2014

Happy New Year everyone!

Sutton Coldfield Creative Stitchers

I went to my first meeting on Thursday.  The speaker was Louise Claire Bradley and the room was absolutely packed.  I sat between Julia G (fellow Distant Stitcher) and new friend Mary.  It was a fascinating evening and I'm so glad I decided to join a group.  Their exhibition in October contained some superb work so I'd better crack on and start making!

Three sleeps to go

... until my workshop at Mobbs Wood studios near Coventry.  No places left I'm afraid.  Looking forward to having some fun with dyeing and printing.

FOQ 2013

The NEC was full of people from all over the world yesterday. Chatted to a lovely lady called Ludmila from Kazakhstan - she teaches quilting but used to be an engineer! She'd travelled to the UK for the Festival. Amazing. Nice to see Angie Hughes, Isobel Hall, Chris Gray, Chloe and Steph Redfern, - oh I could go on forever. It was exhausting but so worth it!

Norway

Just back from our trip to Norway. Fantastic!

Mobbs Wood and Warwickshire Open Studios 2013

What a great experience my first Open Studios has been. Mobbs Wood is an idyllic venue - it's a working farm in rolling countryside - and my fellow artists, Jo P, Jo B and Gabrielle are great fun to be around. Visitors' comments have been entirely positive and encouraging and we have had a lot of visitors!

Above - my worktable, complete with Unfinished Objects (UFOs).

Above - my assessment pieces on plinths, craftily lit from above. Behind you can see the staircase leading to the upper floor.

Above - brooches and cards displayed alongside my visitors' book and complimentary chocs!

Above - a glimpse of Jo Powers' studio upstairs and her Cabinet of Curiosities.

Above - Gabrielle's tired and distressed chair awaiting some TLC from Jo. Thanks to all visitors and special thanks to Phil, Tessa and Martin for their help and support. Watch this space for more news about taster workshops.

Growing up

Bit of a landmark birthday last week. It really makes you think about the bigger picture and whether you are on the right path. I was absolutely overwhelmed and touched by the kindness of family, friends and colleagues. I am reducing my working hours from next week to devote more time to doing the things I want to do, and to counting my blessings. I've got my C&G certificate to finish and am taking part in the Warwickshire Open Studios in June/July, exhibiting with a group of talented artists at Mobbs wood Farm just north of Coventry. Watch this space ....

Laura Mvula

Please please go into YouTube and look at Laura's "Green Garden". If this is not the freshest, most joyous piece of music you've heard for ages, then I don't know what is. A real treat for gloomy days. http://youtu.be/5akYnlwubDo