Projects at Simsalabim
At the moment, several of my projects are being put aside because I am again studying at the Royal School of Needlework to gain the Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery. These studies will probably take me up to 2011. However, here are some projects that I would like to dig into as soon as I can :
Blackwork tinies
Tiny designs worked in Blackwork on linen fabric.
Feminist designs probably worked in Appliqué
Big and Bold feminist designs in Appliqué inspired by Kate Farrer at Bespoke Embroidery.
Political needlework
My fingers itch - politics is oooh, so fun!
Writing a Practical Guide for Unexperienced and more Experienced Teachers and Tutors in Needlework, Lace and Weaving
A fantastic fibre artist is not always a good teacher and vice versa. Only because we are experts in needlework, lace or weaving does not mean that we are good teachers. Pedagogics and group dynamics is a complex area and totally different from our work in the studio. Having myself experience from teacher-student situations, I am compiling practical tips and advice to all those who teach (or wish to do so) needlework, lace and weaving. This Practical Guide will be based on my own experience and I hope it will act as a trigger to further ideas and comments. Hopefully other teachers and tutors will want to share their experiences with me. This guide will probably not be published but available on CD only.
Creation of embroidery kits
Mrs Dominique Tixhon, illustrator and artist living in the Geneva area, has created a whole series of illustrations for a new edition of 'La Chanson de Roland'. These illustrations imitate in form and style the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a medieval embroidery dating from about 1070. The illustrations narrate the story of Roland, who has to fight the Moors and dies a heroic death in doing so.
Gradually, I will create embroidery kits from these illustrations, highlighting certain episodes, using not only the Bayeux embroidery technique but hopefully also Silk Shading. If you wish to have a look at the illustrations of Mrs Tixhon, click here.
Translating the kit instructions of the Royal School of Needlework.
The Royal School of Needlework kits being sold at Simsalabim, I thought it would be a good idea to have the kit instructions in French, for the French-speaking embroiderers. Four sets of kit instructions (out of about fifteen?) have already been translated. The work is important : finding the correct terminology in French, as well as mastering the right tools for creating the document is not always a piece of cake. The final aim is to offer the Royal School of Needlework French translations to all their kits. Huge task, which is carried out during my spare time (whenever I have some!).
Translation of a book on Tablet weaving.
Being (more or less) active in a Chatgroup on Tablet Weaving, I have had the privilege to get in touch with an Swedish expert tablet weaver, Louise Ström, who has written a book for beginners and other tablet weavers. Literature around tablet weaving is almost non-existing in French, and this would be a wonderful opportunity for me to translate her work. The aim is to sell CDs with the French translation, which would allow each weaver to print out his or her own copy without paying greater sums for the book. If necessary, a printed copy of the book will also be available.
If you are a tablet weaver yourself and understand some Swedish, have a look at Brikvaevning. There are also Chatgroups on tablet weaving in England and the United States. Check out 'tabletweaving' on the Web.
Other projects.
As usual, there are always a multitude of projects ready to hatch at Simsalabim. If you have a project you would like to share with me, do not hesitate to send me an e-mail . I am open to all kinds of collaborations.
| Simsalabim 2003-2012. All rights reserved for all countries. |
| Webmestre |