Tidying up loose ends ..........

I'll begin today with saying Thanks so Much to Allbear for your lovely comments about me leaving the bear world. I haven't seen TBS yet - must go get a copy. Kathy has always been supportive of my work - right to the end it seems! I will be there in spirit if not in body and I wish you all every success.

Only two weeks - well in fact less than that now - before my C & G course starts and Im excited to say the least. Have been madly trying to tidy up all the loose ends and unfinished projects so I have an almost completely clear slate - not that its ever likely I will catch up with everything - but I am making progress.






After several months of intermitted work I have at last completed my quilt. It was a huge learning curve as its the first quilt I ever made - but I really really enjoyed it especially towards the end when it was all coming together.

It has nothing to do with my upcoming course where the work will be completely different and experimental - but I still love this type of machine embroidery too.

Have also started another C & G course in the past few weeks - its a preparing to teach course which is required when working in the Adult Learning Sector. Has been a bit hard slog at times trying to take in all the acronyms but Im beginning to get there and see how it will benefit my teaching and therefore hopefully also my students. Lots of theory and reading at the moment


Those that know me well will know that when Im not stitching I love to garden. Its all looking a bit green at this time of year but still full of birds and there are some interesting bits that are worth a look. This view from lower down the garden shows just how green it all is but take a look at these fab pink nerines - they are enough to brighten any garden and do it regularly every year with no fuss at all.











The colour is even more striking when you see them in the flesh - more Barbie than bashful!



One last picture for today - and here she is............


Looking a bit grey now shes ten - but doing pretty good for an oldie. She still thinks shes a five year old - but needs considerably less excercise now!



Have a nice free afternoon now so will make the most of it and go stitch!!

Bears are gone .............

My best of intentions have already flown out the window! I had intended to update this blog at least every other day - but with this past week being so busy with packing up bears to get off to collectors - I havent had time for much else.

The picture on the left is a fabric book which I made as a sample for one of my online classes. Its a really fun book to make as it includes lots of different materials and techniques. I included pictures of my family printed on organza and fabrics and just had fun with each page really.

My mother loves it and Im tempted to give it to her - but I also really like it myself and dont keep much of my work. She will be 80 - next April and David (son) suggested that I made one for her. What a great idea - solved that problem of what to buy! I will include lots of family stuff that she will love. Better than giving her this one I think.

The other photo shows a trio of 'reworked' objects which is the basis of another class. I had fun transforming an old picture frame, a paper mache chest and a sketch book into something pretty to have around the house. I used a postcard of a fox to fill the frame as we have a family of foxes visiting our garden regularly and they are just fascinating to watch. The frame etc includes transfer foils, FME and 3D poppies.

Must get the workroom really really sorted out - so much stuff around that I probably dont need any more. Having said that - you know what happens as soon as you throw something out ........... maybe hang on to some of it at least!

Really looking forwards to starting my C & G course now. Am getting up to date with finishing all the unfinished projects so I have a clear desk ready to start.

Embroidered Apples

We have recently redecorated our kitchen and adjoining conservatory and I wanted to add a wallhanging of some kind to go with the new fresh styling. This particular piece was inspired after a visit to Art in Action which was held at Waterperry House in Oxford. The day we visited was so wet that exhibitors in some of the marquees were digging trenches to allow the 'river' to run out of them! Literally ankle deep and more in some places. Didnt stop the work being fabulous though and I came home fired up with ideas and ready to begin my picture.

This piece is about 24" X 30". The background is made up of pieces of upholstery fabrics, the apples are layered organzas - which were cut away after stitching and the backgrounds stitched with both free motion and automatic stitches, text and monograms. The gold diamonds are foils bonded and stitched. It was so fun and freeing to work I was almost sorry when it was finished!