Author Archives: The Proof Angel

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About The Proof Angel

I am a freelance editor and proofreader, working with a wide range of clients from large companies to individuals. I can help you to communicate clearly by carrying out a final check, or by suggesting ideas get your message over. I am an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. I also have a sideline in textiles, as The Rainbow Angel.

Bulldog clip resist

Posted on Apr 17, 2019 by The Proof Angel

The basic idea of a resist is simple. Use something to stop the dye getting to the fabric, and it will make a pattern. That something can be string tied round the fabric, or a paste painted on, or just … Continue reading →

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Woolly Spires

Posted on Apr 10, 2019 by The Proof Angel

Woolly Spires is an exhibition at of knitted churches at the National Centre for Craft and Design in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Several of Lincolnshire’s beautiful gothic churches in wool, mainly knitting, with some crochet, for example on the roof of Stow … Continue reading →

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Knitting an easy Easter bunny

Posted on Apr 2, 2019 by The Proof Angel

Now here is a really simple idea. Knit a square in good old garter stitch, and follow these instructions to make it into a rabbit. Just cast on 30 or so stitches and keep knitting until you have 30 ridges … Continue reading →

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Making velvet in Venice

Posted on Mar 27, 2019 by The Proof Angel

Ohhhh, you just have to look at this picture gallery about making velvet. Not only are the fabrics (and garments) fabulous, but there are also wonderful pictures of the workshops and the looms. I just had to share!

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Sewing lightweight fabric

Posted on Mar 20, 2019 by The Proof Angel

Sewing lightweight fabric can be a pain. It slips about, the machine doesn’t grip as it normally does, and any glitches tend to show up. So these 18 tips for sewing lightweight fabric will be useful.

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How to hem lace

Posted on Mar 13, 2019 by The Proof Angel

Now here is a useful post. I must say, faced with the job myself, I don’t think I would have thought of all these options. So I though I would share it here, in case it is useful. How to … Continue reading →

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In search of forgotten colours

Posted on Mar 6, 2019 by The Proof Angel

This is a fascinating video posted by the V&A about a family business in Japan that has used only natural dyes since 1988. It is beautiful and informative, and is a very pleasant way to spend 18 minutes.

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Knowing your sewing machine needle

Posted on Feb 27, 2019 by The Proof Angel

I have to admit I’m a bit slack here. I know the importance of using a needle that is sharp and straight. And I always make sure I’ve got a ball needle when I’m sewing jersey. Apart from that, I … Continue reading →

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An indigo vat

Posted on Feb 19, 2019 by The Proof Angel

After my woad experiment in the summer, I intended to have another go with a different recipe. But the woad crop wasn’t good enough. So now I’m trying with powdered indigo from Tamil Nadu. I’m using the 123 method, because … Continue reading →

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Hanging paintings without damaging walls

Posted on Feb 12, 2019 by The Proof Angel

Now I haven’t tried this, but it does look promising. I find it hard to believe that you can get it off the wall easily afterwards (note the comment about the importance of pulling downwards in the post). But on … Continue reading →

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