Can you keep a secret?

Well, I now have proof that my husband can!

Yesterday I had a trip to Abingdon. I didn’t know anything about it until the last minute, and I had no idea why I was going. DH announced that we were having a trip, and we duly arrived at the Embroiderers’ Guild SEW Regional Day.

What fascinating talks!

Firstly Diana Springall reminded us that good design always starts with mark making and due consideration of the source. The PA system wasn’t working at it’s best, so I think that several attendees (including my DH who had forgotten his hearing aid) missed the main points of her talk. Drawing is something that scares us all – but the examples she showed (including Alice Kettle, Jan Beaney and Eirion Short) showed that detail is not always required – and MARKS that mean something to the creator are so much more important.

The second talk was a visual delight. Michele Carragher inspired us with behind the scenes stories of TV series on which she has worked. Follow the link to find out more – you won’t be disappointed.

So, why were we there? Well, I didn’t know until the very last moment! The excuse to get me there was to take along a few of my hand dyed threads. We weren’t really selling, but people did come along and take a look. Finally it was time to hand out the awards. One went to a Young Embroiderer. So good to see that there is still an interest in stitching by the very youngest generation. (It reminded me of a project I’m planning for my 6 year old grand-daughter – we must get on with it.) The competition had also been displayed – and everyone had voted. Carol from Wokingham Branch won again! She is a very good example of a proper member. In spite of a very busy life she always manages to produce something – we should all learn from her and stop making excuses about being too busy …..

There was one award left on the table. To my utter amazement it was waiting for me! Anne Walden Mills mentioned my name and I almost fell off my chair!

Many of you in the SEW Region will remember Betty. She was a delightful lady who loved embroidery and the Guild. It was such a surprise and pleasure to receive this award in her memory.

Are you joining in?

A number of us are taking part in a challenge – 365 days of a minimum of 15 minutes creativity each day. Why not join us? Nothing formal – just do SOMETHING creative – and yes, that cake that you thought about making will count as well….. if you make it.

As an encouragement there are a few daily photo prompts being published here, interspersed with some colour prompts too. They won’t come every day of the year – but already I’ve seen the results of some lovely work.

If you decide to take part and blog about your results – don’t forget leave a comment at the bottom of the appropriate post. In the meantime – here’s a little stitching based on the last colour challenge.  The picture will take you there.

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Gosh, that was quick!

Well, I began the day by listing a few thread collections on Etsy with the intention of making a collage for you here later in the day. As it happens, several of them have already sold – so if you would like to take a look I suggest you do it quickly. This link will take you to the shop and so too will the picture below which is just one of those still available. If I have time I will be listing more later or over the next few days. All of these collections are unique – there won’t be another one listed on the internet.

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