Butterflies all around ...

Heather Everitt's talk provided a fascinating look into her life as a textile artist/maker with all its highs - such as getting her work accepted by Liberty's store in London - and lows - the very long hours that go into creating a body of work for exhibitions.

So, we were delighted that Heather agreed to make the long journey from Devon to Leamington to give us the benefit of her expertise in a workshop to create a stitched butterfly panel.

These are some from Heather's collection - which are even more stunning in the 'flesh'!  
  

Thankfully, we were provided with a template and very clear instructions by Heather on how to approach the layering and appliqué techniques used to make our butterflies.  Choice of fabrics and colours - as always involving much deliberation - meant that each butterfly was a very individual creation.  

  

 

 Then machine stitching personalised them still further.

This is Heather with Heidi, her stalwart vintage Bernina

It was a really well organised and enjoyable day, and both newcomers and more experienced embroiderers felt we had spent a very worthwhile few hours learning a technique that will surely prove to be very useful and adaptable.