'Eye Eye' - a lovely morning of embroidery

Whilst studying textiles at university, I chose to specialize in print.  I wanted to learn some new skills and seeing as I had very little experience in print, I thought this choice would make best use of my time as a student.  Since graduation, I spend most of my studio time designing digital prints and producing artworks for screen prints.

However, my first textile love was machine embroidery.  It's something I have neglected of late and today was the time to change that!  I have worked on this simple eye image.  I'm a bit rusty, but newly enthused about sewing.  I can envisage combining my print work with embroidery and working on new cross discipline projects.  

I can't believe I have pushed this media to the back of my mind.  I think I better get the Bernina serviced, it's in for a bashing over the next few weeks!

If you like my work, please visit my BOOGE64 Facebook page or follow me on Twitter 

Michelle

Furry Fun

I thought I'd share this sumptuous faux fur leopard collar which I made yesterday.  This is just a prototype, I'm sampling various faux fabrics and styles for a new range of collars, wraps, shrugs and shawls. 

 

These and all my other BOOGE64 products are available in my Folksy store

I'm trying to achieve a nostalgic/historical look with my latest pieces, taking reference from the 1940's & '50s - eras where glamour was celebrated!  I'll keep updating my blog as I progress.

Along with this sampling,  I'm on a mission at the moment to find some some decent contemporary craft fairs in and around the Newark/Nottinghamshire area.  I'm considering organizing my own and am currently look for suitable venues, possibly even a pop up shop.  If anyone knows of any events in the East Midlands or could suggest a venue in the Newark, Notts. region that may be suitable for a craft event for approx 20 sellers, please let me know via my Facebook page.  You just have to look at Folksy & Etsy to see how many talented designer/makers and crafters there are looking for outlets.  It seems a shame that there are so few craft fairs in the East Midlands (or perhaps I'm just not finding them).  Textiles are tactile, and as a customer, I always like to touch and experience the texture of the products I consider buying and it's always lovely to meet the maker face to face.  I'll keep you posted on that one. I'm on Twitter and will tweet any progress.

Amongst all this research and development, I found time this morning to visit the gym (shock, horror).  I haven't been for months, even though I've continued to pay my monthly fee.  It's been so long, that it took me half an hour to find my trainers (that was exhausting in itself).   I expect the staff were thinking "not seen her for a long time..... and it shows".  Well I only lasted 40 minutes.  It would have been less, but I was too ashamed to give up too soon seeing as the 80 year old woman on the bike next to me was whizzing away like Lance Armstrong.  Note to self - always sit next to someone who is even less fit than you - that would have been impossible today however, I was definitely the bottom of the pile!  Another note to self - never go to the gym just after the yummy mummies have dropped the kids off at school - they all hit the gym and well frankly it's depressing when, like me, you're overweight and the wrong side of 40!  I've got the mummy bit just right, but the only yummy for me involves eating!

Right, must knuckle down now and get on with some sewing.   

Michelle - BOOGE64

Collars - new designs

Over the past few days I've been working on some new ideas.  I've produced some lined collars using my own print designs.

This charming bird print has been digitally printed onto cotton sateen.  The collar is lined with peppermint green silk and has a lilac silk bow fastening.   If you like it take a look at my  Folksy shop where it is available along with lots of other lovely textile goodies.

I'm off now to source some fabulous cotton velvet!  So many projects, so little time.....
Thanks for dropping by my blog :)

BOOGE64: What a beautiful day! Fun in the sun and new produ...

BOOGE64: What a beautiful day! Fun in the sun and new produ...: "The sun is shining, the sky is blue and everything looks beautiful. The only trouble is, who wants to be stuck in the studio when it is so ..."

What a beautiful day! Fun in the sun and new product news

The sun is shining, the sky is blue and everything looks beautiful.  The only trouble is, who wants to be stuck in the studio when it is so lovely outside.  I've taken the opportunity to do some primary research and get a bit of inspiration for future projects.  I've taken some photos and generally admired the world around me.

I'm not usually a morning person, but when it's bright outside, there's not stopping me!  At just after 7.30am I took my gorgeous Springer Spaniel for a walk along the river.

It was so tranquil, just me, the dog, the birds and some cows! I'm really enthused now, I sense lots of experimentation with reflective surfaces & mirrored imagery.

On the textile front, over the last week or so, I've continued to produce more textile cuffs.  These are available on Folksy

If you like my products, you can find me on Facebook or follow BOOGE64 on Twitter

The BOOGE64 website is currently under construction.  I hope to have it fully operational in the near future.

Long may this stunning weather continue (with a bit of rain at night for the garden!)   Must knuckle down to a bit of work now, I have a wealth of new ideas to develop!