Annette Emms Two talented visiting textile artists have been to the Hannemade Studio recently. Places were snapped up quickly for a chance to meet them and be inspired by their work. Both apply paint, fabric and stitch to create rich texture but in very different ways. Annette Emms tutored an embellished books workshop where we would begin creating… Continue reading Nets & Not Knots
Author: bizzymitts
It’s a Wrap
How fortunate we are to have access to an abundance of creative spaces, communities and learning opportunities here in West Yorkshire. Whether you’re interested in stained glass, weaving, spinning, printing, bookbinding or blacksmithing, it’s all here on your doorstep. I know because I’ve had a go at all of these and many more in recent… Continue reading It’s a Wrap
New Life for a Vintage Scarf
This summer holiday we visited my cousin in Kent for a week. We both love to talk craft and I'm sure it's in the genes! We have five girls between us and discussed making fairy lanterns with them as a rainy day activity with some leftover lampshade pvc she had. However, there was barely a… Continue reading New Life for a Vintage Scarf
Hen’s Teeth – A Secret Garden
In spring, I posted how much I enjoyed making this needlecase on a workshop with Viv Sliwka from Hens Teeth Art. I completed it back at home that weekend with a crocheted edge and tie fastening and now it's in constant use as part of my sewing kit. Being larger than usual and in a book style… Continue reading Hen’s Teeth – A Secret Garden
The Wish Post
There are several textile artists I admire and follow on social media but when I first came across Mister Finch, his work was so unique and intriguing that I knew he was someone really special. Five years on and I am delighted that his first major solo exhibition has come to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park… Continue reading The Wish Post
Capital Times
Having been extremely lucky in bagging tickets for Wimbledon this year, we decided to make the most of the opportunity and extend our stay in London last week. Thank you to the Grandparents for babysitting (and cat sitting and plant watering) for making this possible! Our hotel on the South Bank was a great base… Continue reading Capital Times
Celebrating the Season – Elderflower Cordial
Gloriously sunny weather continues in the UK and the garden is giving back. Elderflowers are in full bloom but they aren't around for long and there's just a small window of opportunity to pick them at their best. I'm ashamed to admit when I planted mine, I didn't realise it was an elder. Only after… Continue reading Celebrating the Season – Elderflower Cordial
Weaving Magic
It maybe almost Midsummer but a couple of weeks ago I received my Christmas present! Last December, (after dropping not-very-subtle hints) I was delighted to unwrap a gift card for a Creative With Nature workshop. A friend had been to learn foraged basketry, thoroughly enjoyed herself and highly recommended Joevanka Gregory's teaching. I'd booked the willow pea… Continue reading Weaving Magic
Needlepoint Tutorial
Following on from my previous post, A Spine Tingle, I've written some beginner-friendly instructions explaining how to make the stitch used in my needlepoint cushion. Firstly, choice of needlepoint canvas is pretty important. What you're after is a good quality interlocking mono canvas mesh. That's not as complicated as it sounds! It's just two thin lengthwise… Continue reading Needlepoint Tutorial
A Spine Tingle
On Monday the postman delivered the most exciting package. It was a copy of the latest Yarn bookazine from Scheepjes. For a yarnaholic, that's exciting enough on its own, but seeing one of my own designs in print in front of me was double the thrill! I knew that my cushion was going to be… Continue reading A Spine Tingle
Bizzymitts 