North East Landmarks

This week I have been on holiday from the day job to spend time with the kids and to do a bit of sewing too.  As we have been out and about, I have been trying to look at views and landmarks from the perspective of whether I could produce a textile picture from them.

The first piece I did was a general amalgamation of a number of landmarks - the ones that I think make this area identifiable.  I produced a 12" x 10" picture which I have been extremely lucky to sell straight away.  It will be mounted this weekend and then posted to its new home in Stockton-on-Tees.

I am quite happy with how it turned out and will hopefully get some high quality photos before it is posted off so that I can get some greetings cards printed.

A few days ago, my youngest daughter and I went out for lunch at the coast and took this photo.

Although the light wasn't great I thought this was a great subject for a new picture. I finished this one yesterday and am quite pleased with the result.

This one has a lot less patterned material so that you can see the stitching. I also consciously used coordinating thread colours rather than my usual black and am pleased with the result.

Angel of the North

This project has been my first attempt at landscape art with the sewing machine.  I have mentioned before that the idea of a collection of items featuring North East images is something that I am interested in putting together.  This view of the Angel of the North has quite a lot  of 'art' to it rather than just applique pieces.



At first the Angel was going to be central to the picture but I was at a loss as to what else to add to the scene.  I decided a more pleasing composition was to move it to the top of the frame and add  the path, fence and grass in the foreground.

This still looked a little plain, so the tree appeared on the right  and the title on the left to finish things off.

Choo Choo

Today I have been experimenting with a design for my North East images collection.  The plan is to produce a collection of cushions featuring landmarks and images that are unique to this area. Whether they will sell is unknown but I think they will be different from anything I can find for sale.

The first design is of a Tyne and Wear Metro train.

Not the prettiest of images, but instantly identifiable with the north east.  I sketched the design last night and had a first attempt today.  I have done the applique and outlined it in free motion embroidery.

I am currently undecided whether to add a platform or rails.  Might have a bit of a play and see how it will look tomorrow.

Well, I decided to add a hint of a platform and some rails just to give a bit of perspective.  Just need to make up the cushion cover now.