For our March meeting the Textile Artist, Lynda Monk talked about creating surface textures using varying techniques and materials. Thirty years ago Lynda enrolled on a C & G machine knitting course but her tutor introduced her to creative embroidery – that was the end of her interest in knitting!
She then signed up with Siân Martin’s online Distant Stitch and became interested in creating surfaces using different materials and techniques. Maggie Grey asked her to write an article for Workshop on the Web (WOW) and the first involved using tissue paper (Vogue dressmaking patterns are best!), organza and a polymer medium or diluted PVA glue. In June 2009 another WOW article used kunin felt, Gesso and acrylic wax which was burnt back using a heat gun to create a surface.
Maggie Grey then asked Lynda to write her first book with Carol McFee entitled Stitching the Textured Surface. Her second book in November 2011 was called Fabulous Surfaces which introduced the idea of using foil on pelmet Vilene for making beads, brooches and books. Another book called Exploring Creative Surfaces was published in December 2012 in which Lynda explained using Lutradur, tissue paper, scrunched up scrim with Tyvek and Xpanda print and moulding paste. Lynda finished her talk in a practical way by passing round sheets of plain A4 paper and talking us through the folds to create a Grandma’s boasting book so we could make a “scrummy” surface first and then turn it into a book.
The next meeting of the Guild will be held at the Kennet Valley Hall, Lockeridge on Monday 13 April when we will be holding a Ploughman’s Lunch (£5 – book in advance) with displays and demonstrations of equipment. The doors will open at 12.00 for 12.30. All are welcome and if you require further details please contact 01249 750865 or visit our website: https://www.marlboroughembroiderers.org
Report by Ros