Round the World Blog Hop!

Woke up this morning to rain and bike fever!

Yes, today is the day, that the Tour de France, starts in Yorkshire.

The 'Grand Depart' as it's being called, is the culmination of two
years of planning.The race is all around us, with today's
leg, finishing in Harrogate.

There are yellow bikes, knitted bunting and a frenzy of 

expectation everywhere.

Anyway, I digress! This is not what today's post is about.

I have been invited, by Eleanor of Stitches and Seeds to take 

part in this blog hop. She is a very creative person who has

been having an adventure, on the island of St Helena, for the

past two years.

The idea is to tell you a bit about how I work and what I make and then

to send you on your way to visit three more talented makers.

      What am I working on

I am a bit of a butterfly and tend to work on several projects

at once. This is where I work.

 At the moment I am knitting ....

A Shetland Shawl.

Felting ......

A Yorkshire Landscape

Sewing .......

 Spiral textile (small part)

 Rugging ......

not sure what it is yet!

How does my work differ from others in this genre

I don't think it does, there are lots of like minded people

out there doing the same thing as me. I love combining unlikely materials

and found objects. Using different techniques, like embroidery

rag rugging and felt work, sometimes all in one piece. I try to recycle

as much as possible and most of my materials are given, found or

liberated from local charity shops. Lately, becoming interested

in visible mending, which gives old but much loved garments, new life.

How does my writing/creative process work

I usually start a textile piece, with a 'found' object. 

In this case, several copper brooches and beads from an

 old necklace. I then build the piece around it.

I don't tend to make drawings but have an idea in my mind's eye.

Often inspired by plants or by the textural nature of the Yorkshire Landscape.

I use whatever technique, that I think will represent my idea best.

Hessian or hessian scrim is used as background as it is malleable

and easy to sew, knit or felt on. I particularly love 

the embroidery technique of, needleweaving.

Why do I write/create what I do

I simply do it because I can't not! 

It's what defines me. Could not imagine life without

being able to create something. Blogging has added an extra dimension.

It's so exciting to read about other peoples creative endeavours

and what motivates them. Having a love of words, I enjoy sharing my

 thoughts and work. The 'Word of the Day', column is just as important, as

it gives another aspect of my personality.

I must mention Ethel, at this point. She was given to me

by my 'late', little brother and has become my friend, model and muse

ever since.

Well I think that's enough about me. I seem to have been

rabbiting on for hours. Hope you haven't got bored and dropped off!

Before I go must mention, three talented people whose

blogs I love. Well worth a visit!

Ali, fom Random Wooliness, who shares my love of words

and creates with wool, mainly using crochet and felt.

Jane, from Plain Jane, who creates, usually from wool 

and fabric and muses about life (words again)!

Lisa, from Mrs Bobo Bun, who loves colourful wool,

vintage fabrics and buttons and does lovely things with them.

Off to spend some time in my work room.

Happy weekend, everyone!