Posts

Needlepoint, your passport to a Magic Carpet

Image
  It’s difficult to travel, impossible in some countries, many of us have a  fear of flying - come along with me on a magic carpet ride. For over more than 50 years I have always loved travelling to interesting destinations and seeing buildings, decorative architecture, exciting tiles or mosaic floors and, on my return, have used these memories as inspiration for my needlepoint designs.    Each design has a story, some beautiful and happy others less so.  In fact, in some cases, a terrible event has befallen the area shortly after we had left. However, as I stitch my mind wanders back – on my magic carpet – to the occasion, place and circumstances of when I first was intrigued by the scene.   However, one big regret is that I have not kept a ‘travel diary’ much to my dismay now, so while putting these memories together I have sometimes resorted to Wikipedia or Google for confirmation of some detail.    These sessions together have added to my knowledge and become part of my magic carp
Post a Comment
Read more

March Blog

Image
While the days are getting longer, evenings lighter and the Government giving us a list of possible dates for easing our isolation and mixing with friends and relations I fear we still have some way to go.   A friend said that we shall have to ‘relearn normal’ I wonder how long that will take?   Not just a single visit to the hairdresser though I am sure that will help a great deal! Every order, every email and every telephone call, your interest and kind words encourage me to suggest and design needlepoint projects that I hope will appeal to you in this difficult time. The February zoom joined by many of you ‘making up and finishing needlepoint’ demonstrated just what a wonderful range of beautiful (and useful) items could be made. In my last Blog we talked about colour and how, we all have shown a strong preference for happy, cheerful shades and on the other hands' designs that can be purchased without threads so as to use one’s own left-over stash.  One of the saddest thought
Post a Comment
Read more

Hello Colour

Image
Dear Everyone I've come to the conclusion that only bright, joyful colours can lift me from the winter gloom; as a result, I have designed a new canvas 'Custom Initial' in two vibrant schemes, Persian Fiesta and Oranges & Lemons both on 14 mesh canvas, crewel wools with a highlight of over-dyed cotton,  I hope just seeing them will lift your spirits as mine were while stitching them. There is a special introductory offer till the end of January of £59.00 plus free P&P within the UK;  after that, it will be £67.00. The best stretcher bar frame (if you don't have a suitable one) is the 14 inch one at £7.00 which if you let me know I shall be happy to include. 'Scallops' is, at last ready to order for you the more experienced stitcher;  the delay enabled me to add a third colourway, so 'Wedgewood Blue', 'Sage Green & Coral' and now 'Apple blossom Pink': again the introductory price, till the end of January is £49.00, normally £ 5
Post a Comment
Read more

December Blog

Image
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
Post a Comment
Read more

November Blog

Image
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
Post a Comment
Read more

Stitching in Lockdown

Image
"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
Post a Comment
Read more

Christmas Traditions

Image
Each family has its own traditions linked to the festive season and even more so the many countries around the World. Australian, New Zealand and South America are enjoying high summer; in the Northern hemisphere it is winter and often dark and icy nights. Some countries celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive dinner and the opening of presents at midnight; others go to their church at midnight and keep the presents and the big meal till Christmas Day itself.   In the UK the preferred meal for a big family is Turkey with roast potatoes and sprouts followed by Christmas pudding with brandy butter or cream. Other countries enjoy oysters (France) or Carp (Germany). Houses are decorated, children make garlands, a Tree is popul   Having been on the East Coast immediately before Christmas it is fun to take a ride around the areas to see the amazing displays erected. ar in many countries and in particular Americans decorate their garden and outside of their house lavishly. Needl
2 comments
Read more