Thursday 25th March

 We have had some lovely weather this week, I hope you have all been able to get out and about in it.  The people down my road are really getting into the swing of spring as 3 houses are now having their back gardens re-vamped.  Lots of work for the local tradesmen.  I made the fatal mistake of taking a jigsaw from a friend this week, it's a lovely picture by Angela Harding but gosh is it hard and I can't leave it alone.

Lesley and Roma have been doing the same workshop this week from the Textile Artists website.  The pieces are based on a tiny picture or stamp and you produce a piece of work inspired and incorporating that picture.

This is Lesley's piece, a 20cm collage based on the mood and atmosphere of the picture

Roma's collage is also based on the tiny picture of the tree.

I am doing one of the free workshop on the Textile Artists website but have only just got the pieces of fabric pulled together so far.  Hopefully I shall have something to show next week.

Thursday 18th March

 I got past the Ides of March ok and now we are past the equinox summer is on it's way with longer days than nights.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone in June even if it is a slightly shorter session.  There may be some new rules we have to abide by but frankly, I will put up with almost anything just to get out.  I have been doing some gardening this week which is good but it looks as though a few plants didn't survive the frost and snow.

Diane has been busy following a Block of the Month workshop with the American Quilt Museum (in America, not Bath).  They have a facebook page which she says has some amazing designs. I haven't looked yet but I think I might.

Roma has been out walking on the beach and found this lovely piece of driftwood.  I must walk with my eyes shut because I have never seen any driftwood anywhere.  She has done this piece of weaving using it as a hanging.

I too have been busy this week.  I have finished my bag for my African stitch sampler book.

The woven strips are from the African Fabric Shop as are all the beads and tokens.

This is a project I set myself of making a little book to fit into a box I made years ago.  These are eight sea views which fold into a concertina book.  However, I didn't keep an eye on stitching too close to the edge I was going to trim off and so now the book doesn't fit in the box.  I did enjoy doing it though.

Thursday 11th March

 Well I have got my hair appointment for 15th April, so not long to go now, I think I will have a ponytail by then.  The hairdresser rang me as he starts to get ready to open up. I said how wonderful it was to hear his voice!

The wind is blowing a gale outside proving that March does come in like a lion. Let's hope it goes out like a lamb.

Some of you have been very busy this last week.

Roma has been making outfits for her granddaughters doll.

Roma has also made this little fabric book using cotton organdie so that you can see both the front and the back of the stitching.  She has used the 6 stitches in our challenge and ideas from the Mary Sleigh course that she did.

Next is Susan who has been making a little needlecase for her granddaughter who at 6 years old is a budding stitcher.

Ann has been busy with these 3 pieces for the Africa project.

Stunning work Ann.  She has used Colourcraft Soft Foam Relief Paste in transparent which she applied through a stencil to create the raised design.  This was then rubbed over with Markel oil stick.  I feel a workshop coming on.

I will be getting in touch with you all soon about dates and other things going on within the group just as soon as I have finalised everything.  Should be an exciting last six months of the year.

Thursday 4th March

 What a change in the weather since the weekend, it is so cold again although not as bad as Tuesday and Wednesday, we have at least seen the sunshine.

What sad news that the Embroiderers' Guild are closing all their branches and going online only, due to lack of funds.  Apparently, 1500 people did not renew their subscriptions this year and as they were struggling before that, the pandemic has brought things to a head.  Still, who knows, maybe this will introduce them to a whole new generation who will bring new life to them.

I haven't had any photographs this week so I am just showing my finished African stitch book. 

I am thinking of making a bag to keep it in as I have some strip woven pieces and some lovely beads and tokens that I haven't used yet and I think I can make something good from them as soon as I have the courage to cut into them.