For some of the fleece I have in the studio.
Firstly a “straight off the Cheviot Hills sheep” from my neighbour.
And the Gotland fluffy curls that came home from Woolfest.
I only managed the Cheviot Hills fleece and a small proportion of the Gotland.
Sheep fluff needs to be washed in small batches.
Not only is it hard work and lots of washing and rinsing but you also need be be sure its going to be a warm sunny day long enough for it to dry.
…. to the Festival of Quilts.
Certainly NOT rolled up.
Pictures of the actual “Quilt” to follow soon.
…. with costumes you’ve sewn, embroidered and put your soul into when they have been used for talks and exhibitions that are now out of date, past, gone, forgotten?
This one has already been taken to pieces to reuse the silks.
Some people are horrified when I tell them.
But REALLY what other options are there?
Stunningly bright rainbows, photographed from the bedroom window.
Mother Nature being exceptionally colourful.
The garden is doing its thing and all the hard work is paying off.
Boscobel
Champneys Pink
Not sure - came from Mindrum Garden
Foxgloves - always foxgloves in my garden, these are right by the back door, they self seeded in a pot, so were left to do their thing.
When life throws you lemons its not always possible to make lemonade….. but eventually you find some sort of normality.
Back to stitching hares.
Recently gave my talk on “Land of the Far Horizons” at Darlington EG.
Lovely group and a warm welcome.
Thank you x
This is my favourite talk atm with my artwork inspired by archaeology and landscape.
With cup and ring carved rock inspiration, natural and rust dyeing, mixed media and eastern inspirations. I see this as part 1 in a series of talks coming over the next few years.
I’m willing to travel throughout the UK to deliver this, other lectures and workshops.
Headed over to Woolfest in Cockermouth and took the opportunity to visit Keswick on a glorious summers day.
First a walk to the iconic boats and birds.
And to see one of the best views in the world, across Derwentwater to Borrowdale.
I sat on the grass enjoying the cool breeze blowing off the lake.
Could have stayed there for hours, days, weeks, forever.
Wooliest was wonderful. I haven’t been for a few years.
Everyone is so friendly and the colour of the wool against the dark concrete of the Auction Mart is a photographers dream.
Except I was too busy buying and looking
Here’s one sleepy character. I don’t know the breed but he / she is beautiful.
So what did i buy?
A box of colours to paint with.
A sheep fleece to wash
Another sheep fleece to wash!
A box of monochrome greys
And a stunning jumper which I must photo for you.
I walked back to the car like a pack-mule!
I had a late lunch sitting in my car, door open and enjoying the view.
Fabulous two days away. Can’t wait to go back next year,
I was lucky enough to visit Mindrum Garden last weekend.
We walked through the woodland….
And walked past the foxgloves, roses and aquilegia’s.
This is a special garden. All my favourite flowers.
A few came home including an (old wild type) deep red rambling rose.
At home the foxgloves are blooming madly.
And today (and yesterday) got a good watering.
I’ve revamped the gardening website - its just for fun, don’t except too much.
Since coming home from my London trip I’ve been so very tired.
I slept 14 hours one night. Usually I’m lucky to get 6 hours.
The gentle art of gardening.
Slow and steady.
Reaping beautiful and yummy rewards.
The first foxgloves to appear in the garden.
Searching for beautiful details in the ordinary and everyday.
Something I aim to do from now on.
Find me on Instagram for daily posts.
I’m using the hashtag #innerdailysmile
I took this yesterday and call it “Magnification"
Even abstract light patterns are beautiful.
First stop on Saturday - Charlotte Tilbury's Covent Garden Store for a indulgent hour of girlie make up.
Not something I’ve done for a long time and I loved it.
Picked up some great tips and more of her makeup.
I’m a convert.
I sat on the last chair on the right, getting onto the chair was my challenge of the day.
Then I wandered to the British Museum via Seven Dials….stopping at Gudrun Sjoden, for a new dress and Orla Kiely for a new summer bag.
The British Museum was busy with some very rude visitors.
What is it about London that gives one the right to be rude and selfish?
After lunch in the Members Room I headed to the Egyptian exhibition, not really my thing.
But interesting to see different objects from different times.
Then Sicily, which was also not really my thing.
But its en-route to the train.
I had a few moments to see old favourites.
And a quick pop into Indian again.
Then tired but very happy I caught the train from Kings Cross back to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Back to green fields, nice people, sheep….
…and my garden.
*sigh*
