Katie, Author at Arnolds Attic

18th February 201530th June 2018

Hand Embroidery Samples 2 ….. Detached Chain Stitch

This is the latest of my latest Hand Embroidery samples – Detached Chain Stitch sewn onto Irish Linen, using threads including imitation silk, DMC stranded embroidery thread, hand dyed linen and waxed linen.

This experimental sample was stitched onto woven wool/tweed, using threads including wool, imitation silk and Tudor Twist. I am finding this stitching very therapeutic.

Have a go yourself – no rules, just play!

11th February 201530th June 2018

Hand Embroidery Samples 1 …. Fly Stitch

Last year I started a Hand Embroidery course. Having dabbled in embroidery over the years (mainly self taught), I thought it was time I learned how to embroider ‘properly’.
My main reason for taking part, was that the course encouraged students to experiment with lots of different fabrics and threads – think outside the box – and decide for themselves the pros and cons of each in their own work. Which means lots of playing for me!
For each stitch, I completed one of more experimental samples.

Experimental Sample – Fly Stitch on hand dyed wool blanket

In addition to these samples I created more refined samples, using Irish Linen, for a lovely journal of needlework I am compiling (from Pink Pig in Huddersfield) – I love their books! Here is the first journal sample – Fly Stitch – created using threads including hand dyed linen, DMC stranded embroidery thread, imitation silk, Appleton Crewel wool and hand dyed extra fine silk.

Fly Stitch on Irish Linen for Journal

Experimental pieces below were completed on a Silk woven fabric. The threads used included hemp, wool, DMC stranded Embroidery thread and Sylko 50 weight sewing thread. I thoroughly enjoyed being given ‘permission’ to mess about with fabric and thread and learnt a great deal in the process.

Experimental Sample – Fly Stitch on woven silk

Fly Stitch on woven silk

Each finished sample has been stitched onto Elephant Dung paper from Frogmore Paper Mill and annotated with any comments I have about the sample – threads and fabric used; what I liked and disliked about them; any conclusions; what I found out.

Experimental sample is stitch mounted onto the Elephant Dung Paper

15th December 20144th July 2018

An Evening of Christmas Shopping in London’s West End & Paddington Bear too!

My earliest memory of Christmas shopping in London harks back to the late 1970’s. I was about 7 years old and it was my first ever visit to Liberty. Walking through the large wooden porch I saw the biggest Christmas tree I had ever seen. It filled the whole central atrium with the light and fragrance of Christmas. Since then, Liberty has had a very special place in my heart.

This year the magic continues with a nautical feel harking back to the building’s timber construction – created from the reclaimed wood of two ships – HMS Impregnable and HMS Hindustan. Here are some pictures of the fabulous store’s festive ship’s mast.

Liberty print fabric sails and gifts in the crows nest

The crisp, clear air and the hustle and bustle along Oxford Street created the perfect atmosphere to set off the stunning Christmas lights along each major shopping street in the West End. I adore the individuality of each street which is reflected in their choice of lights. Carnaby Street has very retro look compared to the more refined lighting of New Bond Street.

Carnaby Street

A street off Carnaby Street

The famous Hamleys toy shop on Regent Street

New Bond Street

Boots on Oxford Street

St Christopher Place

Selfridges on Oxford Street

House of Fraser and John Lewis stores in Oxford Street

The Barbara Hepworth sculpture lit up on the John Lewis Building

A beautifully beaded catwalk piece on show in Victoria’s Secret

To make the trip even more special, Selfridges had a lovely little Paddington Bear pop-up shop displaying the movie costumes of Mr Brown (Hugh Bonneville), Mrs Brown (Sally Hawkins) and Mrs Bird (Julie Walters) ……