I’m hibernating. We have on-going horrid weather here and it feels pretty dreary so our Christmas tree lights snuck up a little early! Six storms in three months is unusual, I’ve never known it be so wet for so long.

But it has meant I’ve finished another set of Stitchpots. These are ‘fire’ in a series based on the elements.

I love having a bit of hand stitching especially for the dark evenings so I thought the elements might be fun to try. Sometimes the little stitches and responses to the fabric fragments come easily, but I wasn’t as sure starting this theme. However, once I got started, small motifs arose and could be repeated. There are usually a few that emerge which I use in different ways and they help the pots sit as a series when the cloth is cut up. There is a point when I’m stitching when the fragments and stitch start to feel ‘as one’. I’ve never been particularly motivated by the handle of cloth but I do notice this pleasurable tactile quality that emerges usually just before before it’s ready to be cut. The softness of the little pots themselves is also something I quite like now. I must do really, because I think this batch brings me to about 113 pots all stacked and quietly sitting in my cupboard. It’s quite ridiculous but there will definitely be more arriving. I sometimes wonder when I will be done with them or them with me.

I’m thinking water is probably the next obvious element to try. There could be quite a lot to think about with water coming in its different states and presentations in nature although I think I’ve had enough of storms, thank you. Always nice to start a fresh project with a delve into different colour boxes of fabric and yarns… 🙂

Between all the rain, we had a few icy and snowy days, very uncharacteristic for a UK November. But the sliver fields and hedgerows are always beautiful

At my art group, we had a meeting where we were inspired by a shared image of a snowy scene. I’m still really interested in trying to move away from realism but I often find I’m doing something more realistic than I want to. Often, it seems I have to paint something this way before I can paint it again and abstract more. I’m finding it really challenging but that’s also what keeps me motivated.

Anyway, this is the little painting that emerged. I think I’d like to use inks a bit more if I can, the tree was indigo acrylic ink and I love the looseness ink brings.

This is the last post of the year and looking back, 2023 has a lovely mix of enjoyable workshops and talks, an art residency, a show, exhibitions and a podcast interview. It’s been a good one!

Thank you for reading along each month and it’s always a pleasure to receive comments and hear shared experiences.

As most of my workshops are organised by textile groups, I thought it worth mentioning that I’m at Granary Studio near Winchester in April and Hope and Elvis, Worksop in September if you are after some company and creativity!

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and New Year – see you in 2024 x