Painted threads

Yesterday I spent time using up dye stock, couldn't possibly throw it down the sink!

High on my list for 2014 is to revisit my website.    Sadly neglect this year, it is in need of a complete revamp.    

When out and about this year I was often asked if I sell my threads online.   The packs of threads on the website sold well.   As to individual spools, I hope to devise a page showing the (almost) solid colours.   The description of the variegated threads might need some imagination!   Some standard mixes, plus one offs.     That will be a colourful occupation for

dull January/February days.

Time out

It's been a fantastic teaching year.  Fabulous students, thank you!   Met lots of lovely people along the way.   No workshops until next year.    A chance to have a grand clear out in my room, catch up with paperwork, and 'play'.

Soon we are off to Rajasthan for a glorious three weeks.

things on my window sill

a good test for my new camera

outside The Storm is happening

gathering things to take and making lists

my journal cover, slightly travel worn

a lovely piece of Rabari embroidery (which 

can be bought by the metre)

interesting things lurk in boxes

just doing

Spent a lovely day with my friend Jenny

 painting papers

enjoying a delicious lunch

and driving home on a beautiful

autumn afternoon

contented cows  happy sheep

and  happy me      thank you Jenny

picking up the thread

Good grief, over a month since I blogged!    The Canford Needlework Festival was good.  Lots of traders and well attended.   Hello, and thank you to everyone who found my emporium.   Situated on the stage against a black wall, with minimal lights, I never did get round to calling my spot The Dark Hole of Calcutta.     I did a demo where it was to dark to thread a needle.     Ah well, Fran is working on next year's event, taking notice of the feedback from traders and shoppers.   I'll just put it down to teething troubles!

Did I tell you about my 'sports' injuries?!!!  Ha, Ha!     On the day of Bournemouth Air Show I rashly jumped of a wall.    The next day there was the game of football/rugby with my boys and grandson.  I was in goal.  Lesson in the learning.   Result, hip, knee and left foot fused.   Ouch.     I am still 25 in my head!      

I've been taking it easy.    Annalise my chiropractor is doing a grand job.    I can now stand on my toes, if I want too!    One more session should see me right.

Three fabulous Shibori (Procion) workshops here, where I could have a little hobble and then sit down.    One workshop and one talk this week, and that's me done until March.

It has been a busy summer, so perhaps it was good to try and do nothing for a while.   I certainly put my feet up,  gave a few orders here and there.   Still waiting for the housework and laundry fairies to appear.

The Kurta Quilt has been my companion, lots of quilting and even more surface stitching.
You never know, I might even finish it this year!    

one corner done

to think it was going to be machine quilted

instead it's covered in hand stitching

some interesting hand quilting

happening along the outer border now

looking back to the warmer days

pleated and pole wrapped indigo dyed cloth

In a months time we will be flying east

really looking forward to that