I have had an old sketchbook from 2011 out this week, an early one in my collection. I’m interested in this particular sketchbook because it documents my trip to Limoux, France in the summer of 2011. I’m leaving tomorrow to return to Limoux for two weeks for more sketching. It will be interesting to compare how both my actual sketching and my approach to sketchbooks have evolved. I like the documentary quality of this one with its maps and memorabilia–but I do hope I’ll see an improvement in actual quality of the sketching. We’ll see…hope to post from my ipad when I am there.
I’ve also started to sew clothing again. I discovered Grainline patterns which are simple and well-fitting. I bought the pattern for the Willow dress which I plan to make from blue striped fabric I got at the Textile Museum sale. But I tried the pattern out first as a top in a linen/cotton blend and I am delighted with it. It’s already in my suitcase ready for France.
I like hooking best with a general idea, but not a pattern. I draw as I go. First the text, then the bird. Once they were done, I added the border idea and the coloured circles. I’m thinking of a row of hearts along the bottom and, of course, the date of arrival. And probably a couple of dark rows along the outside border to tie in with the text and ground the mat. It is playing with colour that I enjoy the most, both the variations of the solid yellow and red and the complimentary colours in the circles, each circle its own little creation.
