So that was April!

Armed with my second coffee of the morning, and in an attempt to dry out after our wet and windy walk on the cliff, I thought it time that I sat down and wrote something on my blog!!

A friend mentioned yesterday 'I am not sure where that month went'........well I'll second that!  I can't believe that the last time I put fingers to the keyboard was 2nd April!! It feels like only yesterday that we were getting ready for visitors over the Easter break!!  

One of our trips over Easter, was a lovely day at Lanhydrock, wandering around the gardens, with the Grandchildren.  

A little early for Bluebells and Magnolias but beautiful nonetheless.  If you have never been; Lanhydrock has the most amazing kitchens.  A wonderful place to mooch around in and soak up the atmosphere!

Another adventure was a quick trip to Dartmoor.  Day One was gorgeous but.........Day Two.....that was quite another matter.   (No photos of Day Two)

 Dartmoor is always fantastic whatever the weather and so good for the soul.  The trip was a real walk down memory lane, as we have returned to this spot, on our own and with the children several times over the years!!

It is amazing to think that Sir Francis Drake had the foresight to create this Leat for the the people of Plymouth all those years ago.  

 The next adventure was Day One of the new Collage Workshop at 
St Eval. 

 It was a super day, lots of laughs, chatter, paint and some hand-stitching!! 

I am very much looking forward to Day Two next Thursday (Catalina Room).  Each workshop is designed to explore different media and techniques that will add colour and texture to fabric.  

They can be done as a set of 3 or as individual days.  

Day Two will explore amongst other things, making fabric paper, which once it is dry can be stitched into and use as any other fabric.
  
The only difference is that it is truly unique and made by you! 

A couple days after the workshop I popped down to our local Village Hall for the Plant & Produce Sale.  It was a great couple of days meeting lots of interesting folks.  'Thank you' to everyone that took the time to pop in and see us. 

 One lucky lady won a voucher for a Younique Textiles Day Workshop in the Sunday raffle.  

Now to the Challenge 2018............I have to admit at this point, that I have been a tad busy with workshop samples and 'life' but saying that I have pieces to show. 

Week 14 - Weave

 I have decided though, that these last 3 are not finished pieces but in fact techniques only. 

Week 15 - Fabric Paper

I am still working on this weeks Challenge, but it will be ready shortly.  

Week 16 - Transfer Dyes

Well that is it for today, can't say that my second coffee helped to warm me up on this Super Sunny Spring Day, (please can someone tell the weather it is Spring and it would be rather lovely if it was a little bit warmer!!).........but at least the Gorgeous Girl and I are dry now.

Thank you again for popping by, 

Carolyn



   

Making a mark!!

Since my last blog we have had a whirlwind trip to Cheltenham and also a visit to family in Salisbury.  

While we were at Cheltenham, we got to see a beautiful collection of tapestry panels created by ladies of the Royal Air Force Association Gloucester Branch in celebration of RAF100.  

Sadly, I didn't/couldn't take any photos but if you click on this link it should take you to their page.  The work that has gone into them is incredible as I am sure you will agree. I think my favourite one is panel number 2; the detail is so amazing it looks just like a sepia photo. 

So from experienced Stitchers, to the next generation!

Recently on one of the blogs that I follow, I saw a collection of work that was created with a theme of 'crosses'.  The crosses came in all shapes and sizes, with one common denominator, the size of the cloth. Sadly, for 2 minutes I can't remember the name of the lady who created this lovely work, but as soon as I do I will add a link. 

Anyway, the reason for my rambling, is that I showed this blog page to my daughter who was wanting to make something for Easter, with the children in her school.  

Close up of Cross

The children; Reception age to Year 6, were asked to make a small cross on a piece of fabric, which would then be put together to make one large cross.  They chose the colour, the size and the place their cross was going to be.  Even the teachers added their cross.  It was a fabulous day and I am very proud of my daughter for organising this and delighted to have been part of it.  I too left a sneaky cross on the fabric!!

Close up of stitches

 Inspired by the children's stitching, my piece for this weeks Challenge 2018 is just simple stitches on handmade felt.  I think it looks a little like fireworks!  

Week 13 - 26 March 18

This week has also seen me been busy making outfits for a fancy dress party.  You will be pleased to note that I don't have any photos of this either (you really wouldn't want to see my version of a 1970's punk!!), but it was great fun getting carried away with the extreme numbers of press studs I stitched to my skirt! 

 And so back to my Challenge which I may be a little late with this week, as we have a couple of little distractions staying (namely two of our Grandchildren), but I am sure I can be excused on this occasion!!  Then again I may get them to help me!!

 

Thank you again for popping by.

Carolyn