Padding...

Lil Pixie left a comment here asking what padding was.  According to Wikpedia

Padding is thin cushioned material sometimes added to clothes. It is often done in an attempt to soften impacts on certain zones of the body or enhance appearance by 'improving' a physical feature.

But in these samples it was to emphasize the shapes, in the first 3 samples instead of using wadding between the top and bottom layers of fabric as is usual in quilting I tried loose threads and wool tops.

Hope this has been of help.

Degree update

If you are interested in seeing what I have been up to over the past few months with my latest work for Textiles 1: Exploring Ideas have a look here.  Click in the side bar.

Happy Christmas ....

and best wishes for a creative New Year.

I Passed...

I got my C & G certificate in the post from Sian today.  So I have officially passed Level 3 Certificate in Design and Craft - Stitched Textiles (Embroidery).

I'm slowly getting back in to studying but had to put back sending in my 1st assignment for OCA textiles until the end of January.

Thank You

Thanks to everyone who left a comment on my last post the kind thoughts where very much appreciated at what has been a very difficult time for me.

My brother and I laid my Mum to rest with my Dad on Thursday.  I know in my head that she is out of pain and at rest but there is such a large hole left in my life.

I don't have the enthusiasm to get back to my studies just yet but I know Mum wouldn't want me to give up on them.

Sad news...

My beloved Mum passed away this morning.

1926-2010

The Dr's managed to treat the pneumonia but she had COPD and her lungs just gave up.    I know it  was a final journey she had to make but it was so hard for me.  I didn't want her to be alone so I stayed with her and she went peacefully.  God Bless Mum my best friend.

Textile Degree

If you've been following my other blog over the past few years you will know I have been studying with the Open College of Arts

The OCA was recently confirmed as an approved degree provider by Student Finance England, SF Northern Ireland and hopefully SF Wales so now degree student on low incomes may qualify for Government funding.

As I got funding for my OU course I am pretty sure I qualify so early in September I applied.  I got an email to say I would be officially enrolled on my degree course on 1st October and I should receive my 1st Module in the next week or two.

I am now officially a part time undergraduate studying for a degree in Textiles (when it is validated by their accrediting University).
Alongside the Textiles 1: A Creative Approach for which I received an A 76% I am planning to study

• Textiles 1: Exploring Ideas
• Understanding Art 1: Western Art
• Textiles 2: Developing Creative Textiles
• Textiles 2: Finding Your Style (should be ready by the time I need to do it)
• Textiles 3: Advanced
• Textiles 3: Your Own Portfolio

I hope anyone that is interested in joining me on my journey will follow my blog at OCA Creative Arts Journey