December 2016 - Jane Mercer Felt Artist

The online courses that are inspiring my felt art

Have you ever thought about taking an online course but not dared press the yes button ? This was me. Now I am a convert to the amazing things you can learn via on line courses : in your own home. Online sewing skills courses My first foray into online courses was a craftsy course into modern sewing skills. As my sewing skills are rooted in my mothers lessons 50 years ago , I had a lot to learn. The importance of the accuracy of cutting out How to use sewing weights Never using tacking again. ! The relevance of hand positions when using a sewing machine. I have still away to go before I can apply to the Sewing Bee but I really feel more confident with my machine. I followed this course with a stitch and rip course by Carol Waugh. What fun. Her textile work is so vibrant. …

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19/12/2016

How I forage for beautiful natural dye materials

The collection of natural dye materials moves with the seasons. You must harvest fruit when it is are ripe and flowers as they bloom. Harvesting opportunities arise quickly and are short-lived. It is not always possible for me and maybe for you to dye straight away. So I store the dye material away ready for a dyeing day. I have been collecting for quite a while ! In fact I can't really stop myself when the opportunity presents itself. Except I make it a rule only to harvest any natural dye plant material if there is an abundance of the plants , flowers or berries. If I can only find one if two plants , I just walk away. Harvesting lichens for natural dyeing Last week in the UK the weather was windy and wet. This week was cold and dry. As I walked in the woods on Tuesday and there…

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11/12/2016