Shiny New Blog…..

Hi everyone,

Yes this is a new blog, I’m still blogging over at Simply Needlecraft a Haberdashery but I felt as I’m progressing more as a Textile Artist I really to keep you updated.

So here it is…..

If you don’t already follow me I better introduce myself.

My name is Ami (obviously). I’m 36 years old and live in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire with my hubby, son, Rowley the Beagle and Olivia the Pygmy Hedgehog.

I own Simply Needlecraft Haberdashery and Sewing Studio and I’m a Textile Artist.

My creative journey started in 2011 when I learnt to sew and became addicted to quilting.

Since then I’ve gained City & Guilds certificates in Hand Embroidery and Machine Embroidery – both techniques I use quite heavily in my work.

But at the moment I’m currently heading towards the end of a level three City & Guilds in Design and Stitch with Sian Martin.

I’m part of Midlands Textile Forum, which is full of very talented ladies. I’m honoured to be part of the group and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Art Quilts are my passion and I tend to stick to it but have been known to try different techniques.

All of my past work can be found on http://www.amijamestextileart.com

However now my blog is up and running I can now keep you updated with projects on the go, inspiration, methods and of course the parts that didn’t go to plan.

So this week my inspiration has been…..

Over the weekend we had a visit to Staunton Harold and Ferrers Centre and popped into the garden centre too.

I couldn’t help myself so I ended up taking lots of pics. So this was one of my favourites, the colours and textures are fascinating.

I really find drawing and painting the design out roughly really helps me to think of techniques and steps I need to take to get the design I want……

Two days of fabric dying, cutting and stitching I finally ended with an art quilt I’m happy with…..

I have lots of doodles in my sketch book to plan further floral quilts but time is short at the moment. But it’s definitely something I’ll come back to at a later date.

This week I’ve been in the Sewing Studio teaching Free Motion Embroidery for Beginners.

This is a great class. We start by making samples of different designs using straight and zig zag stitches. At the end of a two hour session they have created masterpieces to take home and gained experience and techniques that hopefully they will go on to use…..