http://www.julietbryson.co.uk en-gb julietbryson.co.uk 2012-4-15T00:00:00Z julietbryson.co.uk http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#116486 I received some exciting new this week my firework scarf picture is being used as one of the artists images to promote the Rochford Art Trail which will take place in late October 2012 in the Essex Summer of Art Brochure. The brochure contains details of all the art trail events happening in Essex and comes out in printed format in a few weeks time. But you can sneek a preview at httpwww.visitessex.comdiscoverculturalsummerofartrochfordarttrail.aspx Now just need to do some new work to submit for the actual Art Trail application which closes next week 2012-4-15 12:12:40 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#110651 I had great hopes that January would result in a clear and tidy workroom new samples created and plan for the new year all done. So far I have a bag full of scrap paper but the workroom is still in need of serious tidying. As for knitting so far I have done a lot of knitting that has needed to be unravelled as either it keeps falling off the machine or hasnt been right.So I felt the need to actually finish and complete something creative. This is the book I created from the Lynda Monk pack that I bought after she came and spoke to our Embroiderers Guild in November. Im not entirely happy with the decoration as it was done without any planning but at least it is finished and I am now thinking about other possibilities.I wanted to get it finished as this Saturday Lynda is coming back to teach a workshop. We dont really know what we are doing as Lynda provides the materials and we only have a short requirements list but am really looking forward to. To have a day just being creat... 2012-1-18 18:40:13 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#110328 NEW YEAR NEW START As it is already January 13th my new year resolution to blog more regularly is already somewhat behind. My intention of tidying and clearing my workroom has so far resulted in a bagful of recyclable paper but I cant see much progress apart from that. But hopefully next week I will have time to sort out the noticeboards so they actually are relevant to what is going on with my work at this time and also tidy up my stash of yarn. One reason I have got diverted this week is that I somehow was persuaded to talk to my local Embroiderers Guild group details at embroiderersguildeast.org.uk search for South and East Essex branch. So I have been getting out my portfolio and samples from my college work. It has been interesting to look back at the various projects and pick out some pieces that I think will interest the group in particular the embroidery samples. It has made me wanting to do more embroidery on knitted pieces as I really enjoy doing them and feel it w... 2012-1-13 17:48:36 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#107412 I am sorry I havent been blogging much recently but November is a rather busy month with lots of Christmas fairs to get ready for. Thank you to everyone who came to see me at the Handmade fair at Leigh Community Centre last Saturday. If you are now regreting not making that purchase never fear You can just email me what you are interested in or alternatively I will be back at the Community Centre this Saturday for the RSPCA fair from 10am to 3pm. They are promising lots of handcraft stalls refreshments and Santas Grotto. Entrance is 50p free for children all for a good cause.And if you miss that then on Saturday 3rd December there will be over 70 stalls at the Leigh Vintage and Handmade fair get there early it gets busyLooking forward to seeing lots of you there come and say hello 2011-11-23 19:01:14 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#106176 Well it has been busy couple of weeks since I last posted and now my work at the Rochford Art Trail has now come down. It was lovely to see so much of my work hanging up.Barbara and her staff at Ellis Hairdressers are all very helpful to work with and very complimentary. If you came along and would like to purchase a piece of my work please email me and I can arrange to send drop it into you. Alternatively come and see me at the various crafts fairs being held at Leigh Community Centre on the 19th Nov 26th Nov and 3rd December. More details on my Where to buy my work pageThis red felted waistcoat was very enjoyable to make so nice to do some machine embroidery again. As Kirstie Allsop says on her Handmade Britain it is the crack cocaine of crafts being really addictive once you start doing it. Thanks also to Dave and Jan of the Essex Art and Design for having more of my work on display in their venue. Their next show is at Hylands House Chelmsford on the 2627th November. I wo... 2011-11-4 18:14:20 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#105024 WE ARE HANDMADE FAIR AT INGATESTONE AND ROCHFORD ART TRAIL 2011Last Saturday I had a stall at the We are Handmade at Ingatestone Community Centre. I had a great day and met lots of lovely people who were all very enthusiastic about the work on show. If you are regretting not purchasing an item please get in contact and I can arrange to send it out to you. The new ponchos were very popular and they can be made in a choice of 16 colours.Today I was over at the market town of Rochford to set up my work as part of the Rochford Art Trail in Venue 4 Ellis Hairdressers in South Street. It is the second year running that I have shown there and owner Barbara and her team made me very welcome and were very enthusiastic about the work. I was able to tone in with their autumnal colour scheme in the window and there is a little sneak preview below. Please feel free to walk in as they are very happy for people to go and view the work inside. www.ellishair.co.ukThe art trail will run from... 2011-10-19 19:20:48 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#98908 2011-8-12 22:30:35 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#94786 Visit to London and the Coming Through Graduate ShowIt always surprises me that however often I visit London there is always new areas to discover and explore. I took advantage that engineering work on my train line meant they were running via Stratford and went to Bethnal Green tube station. This meant I could pop into the VampAs Museum of Childhood to buy a birthday present and then also looked at their Sense of Space exhibition in the entrance area. Artists had gone on cultural exchanges between Britain Bangladesh and India then created work from their experiences which included quite a few textile pieces www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Then onto Hackney Broadway to visit a yarn shop flagged up by the Eastern Region Testile Forum website www.ertf.org.uk but it was a major disappointment. However the Saturday market had some great stalls with some great handmade items plus there was a great fabric shop with some very tempting prints and buttons. I indulged in a chocolate and waln... 2011-5-25 21:38:11 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#94233 kist Phoenix at CoggeshallAs I read on somebodys blog recently the problem with blogging is that if you have nothing to blog about you have plenty of time to blog but when you are busy you have no time to blog.Well the exciting news is that I have a shop that have been selling my work. Phoenix is a lovely shop in the very pretty Essex town of Coggeshall which has a great range of ladies clothing and my ponchos have been flying out the door. The new owner Louise also has some of my shrugs and scarfs so it is well worth a visit. There is also the interesting Paycockes House so the town is well worth a visit. 2011-5-18 19:15:00 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#91826 ERTF CONFERENCE PASSIVE SELLING AT GIRTON COLLEGEI apologise for not blogging before but somehow a couple of weeks have slipped by but so much has been happening that blogging about it has slipped down the todo list. Early on Saturday morning Beverley collected me so we could travel together to the ERTF Conference at Girton College. We had a good journey except for Bevs sat nav lady continuly telling us to turn round and head home lucky I can map read and so arrived in plenty of time to enjoy a coffee and have a quick look round the lovely surroundings on the college. Built in the 19th Century the college was until the 1970s a ladies college and is a couple of miles north of the town centre so has a very serene atmosphere. These photos are of some stained glass windows in the Old Library I wonder if any future textile pieces will be inspired by themAnyway after the business of the AGM the speaker Stacey HarveyBrown began on the topic of Passive Selling and held us enthralled f... 2011-4-15 18:44:33 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#89897 I know that I have been remiss at posting blogs lately but I have been getting ready for this Saturdays Fair at Leigh Community Centre. It is from 10am to 4pm with free entry. As well as my stall there will be over 70 stalls selling a wide range of crafts and vintage items. Plus the lovely vintage tearooms.So looking forward to seeing you there. 2011-3-22 20:21:26 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#84940 CYNOTYPE WORKSHOPLife can sometimes throw up unexpected routes on the road but that can be very rewarding. I had been booked on a Sketchbook workshop at Coexist arts in Westcliff Southend that is an artist run studio exhibition workshop space. I had actually done some preparation work and hoped it would spark off a new creative line of work for the New Year. Thought it slightly strange that hadnt had a formal list of things to bring but thought sketchbook and drawing materials should do the trick. So on Sunday morning I arrive at their workshops get let in and sit down in a room already full of people with an explanation going on. I know I was late but in fairness it was the buss fault. Buses always run early on time on Sunday mornings as there is no traffic. But on this particular Sunday they were late.So I am sitting in a room copying the notes from the nice girl next to me and it was only after 10 minutes of explanation more suited to an OLevel Chemistry class it dawnedo... 2011-1-18 21:42:47 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#84128 Twixmas is an ideal time to recharge from the creative hussle and bussle of the autumns busy craft fairs and competing commissions. I took advantage of my week off to visit 2 12 exhibitions in London.Future Beauty 30 Years of Japanese Fashion until 6th February at the Barbican Gallery was a truly mind opening opportunity to see the creativity and diversity of Japanese designers and how different from the Western way of designing and approaching fashion. We spent nearly three hours here examining the other worldly and yet often very wearable clothing. Designers such as Issey Miyake Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto redefined fashion with asymmetric deconstructed garments often in black which were a complete contrast to the bright and artificial couture of the west in the early 1980s. Garments could be made from flawed or aged fabrics representing the Japanese concept of WabiSabi that finds beauty in imperfection. Many designers collaborated with textile designers to develop their ... 2011-1-7 18:46:11 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#81998 Well last Saturday I was at another Craft Fair in Leigh this time the Vintage and Handmade Fair with over 70 stalls selling a mixture of handmade and vintage goods. It was a very buzzy atmosphere with plenty of customers. I even managed to get round and do a bit of Christmas shopping myself The Christmas pudding brooches were going down a treat with the carrot brooches still selling well. If you saw something and now regret not buying it please get in touch as I can arrange for collection delivery. Also I have one more event a new venture for me a Ladies Indulgence and Christmas Shopping Event at Westcliff Hotel next Thursday 9th December with over 30 stalls of gifts and treatments. Plus full licensed bar and bar food available. Hopefully the snow will have cleared by then.................Exciting for me also this week is that Occasion Boutique in the Ridgeway Chalkwell just along from Chalkwell Station has agree to take some of my work. So pop along and see my work in the windo... 2010-12-3 18:20:45 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#80587 HOMEMADE FAIR THIS SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBERAfter last weeks successful Made in Essex craft fair I am now getting ready for this Saturdays fair. It is also at the Leigh Community Centre in Elm Road and takes places from 10am to 3pm. There will be lots of different stalls with a wide variety of gifts to buy. The added bonus is that the Farmers market is downstairs as well so will be a great opportunity to buy local food direct from the producer.I will have a new selection of Christmas brooches plus new shapes and colours of the knitwear ideal for presents of to treat yourself. Look forward to seeing you there please come and say hello 2010-11-17 21:07:15 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#79910 MADE IN ESSEX CHRISTMAS FAIR SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 10AM TO 5PMThis week I am busy trying to get as many pieces as possible complete for this Saturdays fair. Should be a great day with lots of different stalls so a great opportunity to make a start on your Christmas shopping. All the stalls are of high quality crafts that are made by the stall holders no bought in goods allowed.Have got lots of new colours of my popular lambswool scarves and new infinity scarves some with beading.Plus winter and Christmas inspired brooches and keyrings. 2010-11-9 18:03:13 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#79573 ROCHFORD ART TRAILWell this week has been pretty busy. On Tuesday I once again went over to Rochford this time to take down my pieces that had been in the Art Trail. It had been a very good showcase for my work and apparently lots of people went round the visited the various venues. I know when I went round on Saturday afternoon there were quite a few people walking round as well.Thanks to Barbara and her staff at Ellis hairdressers for all their help in putting up the work promoting it and making sure no harm came to the work.This gives you a taster of my pure new wool scarves that made a colourful display in the window.If you visited the trail and are wanting to buy something please contact me on julietbrysonyahoo.co.uk or visit me at one of the craft fairs I am doing in the next couple of weeks details on where to see my work page.Anyway after a very tasty all day breakfast in one of the cafes it is down to the Rochford Adult College to help put up the Stitches Galore Exhibition... 2010-11-5 18:27:00 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#78294 Well this morning was all about setting up my work over at Rochford as part of their 2nd Art Trail. It does not start officially until Saturday 23rd October but it suited myself and Ellis Hairdressers where I am exhibiting to set up today. Barbara the owner was incredibly helpful and there is now a selection of work both in the window and inside. Please dont be embarrassed to go inside and see my work inside they dont mind at all and all the staff are very friendly. There are over 60 artists showing their work this year all in easy walking round Rochford which is full of lovely independent little shops. Maps are available from all the venues or alternatively from the website www.rochford.gov.ukarttrailIt runs until Sunday 31st October although obviously different businesses and shops have different opening times. 2010-10-19 15:48:21 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#77733 The Knitting And Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace aka Ally Pally is probably the biggest event on the Stitching calendar a four day feast of knitting embroidery lace making dressmaking and any other textile art and craft you can think of.The point of difference with this exhibition is whilst you can shop til you drop and your credit card or carrying capacity is exhausted you can equally spend the whole day looking at the exhibitions.This year the Embroiderers Guild had combined the Graduates Showcase Members work the bookshop and magazines Stitch and Embroidery all into one large stand. Plus they had Margaret Nicholsons visitor book for the Guild and work inspired by it.It did feel more cohesive but I found that the Graduates space felt squashed. Also it was great to see the Julia Capara retrospective somebody next to me said it is very colourful isnt it which summed it up fairly well. Was particularly interesting to see her early work that had been collected together especially.... 2010-10-12 18:17:22 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#76768 Although my first love is embroidery unfortunately life recently has meant I havent managed to do much recently. However this week I had an different request. Could I embroider a rugby shirt that had been signed by the English rugby captain and another squad member so that it could still be worn and washed.I said I would give it a go and I was able to do it without too many problems by using a small hoop and some washable magic film that meant the jersey fabric didnt stretch whilst sewing. And even if I say so myself I think it looks pretty good. Of course if the other 22 in the squad all want theirs done as well I might be changing my tune............... 2010-9-30 20:24:59 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#76412 VILLAGE GREENVillage Green is an free arts festival that is now in its 3rd year taking place in Chalkwell Park Southend and luckily only a five minute walk away. Last year they reckon 20000 people came to it and yesterday must have been easily more.I had one of the marketplace stalls and was busy all day with people buying brooches and scarfs. Saw lots of friends plus previous customers so it was a really good day although I didnt get a chance to see anything else that was going on. We have the sun on our backs most of the day but by 6pm I was very glad to pack up and stagger home.If you regret not buying something from me just email me or I will be doing lots of fairs in Leigh in November more details on my events page. 2010-9-26 13:36:08 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#75987 2010-9-21 12:54:28 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#75986 Thanks to everyone who came to see me at the Leigh Community Centre last Saturday. It was a very successful day with lots of brooches and pumpkins being sold as well as a few larger pieces. It was a busy and bustling with lots of people coming to see the 60 odd stalls showing more craft and vintage pieces. I had a welcome return to the Vintage tea room with a delicious cupcake.But dont worry if you regret not buying something from me last week they are holding the fair again on the 27th November and I hope to be a part of it.Also I will be at the Village Green event tomorrow in Chalkwell Park from 11am to 6pm although the event goes onto 10pm. More details of this event on www.metal.org.uk Alternatively you can always email me and we can sort out delivery of your chosen piece. 2010-9-21 12:49:11 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#75478 I realise it has been a while since I last blogged but I have been really busy getting ready for a busy autumn schedule of events.First is this Saturday at Leigh Community Centre the Leigh Handmade and Vintage Fair from 10am to 4pm. There will be even more stall than at the June event plus delicious vintage style tearoomSo come along and buy your new autumn wardrobe 2010-9-14 22:31:28 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#73357 FABRICATION BY BEV FOLKARD AT RAYLEIGHAfter a busy couple of weeks more of that later I found time to visit Rayleigh to view my stitching colleague Bev Folkards exhibition at Rayleigh Mill Arts and Events centre. The exhibiiton is in the foyer of the centre on the way to the very nice coffee shop. All the pieces are new to the venue and show the variety of Bevs work though the majority of them are stitched on paper which is her particular forte and love. I especially liked Amongst the Greenery with the beads threaded onto horizontal threads raised up from the base and Strata which just looked like you were peering through a crack in rock. Also liked Terre Verte with some lovely lines of machine stitching and flower. The exhibition is on until the 24th September and September is the month to visit Rayleigh as there is a large Arts Festival happening. Read more about Bevs work on her blog httpfibrereaction.blogspot.com 2010-8-21 12:57:58 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#72602 2010-8-11 19:02:34 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#72601 ESSEX ART AND DESIGN SHOW AT HYDE HALL 78TH AUGUST 2010Thank you to everyone who came and saw me at the Show at the RHS Hyde Hall gardens. Inspite of the wasps it was a most enjoyable weekend. The carrot brooches were an unexpected hit and if you are kicking yourself that you missed out on these or anything else please let me know through the contact form on the website or by emailing.These shows are also filled with temptations for the seller as well so I choose a pair of leaf earrings from Oak Leaf jewellery as a late birthday present.Now getting ready for the next fair which is on Saturday 18th September at Leigh Community Centre more details on the Where to see my work page. 2010-8-11 19:02:33 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#70175 It has been a busy couple of weeks so apologises for the lack of blogging lately. Everything always seem to happen in June and July so it has been case of trying to fit everything in.My sister and nephew came to visit from France and so in between playing ball and walking on the beach we also had some trips out.One was to Tropical Wings near South Woodam Ferras Essex which I love going to. As the name suggests it started as a butterfly and insect place but now has expanded greatly to include lots of other animals. There were less butterflies than Ive seen before maybe we were the wrong time of year but the ones we did see were as lovely as always. Also this one was very beatiful.There were also some very large goldfish. 2010-7-12 12:12:18 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#68820 Back in May I posted that I had done a Bitesized photography course at the Focal Point Gallery in Southend Library organized by Southend Adult Community College.After being instructed on the features of our cameras we were let loose in the library to take photos which were then uploaded onto the tutors computer. For each of us one photo was printed and is now on view at the colleges Ambleside site for a few weeks.It was interesting to see which photo was chosen and this is mine. 2010-6-25 15:28:55 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#68308 LEIGH ART TRAILWhereas I usually do the Art Trail all in one hit this year it has been more fragmented and actually more fun. Plus doing too much in one day usually leads to art fatigue so this way has been much better.Late night openings have been staggered this year so on Tuesday evening when the sun came out I toddled down to Old Leigh studios to view the work of Richard Baxter Kate Baxter and Shelia Appleton. Richard has expanded his range of ceramics this year with some wonderful new glaze colours. His use of porcelain clay means that they were wonderfully smooth with translucent colours including an acidy yellow and pale pink. If only I had the house and budget to buy them.Kate Baxter had taken a found photo of a Victorian tableaux and created ceramic images and portraits on plates to give new life to this group of people about who there are no further details.I love how Shelia Appleton can work equally well with oils or watercolours producing either evocative paintings of ma... 2010-6-18 19:09:48 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#67946 ART IN THE GARDENIt has been an arty weekend although viewing rather than making . On Sunday afternoon we went over to Horndon on the Hill to see the work of 5 artists. For a smallish garden they had a great variety of work displayed including photography machine embroidery potteryceramics and felt. These five artists meet every week in the summerhouse at the bottom of the garden to provide mutual support and inspiriation. We especially enjoyed the felt portraits and Jane Barry a fellow ERTF member with her machine embroidery pictures including some delicious looking cherries. Also some delicious coffee and walnut cake.LEIGH ART TRAILThis weekend has also been the start of the Leigh Art Trail kicking off on Friday with a private view at the Leigh Cliff studios with Tessa Bronwyn Tricia and Jo. It is always great to see what work they have been producing in the last year and to catch up talk to people and of course have a glass of wineOnly time for a quick look round on Sunday w... 2010-6-14 21:09:52 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#67127 Thank you to all of you that came to the Craft Fair at the Leigh Community Centre yesterday. Despite it being the hottest day of the year so far lots of people came round and there was a real buzz about the place. I realize it was probably not the most ideal day to be looking at knitwear but with the thunderstorms last night if you are regretting not buying it is not too late.Just email me with which piece you are interested in and we can arrange for you to see it again or for me to send it to you.As ever I can rework pieces in different colours or create something to your own specification. Just email via this website or via julietbrysonyahoo.co.ukI will also be showing at the new craft fair at RHS Garden Hyde Hall on the 5th and 6th of August more details on my Where to see my work page. 2010-6-6 12:54:16 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#66563 LAST WEEK BEFORE CRAFT FAIRWell it has been all go this week in order to get ready for the Leigh Craft Fair on this Saturday 5th June. Ive been experimenting with some new poncho and wrap shapes. New yarn Ive been using this year is mohair which makes a lovely but light wrap that will be perfect for summer evening events warm but still dressy. Ive also made one in a more glamorous ribbon yarn which will dress up a simple outfit.This is the mohair ponchowrap being blocked. Because they are fairly large pieces when stretched out Ive had to put this on my bedroom carpet and leave it for a couple of days to straighten. I recently bought some blocking wires and pins which make the job easier. You thread the wire through the edges of the knitting and the idea is that this eliminates the wavy edge problem you get if you just use pins to pin the work out. It means that I have pieces of work in every room of my home ironing board in the kitchen lounge with flowers due to be stitched up... 2010-5-31 11:26:09 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#65807 EXCURSIONS INTO PHOTOGRAPHY On Tuesday I had the afternoon off from knitting to attend a photography session. Southend Adult Communit College run free taster sessions in May obviously in the hope of attracting people to join up in September for longer courses.I went to a photography session as I thought it would be useful both for taking photos on things that inspire me and also to improve the quality of the photography of my pieces of work. The tutor Clarissa was very helpful and although I only have a fairly simple digital camera she actually explained in terms I could understand how to adjust the settings to suit different locations itemsdistance and light conditions. Then we were let loose round Southend Library to put these into practice. I was quite pleased with mine although not that many were of the books. They were then uploaded and one print from each of us will be on display at the Ambleside Drive centre from the end of June for a month. 2010-5-20 21:00:17 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#65286 The majority of my pieces have a machine knitted base which although obviously a lot quicker than hand knitting isnt the whole story. Working on a tension square working out the pattern and size beforehand all takes time. And then once the piece is cast off ends need to be woven in blocking and pressing and sewing up of seams has to be done. Then as many of my pieces require embellishment frills need to be attached fringing added labeling photographing and writing up the details and possibly the most important part of costing and pricing up.Taking part in craft fairs last autumn I realised that is not a good idea to leave these things to the last week so I have spent the last couple of weeks trying to finish off loads of part completed items. I am slowly working through the pile so that I am ready for the Leigh Craft Fair taking place on Saturday 5th June at the Leigh Community Centre.One advantage of hand finishing is that it is not so noisy as using the knitting machine so I can ... 2010-5-14 16:42:13 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#65014 Following the Knit One Stitch One exhibition by Bev Folkard and myself last autumn my friend Helen loved one of the shrugs on show but wanted a colourway which would complement a sleeveless dress which was black background with brownish flowers.Usually items are easier to make the second time around but this one did prove to be a bit more problematic as I had to use a different type of wool which didnt knit up exactly the same should have done a tension square plus as it was knitting using two yarns together to get a balance of colours was more tricky than I had expected.However Helen is very happy with her shrug and below are a couple of photos of her wearing it on top of her dress. 2010-5-11 09:53:09 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#64970 MATISSE ON MODERN MASTERS PROGRAMMEI know that TV is often accused of dumbing down but recently we have had some marvellously informative programmes here. The programmes about the solar system especially taught me more interesting things than science at school ever did.Anyway last night the work of Henri Matisse was the second of four artists covered in Modern Masters on BBC1. Alastiar Sooke who is a new presenter explored the way Matisse cast aside traditional representative painting to use a new fresh palette of vivid bright colours influenced by moving from the grey brown of Northern France to the sunshine and blue sea of Mediterrean France. Also from a textile point of view was the links between his work and textile manufacture. They showed a working lace machine which still operates in his home town which was producing really intricate lace for the designer market. Inspired me to do some more colour work especially mixing bright colours in my knitting so watch this space A... 2010-5-10 19:12:38 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#64542 I hadnt realised it had been quite so long since I blogged last as life and work seem to have been busy so I havent updated recently. So what have I been doing Well there was the EASTERN REGION TEXTILE FORUM conference on the 24th April in Chelmsford. This focused on the Fashion and Textiles industry with speakers talking about how high street retailers choose their colours and Middlesex University with their Fashion and Textiles courses. I particulary enjoyed hearing about the Fashion and Textile Museum in South London. This was set up by Zandra Rhodes but was taken over by Newham College a few years ago and now is a central part of their courses which focus largely on the practical skills required by the fashion industries. I have visited the Museum a couple of times and always really enjoyed their contemporary viewpoint on fashion and textiles and it was interesting to hear about their future plans and exhibitions. www.ftmlondon.org A feature of their conferences are the Me... 2010-5-4 19:20:54 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#62304 It is only as I look back on my last update that I realise it is so long since my last blog. So what have I been doing since thenDIVERSIONS INTO MACHINE QUILTINGOn Saturday I went round to my friend Helen for one of our regular art sewing sessions where we hopefully get some sewing or art work as well as eating Hot Cross Buns. She had a new gadget a teflon mat which when placed on your sewing machine bed is meant to make free machine quilting easier. So I had a play as well and it definitely made it smoother and able to more in all directions freely. After getting into my stride with how fast to press the pedal I was fairly pleased with the result. Curves were easier than straight lines and the leaves at the top of the second photo are my favourite. 2010-4-6 10:59:33 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#58541 All the cold weather and Valentines Day recently has reminded me of the Eastern Regional Textile Forum ERTF visit to the Chelmsford Museums store last February. Although it wasnt snowing at the time it was absolutely freezing in the store and we spent all of the time in our coats but it was a very interesting visit. We were looking at love tokens with a view to then creating our own. Gloves were a theme that came up frequently as they are a symbol of loyalty and purity. So I combined this with the pattern on a crossstitched bookmark which spelt out Forget me not. I then created a punchcard for the knitting machine. Of course the first time I knitting it the writing came out in reverse one of those mistakes that seems really silly in retrospect. They are fingerless gloves with a thumb section which was a challenge to figure out how to do and with my trade mark ruffles round the top and bottom. However the long floats on the reverse side of the knitting would mean that getting them on y... 2010-2-16 10:33:44 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#56242 SNOW SNOW AND MORE SNOWIt seems a long time since I posted anything on my blog. Before I was too busy buying presents then had a complete break over the holiday although thanks to all the knitting books and magazines I received spent lots of time reading about knitting. Then I had all good intentions to start the new year raring to go with new ideas of designs and where to sell them. However the snow has delayed my getting down to anything very creative as I ended up working extra hours at my other parttime job. Due to illness holiday and the fact that I lived closer to work than other people I did 4 12 days last week. So only this week have I been able to get down to anything creative. But have had quite a successful day making a long length sleeveless waistcoat in a blue mix yarn that an EG friend gave me as she is clearing out her loft. I didnt take into account that the weight of yarn has made it longer than originally intended but it wont matter to me and managed to knit the back... 2010-1-15 17:10:21 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#53784 Thanks to everyone that came along and supported me at the two recent craft fairs held in LeighonSea. It was nice to see so many of you including lots of people that I hadnt seen for years. Although held in the same venue I had tables in two totally different locations which necessitated thinking on feet to get my textiles shown to the best advantage.If you are now regretting now having bought something from me dont panic it is not too late. I may have what you want still in stock or I can knit to order and then can arrange postage and payment.Either go through the mail section on the website or direct to julietbrysonyahoo.co.uk 2009-12-1 20:57:49 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#53382 I will be exhibiting at this Craft Fair at the Leigh Community Centre this Saturday 28th November from 10am to 5pm. Lots of art and crafts at all prices available free entry. Look forward to seeing you there 2009-11-25 16:24:10 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#52905 SUCCESSFUL ROCHFORD ART TRAIL It was back over to Rochford Hospital to take down my exhibits on Sunday at the end of the Rochford Art Trail. Luckily the rain and wind had abated so we managed to get it into the car without getting wet. This was in contrast to Friday when four of us walked round the Trail. We had some very heavy downpours and the car park had some major puddles to try and avoid. However we did get round all the venues and enjoyed the variety of art and sculpture on show and in the variety of locations. If you did like any of my exhibits and wish to buy please get in contact. Ive already had one person wishing to purchase a scarf which was very nice and so I dropped it round to his studio yesterday. Alternatively I will be at the Handmade Craft Fair at Leigh Community Centre this Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm so will have all my work for sale then so drop in and say hello. There will also be the Farmers Market downstairs so plenty to see and lots of goodies to ... 2009-11-19 21:08:04 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#52165 The Rochford Art Trail is now officially open. I attended the opening at the Library yesterday where we had a chance to meet some of the other artists and organisers. Nice to be able to hear about other artists experiences network etc. It is on until this Friday with art displayed in various cafes shops offices etc around Rochford. Leaflets will be available in the Library. Beverleys work is in Barclays Bank which has scaffolding all around at the moment but is open weekdays. Should be a pretty secure location If you are walking round the trail the hospital location that I am at is accessible via Union Lane for pedestrians just follow the signs for the Main Reception building. There is a large painting by Tessa Frampton in the lobby then past the reception cafe to the corridor where my work is with some sculpture by local students. It is the first Art Trail they have had but the feeling at the launch yesterday was that hopefully it will become an annual event. Rochford i... 2009-11-8 15:12:04 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#52009 Today it was back to Rochford but this time the hospital site to set up my pieces for the first ever Rochford Art Trail. It is smaller than the exhibition at the College but it is in rather a nice location of an all glass corridor which has alcoves and raised sections. Also the display is different as have used mannequins rather than hangers so they took a bit of arranging and draping to get a setup we were happy with. Managed to put more pieces up than I thought as we used the bars on the corridor as well. Also there are some sculpture pieces and a large painting by Tessa Frampton in the foyer. Although it is a bit of a distance from the other locations in the centre of Rochford hopefully it is not too far for people to come and look and was pleased by the response of the staff just as we were setting up.The hospital is located on the Ashingdon Road just past the primary school. There are barriers to the car park but if you just press the buzzer they open. Open from 10am to 6pm eve... 2009-11-5 15:02:01 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#51744 All too quickly the six weeks has passed that mine and Beverleys exhibition Knit One Stitch One has been on display at Rochford Adult Community College. So Tuesday was spent taking down the exhibiton. It was a lot quicker than the putting up but still took a while as the hangers had been wired to the nails and so had to be prised apart with pliers. There were some nice comments in the visitors books and the college were happy with the display so a successful exhibition. Thank you to everyone that made the effort to visit. If you are interested in any of the items displayedyou havent missed your chance so please get in touch with me via the website.The exhibition has led to other opportunities and so both Beverley and I shall be exhibiting as part of the first Rochford Art Trail which starts next Saturday 7th November and lasts a week. I am exhibiting at Rochford Hospital and shall be putting more details up about it in the blog this week. 2009-11-1 15:00:14 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#51335 Had a nice day out over at Rayleigh at their Arts Festival and also checking out the Made in Essex art fair at the Mill Hall. The damp weather put a bit of a downer on proceedings but their were a number of different activities going on.As I am doing the Made in Essex fair at Leigh Community Centre on Saturday 28th November I thought it would be a good opportunity to check out the stalls layout etc and do some networking. Bought some cards and had a good lunch so a nice dayEscaped before the brass band started playing as I thought that might be a bit loud in a confined space 2009-10-25 12:45:13 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#51052 LAST WEEK FOR EXHIBITION AT ROCHFORD PLUS NEWS ON ROCHFORD ART TRAIL Well this time next week Knit One Stitch One will be coming down at Rochford Adult Learning Centre so this is your last chance to view The college is open weekday daytime plus Monday to Thursday evenings so plenty of time to view. Further details have been posted earlier in this blog or look at my exhibitions page. If you see something there you would like to purchase please enquire at the front desk. If you like something that has already been sold usually I can make a duplicate. Also I can work to commission changing colour size or something completely new for you. The good news is that I have been accepted to the Rochford Art Trail which starts on 7th November. It looks like I am going to be in the Rochford Hospital along with some scultpture. More information will be posted later and there is also some news on the Castle Point government site. 2009-10-20 21:16:41 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#50195 LEIGH ART TRAIL APPLICATION Disappointment arrived in the post today with a letter to say I had been unsuccessful in my application for the Leigh Art Trail for next June. As it was my first attempt and there were a lot of other applications I wasnt hopeful but it was still a bit of a let down. In the letter they say we would like to invite you to reapply in the future. It is like any job application in not knowing what went wrong and whether you were slightly off the mark or miles away. Anyway to happier prospects it is off to Alexandra Palace for the Knitting and Stitching Show a major highlight of the stitching world year and extreme retail therapy opportunity. Havent seen much on what exhibitions to expect but sure it will be good. 2009-10-7 21:14:39 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#49857 Having spent ages uploading the photo of the stolen shrug when I went to view I realised it is a tad on the large size for some screens.So hopefully this is a better size for viewing. 2009-10-2 11:48:58 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#49854 STOLEN SHRUGAs mentioned in the previous blog entry one of my knitted pieces was stolen from the Knit One Stitch One exhibition at the Rochford Adult Learning College.It still has not been returned as here is a photo of it and as it is totally unique if you see somebody wearing it or trying to sell it please feel free to ask them where they got it from or report it to me. It did have my label in it but that may have been taken out. 2009-10-2 10:31:56 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#49385 2009-9-25 09:33:06 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#49384 Well our exhibition Knit One Stitch One has now been up for a couple of weeks and is being well received by the staff students and visitors of Rochford Adult Learning College.The good news is that I have sold one piece a brightly coloured devoree velvet scarf which the buyer wanted to coordinate with a bright yellow jacket she owns. The velvet scarves were created on a textile holiday at West Dean College which is a fabulous place to learn improve your skills in a wide range of subjects. It is located near Chichester in a lovely house and gardens and my room when I stayed just made me think I was in a Jane Austen story.The good news is that someone liked one of my shrugs on display at Rochford very much. However the bad news is that is they were not prepared to pay for it and took it. The college are going to leave a coathanger and notice where it was hanging in the hope that it is returned but I dont hold out much hope. So I will be keeping an eye out for it and checking on ebay as w... 2009-9-25 09:32:11 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#48760 Very exciting post today as my new yarns arrived from Metropolitan Knitting for the new Autumn Winter collection. Now have to start experimenting with the new colours. 2009-9-15 12:17:11 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#48404 With all the preparations for the Exhibition my knitting machine a Knitmaster 321 punchcard has been sitting idle. So this morning I thought I would experiment with tuck stitch to see what different effects I could produce. A scallop hem scallop edge and frill were produced with few problems and for which I can definitely see uses for in the future. They need to be pressed and then hopefully pictures can appear on the blog. Most thrilling was making a fringe by machine. Although not as full as the hand worked I have used before they are definitely quicker as a hand knotted fringe can take me for ever well at least a couple of hours. Also the tuck stitch produced with a honeycomb effect definitely has possibilities especially for producing a range of scarfs in my new colour range. My week divides into three days working in a shop which pays the big bills and then the remaining days at home creating and producing my knitwear. Over the summer I have been very good and even when the sun h... 2009-9-8 20:24:52 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#48254 KNIT ONE STITCH ONE SET UP AND NOW OPEN Our exhibition Knit One Stitch One is now open for visiting for details see the poster below. There may be some Saturday openings later in September and October but this is dependent on the classes that the College runs so please check with them direct on 01702 544900. It is free but you will need to sign in at the desk for health and safety reasons. The setting up morning went well although involved a lot of walking around as the exhibition is located in three corridors around a quadrangle. The exhibition is mixed up with mine and Beverleys work and although we didnt work together creatively various of our pieces did coordinate well see her blog at httpfibrereaction.blogspot.com for a photo. Some photos of my pieces will be appearing here at a later date. Whilst we were there we heard about another possible exhibiting opportunity and now it is back to the knitting and creating a new collection in time for the Made in Essex selling show on... 2009-9-6 12:33:35 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#47539 When Beverley suggested doing a joint exhibition back in the spring September seemed a long time away. But now DDay or should that be EDay is next Tuesday. So the last couple of weeks I have been frantically trying to finish as many pieces as possible pressing pieces sewing on labels etc. These are always the things that take far longer than you imagine. Plus trying to finish writing Artists Statements and getting my CV together and being happy with it. As well as my finished pieces I also want to put up some samples and storyboards so visitors can see some of the creative process and my inspiration. So they will have be dug out of the portfolio and checked over and decisions made on how to hang them. We have also been sending out more press notices and releases and so are in Hot Hive Textiles used to be called the Textile Directory as well as Workbox magazine and the Embroiderers Guild website. Slightly worried about visitors coming from miles away and being disappointed but I... 2009-8-25 20:46:57 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#47515 2009-8-25 15:44:34 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#45596 ART IN ACTION OXFORDSHIRE 1619 JULY 2009 Art in Action is one of the longest running art and craft festivals in the UK and regularly has a lot of press attention so I was delighted to finally get a chance to visit thanks to my aunt and uncle who live nearby inviting me to stay. How Art in Action is different is that artists set up their studios and work so you can see how they work and chat to them about their creative process in a way that you dont often get. Also the selection process is apparently very tough and there are top notch artists from all over the country and overseas. There was so much to see that I didnt get round everything but particularly interesting was the glassblowing demonstrations by EampM Glass and the Calligraphy demonstrations. Not surprisingly I spent a long time in the Textiles tent where there was a wide variety of techniques on display although no knitting. We were hampered slightly by the fact we had 3 thunderstorms on the day and before long th... 2009-7-26 12:39:19 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#44745 Had a great day today in Bedford at our EG regional day nice location in a girls school with lots of different exhibits and traders. Enjoyed seeing the lace from the Bedford Museums collection and also the holiday postcards by the Young Embroiders. Great selection of traders but actually managed not to spend any money despite all the temptations. Very interesting lectures in the morning by Phillipa Turnball www.crewelwork.com speaking her research in castles and country houses with some interesting pointers on how to go about researching a subject and how it is the new rich throughout history who have spent money on commisioning new homes and the interiors and textiles to fill them. Then in the afternoon Maggie Grey httpmagstitch.blogspot.com with an entertaining look at her work and others titled Stitches Straps and Layers with ways to create texture and layered effects.Interested byher comments about how she likes to work ideas through in sketchbook form but how they dont necessa... 2009-7-11 22:15:58 http://www.julietbryson.co.uk/page2.htm#44649 Today visited two exhibitions in London with my friend Helen. The first Creation II at Goldsmiths Hall in Foster Lane. The work of 13 contemporary jewellers was on display with some gorgeous work. But what was fascinating were the 3 minute films on each where they descriped and illustrated their inspiration and you got a insight into their working practice and studio space. Especially interesting was the work of Kamilla Ruberg with her kinetic moving pieces and Catherine Martin who after studying in Japan for 4 years the techniques of Japanese kumihimo braiding then has adapted these techniques into metal. Exhibition closes on Saturday 11th July but well worth keeping an eye out for other exhibitions at this venue. www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk Then onto Islington and Highbury to the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art and Workshop Missoni Daring to be Different an exhibition specially curated for this location. Missoni is a family run Italian knitwear fashiuon and now in... 2009-7-6 08:27:39