I’m writing this on and off between visitors, as our home is
open for five whole days (!) as part
of the Ilkley Art Trail.
Sort of a cross between an art trail and open studios, perhaps – with some
artists and makers in town centre venues and others in their homes and work
spaces.
This house usually looks a bit gallery-ish anyway – the
walls are all white to show off the treasures we’ve collected over the years
from other artists/makers. But it’s a bit strange living surrounded by our own
efforts – not quite so relaxing, I find!
Week days in October were always going to be fairly quiet,
but we’ve already had quite a few people round so we’re practised and ready for
the weekend crowds (if only…).
I suppose we miss out on casual drop-ins, but the plus is
that those who do come and see us tend to be really interested, they’ve often
researched which artists appeal to them. And being outside the town centre does mean it's
easy to park right outside.
The variety here is huge, because it’s not just my textile
art. There’s also John’s stunning turned wood boxes with clever inlay patterns
and surprise details inside and out.
As well as wall art (framed and unframed), I’ve got my range
of thread bowls, bookmarks and lots of jewellery.
There’s Mistletoe neckpieces and pins ready for Christmas
(sorry!) parties, delicate Bloom brooches, and my new linen crochet pendants on
show for the first time.
I’ve even made cards for once, all with actual pieces of
“embroidery” (in the loosest sense!) not prints.
The poor tortured Bernina doesn’t get a break, just a change
of scene. It’s down on the dining table stitching bookmarks and weird samples,
and ready to demo FME if anyone’s interested (or baffled by my explanations).
So if you’re free this weekend, and in reach of Ilkley,
please come and see us! You can download the full Trail
programme online (or pick up a paper one in town) and there’s even a cool interactive map.
