A "Parson's Egg" week

e.g. good in parts

Last Saturday found me on Brownsea Island, Poole.

Now owned by the National Trust, it was the birth place

of the Scout Movement - Baden Powell set up the first

camp on the Island. A beautiful tranquil place, no

cars allowed, home of red squirrels - all busy gathering

their nuts, so to speak. Delightful.

Cottages on the foreshore - what a great place for a studio.

I was invited over to take a dyeing class as part of an

Embroidery Workshop. Location The Girl Guides summer

house - so quiet and inspiring, especially as students were

encouraged to take nature as their theme.

Samples drying on hedges

Cloth dyed in autumnal/island colours

The view from the house - dappled sunlight, looking

towards Poole Harbour.

I had been invited by Betty (Ruffell) who organised the

weekend. I think I surprised her on my arrival in

complete walking kit, boots, walking pole, and

racksack, jeans, big jumper etc. My norrnal attire

for workshops is churridar (trousers) and a kurta!

We had a great time. When it came to make my

way to the ferry my back said 'no'. Consequence,

last week not a lot got done until a visit to my

Chiropractor on Friday.

Enter the 'elephant in the room'. Velvet for dyeing.

Getting a good way into this now - dyed lengths for

scarves piling up. A few more metres to go.

Must take advantage of reasonable weather today

and tomorrow before the rains come. Wednesday

should see me at the sewing machine, all being well!