Over the last four years, I've developed my design process for embroidery, but I hadn't spent enough time just drawing and designing.
I loved Art at school, really loved it, it was one of my favourite subjects, I even chose to take it for A level. However once I left school, I got caught up studying for exams, working and looking after my family, and I found that I never made time for drawing and painting like I used to. It just never seemed important to make time for it. Taking my C&G course made me remember, just how much I loved Art, yet still I didn't really take time for drawing and designing, I simply would sketch out an idea and start to stitch.
The course took me in all sorts of directions, and because of it, one day I had the pleasure of meeting Diana Springall. She showed me some of her amazing collection, which was truly inspiring. However, the most important thing I took away was that she couldn't emphasize enough the importance of drawing before starting stitching. It really made sense to me. When you draw and paint, you really have to look at your subject and take in all its details. So by doing this before you stitch you will be learning so much about your subject matter, whether it be a person, animal, flower, landscape or even a tea cup!
I have made a resolution to make sure that I draw. Whatever I stitch I need to do a drawing of it first, I don't have to show it to anyone, just draw it. I also decided I need to draw, even if it's not something I'm planning on stitching. It trains you to see more, but also, it's fun and a great way to relax.
So I found an A5 sketchbook and my pencils and have left it on my desk, so that it reminds me to use it. I also has the advantage of being easily accessible, so that I don't need to keep getting it out and putting it away!
Not only did I want to spend more time drawing and designing, I wanted to carry on learning. Part of this is learning more about fabric dyeing. Read about my first attempt at natural dyeing here: Dyeing with Madder (claireharveyembroidery.com)