Indoor gardening for stitchers

 Last Friday I went to the fibre arts group at Peninsula Arts Society in Frankston.

I have been a member of this group for a couple of months now and although I have missed a few sessions I am beginning to feel quite at home.  The ladies who attend are artists (painters) first and do some textile work as well.  As a group we are a diverse lot with different interests and levels of experience or interest in textiles.  It is essentially a social group and at first I was a little unsure about spending time chatting when I am always so busy.  It is a symptom of our lives these days that just chatting is no longer valued, however I am finding I am settling in to the ways of the group now.

The ladies all take an interest in each others' projects and the last session included one member showing us how she produces the most amazing woven tapestry, from design through to the weaving process.  Another was making a japanese style bag (using her sewing machine) and yet another was embroidering a linen table cloth featuring just one stitch.  I discussed and demonstrated silk ribbon embroidery for another member while someone else was cutting a pattern for a silk scarf.  Another lady was making a memory quilt featuring photographs of her grandson printed onto fabric: this will be his 21st Birthday present.

Over the past few weeks I have been working on my gum blossom project but now that it is finished I have made a start on another knot garden.

First the design is drawn onto the fabric and then marked out with stitching.  Then the fun begins.  Deciding on stitches and colours.  I love doing these gardens.  They are so peaceful and meditative.  Like real gardening.

I have decided on a colour scheme of green, pink and  lilac.

Mind you I have been known to change my mind.