Perfect timing as Dudua are having an exhibition on punch-needle embroidery this month so we were surrounded by great examples and inspiration as we were getting our stitch on.

Can you think of a better location for a craft evening?

Our lovely teacher Laura Ameba had her album cover project on display. She was so nice and patient telling us all about her first encounter with punch-needle in a street market in Chile where she met the old Russian lady that taught her. The lady still makes the needles herself and sends them all the way to Barcelona specially for the workshop (we got to try shop bought ones and they are chunkier and harder to handle).

Unknown Pleasures is stunning to see in person:

Love Jenny Germer‘s type piece and Anju Lalwani’s lobster:

One of the things I like about embroidery is that it can be traditional, kawaii like Elena Menjon’s Sushi show:

Or a bit on the naughty side like Laura de Diaz‘s piece:

One of my favourites was Ana Sender‘s wolf series and Elisasmile‘s cats in love:

It’s a shame these photos don’t really make the work any justice. Lidia Tamboleo‘s braids coming out of the hoops was so rich with all the combined textures from the different stitching:

Loved the hand (couldn’t find the author, very intrigued now!)

More and better pictures on Dudua’s flickr.

And last but not least, my sampler that incidentally looks a bit like a funny face! I really enjoyed the workshop and we learned and tested all the basics can’t wait to start on a real project, have so many ideas already.

Here’s a round-up of my favourite book covers from last Christmas:

’201 Contes Corrents’ by Joan Barril, Amsterdam Llibres. Love, love love the palette and the bold blocks of colour, instantly reminded me of a lino cut print. Very intriguing cover as well, makes you want to start reading straight away. doesn’t it? :

I’m always looking forward to Blackie Books (actually bought this one, told you book spotting is dangerous on a student budget!), the best young spanish publishing house in my humble opinion. Always daring and exciting. Their covers have become their brand, look it’s ITC Grouch! :

One of the big boys, Alianza Editorial‘s paperback re-design by Manuel Estrada. I fell in love with these two, wood blocks and letterpress inspiration for Salinger’s classics, genius. Have a look at the rest of the covers here.

This cut-out silhouette caught my eye, very clever and reminiscent of the author Virginia Woolf. It turned out to be one of Capitán Swing books, the new (to me) publishers:

Another Capitán Swing book! Brilliant!

I couldn’t find the credits for the cover designs so naturally, I had to email them. Dani and Gabriel were so nice and lovely explaining they designed the covers themselves and were planning a massive re-vamp in the coming weeks. Capitán Swing, ones to watch!

I’m part of ‘Ciutat: Exposició Col·lectiva’ a group exhibition in La Sastreria, Barcelona. I’ve been busy busy getting everything ready for the private view next friday. I made 4 pieces all based around my experience of moving to the biggest city in Europe. I’ll be posting pictures soon.

Las Coleccionistas have made a wonderful job curating it, thank you for inviting me ladies!. The colourful posters are the work of design mastermind Maria de Gibert.

If you happen to be in Barcelona this friday, don’t miss it!

Until October 3th.