns and start the challenge.

Let us have a photo of your work with your name! Email me......if you've goofed.....email us a photo and we'll see if we can help 'right' you over the 'net. You never know....stranger things have happened over the 'net!

Ang is headed to another Ruskin Lace Weekend at Higham Hall (without me the big jerk!). She is going to share our little adventure with them, and hopefully get the other ladies on board with their photos and samples.

For those of you working on Ruskin......if, as we go along, don't have a photo up of one of the patterns that you are struggling with, let me know and I'll check the photos I have in waiting to see if any of the patterns are there....and we'll get them up. It is really helpful to see a real worked piece, and we know it!

We want this to be a place we can all use. The only drawback is you have to send stuff to me....and I might not always deal with it quickly, but I promise to try.

Welcome everyone!

:) misha

So, Where Did Ruskin Lace Come From?

My suggestion here is to read Elizabeth's book. I'm afraid I'll say that loads.

I don't want to put what she put in her book, as that's not right, so I'll give you the real short version:

John Ruskin (strange historical guy) knew a woman who started it all by stitching embroidery to linen to sell more linen and keep everyone working. She was Marion Twelves. And it took off!

It is native to the beautiful Lake District of Northern England and Keswick in particular.

There's a historical part at the beginning of Elizabeth's book that is much more expansive than what I've given you.....so, check it out!

It's a craft that needs to spread its wings a bit.....so come on over to our side and become a lacemaker!

:) misha