Anna Pearson's Needlepoint Blog

Our lives have changed dramatically and indeed continue to change almost daily. I have just read the November Blog I posted - while we had come to accept that the pandemic was going to last far longer than originally thought we didn't dream that second lockdown would be imposed and then back into areas of increased vigilance. As with all things, there have been some really interesting and worthwhile outcomes;  in the summer it was our little garden, being able to meet up with friends in the outdoors and even hold some small classes. Now in the Winter the rules are strict, meeting in homes or even private gardens are not allowed but we are all getting used to the new forms of communication and the telephone for friends who aren't confident with Zoom, FaceTime and the like. In the last Blog, I mentioned the first of the Needlepoint Forum planned;  each one had a general catch up followed by a particular theme - they were 'Christmas', 'Borders & Backgrounds' an

Since writing my last blog in July many things have changed.  I think we all hoped that the contagion rates would continue to fall and hopefully, September or early October would begin to show some normality in our lives . Sadly that was not to be, in fact, it is unlikely to be normal by Christmas or even further away;  other countries are similarly affected and the prospect of a lockdown in a British winter is not good! However, for us who enjoy stitching or indeed any craft making beautiful things, many aspects are positive, we are very lucky.  My plan to keep a record of stitching during lockdown is progressing;  the exhibition to share these pieces will have to be postponed but it is not forgotten - so please continue to send me details and photos of anything you are doing.  I love to hear from you and will add your information to my records. So far the projects you are stitching range from one American friend finishing more than ten pieces plus two fresh cushions for new grandchil

"Just waiting for the big day to be confirmed" How life has changed for us all!  We were lucky enough to spend the first weeks in the  BVIs  and only kneelers  for my granddaughter's wedding in May (sadly now postponed till September if then) but while stitching I find great opportunities for daydreaming about future projects; with the sun, boats and relaxed lifestyle I found an illustration of a friendly gecko that would make a perfect panel for one of my clutch purses - furthermore I dreamt of making my own shoulder strap for the purse with 'shell' beads from the Internet;  a project now on hold but not forgotten! Returned to the UK in early March just at the beginning of the virus hitting the UK. For the duration of our trip I had been working consensually on a pair of wedding kneelers. A multi stitch panel Instead, talking with my students on my return,all in isolation but thankfully able to talk on thetelephone, Zoom and email, what they reall