Back again

I'm afraid I have been very lax about keeping up my blog, thinking maybe that no-one is really interested in what I may or may not be doing, is blogging a purely self indulgent activity? or is it really a good way of communicating and keeping in touch - not really sure.

From my ramblings you may have perceived that I am sort of facing a bit of a personal crisis about where am I going with my life - at 60 + should I be thinking of retiring or should I be ignoring time and forging ahead? I think honestly its time to concentrate on what is important to me. I have to prioritise and use my time wisely - I want to enjoy my home and family and spend time exploring my own creative endeavours which means my teaching commitments will have to be curtailed somewhat.

Having said all that I am busy getting ready for my epic trip to New Zealand, firstly for a holiday and then a teaching tour with the Embroiderers' Guild - watch this space! I have spent the last few weeks preparing teaching packs which have now been shipped to various destinations in NZ I am spending an anxious time watching the tracking details - they are on their way but haven't made it downunder yet! So here I am a bit like a headless chicken painting papers with transfer paints, printing synthetic satin and Kunin felt, making lists of threads and samples that I will need for the classes and trying to work out how few clothes I can get away with for a 6 week trip. SIX WEEKS! Suddenly it seems like its a long time to be away from home!

Anyway just enjoy this photo of me at Christmas with my gorgeous grandson Jake

I'll be back soon and will try to be more positive!

Inspiration from Valencia

Some images from around the cathedral area in Valencia lots of inspiration for future work

A visit to Valencia

we spent the last day of the Spanish Quilting Holiday in Valencia, a lovely relaxing day seeing the sights and enjoying the atmosphere of a Spanish Saturday, shopping, people watching and a leisurely lunch sat in the sun in a picturesque plaza.

 

 

 

 

Spanish Quilting Holidays

painting in the garden at La Drova

celebrating Dulce's birthday

Dulce with some of her work

Mel with her work in progress


Just got back from La Drova where the girls have had a  very productive week with their textile projects

fading roses

just thought I would share these lovely fading roses with you, the petals have gone papery and parchment-like , subjects for a project?

Matisse and all that

We had a lovely day in London yesterday, a visit to the Tate Modern to see the Matisse- Cut Outs exhibition - brilliant and so inspiring! His work is so tactile so much like textiles - I can see a Quilt coming on. Amazingly I did make a Matisse quilt in 1997, see pic, which featured the dancers and some of his cut out work, I really must think about doing something to follow up on this. Afterwards we had a good lunch, it has to be done, at a greek restaurant on the embankment and then a visit to the tower to se the Poppy installation - extremely moving and more inspiration for textiles

designer shoes

saw these shoes recently on a trip to London - just had to share them with you. Aren't they FAB!