↓
 
  • View valerie.hearder’s profile on Facebook
  • View Africanthreads’s profile on Twitter
  • View valeriehearder’s profile on Instagram
  • View valeriehearder’s profile on Pinterest
  • View valeriehearder’s profile on LinkedIn
  • View africanthreads’s profile on YouTube
  • View Valerie Hearder’s profile on Google+
  • View africanthreads’s profile on Flickr

African Threads

Valerie Hearder's African Threads

African Threads
  • About
  • Photos
  • Blog
  • Links
  • Contact
  • The Makers

Category Archives: Uncategorised

Silk Swaddling Blanket

African Threads Posted on March 27, 2019 by Val HearderMarch 27, 2019

I stitched a silk swaddling blanket from silk dyed with avocado stones, coleus leaves, onion skins and saffron. Our third grandchild is due next week, the same day we fly to South Africa for most of April. I wanted something … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in ecodyes, natural dyes, needle art, Quilts, Slow stitches, Uncategorised | Tagged avocado stones, babe, blanket, natural dyes, onion skins, silk, stitching swaddling | 10 Replies

Winter Light

African Threads Posted on December 31, 2018 by Val HearderDecember 31, 2018
Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged 9 patch, linen, plant dyes, winter, woll | 6 Replies

November Light

African Threads Posted on December 21, 2018 by Val HearderDecember 21, 2018

                      It is Solstice, our darkest day and yet my soul still lingers in November light. It was a month of renewed creative energy for me. The darkening monochromatic landscape … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Creative process, Inspiration, Musings, natural dyes, Nature, Uncategorised | Tagged blakc wallnut ink, gold, light, natural dyes, November, retreat, saffron.linen, Solstice | 6 Replies

Grace McKnight: Crochet

African Threads Posted on December 12, 2018 by Val HearderDecember 12, 2018

I’ve always been certain that needlework holds stories while nurturing the soul. This belief was happily affirmed while I was curating Grace McKnight’s crochet exhibition over the past 3 years. Grace took doilies made by her grandmother, found vintage doilies, … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Community, Creative process, needle art, People, Quilts, Uncategorised | Tagged art, crazy quilt, crochet, doilies, fractals, needle arts, vintage, women's work | Leave a Reply

Eco dyes with Penny and Diane

African Threads Posted on September 30, 2018 by Val HearderSeptember 30, 2018

Visiting Annapolis Royal is always a treat, especially to visit Penny and Diane. I’d asked if I could come to one of their regular dye days to learn more about my new fascination with the alchemy of the dye pot. … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in ecodyes, Fabric, natural dyes, Uncategorised | Tagged blakc walnut, Dorr wool, dye, eco, leaves, linen, mordant, polypore, rust, sumac, thai silk | 1 Reply

Repair

African Threads Posted on March 23, 2018 by Val HearderMarch 23, 2018

The indigo cotton is soft, like faded blue jeans with the same comfortable worn-in feeling. I’m patching this baby quilt I made for Leitha when I was 28. The quilt is now used by Scarlett and is showing it’s wear. … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in contemplative stitching, indigo, My history, Quilts, shwe-shwe, Stitching, Uncategorised | Tagged baby quilt, blue, grand-daughter., homeland, indigo, memories, mending, patch, repari, work-in | 7 Replies

My Perfect Day

African Threads Posted on August 13, 2017 by Val HearderAugust 13, 2017

It is Sunday and everything is moist and soft in the drizzle and rain of the past few days. I wake early and sit in the stillness to stitch. Simple stitching is restful, contemplative. Later, I’m keen to walk in … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in contemplative stitching, Embroidery/Stichery, Nature, Slow stitches, Stitching, Uncategorised | Tagged blueberries, contemplative, forage, mushrooms, Nova Scotia, stitching | 2 Replies

Sweet Scarlett

African Threads Posted on February 14, 2017 by Val HearderFebruary 14, 2017

It’s been a while since I posted, so I thought I’d catch up by showing you Scarlett’s baby quilt which I finished last fall. I began the quilt about a year ago and stitched on it slowly. My favourite stitching … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Quilts, Slow stitches, Studio, Uncategorised | Tagged appliqué, baby quilt, Dorr wool, napping blanket, rugh hooking, stitching | 8 Replies

One for sorrow, two for joy

African Threads Posted on December 5, 2016 by Val HearderDecember 5, 2016

This morning as I watched the group of 5 crows who inhabit my garden every day, I thought of Susan Tilsley Manley. Susan was talented quilt artist who made fine art quilts about her country life in Nova Scotia. Susan … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in People, Quilts, Social Commentary, Uncategorised | Tagged crows, Nova Scotia, quilt, rural life, Susan tilsley Manley | Leave a Reply

Slow golden autumn.

African Threads Posted on November 14, 2016 by Val HearderNovember 29, 2016
Autmn colours on Maggie-Maggie brook

We’ve had a most glorious, golden autumn weather here that’s gone on and on. These photographs are of our daily walk along wooded paths and the Maggie-Maggie Brook. They were taken about a month ago, so there’s still quite a … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Musings, Nature, Uncategorised | Tagged autumn, daily walk, fairy ring, mushroom | 1 Reply

Indigo stitching

African Threads Posted on October 28, 2016 by Val HearderOctober 28, 2016

I’ve been digging into my old treasure trove of indigo cotton prints from South Africa. Many of the prints were bought in the late 60’s and early 1970’s when I still lived in South Africa. The local blue print cotton, … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Fabric, Fabric shopping, indigo, My history, shwe-shwe, Stitching, Uncategorised | Tagged cotton, fabric shopping, indigo, prints, shwe-shwe, South Africa | 7 Replies

Textured Tuesdays

African Threads Posted on February 29, 2016 by Val HearderJune 14, 2016

Detail of a stone wall built by Andy Goldsworthy at Storm King, New York.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged Andy Goldsworthy, New York., stone wall, Storm King | Leave a Reply

Jo Diggs | Open Studio – Yankee Magazine

African Threads Posted on January 1, 2016 by Val HearderJune 14, 2016

via www.yankeemagazine.com A wonderful interview and tribute to the work of Jo Diggs. The video shows Jo and her wonderful landscapes. I met Jo in the early 1980's and we became friends as we were both had a love of … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

How does a sewing machine work?

African Threads Posted on October 18, 2015 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

Ever wondered exactly how a sewing machine works to create a smooth line of loped stitches? The perfect video that somehow I can watch for ages.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

Indigo-berries

African Threads Posted on August 23, 2014 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

Foraging and berry picking are things I love to do. I don’t have far to go. My own garden and nearby woods provide so much for our table.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged blueberries, chanterelle, dyeing, foraging, garden, indigo, Mahone Bay, mushrooms, purple lacaria, saffron, temperate Acadian rain forest, woodland | Leave a Reply

Zulu power shoes!!

African Threads Posted on June 25, 2014 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

Step aside Jimmy Choo, these are Zulu power shoes! If it stands still, Zulu women will bead it! I’ve seen everything from beaded teapots to cars and suits.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged AIDS, beaded chair, beaded teapot, beadwork, creative, Durban, Hillcrest AIDS, income, innovation, Jimmy Choo, power shoes, tour to South Africa, wedding shoes, women, Zulu | 4 Replies

Fusing black outlines

African Threads Posted on March 5, 2013 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

via andsewitgoes.blogspot.ca Terry Grant recently blogged about an interesting technique she’s figured out. Using Liquid Thread, Terry creates dark outlines behind the applique shapes. It give a dramatic look and great effect. You can see her step by step instructions … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

Thrummed socks for cozy toes

African Threads Posted on February 9, 2013 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

I love my Newfoundland thrummed socks. I feel the cold terribly and am always looking for the best way to keep my feet warm. Our old farmhouse, while snug, has old wooden floors that can be a bit cold. Thrummed socks are just about the warmest thing I own.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged blizzard, cozy, Craft Council, farmhouse, fleece, free pattern, knit, knitting, Newfoundland, socks, St.John's, thrum, thrummed, traditional, warm feet | 5 Replies

Heart

African Threads Posted on February 14, 2012 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

Here is my Valentine’s Day heart. I’m very taken with wool these days. It’s a dream to stitch and the hand dyed colours are lovely. I’m lucky to have two rug hooking stores in my town. The wool they supply … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

Northcott steps up!

African Threads Posted on March 29, 2011 by Val HearderMarch 29, 2011

This just in from patti Carey of Nortcott Fabrics in Canada: Northcott has been contacted by several interested and concerned quilters asking if we would be able to assist in getting quilts to the earthquake/tsunami victims in Japan.  The answer … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 1 Reply

Comfort Quilts for Japan: Update

African Threads Posted on March 24, 2011 by Val HearderMarch 24, 2011

Quilters around the world are shipping quilts to easy the burden of the earthquake disaster in Japan. Here is information directly from Japan regarding the quilts.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged from USA, Norway and South Africa, Shipping Comfort Quilts for Japan | 8 Replies

Quilt by Gayle Thomas – NFB

African Threads Posted on February 13, 2011 by Val HearderFebruary 13, 2011

via www.nfb.ca

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

Soul soothing stitches

African Threads Posted on February 11, 2011 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

There are few things more nurturing and soul soothing than stitching with dear freinds. This past week I met with five dear fabric freinds to stitch and talk and eat and stitch some more. Bliss

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged quilting, retreat, snow dyeing, soothing stitches | 2 Replies

Present from Sulky

African Threads Posted on December 16, 2010 by Val HearderDecember 16, 2010

A fabulous box of Sulky goodies arrived at my door recenlty. Joyce Drexler of Sulky America asked me to submit a project for her latest techniques book. I sent in this landscape.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged hoop, Points of View: Small Quilts to Stitch and Embellish, project, Quilts, small landcape, stabilizers, Sulky of America, techniques, threads, water soluble | Leave a Reply

A Textile Diaspora

African Threads Posted on November 5, 2010 by Val HearderNovember 5, 2010

A Textile Diaspora. I am drawn to stories expressed in cloth and was delighted by this slide show and article about African textile artist, Yves Appolinaire Kpede and his fascinating appliqué collage quilts and hangings. The quilts and hangings talk … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

You’re invited to visit South Africa with me!

African Threads Posted on July 7, 2010 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

Join me on a tour of South Africa for 15 culture and adventure filled days!
April 2011

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 4 Replies

Oh Mexico!

African Threads Posted on May 1, 2010 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

Inspired by the beyond vibrant colors of Mexico’s architecture and cemeteries.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged cemetery, color, composition, graveyards, inspiration, Mexico, quilting patterns, texture | 13 Replies

Quilter’s Dessert Party. Yum!

African Threads Posted on April 11, 2010 by Val HearderApril 11, 2010

Sharon Pederson was our guest for Mahone Bay Quilter’s Guild 10th Extraordinary Quilter Dessert Party on April 8th. Quilters and great food are a match made in heaven! We filled 2 banquet tables with sweet bounty. Invited guest Johanna Alford, Pres. … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged Extraordinary Quilter Dessert Party | 3 Replies

The Weight of Their Stitches

African Threads Posted on December 18, 2009 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

My friend Bonnie Samuel asked me to write a guest blog for http://bonniesamueldesigns.com/blog/ /on my 6 weeks with women’s sewing groups in South Africa. I’ve talked about it here but I thought you’d like to read about some of the powerful … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

Bamboo bandwagon

African Threads Posted on December 1, 2009 by Val HearderDecember 1, 2009

Many quilters are concerned that cotton cultivation uses the greatest amounts of chemicals of almost any crop. So I was relieved when I saw new environmentally sensitive batt products appearing: Pale green batting from Quilter’s Dream which is made from shredded 7-up bottles, and also bamboo batting. But, I decided to investigate bamboo a little more.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Tagged bamboo, batting, green, organic, quilting | Leave a Reply

Embroidery Threads

African Threads Posted on July 10, 2009 by Val HearderJuly 10, 2009

I squished this enormous pile of embroidery threads into a large suitcase and carried them to South Africa; gifting them to the women I met. About 2 years ago packages of threads started arriving in the mail when word got … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 4 Replies

Mapula Cloth by Elizabeth Mogano

African Threads Posted on June 16, 2009 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

> Mapula Cloth by Elizabeth Mogan Originally uploaded by African Threads I’ve just returned from 6 weeks in South Africa. It was a truly rich and fascinating time. Veryan and I visited 9 women’s groups in various parts of S.Africa including … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in AfricanThreads, Embroidery/Stichery, Mapula Embroidery Group, Social Commentary, Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

Granny’s Overwhelmed

African Threads Posted on January 1, 2009 by Val HearderJanuary 1, 2009

I received a shipment of wall hangings from KwaZulu Natal just before Christmas. This one is made by Sheila Msimbi and depicts a Grandmother with many grandchildren to look after: they're jumping, climbing and hiding from her. This small tapestry … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 4 Replies

My trusty, rusty sewing machine

African Threads Posted on December 28, 2008 by Val HearderDecember 28, 2008

Well … it's not really trusty! I found this treasure washed up on the beach in La Have, Nova Scotia and simply had to bring it home. I photographed it with  luscious organic silk squares from Thailand that I bought … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 2 Replies

Quilter’s Dessert Party

African Threads Posted on November 23, 2008 by Val HearderNovember 23, 2008

What cakes would "Piece O'Cake" quilt designers make? What does Darlene Christopherson bake to win her son-in-law's heart? Do you want to make Rum Balls like Lorraine Torrence or Pavlova like CBC radio's Shelagh Rogers? Find out in this exceptional … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 2 Replies

Landscapes to bid on

African Threads Posted on July 2, 2008 by Val HearderJuly 2, 2008

Ami Simms wrote the other day to say there is a special bid on a group of 4 mini landscape quilts all made by quilters Rosemary Garza and Noel Ann McCord of Beaumont, Texas. This is their Seasons Of Life … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 1 Reply

Almost

African Threads Posted on June 26, 2008 by Val HearderJune 26, 2008

I had a call this afternoon from my textile friends who collected the found quilts from the police. The police wanted to photograph all the quilts before they released them. It’s not a complete retrieval. None of my teaching materials, … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 1 Reply

Billy found the quilts.

African Threads Posted on June 22, 2008 by Val HearderJune 22, 2008

Billy Jordan found the quilts while walking in the woods. Apparently nature called……. read about it in the Chronicle Herald: (hmmmm, I can't get this link to work, but if you're interested, cut and paste this linkhttp://www.thechronicleherald.ca/Search/1063500.htmlinto your browser or, … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 1 Reply

Found!

African Threads Posted on June 20, 2008 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

Friday 20 June:  This afternoon a journalist from a t.v. station in St. John’s phoned to say that a young man had called the station to say he’d found my quilts. The journalist interviewed the fellow, and saw my quilts … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Community, Quilts, Uncategorised | 13 Replies

Lost Quilts

African Threads Posted on June 13, 2008 by Val HearderJune 13, 2008

Yes, sadly, it's true.2 suitcases were taken from the locked trunk of my car just after the Quilt Canada conference here in St. John's Newfoundland. I've lost a significant body of work.FlamboyantTropic of CapricornFertility Several small wall hangings and collagesAlmost … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 5 Replies

African Threads Posted on April 14, 2008 by Val HearderJune 14, 2016

Warmest congratulations to Lynne Edwards, English quilter who has been awarded the highest citizen award in the Commonwealth: M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) for her contribution to the Arts through her quilting. The award will be present by H.R.H. … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

Yikes! The “quilt police”!

African Threads Posted on November 28, 2007 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

Yup, that’s me, at Quilt Festival in Houston, handcuffed by Lieutenant J.R. Johnson of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. I met the Lt. in Janet Rice-Bredin’s  booth where we were chatting with Sharon Pederson during Quilt Market. We offered him … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

African Threads Posted on August 22, 2007 by Val HearderJune 14, 2016

Points of View:My second book on small landscapes is hot off the press and in quilt stores as of  mid-September. I’m delighted to have worked with Martingale Publishing to produce this book. Points of View: Landscape quilts to Stitch and … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

Sketchbooks & Journals

African Threads Posted on May 9, 2007 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

Sketchbooks and journals are a dynamic part of the creative process. And judging by the new crop of books and web sites on journaling and creative sketchbooks, it’s obviously something that appeals to almost all of us in the creative … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in art, Creative process, Inspiration, Studio, Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

Creative Stretching: Creative Routine

African Threads Posted on February 10, 2007 by Val HearderJuly 8, 2016

So, we’re in the groove of 2007 and like many, I’ve started some new routines… well, not really “new”. I’ve re-awoken old routines that slipped by the way. I started yoga again and found a lovely teacher close by. It … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 4 Replies

African Threads Posted on October 18, 2006 by Val HearderOctober 18, 2006

People I meet: My nose has been glued to the laptop for most of the past 9 months while completing my new book, yet I’ve connected to some fascinating people and resources. In September had the great pleasure to spend … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

African Threads Posted on August 3, 2006 by Val HearderJune 14, 2016

Pencil Crayons on Fabric. Have you thought about using pencil crayons in your landscapes and quilts? I first used watercolour pencils in this quilt called East/West http://www.valeriehearder.com/variousquilts.htm. Click on the detail of East/West. After all, it’s a wall hanging so … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

African Threads Posted on June 10, 2006 by Val HearderJune 14, 2016

The latest edition of Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine is on the stands and it has an article that I wrote about the evocative landscapes of Karen Colbourne Martin of St John’s Newfoundland. I became friends with Karen when I lived in … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

African Threads Posted on March 29, 2006 by Val HearderJune 14, 2016

New book in the works!! I’m delighted to let you know that I’m working on a new book on embellished landscapes for Martingale, due out next summer 2007. I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going, but I’m so enjoying … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | Leave a Reply

Winter 2006

African Threads Posted on February 9, 2006 by Val HearderJune 14, 2016

Greetings from Nova Scotia. How to settle down to work after an exciting 6 week trip to Japan and Bali!? Well, as I write, Nova Scotia’s softly falling snow certainly brings me back to reality! No more warm Indian ocean … Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Tweet
Posted in Uncategorised | 8 Replies

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Recent Comments

  • Val Hearder on Silk Swaddling Blanket
  • Gina Jarvi on Silk Swaddling Blanket
  • Jeanne Hewell-Chambers on Silk Swaddling Blanket
  • Val Hearder on Silk Swaddling Blanket
  • Christine Marin on Silk Swaddling Blanket

Categories

  • AfricanThreads
  • art
  • Books
  • Community
  • contemplative stitching
  • Creative process
  • ecodyes
  • Embroidery/Stichery
  • Fabric
  • Fabric shopping
  • Grandmothers of Africa
  • indigo
  • Inspiration
  • Landscape quilts
  • Mapula Embroidery Group
  • Musings
  • My history
  • natural dyes
  • Nature
  • needle art
  • People
  • Quilts
  • shwe-shwe
  • Slow stitches
  • Social Commentary
  • South African Tour
  • Stitching
  • Studio
  • Textured Tuesdays
  • Travel
  • Tuesday Textures
  • Uncategorised

Archives

©2021 - African Threads
↑