The Spring/Summer news is full of exciting events, it began with the Fashion Embroidery & Stitch show at the end of March. As I gaze from my studio windows, the spring time flora and foliage is colouring the vista of my garden, inspiring my imagination for a new sequence of embroidered textiles. But creativity was not dormant in the recent winter months: a new work in progress explores an intriguing stitched lace structure inspired by twigs, berries and blue tits!

In May, my garden studio in Oxfordshire will be open to visitors, a chance to see new embroideries, 'work in progress' and enjoy the delights of my garden in early summer.

NEC Birmingham,
March 24 - 27

Samples from 'Embroidered Originals' were displayed, with 'works in progress' and demonstrations of the intricate art of water-soluble lace.

The lace dress panel (pictured left in my studio) certainly was a hit with visitors, the magic of stitching on the hot water-soluble voile fabric to create lace textures,has me totally hooked too!

Meeting so many fashion and embroidery fans at a show is always a thrill. And sometimes I get an extra surprise from a visitor: it was a déjà vu moment as I glimpsed the painted silk purse, a lady brought to show me. For this petite creation was the very first bag that I made in 1978, for my first exhibition!   www.ichf.co.uk

'Embroidered Originals', my first book, continues to introduce my work to textile enthusiasts around the world. In May, I shall welcome a party of Canadian quilters to my studio, as part of a textile tour to the UK. As well as seeing a preview of my 'Open Studio' exhibition and the workshop, I plan to show my collection of quilted, painted silks from 70s and 80s.
Free machine quilting inspired my early career as a textile artist; I shall look forward to plunging into the archives with the Canadian visitors.

Enquiries about a group visit please get in touch: sue.rangeley@btinternet.com.

30 April - 22 May 2011

This exciting Textile Festival, set in Stroud, Gloucestershire, is a key event in the textiles calendar. If you are interested in joining my 2 day workshop, May 21 - 22, the booking office is now open. The theme of the class is 'Fashioned with Stitch', a fusion of design and creative embroidery. The art of stitch freely explores the dimensions of fashion.
Full details in SIT brochure and my website.

July 30 & August 7th 2011

Two creative embroidery workshops with a floral focus. Continuing the passion for botanical themes, summer blooms inspire a richer diversity of techniques and design applications.

'Millefleurs' selects more decorative, dazzling patterns of embroidery to lavish on fashion, or interior projects.

Design explores a bright array of colourful flora, touched with the influences of Art Deco, the Orient. Tuition on a range of studio techniques: water-soluble lace; appliqué; machine-embroidery.

Venue: Farncombe Estate, nr. Broadway.

Booking: 1 day workshop: £75, inclusive of tuition & some materials, a 3 course lunch, all refreshments of tea, coffee etc.

(B&B and evening meal also available, £60pp)

Option: Choose to take both 'Millefleurs' Classes, and develop your project further.
2 days: £138 (discount £12)

For more info email: sue.rangeley@btinternet.com.

The winter months of January and February were spent researching and planning ideas for a new collection. Themes again reference the botanical, enriched with the resonance of specific gardens, their history, seasons, and plants. A diversity of design sources is shaping ideas for my latest embroidery creations, each unique 'mood board' styles a direction for stitch, such as:

• 'Bizarre' catches the fizz of vibrant, hot colour palettes, with an echo of Art Deco fashions
• 'Fantasia' interplays 70s retro within a kaleidoscope of floral fantasies.

In contrast, quieter palettes are emerging: a 'whiter shade of pale' observes the flora of a famous garden, ethereal textures in whites, creams, and ivories. The changing seasons in my own garden inspire: an autumnal lace dress panel (photo left: 'work in progress') and samples for twiggy lace texture of winter branches.

Vintage passions, as always play a part, fashioning embroidery into inventive forms. Selecting and experimenting with materials for a new collection is always a fun challenge; studio techniques are currently exploring raffia and fine wires with machine threads to create water-soluble laces.

Recently, my eyes were seduced by a box of old, dyed silk threads in fabulous colours, originally 1940s parachute cords (see photo). I just cannot resist such a textile treat!

Threads of the past adding stitched textures to a contemporary textile.

Exhibitions of 'work in progress' will be on show during Oxfordshire Artweeks in my 'Open Studio' May 14 - 19, 12-6 daily.

Info: sue.rangeley@btinternet.com

The new collection will be exhibited at Art in Action, in the Textiles Tent. July 21 -24.

Newsletter: July August September

• A Cotswold garden inspires...
• Art in Action preview...
• Autumn Masterclass...

I am delighted to be teaching an embroidery workshop, within a Cotswolds garden tour. Organized by Whitecroft Traditional Tours, specialists in luxury bespoke tours.
'Embroidered Botanica' June 8 - 14

Email: enquiries@whitecrofttours.co.uk

To download a PDF File click here

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