Revealed! Our Stitched Selfies

After a super-efficient Zoom AGM on Saturday morning, which covered all the branch business in what must have been record time, we had fun in the afternoon looking at the fabulous stitched 'selfies' created by members.

Again on Zoom, Nicky Barfoot, the textile artist who supplied the inspiration and instructions for the project, joined us for a show-and-tell session.  

It was fascinating to see how members had interpreted their portraits in stitch - we all know that the way people see themselves is often different from how others see them. Nicky had very helpful comments for anyone who wanted a bit more guidance, especially with stitching eyes and 'ageing' faces.

  

Diane used calico as her base, and free motion embroidery.  The hair was cotton embroidery thread, and she used Inktense pencils to add colour and detail. Diane thought it was a great project.

Wendy said, "I couldn’t find a photo of myself that I liked so I found one of someone I don’t like!  I had great fun doing this (I know it’s silly).  I’ll call it a stitched caricature ...  I used embroidery and applique and really enjoyed using coloured pencils on fabric for the first time.”

Margherita had fun using some funky yarn for her hair. She says she found the project really enjoyable and will probably do another one.

Sue thought “the worst part was taking the selfie!” and so her granddaughter gave her some advice.

In her second selfie, the hair is created using blue patterned fabric.

Ruth's two selfies are very striking - and different, and make use of patterned backgrounds:

 

Julia chose a selfie taken by her daughter at a Hallowe'en party: 

Julia says: "I interpreted the photo by stitching on a base fabric of calico. The white side is stitched onto cotton organdie which was cut back. I used tea for her colouring but it unfortunately caused the thread to bleed in places into the organdie, but not the calico. Her hair is coloured with watercolour paints. The background is appliqued and stitched to remind her of the Day of the Dead Festival she went to when living and travelling in Mexico.

Shay's selfie is a really accurate interpretation, and it also makes great use of a colourful background:

Last, but certainly not least, Gill did her own selfie:

and one of her dog, Tommi (not strictly speaking a selfie!):

Gill is our very talented Programme Secretary, and our thanks go to her for organising this super project with Nicky and the very enjoyable Show and Tell session.