Norma is one of our members, and she gave us a really interesting insight into her textile journey since she retired from teaching. Her theme was inspiration, and how to get it! She showed us her sketchbooks, filled with drawings that may eventually make their way into designs for embroideries, and also how poems, music and fairy tales can spark ideas for pieces like the ones below. On the theme of fairy tales she had several pairs of exquisite tiny fairy shoes, made from all sorts of exotic fabrics and findings, gorgeous. We got into small groups and came up with fairy names, and then thought about what stitches we could use to bring them to life - surprisingly few, like straight stitch, fly stitch on wings, French knots for fairy dust. It made us think how a simple idea can lead down all sorts of different paths that could inspire a piece of work. She had also made exquisite little concertina books, and a hat inspired by 'Forest', one of our challenges. Also a plethora of cushions and bags, she is one busy lady!
