* 134 * ** Julie Arkell workshop - part 2 **

The rest of the time was spent in a blurr of handsewing, coffee drinking and amazing food.  Just as well I was only there for a few days because the amount of calories that went in was certainly more than the calories spent hand sewing all day... it could have gotten ugly.  The memory of a particularly delicious apricot and chocolate pudding drowned in chocolate sauce is still very vivid...

But about the sewing...

I mainly made broches, we followed Julie's instructions and we couldn't really go wrong!

This one took ages but it's my favourite... 15 parts.  15 fiddly parts, but I've been wearing it ever since I got back.  On everything.

This one could have been a brooch too, but it's a bit big for me, so I framed it...

I also made a little creature... could have a pin in the back... don't know yet...

It's about 4" tall... and No 3 wants it.  But it's mine.

I know it doesn't seem like I've done much but every single stitch was done by hand and it was very relaxing doing things ... slowly... very slowly in my case.

Coming home and trying to get back to the routing felt a bit like trying to jump onto a fast moving train... not without bumps and bruises.

All I want to do is sewing.  (But I have to wait for my fingers to heal first...)

 

Comments

[Pebbledash]

Love what you created, and isn't West Dean amazing? I've done several different courses there in years gone by, and would love to go again!

[Emma]

I keep scrolling up and down, up and down looking at what you made. Your little creature! Her underskirt, handbag and dress are utterly wonderful.

[kristina]

Oh the course and West Dean itself sound so wonderful. Like paradise. And what fabulous creations! K x

[Vintage Tea Time]

Great makes! Love the little creature - don't let anyone else snaffle her! Have a good weekend :)

[Dragonfly]

More for me to drool over! The little clock face is wonderful! I might have to try and make one for myself and I love the brooch with the wrapped yarn...

Hmmm, may need to investigate West Dean...

[Ali]

Oh, I love the clock!! And the wrapped yarn brooch is very inspiring...

[beth]

They are all lovely! Looks like you had a great time :)

[Karen]

Everything looks wonderful - Ali is right, it's all very inspiring! x

[kristin]

doesn't look like much??? oh my monica, but it looks like a months work to me!! i really can't stand how adorable everything is...sigh...gorgeous, gorgeous...don't you love starting, working and completing projects without putting them down again and again ...that's what i would love about a retreat like this, you get to just focus

[Stephie @ Narrative Self]

What a perfect clock to have on your studio wall :) Love everything you made and don't blame you for keeping them to yourself, I know I would! I may feel a wee bit of jealousy coming on...

[Katherine]

Lucky, lucky you! You made some beautiful things there.

[Gina]

Love it all, especially the clock.

[Mandy]

I went on a Julie Arkell workshop last march and have booked another one which is in the new year and I can't wait. She is a fabulous tutor and just fills me with inspiration. Your brooches are wonderful and I know how long those tiny stitches take.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs
Mandy x

[happy zombie]

Your little wish bear is adorable! All of your creations are, but there's something about the wish bear! Too, too cute and clever!