Friday, 24 January 2014

Grow Your Blog Party 2014!


Hello and welcome to Adventures in Thread!  I am so pleased to be part of the Grow your Blog Party  kindly hosted by Vicki at 2 Bags Full.

My name is Jules and I'm a textile artist. I live near Bristol in south west England with my partner Andy,  and a time share cat called Oskie. She really lives next door, but likes to visit us frequently when our neighbours are at work, for snoozing and fuss. She now has a 'daybed'  here and strolls back home when she's ready!
You will probably gather from this that we are rather big softies when it comes to our furry friends!

Oskie enjoys the creative process, especially sitting on my drawing board!
 So why Adventures in Thread?
I started blogging six years ago. Feeling very isolated, I was thrilled to find there were like minded, creative people all over the world who I could talk to through blogging. I hope to make some new friends through this party!

All my life I've loved to draw, stitch and make things. I get a real buzz from designing and creating unique items.  I had some major life changes several years ago and started out on a big adventure - in a new location and new way of living.  Embroidery has always been part of my world since I was very young, and I love stitching by hand. I also often use a 1939 hand Singer sewing machine which I'm lucky to have inherited as a family heirloom.

 

Textile thread is very important -  but 'Thread' also stands for the constantly unraveling thread of my creative journey!

In 2008 I took a sabbatical from my former career and we had a wonderful trip to New Zealand and Singapore, where I came across art dolls for the first time. I set about finding everything I could about them. Since then I've made quite a few, and  have recently begun creating one of a kind animal characters.  You can see many of my creations here on my Flikr stream, or by using the link in the sidebar. I'm graduating to a much more folk art style, and hopefully, finding my niche at last! Being creative is so important to me and I firmly believe that it can do wonders for  health and well being. This is a little taster of what you may find here....

Nature inspired....
sometimes whimsical...
very often away with the fairies.....
 dreaming of times past......


and very importantly - lots of Fun!
I really enjoy helping people to start stitching and creating, and I teach a weekly stitchery class locally.  I also get to design the embroidery projects, which is great fun!

Nature, wildlife and animals are lifelong loves; the natural world inspires me every day.We have a small wildlife garden, and I spend as much time as I can out and about in our local countryside, often with my trusty camera and sketchbook.

Although we live near a big city there's plenty of nature close by

Our garden visitors are always hungry!
As history is another passion of mine we're really lucky to have some amazing historic houses and gardens literally, on our doorstep -

C18th Kings Weston House and Estate - just down  the road!
 Victorian Gothic - Beautiful Tyntesfield House and Estate -  a few miles away
 Well, I hope you've enjoyed your visit, please come again soon! To say thank you for coming  - and as it is my 6 year blog anniversary this month, I am having a little mystery giveaway! No clues - but it will be something designed and made by me. If you would like to enter, then please just leave a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen by random generator and announced here on 15th February.

If you're not a Google +  blogger and want to contact me directly, please  do use  my gmail address, which is in the sidebar under my profile.

Enjoy the Party!x

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55 comments:

  1. Createology25 January 2014 at 05:41

    Happy 6 year Blogiversary! I am fairly new to following and it is wonderful to see more of your works of art that you have shared here. Your 1939 Singer Family Heirloom is beautiful. I look forward to many more visits. Happy Blog Growing and Creative Blessings...

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  2. margaret25 January 2014 at 07:37

    I am so enjoying seeing all these grow your blog posts, I feel I now know those who I follow so much better, Wow you have been blogging for a while, well done on reaching your 6 years.

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  3. Elizabeth Braun25 January 2014 at 09:28

    I agree with Margaret! I'm learning about people I've 'known' on-blog for quite some time.=)

    Love the pussie!=)

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  4. Rambling Prose25 January 2014 at 10:17

    Hi Jules, I thought I already was a follower of your blog, but don't seem to be. I know I read your posts...must be when I see them on fb. I'll click the follow button now.

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  5. Rachel25 January 2014 at 10:25

    Oodles of inspiration on your doorstep - looking forward to seeing what you do next!

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  6. Stitching Lady25 January 2014 at 11:40

    Hi Jules, nice to get to know a little of your life. I love your dear little stitcheries. And how much I love the photos of English manor houses. I lived in one for a year several "hundred" years ago, haha.

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  7. Sowing Stitches25 January 2014 at 14:50

    Good Morning! I am a new happy follower!

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  8. Shirley25 January 2014 at 15:54

    Hi Jules, Welcome to the blog party, I am volunteering for Vicki this morning. I have enjoyed reading your blog this morning. I love hand embroidery also. I will be coming back to visit you often as blog land is my way of traveling seeing new places and reading about other peoples adventures. Have fun at the party. Shirley@shirleystitches

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  9. Starr White25 January 2014 at 16:11

    Embroidery, art, nature, beautiful English manor houses…..so many of my favorite things on your blog to enjoy! And a sweet friend to boot :)

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  10. Donna Heber25 January 2014 at 16:19

    Hi Jules,

    I'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog party. It is nice to meet you. I see you have a friend who assists you with creating :-) I plan to look around a bit more and then be on my way to visit the others. I do hope you will stop by for a visit and enter my giveaway. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs – Donna

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  11. https://tastytextiles.blogspot.com/25 January 2014 at 17:37

    Hello from a fellow blogger in the South West, and I hope we enjoy sharing stitch ideas, Gilli, Tasty Textiles

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  12. Shroo25 January 2014 at 19:04

    Such a lovely blog- I love your views of nature, and SO impressed by the way you manipulate textiles in such an original and beautiful way. Joining you here (from NW UK) via 'Grow Your Blog' - so glad I found you. Best wishes - Shroo:)x
    http://artyshroo.blogspot.co.uk/

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  13. Bird25 January 2014 at 19:45

    Okay Jules, I'm hooked! I love your blog and your stitchery. I would love to learn to do even a bit of what you are able to do. I have stitched from time to time but nothing beautiful like you have done. The scenery you have around you is gorgeous. I can't imagine what it would be like to have that just down the street from me or in the next town over. Wow. It's so good to have met you through the Grow your blog party that Vicki is hosting. I hope to get to know you better and thank you for visiting with me this morning. Hugs and blessings, Bird

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  14. Yarni Gras!25 January 2014 at 21:36

    What a lovely blog. I adore your art dolls!

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  15. Elizabeth Edwards26 January 2014 at 02:25

    who doesn't love a mystery. happy weekend. hi there. i'm Beth from E. Lizard Breath Speaks - so nice to meet you through the Grow Your Blog get together/party. ( :

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  16. A Polymer Penchant26 January 2014 at 05:16

    Hi Jules! What fun that when I started reading your post my own black kitty was making herself comfy on my lap and on top of the laptop! Your part time kitty sounds like one I had accidentally growing up. Now I have three full timers! What beautiful work you do, naturally the black kitty in the sidebar caught my eye - what a sweetie! Happy six years of blogging - wow!

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  17. Wendy26 January 2014 at 05:58

    Your work is very pretty...if I had places like those so close to me I would never get anything done as I would always be over there trying to explore the grounds and such...just beautiful...

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  18. Gilly Tee26 January 2014 at 11:02

    Hi Jules. Your living in a part of the world I know very well and love very much. Looking forward to reading your blog and seeing some more of your great work. Thank you for popping over to see me.
    Gillx

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  19. Claire26 January 2014 at 12:12

    Oooh, intrigue... a mystery giveaway - how exciting!
    And thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a lovely comment :)
    I'm now a follower, so I'll be back again - but I'm still catching up from the GYB party...
    Lovely to find you, Jules x

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  20. Sheila26 January 2014 at 14:43

    Greetings from Nova Scotia , so nice to meet you in this little blog party. What a great way to meet other creative people . I have really enjoyed my visit and you are obviously very talented . I will be back .

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  21. Mascha26 January 2014 at 16:25

    You have a lovely blog, that enjoed my soul... I'm you new follower.
    By the way, I had sometimes neighbors cats with a daybed here, but then came a black homeless cat and she lives here now, everyone else has sells...
    Have a nice and creative new week

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  22. Anonymous26 January 2014 at 17:02

    Hi Jules,
    many greetings from Singapore and I came via the blog hop.. love your blog and have joined you via GFC.. :D
    hope to read more of your post soon.. have a great day ahead.

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  23. LesleyAnn26 January 2014 at 23:40

    Thank you for stopping by Plum Hollow!

    I LOVE your blog! Your photos are beautiful. And as you already know, I love the birds. :-)

    The mystery giveaway is exciting. I'm a follower.

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  24. Anonymous27 January 2014 at 00:46

    JULES!!!! OMGosh... I thought you were lost forever! I am so tickled that you found me and to have you back in my blogging sisterhood circle! You have been missed! :D Love the new blog and will spend some time later poking around and catching up. Where did you find that little sewing mouse on your sidebar?!!! Too cute! Hope you've been well and lets be careful not to lose one another again, lol!!!
    Hugs my dear friend,
    Beth P

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  25. A Scattering27 January 2014 at 01:13

    Hi Jules - Wow, your work in different media is wonderful. Sir Harrington cuts quite a dashing figure!

    Thanks for visiting my blog via GYB yesterday. Cheers from Canada! Elaine

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  26. kathyinozarks27 January 2014 at 01:36

    so glad to have met you through the party, I think it's awesome that you are softies for the furry critters. Love your work. If you get the chance please stop by for my giveaway too-Kathy who lives very rural in Missouri

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  27. Emily C27 January 2014 at 02:11

    Hello. I am very curious about your surprise. I love surprises.

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  28. DebraKay Neiman27 January 2014 at 03:57

    New Follower. I am having fun finding new bloggers to follow...love sewing and quilting. Greetings from Oklahoma, USA. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

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  29. Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore27 January 2014 at 08:00

    I love the photos of the castles. We don't have any old buildings like that in New Zealand. I hope to make it to England one day.

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  30. Jill27 January 2014 at 13:00

    Hi Jules, I frond you through GYB, thanks for commenting on my blog. Your blog is lovely, I especially love your nature inspired work. I'm following through Bloglovin and looking forward to further reads

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  31. Gill27 January 2014 at 14:44

    Hi Jules
    Good to meet you - I'm not faraway from you in Gloucester!!
    Your lovely phoot reminds me that I'd love to visit Tyntesfield soon!

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  32. Andy LW27 January 2014 at 22:44

    Jules - your photos are really amazing - especially the birds. I love them. Congratulations on 6 years blogging.

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  33. cathy @ma vie trouvee28 January 2014 at 00:01

    oh a mystery give away - how fun. Happy 6th! I love those houses in "your neighborhood" - makes me miss living in europe!! What a fun blog you have!

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  34. Roses, Lace and Brocante28 January 2014 at 10:00

    hello Jules
    it's lovely to meet you here!
    i loved reading all about you and the creative things you do.
    Those framed quilts are exquisite - little works of art - I would be very proud of those.

    There is so much to take in and I want to have a leisurely wander through your blog so I'll be back when the party winds down!

    I'm following you via email on Feedburner.
    A surprise giveaway - that's exciting!

    I would love you to come over and meet me and enter my Giveaway - a vintage fabric and lace collage.
    I'll be back to see you when the party finishes - have fun and enjoy the party!
    Hugs
    Shane

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  35. Shirlee Fassell28 January 2014 at 13:41

    Congrats on your 6th anniversary. I am a late arriver from the GYBParty. Love your blog...love visiting the UK. Had a great time at the party!

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  36. Christine28 January 2014 at 16:32

    Hi Jules, nice to meet you and thank you for your comment on my blog.
    I love your stitchery and those soft toys are gorgeous

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  37. Tosty's Quilting Tidbits28 January 2014 at 21:55

    Hi Jules,
    Visiting from GYBP. LOVE your hand crank machine. So lucky to have it passed down from family. Like your furry little visitor too. I will be coming back and following your journey.
    Mary

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  38. CatieAn30 January 2014 at 00:36

    HI Jules. I am visitng from washington state in theUS. I arrived here via the GYB party and am so happy to find you. What a lovely blog. Your creativity is so wonderful and am anxious to see what you share with us in the future.

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  39. Sarah and Dan30 January 2014 at 03:59

    A little bit of this, a little bit of that- just like me!

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  40. Deb30 January 2014 at 09:12

    Wonderful to find out more about you Jules, thanks so much for sharing your story. I'd love to be entered into your giveaway, who doesn't love a mystery! Deb

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  41. Unknown31 January 2014 at 15:06

    Hey Jules, You take gorgeous pictures. Your four legged friend looks delightful. I'm envious of your studio and that old Singer is fabulous. I love your nature inspired wall hanging, the colors and theme are just perfect. it has been lovely getting to know you.

    Hugs
    Caroline

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  42. Angie in SoCal1 February 2014 at 03:36

    Hi, Jules - you have a very nice studio. If I had a computer in mine, I'd never get anything done. Look forward to seeing what you make.

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  43. vicky myers1 February 2014 at 09:07

    Hi Jules, stopping by from GYB, sadly feeling as though at some point I will admit defeat and not quite get round all 500! Love your sewing space:) Vicky

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  44. Thistle Cove Farm1 February 2014 at 23:24

    Your part of the world is beautiful and your studio quite pretty as well. visiting via Vicki's GYBP and enjoying your blog.

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  45. The Attic3 February 2014 at 14:24

    Hi Jules, I enjoyed visiting your blog. Love your paintings of Harrington and Hannah. You are very talented. I also participated in the GYBP.

    Judy in Colorado
    judy@atticraggedys.com

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  46. Cache-Mire4 February 2014 at 18:35

    So nice to meet you at the party! Your blog is lovely! ~Terri

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  47. overboardcreations6 February 2014 at 12:25

    Hello , my name is Dawn your my one stop on the blog party, Hope that I soon will be friends with all of you cyber neighbors. Can't wait to see more of your great projects in the making. My site http://overboardcreations.blogspot.com/ and contact info is ovr_brd@yahoo.com
    I surely love the pictures. I guess I would say I am of learner by picture's for the speak a thousand words. Thanks for the picture stories. have a great day

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  48. Mary Ann8 February 2014 at 16:05

    Hi, I am working my way through the GYB hop and I was happy to find your beautiful blog! I will admit to a little bit of machine envy. That singer is gorgeous!
    Nice to meet you!
    ~Mary Ann
    http://littlehouseonthedairy.wordpress.com

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  49. Wendy9 February 2014 at 11:07

    hello nice to meet you! I love the work you've done, new follower!

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  50. macmillanmarie11 February 2014 at 01:50

    Thank you so much for a lovely visit. Your blog is delightful. I 've had such an enjoyable time. Thank you for sharing.

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  51. Monica11 February 2014 at 12:15

    I love reading your blog. I live in California, so it's nice to see how other artists are influenced across the globe.

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  52. Unknown12 February 2014 at 06:03

    Hi Jules, I just discovered your blog via Dawn Castrova and am now a follower. Love how you organised your space. I hope you will find time to visit me too at Viv's Crazy Quilting Journey. Will come back and spend more time browsing and seeing the other things you have made.

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  53. EvalinaMaria13 February 2014 at 23:53

    Hello from Yukon, Canada! I'm still working on the GLB and I'm glad I found you♥

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  54. nicolesender15 February 2014 at 01:08

    Greetings from the windy Pacific Northwest! Enjoyed visiting your blog!

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  55. Laney19 February 2014 at 14:05

    I am still working my way around the Blog Party! I just found you and would you believe *waving* you are about an hour from me, my hubby works a couple of nights a week out of Avonmouth, he is a lorry driver the moment...long story...I am in Hereford and I have just got hooked on bead embroidery (this week!). Look forward to reading your blog, I loved your Sunday post and it was a definite respite from the rain the sun is out this afternoon too :)

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