Needlefelt Challenge

Another April Challenge

2008-04-17T07:49:00.003Z

A quick challenge for you this time, I hope. It may be a good way to use up some of those unsuccessful samples, but will hopefully spur you on to create some new ones to add.

Your inspiration this time is:

W E A V E

Thanks for taking part

April Challenge Number One

2008-04-03T13:40:00.003Z

Here is the next word to challenge you

SNIPPETS

If you haven't tried to 'embellish' snippets before, here's your chance. There is a lot you can do with this - so make a start

March Challenge 1

2008-03-12T20:51:00.003Z

I have been indescribably busy. No real excuse, but here, a little late, is the next challenge.

HINT OF A TINT

I look forward to seeing your interpretations.

Another February Challenge

2008-02-23T16:17:00.003Z

How have you all managed with the last challenge? Post a comment if you want a mention and a link.

I think the time has come for something slightly different. This time you have your own choice of materials and finished item, but I'm going to suggest that you use a minimum of three materials, one of which must be something you haven't thought of using before. Let us know what you do, and be adventurous!

Challenge Thursday

2008-02-07T18:41:00.000Z

Here is the new challenge.

LOOSE WEAVE

I hope it will give you some inspiration. Sometimes it is just too easy to reach for the felt. What can you come up with this time? I look forward to seeing the result.

This challenge will last for two weeks as I am away teaching for a while.

Bag - ish

2008-02-07T14:23:00.000Z

Well, not quite a bag, but well on the way.

As always there are 2 sides to fabric made on the embellisher. Above shows the front

And this is the back. I have used the fabrics from a Sassa Lynne Embellisher Roll. You can read about them here, they aren't yet on the website. I will use the front of the fabric, I have started to work the scrim into the surface and you can see a small area of it if you look closely.

I am teaching at Missenden Abbey this weekend, then we go almost straight to Textiles in Focus. This means that the bag won't be completely finished until after that.

The next challenge will be posted later today.

Last January Challenge

2008-01-30T11:42:00.000Z

Here is the new challenge. Well done to those of you that have completed the last one.

Today's challenge is to make a

BAG

using any form of costruction you like. That means you can make it entirely by needlefelting or you can stitch the seams using hand or machine.

An Open Sandwich

2008-01-22T17:27:00.000Z

Here is a link to a good example of an Open Sandwich. Well done NessieNora.

Second January Challenge

2008-01-17T11:54:00.000Z

I hope you are all looking forward to this next challenge. This time the word for inspiration is

STITCH

What can you do with stitches - either onto an embellished surface, OR onto a surface BEFORE you embellish?

I'm sure you can come up with some great surfaces.

Sandwich

2008-01-16T19:30:00.000Z

Anyone else made a sandwich? New challenge coming tomorrow

First challenge of 2008

2008-01-03T06:06:00.000Z

Did 2008 enter with a bang or a whimper However it started I hope you all have a peaceful and happy year, with plenty of time for using your embellisher.

Here is the first challenge, and I look forward to seeing what you all come up with. The inspiration for this one is .....

SANDWICH

That implies 3 layers - but there are only 2 in an open sandwich .... or are there?!

Hope it makes you think.

Christmas is coming

2007-12-10T21:49:00.000Z

This will probably be the last post before Christmas. There is a lot for everyone to do at this time of the year, so this challenge will take us through this time. It is a little different, and I hope it will make you all think about how/what you are doing.

Here, then, is the challenge:

Create an embellished background of your choice and add further interest by using
CHUNKY STITCHING !

Hope you enjoy this, and that we have a wide variety of effects. Don't forget to leave a comment below when you have finished so that people can find you!

Don't faint

2007-11-29T13:16:00.000Z

I hope you are all pleased to see this post and not too put out by the length of time since the last one. Computer problems have further added to the delay in getting back to it, so hopefully cutting and pasting from Word will enable me to get going with this again. (Thanks to my son who is doing the uploading while we struggle with our internet).

Here is a simple piece of inspiration for you.

WHITE

Hopefully this will make you think of......

snow
winter
weddings
purity

And any other ideas too.

New challenge

2007-08-04T17:55:00.000Z

Due to pressure of work and for family reasons I have hardly been at home for the last several weeks. It is surprising how mail mounts up, apparently I have masses to answer, but no way of accessing it while away from home. Apologies if you are waiting for a reply. You will receive one when things calm down.

In the meantime, here is another challenge for you.

I'm going to call it BACK to FRONT.

Here are the 'instructions'

1 Make a piece using the Embellisher

2 Cut it up

3 Reassemble in any way you like but using both the front and the back.

OK?

I look forward to seeing your results.

First June challenge

2007-06-06T09:12:00.001Z

Another busy month for everyone, I'm sure, but here is the challenge for this week. I thought we would revert to a colour, so this week's inspiration is

BROWN

It may not seem a very interesting topic, but there are many shades of brown. This is also an opportunity to create some texture - think tree bark, for instance.

Have fun and don't forget to let us know where to see your pieces.

Madeleine McCann

2007-05-13T10:17:00.000Z

The new challenge is below, but if you can help in finding this little 4 year old please do so.

Updated information is on the BBC news website

Bloggers are international, so if you too can post a picture on you blog the net will spread wider.

New challenge for May

2007-05-07T10:17:00.000Z

Here is the challenge for May. I won't be around much, so there is longer to play with it. The theme this month will be different for everyone!

GARDEN INSPIRATION

This can relate to anything you like - colours in the garden, a specific plant, maybe a visit to a botanical garden - if it fits into the above category in any way it is valid.

Have fun and show us what you do.

Oranges and Lemons

2007-05-06T09:39:00.000Z

Really quick and easy. For more information click here

Hearts and flowers

2007-04-15T10:35:00.000Z

Have a look and see what Maureen accomplished at KenmaursCorner: Hearts and flowers

Time for another challenge

2007-04-14T10:13:00.000Z

Here is the next challenge. How will you interpret this? Will you just go for the colour or something else? Don't forget, all interpretations are valid.

ORANGES AND LEMONS

Have fun!

Hearts and Flowers

2007-04-11T10:41:00.000Z

I had great fun with this. Here's a link to how it was made

I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the challenges.

Patches

2007-04-03T07:57:00.000Z

Finally, a picture!

2007-03-26T14:26:00.000Z

A little late, but with good reason, and here is the next challenge. No pics of patches yet as they are on the other steam driven computer, but I will post something soon.

The next challenge is

Hearts and Flowers!

Let's see what you can all make of that!

Don't forget, if you post pictures on your blog you can join the webring and if you don't have a blog (or even if you do) you may like to join the Yahoo group.

Not just a challenge

2007-03-11T15:11:00.000Z

Here is the link to a prize that you may be able to use for your embellishing! The threads are lovely for stitching into embellished backgrounds.

I'll be posting more during the next 12 months.

Challenge 7th March

2007-03-07T20:41:00.000Z

It was intended to be posted last Friday, but pressure of work meant that I wasn't here. So, a little late, but ready for your interpretation - here is the challenge for the week.

PATCHES

Have fun

Challenge Thursday!

2007-02-22T07:58:00.000Z

Next week the challenge will revert to a Friday, but once again you have a little longer to experiment.

This challenge, as always, is open to all levels. All entries and interpretations are valid, and we want to see what you have been doing. Don't forget that thinking laterally also 'counts'

Today's word is

TRAPPED

I'm looking forward to seeing what you all come up with!

Another entry for different backing

2007-02-10T09:15:00.000Z

Barbara has sent me her link to an interesting working of a different backing. She used a fine net and then worked roving and yarn from both the front and the back. It works well, doesn't it.

There are so many good ideas for this challenge. I can't wait to see what you all do for purple.

Challenge for 9th February

2007-02-09T14:50:00.000Z

I won't be here to post a challenge next weekend, so this one will last for about 10 days. The next one will be a little longer too.

To keep you all occupied we are reverting to a colour. Let's see what you can do with

PURPLE

I look forward to seeing the results.

Different Backing

2007-02-09T13:43:00.000Z

There were some really good challenge pieces this week.

If you would like more information on this sample follow this link.

This is a purely experimental sample, so don't judge the layout!

Follow the links

2007-02-08T08:32:00.000Z

I have been sent a number of links and some emails from those participating in the challenge. You can find your way to see them by following the list in the sidebar. The current challenge has certainly brought some interesting results, well worth seeing. If you like what you see don't forget to leave a comment, we all need encouragement, and if you want your blog added to the links let me know. You only have to take part in the challenge to qualify!

I will be posting the next challenge tomorrow, however, as we are away at Textiles in Focus in Cottenham for the next weekend the next challenge will run for a little longer. That will give you all time to do some more exciting work.

Spice

2007-02-05T15:16:00.000Z

Details of this piece can be found here

Interesting links

2007-02-05T13:48:00.000Z

Diane has sent me this link to an interesting piece. I like the use of the background. Anyone else used something unusual?

And Emmy has sent one to her site too. Lovely colours, Emmy

New challenge

2007-02-02T08:33:00.000Z

Friday is here again, and no picture to post as I have just run out of time.

However, here is the challenge for this week.

I have decided to set a different sort of challenge today. It is very easy to get settled into a routine and just use whatever is to hand. Sometimes, though, we have to think about things laterally to discover something new. So this week I thought we would think about the surface onto which we 'embellish'. Your challenge this week is therefore to use a

DIFFERENT BACKING

Try something that you have not used before. That doesn't mean don't use your stash, maybe use a piece of organze, muslin, paper, ANYTHING, just have a go .......

Don't forget that you can also join the webring or the Yahoo group if you want to chat about problems you are having with the challenge.

New Challenge

2007-01-26T11:53:00.000Z

It's that time of the week, and here is the challenge for this week. It doesn't seem possible that it is almost the end of January and we have completed 4 challenges since we started. The results have been exciting, and I hope you will all continue, and more will join. Don't forget that you can post your pictures on your blog and join the challenge webring. It is a good way to invite people to your site. Or join the Yahoo Group and post there. If you do both you can announce when you upload pictures onto your blog too.

I look forward to seeing the results of the new challenge which is:

SPICE

Emerald

2007-01-26T11:49:00.000Z

There is more information and another view on the other blog, but here is the result of last week's challenge. The new challenge will be posted shortly.

New Group

2007-01-21T14:14:00.000Z

Well, it seems that the challenge is running, but finding where to look is difficult for some of you. Consequently I have started a new Yahoo list for just this purpose.

The challenge will be listed there each week, and members can post details of where to see their pieces. If you haven't got a blog (or even if you have) the photos section will be available for you to upload too.

If you would like to join there is a button in the sidebar.

Blue and the NEW CHALLENGE

2007-01-19T14:39:00.000Z

I have had a lot of feedback since the last challenge. More and more of you are joining in and stretching yourselves. This is really good news, and what the challenge is all about! Today's challenge is listed at the bottom of this post.

The picture this week is from Judi, who hasn't quite got her blog up and running. I am posting her result of 'BLUE' which she has entitled 'Perception Pass'.

This is what she has to say about it:

'Perception Pass
Who are we to say what one sees in our work?

Blue. I typically do not work with blue. Purples and greens are my colors. This week’s challenge was “Blue”, so I decided to see what would come of this. I started out with a bluish piece of wool felt and started embellishing things down. My Embellisher really hasn’t been used very much, so I thought that I would just get used to working with fabrics and fibers. The fabric I used was from a recycled jacket made of polyester/rayon blend. My intention was to make the fabric 3-D, as I had seen on Sewing with Nancy last week.

I started out fine and was having fun. My piece didn’t really look like much, but I continued playing. Not knowing what else to do, I asked my husband what he thought. He replied with out even hesitating, “It is a map!” He was actually seeing something in my work. He said, “Yes, the orange fiber is the road, the blue fiber is the river, the blue fabric the reservoir and the brownish colored fabric were mountains.” Maps are my husbands thing…he loves maps and the fact that he actually saw this in my work amazed me.

So, I decided to stick with it and just work on my “map”. I am not particularly impressed with this piece, but it sure got me to thinking about Perception. Hence the name – Perception Pass. Who are we to say what one sees in our work? Everyone perhaps, see things differently and interprets things in a special way. That is the lesson that this exercise has provided. What a valuable lesson indeed.'

Thanks, Judi. I find it difficult to work in blue as well, so the challenge was as much for me as anyone else. I have put my effort here.

Now, on to next week's challenge. The word for inspiration is

EMERALD

I look forward to seeing the results.

Example of 'Layers' challenge

2007-01-13T10:53:00.000Z

This is an example of the previous challenge. If you would like further information go here

Today's Challenge

2007-01-12T16:17:00.000Z

I hope you have had fun with the last challenge. Sometimes it is good to have something on which to focus. Just playing along specific lines can open all sorts of opportunities and send one off at tangents. If this has happened to you please tell us on your blog.

Not many links in the sidebar yet, but if you let me know you will be there very soon!

The Challenge for this week is a colour. See what you can do with

BLUE

How to join the challenge

2007-01-11T11:03:00.000Z

Here are the instructions for the challenge.

1 Make your piece inspired by the challenge (if you are running late, don't worry, just do the following when you are ready)

2 Put a picture of it on your blog

3 Put a link through to this challenge page and send me your link via email. I will reciprocate and add your link to the sidebar

4 Write a comment on the appropriate challenge to let everyone know that you have taken part.

5 If you want to: - join the challenge webring

First Challenge of the New Year

2007-01-05T10:21:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone. Here's to much needlefelting and fun with our machines over the next 12 months.

The challenge for this week is

LAYERS

This should be really easy to accomplish. I look forward to seeing the results.

Rainbow

2007-01-03T15:31:00.000Z

A small sample for 'rainbow'. More information on http://nuvofelt.blogspot.com

New challenge due soon.

Another week

2006-12-28T19:19:00.000Z

How are you all getting on? There is one more week to complete the current challenge. Phew! That's a relief, it gives me time to finish something too!

Holiday

2006-12-17T14:06:00.000Z

For details of this card pop along to http://nuvofelt.blogspot.com

Happy Holidays

Next challenge

2006-12-16T15:58:00.000Z

Well, no picture today, but will load one as soon as I can.

No doubt you are all busy with preparations for the current and up-coming holidays. The next challenge will run until the New Year. Have a good, joyous and peaceful Christmas and a very happy New Year.

If you have time to needlefelt your inspiration for the next challenge is

RAINBOW

Have fun

This week's challenge

2006-12-08T13:48:00.000Z

Well, we handled shape last week, so let's be a little more abstract.

Your challenge is HOLIDAY and all interpretations are valid.

Rectangles - a result

2006-12-08T13:45:00.000Z

A really simple but effective idea. Embellish woollen boucle onto black felt. Cut into rectangles and mesh again onto black felt.

Today's Challenge

2006-12-01T12:21:00.000Z

Here is the challenge for all of you that are taking part.

The word for today is

RECTANGLE

Let's see what you can come up with, the next challenge will be posted next Friday. Don't forget to link back to the site and leave a comment so others will find you.

Nearly there

2006-11-29T12:11:00.001Z

How many of you have managed something?

New challenge the day after tomorrow!

Another link

2006-11-25T21:51:00.000Z

Well, another challenge result.

Sue has been experimenting, and you can see the results here.

http://suebleiweiss.typepad.com/

I love the bowl, Sue. It's fun creating shapes like this isn't it. Lots of fibres there too - lots of ideas if you are looking for something to do.

Five more days for this challenge, so I look forward to seeing some more work out there. Both Emmy and Sue are members of the Embellish With Barbs WebRing. If you are an 'Embellisher' you could join too!

The first result

2006-11-23T09:14:00.000Z

Well, Emmy is the first to accept the challenge and post a result (see the comment on the previous post).

This link will take you through to her blog
http://emmyschoonbeek.blogspot.com/

Thanks for joining in, Emmy, a new challenge will be posted next week.

Challenge accepted

2006-11-11T09:30:00.000Z

I have had a number of emails from people who have accepted the challenge. There are probably too many to accept pictures, so I suggest you post it on your blog, send me the link and I will link to it on the sidebar.

Get meshing!

Do something

2006-11-08T14:11:00.000Z

Since starting my other blog http://nuvofelt.blogspot.com I have been amazed at how many people have admitted that they have an Embellisher machine or similar, but that they hardly use it. Some have even said that it has remained in its box for up to 2 years since it was bought.

This blog is intended to set you on your way!

Every now and then I will post a challenge. The deadline will also be posted, all you have to do is - something! The finished pieces can be as large or small as you like (unless stipulated otherwise) and can also be as simple or complicated as you like. You know your standard, and you know how much time you have.

The first challenge is really simple! Just do something - anything. Get that machine out of the box and have a go. The deadline is the end of November, so that is nearly 3 weeks to get the sticky tape off!

(If you really can't think of anything - cut out some shapes in felt and lay them onto another piece. Emellish away!)

Don't forget, if you don't have a machine, but do have hand-felting equipment you too can take part