Jo McIntosh - Knit Weave Felt

Crow Day

2012-05-01T22:09:00.001+01:00

Last Friday Carolyn and I had one of our Crow Days but this time we went to my studio in Krowji rather than my house. We had a good day working on our projects and this is the photo she took of me. We may now be calling our Crow Days "Krow" Days!

Looking forward to our next Krow Day!

Krowji

2012-04-18T20:13:00.000+01:00

Well I moved in to my studio last week and must say I am enjoying having the space in such a creative environment! I am sharing the room with 3 other people, one of who I already knew and am looking forward to getting to know more people who work in Krowji. I am hoping to attend the knitting group that meets in The Melting Pot Cafe on the first and third Wednesday evening to expand my circle of knitters.

Tomorrow I will be moving my loom into the studio and look forward to getting back in to my weaving.

I will be publishing the dates I will be open during the Open Studios in June soon.

Studio at Krowji

2012-04-05T17:22:00.001+01:00

I am getting very excited about moving in to my studio in Krowji next week where I will be part of a large group of very creative people and where there is also a brilliant cafe where, as well as serving good food and drink, they also host events.

So I will probably be spending the Easter weekend sorting my stuff out and deciding what to take initially, can't wait!

For those of you not aware of Krowji here is the link

http://www.krowji.co.uk/

I will be taking part in the Creative Skills Open Studios there in June (2nd to 10th I think) so please come and see me there if you can.

Mobile Textile Supply Shop

2012-04-04T19:41:00.001+01:00

Having lived here in St. Ives for 13 very happy years I am aware that there are some products creative people down here like to use that are very difficult to get hold of without buying over the internet, or it may be that you only want smaller quantities than you can buy online.

I have therefore decided to branch out and become a mobile textile supply shop which will travel to events such as Embroiderers' Guild sessions, West Country Embroiderers, Lace Days etc., with products such as water soluble fabric, tyvek, hand-dyed threads and fabrics etc.

So if you know of any events in Cornwall which you think my mobile shop would be welcome at, please get in touch and I will do my best to help.

Workshop - Upcycle Your Wardrobe - This Saturday

2012-01-19T09:10:00.000Z

I'm running a workshop - Upcycle Your Wardrobe - this Saturday (21st January 2012) from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Cost is £25.00 for the day.

Learn how to transform your old clothes into something new.

There are still places available - so if you'd like to book or want to know more - get in touch now:
01736 797 122
jo.mcintosh@knitweave.co.uk

I'm running more Workshops and Craft Evenings over the coming weeks including:

Making Buttons From Fimo
Rag Rugging
Papermaking
Feltmaking

More details and dates are on my website:
St Ives Cornwall - Textile Art Workshops

Tag Tuesday

2012-01-18T15:42:00.000Z

Here is my tag, the theme this week is white, which is not a colour I use a lot so it was interesting to come up with something suitable. It's amazing what you can find in your fabric stash - silk velvet, organza and lacy fabric and add buttons and sequins. Really enjoying being part of this.

Crazy Patchwork

2012-01-15T19:40:00.000Z

Went to the first Embroiderers' Guild meeting of the new year yesterday. Had a really great day as the session was run by one of our members, Marion and she introduced me to crazy patchwork which I loved! Traditional patchwork is too precise for me so this technique suited me perfectly, I particularly like adding the stitches and embellishments, those of you who know me will not be surprised to know that shisha mirrors, sequins and sparkly thread appear in my work.

Here are two pictures, one is my tag for the Tag Tuesday blog and one is a piece of crazy patchwork I was inspired to start when I got home last night (luckily Saturday night television does not require much concentration!)

Mermaids

2012-01-13T16:41:00.002Z

Just a quick post to say thank you to my lovely friend Carolyn for providing my new background as she knows I love mermaids!

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T15:21:00.002Z

Happy New Year to everyone! Thought I would start the new year by showing you the tag I have just made and posted on Tag Tuesday in order to get my blog up and running again! I will be making changes soon so keep watching!

Craft Evening - Papier-Mâché

2011-09-08T09:06:00.000+01:00

Craft Evening - St Ives Cornwall - Papier-Mâché

I'm running another Craft Evening - Papier-Mâché
- in St Ives next Tuesday (13th September).

Transform old newspapers into a bowl which can then be painted and decorated.

It runs from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm and the cost is just £10.00 per person.

All welcome - I'd love to see you there - so get in touch to book a place:
01736 797 122
jo.mcintosh@knitweave.co.uk

I've got more evenings scheduled through September and October including Dyeing Buttons, Batik and Knitted Flowers. More details on:
Knit One Weave One - Craft Evenings

St Ives Knitting Group

2011-09-06T13:11:00.000+01:00

St Ives Knitting Group - Cafe Art

St Ives Knitting Group are back - after a summer break.

We meet tonight at Cafe Art on Royal Square in St Ives - 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

All are welcome - including beginners - lots of help available to get you started.

Come along to enjoy a stitch and a chat - plus great tea, coffee and cakes.

We will be meeting at the same place and time every other Tuesday through the year.

I'm also running a series of Craft Evenings throughout the autumn in St Ives. More info on:
St Ives Cornwall - Craft Evenings

Beach Mobile Workshop

2011-08-31T14:16:00.000+01:00

Beach Mobile Workshop - St Ives Cornwall

I recently had a lovely morning showing a family how to make a beach mobile from shells, seaglass, china etc.

There was Gran, Grandad, Mum, Dad, Poppy and Scarlet and I think everyone enjoyed themselves and went home with a very unique memento of their holiday in St. Ives.

If you'd like to book a workshop get in touch. More details of my workshops are on:
Knitweave - Textile Art and Craft Workshops

The Cornwall Design Fair at Trereife House

2011-08-19T10:23:00.000+01:00

Cornwall Design Fair - Trereife House

Looking forward to running a Feltmaking Workshop at The Cornwall Design Fair at Trereife House - this Saturday (20th August 2011) from 12.30 pm.

So if you are going - do come and see me and learn how to make felt - it's fun!

Trereife is just a few minutes drive from St Ives or Penzance and easy to find just off the A30 - details are on:
Trereife House - Directions

Misty Fuse

2011-08-18T16:05:00.000+01:00

Misty Fuse

I had a lovely morning last week trying out MistyFuse with my friend Hilary Tyreman.

This is the description on Amazon of MistyFuse:

Misty Fuse is an environmentally friendly fusible that is solvent-free and recyclable. It's been extruded to a very fine web to create a lasting bond without adding bulk. No extra adhesive to gum up your needles. It is suitable for a wide variety of fabrics from velvets and cottons to delicate tulles and silk organzas. The fusible is made from 100% thermoplastic adhesive polymer resin. Misty Fuse is a dream to work with - it handles well, is sheer and doesn't add bulk to your fused piece and bonds firmly once cooled.

I played with it in different ways, firstly just sandwiching threads etc. between two pieces of MistyFuse and then ironing between two sheets of baking parchment, then I placed threads, sequins etc., onto a piece of silk paper I had made previously to see what effect that had. I used it in the same way as Bondaweb, the difference being that there is no stickiness and I am looking forward to trying it in the sewing machine and then using it for 3d projects.

Thanks for a fun and instructive morning Hilary!

Rag-Rugging

2011-08-16T16:39:00.000+01:00

Rag Rug Workshop - St Ives Cornwall

This was the second of my craft evenings and as you can see there was a full front room!

It was nice to have some younger people attending, one of whom has been a regular at my children's workshops in the library. I am looking forward to seeing some finished rag rug pictures from people.

The next craft evening is Jewellery Making on Wednesday 24th August at 7.30 p.m.
To book a place get in touch:
01736 797 122
jo.mcintosh@knitweave.co.uk

Details of my full programme of Craft Evenings and other workshops are on:
Jo McIntosh - Knit One Weave One

Handmade Dolls by Ruby Ellis

2011-08-09T11:56:00.000+01:00

Miranda - Hand Made Doll by Ruby Ellis

I would like to introduce you to three of the amazing dolls which are made by the very talented mixed media artist - Ruby Ellis.

As well as the dolls you can see on her website - StarGazey - she will also make dolls on commission and has recently made a doll in the style of Holbein's portrait of Henry VIII!

Her attention to detail is incredible and the finished results are truly beautiful. As well as the dolls she also makes a range of other products including fabric bowls and flowers and stunning lampshades.

Some of her dolls will be on display at Stitch n Craft in Shaftesbury throughout September and if you are in that area I would recommend going to see them as a photograph cannot do them justice.

Truro Library - Textile Course Exhibition

2011-08-05T09:25:00.000+01:00

Creative Textiles Course - Truro Library

Over the summer you can see work done by students attending my Creative Textile Course which is held in Truro Library.

You can see examples of several techniques including batik, feltmaking, knitting with more than wool, and embroidery, rag-rug work and more.

Some students have attended the beginner's course and some have attended both the beginner's and the advanced course.

A new course starts again in September and if you would like more information please contact me:
01736 797 122
jo.mcintosh@knitweave.co.uk

Lino Relief Printmaking Workshop

2011-08-03T10:32:00.000+01:00

Mermaid Print - Jo McIntosh

I recently had a brilliant day at the St Ives Society of Artists when I attended a lino relief printmaking workshop with Lee Stevenson, one of the West Penwith Printmakers who are exhibiting at the Society's Crypt Gallery until this weekend (5th August 2011).

I originally only booked for the morning session, but enjoyed it so much I booked a place on the afternoon session as well!

Lee talked us through and demonstrated the basic techniques for cutting the design out of the lino, explaining which areas would print and also how to reverse an image before printing if necessary and then how to ink up the lino ready to print.

Thanks to Lee's excellent instruction I came away with the cut lino and several prints, onto fabric as well as paper and the desire to experiment more at home with fabrics and fabric paints.

Lee also runs one or two day workshops in relief printmaking at his studio near St Ives. For details telephone 01736 799 170 or email lee.stev@live.co.uk

Hope you like the print above. I've put more pictures in my gallery:
FaceBook - Line Relief Printmaking

Craft Workshops For Children

2011-08-02T17:55:00.000+01:00

Childrens' Workshop - Daisy Rings

I'm running two craft workshops for children in August - at GJ Beads - on St Erth Industrial Estate just off the A30 outside St Ives.

Safety Pin Jewellery - Wednesday 17th August.
Daisy Rings - Wednesday 31st August.

Both run from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm and cost £10.00 + materials.

To book a place call 01736 751 070.

More information on:
GJ Beads Website

My full programme of workshops for adults and children is on:
Knitweave - Workshops

Workshop - Sarah Drew Craft Café

2011-07-18T20:03:00.000+01:00

Feltmaking Workshop - Felt Bag

I'm really looking forward to running a feltmaking workshop at Sarah Drew's Craft Café in St Austell on Saturday (23rd July).

I will be running workshops there for adults and children over the Summer. Details and dates for all of my workshops are on:
Knit On Weave One - Workshops

Felt Making Workshop

2011-03-04T16:56:00.000Z

Felt Making Workshop - St Ives Cornwall

On Monday (7th March) I'm running a Felt Making Evening at Café Art in Royal Square St Ives.

It runs from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
Cost is £10.00 per person - including all materials.

Learn to make felt from first principles.
Both beginners and more experienced feltmakers are welcome.

Drinks and snacks available from the café.

Jan Tillett – Free Motion Machine Embroidery Workshop

2011-02-03T12:57:00.001Z

Free Motion Machine Embroidery Workshop

I have just had the most brilliant two days attending the above workshop, courtesy of my husband Steve, who bought me a place on it as a Christmas present.

The workshops was held in Truro in a very pleasant venue and surroundings and there were only 5 attending which made it a very friendly group and enabled Jan to give time to anyone who might be having difficulty either with their machine or the technique they were trying.

I took some photos of my work - click on any of them to enlarge.

Prior to attending this workshop I would have said that free motion machine embroidery was not for me as I had a few goes at it with very little success. Now I'm afraid I may bore people with tales of my success at drawing with my machine, thread painting, applying different fabrics and making cords with my sewing machine!

Jan is a very patient tutor who, as well as providing good handouts, also has a stock of tips which you would struggle to find in books and which can help someone who, like me, was not very confident to begin with.

During the first day we looked at setting up the machine for free motion embroidery, followed by exercises in taking a line for a walk, “scribbling”, circles, vermicelli (this may take a little more practice!) and spirals. We also looked at using the zigzag stitch whilst in free motion mode and how to vary the type of zigzag stitch whilst machining. We also learned why to use a hoop and why sometimes you could machine without the hoop, depending on the effect you were looking for.

Jan gave demonstrations of each technique before sending us off to our machines to try it for ourselves and was very good at repeating the instructions if necessary, so nobody felt awkward if they didn't understand the first time.

Day two started with a session on the machines just refreshing ourselves on what we had learnt the previous day (a warm up). After this the emphasis was on using fabrics to create textures and Jan demonstrated how to build up layers of fabrics onto a base of calico and then stitching over them to create colour and texture. We also used “Supermend” to adhere scraps of fabrics and threads to a base fabric then covered the piece with organza and ironed it between two sheets of baking parchment to secure the scraps.

This was then stitched over making a fabric which could be used for a number of uses from cardmaking to book covers etc., depending on the size of the piece.

At the end of the two days I came away extremely happy (and a little tired!) with the confidence to use free motion machine embroidery more in my work.

I would like to say thank you to Jan for a brilliant two days and thank you to my husband, Steve for giving me such a great Christmas present!

You can find out more about Jan's work and workshops on:
Jan Tillett Website

Exhibition - Embroiderers Guild Cornwall

2011-01-24T10:59:00.003Z

Seeds Of Inspiration

A new exhibition - Seeds Of Inspiration - Embroiderers Guild Cornwall - runs from 28th February to 28th March 2011 at:
Willoughby Gallery - The Castle - Bude.

It will feature a range of beautiful work by Cornwall members including some of mine - so please do go along to take a look. The Castle has other exhibitions to view and you can enjoy morning coffee or lunch in the restaurant.

Open every day from 11.00 to 4.00 - free entry.

Textile Art Workshops - St Ives - Winter 2011

2011-01-13T10:49:00.000Z

Textile Art Workshops - St Ives Cornwall

So it's a New Year, a good time to think about learning some new skills. So with that in mind I just thought I would let you know about my next series of workshops:

Saturday 29th January - Rag Rug.
Learn how to transform unwanted clothes and/or fabrics into textile art.

Saturday 5th February - Silk Paper.
Learn how to make silk paper and create a beautiful silk paper vase.

Saturday 26th February - Weaving Without a Loom.
Weave a unique handwoven bag using a very simple weaving technique.

Saturday 5th March - Working with Water Soluble Fabric.
Learn how to use this material and create an ususual bowl.

Saturday 26th March - Bookmaking.
Learn how to make a very simple book

Venue: 31 Bedford Road, St. Ives.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: £40 inc. materials.

For more information and to book please contact me:
01736 797 122
jo.mcintosh@knitweave.co.uk

More info on:
Jo McIntosh - KnitWeave Website

Creative Textile Course

2011-01-05T14:18:00.000Z

Creative Textile Course - St Ives Library

Starting on Friday 14th January I will be running a 10 week course at St Ives Library covering a range of Textile Techniques including:

Feltmaking
Weaving
Hand embroidery
Machine embroidery
Fabric dyeing
Fabric printing
and more .....

It runs every Friday from 10.00 - 1.00

Cost per person is a £20 deposit covering first 2 sessions, then £10.00 per session.

If you would like more information and to book please contact me:
01736 797 122
jo.mcintosh@knitweave.co.uk.