I have always loved to stand on the top of a hill or a ridge and look down at the patterns formed by the fields in the valley. So it’s not surprising that when I visited The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle I found inspiration in the pictures that were being exhibited by Rob van Hoek.

His pictures reminded me of the landscape in the Netherlands where I used to live. They also made me think of standing on a hill looking down on the field patterns in the UK.

I loved the lines he had scrapped out of the paint to mark out the different fields. I wondered two things. First could I make a similar piece with my naturally dyed wool.  And secondly, could I find similar inspiration for pieces in the North York’s Moors where I live. One step at a time. It is the depth of winter here and not the best time for exploring and sketching. Plus the colour palette of the fields is tending just to grey at the moment. So I thought I’d make a try to make a similar piece first and then explore my local area for new ideas when spring had brought it’s fresher colour.

So I planned a piece based loosely around a portion of one of Rob van Hoek’s pictures.

I have now been making my own naturally dyed wool fibre for a number and have built up quite a store. I decided I could make this piece using my own naturally dyes wool fibres and fabrics.

Here is my first piece.

As you can see it’s mostly yellow.

Before felting

Before stitching

After machine stitching with 100% white cotton thread and some hand stitching with my naturally dyed threads.

It just needs framing now.

And even though it’s winter I have been out walking and have an idea which needs further development before it can be turned into felt.

It is a small step but it’s a good start and I am so glad I can focus my field inspiration in this way.