Lydiard Exhibition opening

Well we had a fantastic opening to our Exhibition Keeping Lydiard in Stitches yesterday. There was a real buzz about the place. Maggie Harris and I showed the Mayor around and he was most impressed. We also gave an interview to the BBC radio Wiltshire reporter who turned up. I think that we have proved the Embroidery is not just 'the little flower on the handky corner anymore' but covers a wide range of skills and materials. This littel bug is now on my green man hanging.

Lydiard exhibition

These three photos are of some of my pieces in the Lydiard exhibition. The gree man felt is based on the image of the green man on the ceiling bosses in the dining room and the lovely trees in the grounds. it is hand made and dyed felt then hand embroidered. The ivy leaves re silk.

I put together the bug collection inspired by the Victorians love of collecting nature.

The exhibition is looking great and the bug trail for the kids goes all around the house so there is plenty to look at.

Hope that plenty of people will come and see it especially if they have never visited the house as it is well worth a visit.

Hot Mikado Dress rehearsal

Just a few photos taken at our dress rehearsal last night. In spite of having difficulty with the fabric when making the dresses they all look fantastic on the stage. I am really looking forward to the first night tonight when we get an audiance in.

Hot Mikado and Houston

Can not believe that it is March already and only one week to go to Hot Mikado. Had a wonderful time in Sutton Coldfield teaching bowls again. Must download my photos so I can show you the results. Exciting news too this week as I have had an official invitation to Huston Quilt festival from Quilting Arts Magazine. I shall be in their open studios meeting people and talking about my work. At least now we all seem to be over our coughs and colds so fingers crossed it stays that way. Have just got to sew two hems for costumes now and then should be ready for the show.( and might even get some work done for Lydiard!!!!)

Flying time!!!!

Don't know where the time goes. Off to Cheshire this afternoon to give a bowls talk then staying with Brian until Saturday.Then it's a Bowls workshop on Saturday at Sutton Coldfield. Sarah, Fraser and I all have really nasty colds at the minute. Just seem to be going around in circles with them. Anyway I have nearly finished the two costumes I am making for hot Mikado. Only another four weeks to go. Help!!!!

I gave a talk yesterday to a lovely group of Ladies at Highworth WI and shall be giving the same talk at Swindon evening branch of the GWE on Monday. It is on my venetian inspired work and this photo is one of the Gauntlets which was part of a set of pieces.
Really exciting news is that Fraser started to walk by himself last Thursday so friday it was along to the shoe shop so 'nanny' could buy him his first proper pair of shoes. He was not impressed at having his feet squashed into the machine to be measure and yelled throughout the whole process.
My lovely new book that I ordered off Amazon came this morning and I can not wait to sit and browes through it. It is photos of bugs and beetles. I will write a proper review once I have studied it. Off now for a day with Sarah and Fraser.

Tenerife 2010 holiday

These are some of my favourtite photos taken in Tenerife.

We managed to get away in spite of the snow and spent a lovely week relaxing and sightseeing. The old fig tree I find so inspiring for my felt making. I shall use it as inspiration for my Marlborough Summer School Students this year.