Silk Ribbon Embroidery

When I started stitching for pleasure a few years ago I didn't have books to refer to and most of what I did was pretty basic: I learnt a lot along the way.
This cottage is something I made early on, when I was exploring different stitches, materials and ideas.  The perspective is shocking but all in all I do quite like this piece.  It hangs on the wall in my workroom so it always around.  Of course there are lots of things I would do differently now but it was a good start.

I haven't forgotten the giveaways I promised for all those who commented during April.  They will be sent out by the end of May.  Thanks to all those who read my blog and leave their thoughts.

Speaking of thoughts: the broken vase is still in its box.  I cannot bring myself to throw it out (the seller didn't want it back) so I am thinking of smashing it up a bit more and making some sort of mosaic thingy with it.  

The weather here is cooling down as we approach winter and I am hoping to settle into some serious stitching soon.  I have managed to do a little bit while babysitting the last few days so I will show you what I have been doing soon.


I noticed on the news that there are forest fires in various places in the UK.  This seems so unusual, but I understand it has been particularly dry this past month or so.  Keep safe everyone.

winter is on its way

 Winter is on its way to us here in Melbourne so it is time to break out the coats and scarves.

 I have plenty of things in my stash of course so today I started on a new scarf.


It will be so lovely and soft on those chilly mornings.

I just love the look and feel of the fleece before the felting starts.  

I couldn't resist making some odd shapes over what was left: a bit like using up the left over pastry when making a pie!  I just rolled these around in my hands with soapy water and then flattening them.  they will be useful for embellishing.

Bargains

I have had a great day today:  firstly I want to say thanks to everyone who comments on my blog.  It is good to know that what I put on here might inspire someone else, or even just give a little insight into the area I live in.

It has rained pretty much all day here today: about 14 degrees all day too so I have been inside a lot.  I had to go out for a while and so took advantage of the opportunity to call on a few of our local op shops (charity shops) to see if there was anything useful or interesting.  Of course there was.  I managed to find several things, most of which I will photograph tomorrow if it stops raining long enough for me to get them out of the car.  I picked up a few gadgets that will be useful in my studio, as you can see from the pic.

The wooden tray is old and battered but will be useful I am sure, then there is the meat tenderiser which will be great for pulverising leaves and flowers (hapazome), a small whisk (for mixing paints and dyes) a measuring spoon, a cheese knife which might be good for manipulating fabric somehow.  I am sure I will put the spoons and tea infuser to good use as well. 

This camellia looks so perfect I thought you might like to see it.  I have several in bloom at present but the rain will ruin the flowers.  Never mind there are more buds about to come out and the daphne is in bud as well.

Wednesday Morning Sky

I couldn't resist taking pics of the sky this morning.  I love the way the shapes of the clouds reflect the shapes of the trees.  Just fabulous.

WINTER SOLSTICE IN SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA 2010

MID WINTER SUNSET AT CANADIAN BAY, MOUNT ELIZA

Today is the day we consider to be the winter solstice here in Victoria, Australia.  It is the shortest day of the year and it has been quite bleak here most of the day.  We had a foggy morning and it was about 6 degrees when I struggled out of bed.  As the day progressed the sun peaked out for a little while but the temperature didn't rise much.

The sun was setting when I drove down to the supermarket at about 5 pm.  It is only another couple of minutes drive to the beach so I couldn't resist taking a few photos while I was out.