So, I reckon it’s time to show you what I’ve been working on for the last couple of months. I’d have blogged about this sooner but it’s an absolute pain to photograph and I had to do four or five different photo shoots before I got anything I could bear to publish.

Meet my sequin apron!

Kirsty Hall, Sequin Apron, July 2009

Yep, in my infinite wisdom, I am covering the whole of this apron in sequins.

It’s part of a triptych of apron pieces about motherhood. I’ve had the three aprons for several years but it took me a while to decide exactly what to do with them. This one represents the ‘yummy mummy’ aspect of motherhood; all the good, precious and wonderful parts. The other two aprons will be much more conflicted and darker in tone.

Kirsty Hall, Sequin Apron, June 2009

The back of the apron: I’m being very good and sewing in all my ends as I go along.

Kirsty Hall, Sequin Apron, July 2009

This piece had a bit of a rocky start. In February I bought samples of different kinds in creams, white and translucent sequins and after some thought, I decided on the ones on the left.

Kirsty Hall, Sequin Apron, June 2009

Unfortunately, when I’d used up the small test amount I’d bought, I discovered to my horror that the shop where I’d bought them had replaced them with a very similar but slightly brighter version that Just Didn’t Work. I then spent about two months trying to find the correct ones before finding the cream ones on the right and deciding to completely start over with them. As you can probably imagine, I bought lots of this replacement colour choice!

Kirsty Hall, Sequin Apron, June 2009

It was annoying at the time – especially since I had to unpick that large section on the left – but I think the cream ones are a better fit for the piece. They’re a closer match to the colour of the apron whilst still being iridescent from certain angles, which is what I’d originally been aiming for. I wanted a subtle hint of bling but nothing too over the top.

Kirsty Hall, Sequin Apron, July 2009

Now that I’ve got over that bump, the apron is coming on well although it’s a slow piece to make. I’ve been working on it for at least an hour most days for the last six weeks but I’m expecting it to take me at least another two months. A couple of days ago, I was feeling very pleased with myself for filling in an area of about 6 square inches over a period of three hours. Then I hung it up, held it out and realised just how much there was still to go and I just started laughing hysterically at how utterly mad I am.

Kirsty Hall: Pins In Cotton Reel, May 2009

Yesterday was a glorious sunny day, so I made the most of it by taking one of my current projects out to the garden. Soaking up some fresh air and Vitamin D whilst making art, what could be better?

I’ve done a huge amount of work on the garden this year and it’s really paying off: it’s a lovely place to sit and work now.

The view to the left of the bench:

Kirsty Hall: Looking Across The Lawn To The Air Garden, May 2009

The view to the right of the bench:

Kirsty Hall: The Shubbery, May 2009

I needed to turn the hem on a piece of linen so it can be hung from a wooden pole but it already had a thick seam and wouldn’t fit in my sewing machine, so I decided to hand sew it.

Kirsty Hall: Work In Progress, May 2009

Sitting in the sunshine listening to the sounds of birds, bees and children while I pulled my needle through soft, white linen, I experienced a profoundly productive peace even when my thread tied itself into subtle knots.

I’ve always said that I hate sewing and only do it when it’s necessary for art purposes but yesterday, I finally reached an understanding with it and I suddenly felt that I could actually come to like sewing. It was a deeply satisfying experience.

The all-important cup of tea, without which no art would ever get made!

I’m not ready to talk about these yet but here’s a sneak preview of my latest test pieces.

Kirsty Hall: Test Sequins, Feb 2009

Kirsty Hall: Test Sequins, Feb 2009

Kirsty Hall: Test Sequins, Feb 2009

Kirsty Hall: Test Sequins, Feb 2009

Kirsty Hall: Test Sequins, Feb 2009