Getting there

I'm still not tidy, but some stitching is being done.



This is how "Tree" is getting along. There has been a lot of free machine embroidery in two different variegated threads. Here is a detail:



You can see the madness a little better from the back view:



I shall be using FME to add some "Leaves" using these scraps. I really am not sure how this will all work out, but the process is interesting.



The size of this piece is 9 and a half inches (approximately) by 14 and a half inches (aproximately). The edges have not been tidied, hence the approximate sizes. I think I shall leave the edges just as they are. This will probably end up as a hanging.

This week, I have been looking around on the internet and thought you might like to share this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_wgE74Mro4

I really want to have a go with Trapunto and Patsy Thompson really makes it sound do-able.

This is her website address.

http://patsythompsondesigns.com/

Inspirational!

Well, after that, my own work looks really tame. Never mind, I shall keep on plodding away. After all, the more I do, the more I can improve. This paraphrases something which Nadine of Dreamweavers Quilts always adds to the end of her posts:

"Go quilt! Your work gets better every day!"

She is right.

I have also been listening to podcasts as I tried to get my workroom into some kind of order. One quote which really made me feel more positive about myself was this:

"Don't be afraid to walk away if its time."

I heard this in an interview Paul Overton had with SisterDianne on the Craftypod podcast. The interview is well worth a listen. The topic is "Crafting for money v. passion."

As you can tell, I have been doing far too much web browsing and too little work on my stitching. I must try to get the balance better organised this next week.

Speak to you again soon, Mandy:)

Stunned.

Aren't people kind................

The box of flowers is from my colleagues. The teddy from a friend. He is dressed in the school uniform.

Presents from pupils.........

The photograph album is full of messages from the children and colleagues. Something I shall treasure.

Lydia Buttercup is a soft toy. She is a cat given by a pupil. "To help you in the garden even when it rains", read the message. She even has her own tools!

The pot plant came from my younger daughter........... My wonderful husband gave me orchids........

One door closes, they say. Well my opening door tempts me with textiles.

The next photos are of my next project. The working title is "Tree". Not sure how this will work out.

I started with small fabric scraps, tacked together using Bondaweb. Then I placed the resulting shape onto one of my pieces of felt. You may remember this piece from several months ago.

Next will come "leaves" and lots of free machine embroidery.

Earlier today I went into town and found these two books in the Oxfam Charity Shop.

This book is in perfect condition and dates from 1976!

The second book is the "Readers Digest Complete Guide to Needlework". This edition dates from 1984. It will take pride of place next to my copy of the "Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing" which I was given free when I bought my first sewing machine in 1979.

Ooh, before I forget. If you live in the UK, go into your own Oxfam Shop. My local one has the new 2010 diaries in stock! Well worth a look. I shall say no more since I bought one for a special friend.

Aargh!!!

Normality will resume as soon as possible. I hope.

My workroom is full of stuff from school, all waiting to be sorted and then put away.

I have a small piece of sewn work I really want to work on but I have no workspace free.

I sit perched on the edge of my chair with a small cabinet digging into my back - it awaits a new home. This keyboard is barely fitting onto the desk, which is also stuffed with bits and pieces.

Why the madness? Well, I have finished teaching full-time and all my school stuff needs to find a home here in my house. Eventually I shall sort it all out and get rid of anything not worth keeping. I intend to work as a supply teacher (relief teacher).

Perhaps tomorrow I shall have tidied enough to sew....................... please........................