City & Guilds and other thoughts.

As the new month starts I seem to have created a whole lot of mess in my studio/sewing room.  Too much thinking and not enough action lately.

Anyway one thought that comes and goes with some regularity is the idea of doing a City & Guilds course by distance learning.  If anyone can offer any advice on the matter I would really appreciate it.  Perhaps I could make up my mind one way or another and then that would be one less thing to keep thinking about!

In the meantime I will address a couple of things in previous blogs.  Thanks for the kind messages regarding my dear grand children.  The three in the previous blog are the children of my youngest daughter.  My eldest daughter also has a son but we do not see him as often.  They will all sleep over here on Sunday night as it is still school holidays.  Anyway, as far as the cooking is concerned: the children decide for themselves what they want to cook - usually something they have done at home or at their other grandmother's house.  We then write a list of the supplies needed and go shopping. 
After that they do the preparation and the cooking.  They set the table and serve up the food.  I guess it is only fair that I clean up afterwards!!! 

Jensters,  you asked me about my ATC for Stitchin Fingers.  I did finish mine and posted it on Monday.  It took me quite a while to decide what to do but once I decided I found I had something already stitched and I only had to add some water colour to it.  It was much more challenging than I had expected.  I hope it fits the requirements.  I think this month's theme of "wings" will be much easier.

Dolly faces

This is a little atc I did for Stitchin Fingers, the theme was black & white & one other colour.  It was a fun theme.

These two little ladies are brooches which I made just for fun.  The expressions on the faces are so gorgeous.

 The little handbags and shoes are from 

Welcome to Let's Bead Friends website - Let's Bead Friends

The ladies here are so helpful and their range of charms and findings are amazing.

PARCELS IN THE POST

Today the postie delivered surprises from distant places.

This ATC (from the UK) is called Rockpool and was sent to me by Lorna - artymess, as part of the Stitchin Fingers ATC group swap for May.  The theme was under sea creatures.  Take a look at the atc blog to see the fantastic tiny works of art that are swapped throughout the year.

http://textileartisttradingcards.blogspot.com/

The next parcel was a card with gorgeous threads, sent to me by a dear friend in Queensland.  I can see these will be used on future ATCs and postcards.  Thanks so much Laurel for thinking of me and for your generosity.

Once I had finished drooling over  the first two parcels I opened one from the USA.  

This was a prize I won through a random draw on the 3 Creative Studios forum.  Each month a new technique is suggested and members show the results of their efforts.  Then one name is drawn for the prize.  This past month I was the lucky winner of threads, hand dyed fabrics, buttons, yarns, a gorgeous handmade book and card.  So many possibilities.

http://threecreativestudios.com/

This last little group of goodies were included in the parcel from Lorna.

lorna-artymess.blogspot.com/

STITCHING FRIENDS

The last week has been one of happy encounters and conversations with some surprises in the mail as well.

A few days ago I bumped into Bev Tully when I was out shopping. I have attended some classes with Bev and it was a real delight to see her again. Bev is off to do a tour of stately homes in the UK - it will be her pleasure to teach some needlework classes to the people on the tour. I am sure the classes will be great fun with lots to learn as well.

Yesterday I received a gorgeous Easter Card in the mail and along with it a gorgeous little fabric egg which contained a crystal charm. These treasures were sent to me as part of a swap conducted on the Embroiderers Guild UK Forum.

As if that wasn't enough I received a lovely parcel from a friend - it contained some hand dyed and painted fabrics and a lovely ATC which was made just for me.

There is something so special about the world of needlewomen - such kindness and generosity is just so lovely.