A NEW FLOCK FOR 2022

 

I have often heard it said that the winter months are long this far north, but perhaps that applies to those less occupied than myself. During the summer months the garden, digging peat and general maintenance demand more of my attention, and so when winter does creep in I have a full list of projects. After a highly successful exhibition down in London, one of those projects was to stitch a new flock of sheep on tweed. Over the years they have grown in complexity as I love nothing more than to push myself. There are several different techniques in representing a sheep fleece. For lambs the most common method is the laborious but effective stitching of French knots, while adult sheep are either created with raw wool or couched hand spun wool. When last in Western Australia I collected a bag full of Dorper wool from a friend’s paddock. Dorper sheep are a cross between Dorset and Persian. They have the peculiarity of shedding their wool and therefore do not requiring shearing. The wool is a mass of tight curls and comes off with a felted backing, which is ideal for my needs. There are no rules in my stitching of sheep and in the past I successfully used a crocheted white scarf a friend was throwing out. She thought I could unwind the wool, but I preferred to stitch the scrunched up crochet directly onto the tweed.

The tweed backgrounds are assembled into a patchwork landscape. These can be very simply sky and land, or more complex scenes can include a mountainous backdrop or coastal seascape. Once the sheep are stitched into place more embroidered detail will follow, such as croft houses or shielings, or fencing and flowers. Castles and wind turbines have been known to make an appearance but are less common.

During the run up to Christmas 2021 my work went on show for the first time in London. Possible covid restrictions meant an online presence was vital and the Robert Young Gallery in Battersea produced a wonderful catalogue. The opening night was perfect for mew at least in that it was select, warm and cheery in the perfect intimate setting of fine folk art. The on line catalogue had proved its worth as half the items were sold before the show opened.

Now back on the Isle of Lewis I am preparing for this year’s season and pleased to announce there will be no requirement to make an appointment. However for anyone wishing to view my work it is advisable to send me an email a few days before so as to be sure I’ll be in the studio.