Saturday 23 March 2013

The Royal School of Needlework, Glasgow

Today I am away somewhere very special.  A friend and I are off to The Royal School of Needlework in Glasgow for a tuition day in Stumpwork Embroidery with Lizzy Lansberry.


There are loads of courses available but until we went to Glasgow a couple of weeks ago I did not know they run in Glasgow which is fantastic for training for certification without having to go to London.

We are travelling by first class train and we can't wait, as you are reading this, we will learning our new techniques and then having a nice lunch at The Willows Tea Rooms which are decorated in a wonderful Rennie Mackintosh theme, they sell all sorts of products all related to Rennie Mackintosh so I am sure we will come back with something nice.

I really have to push myself to do things like this as it will zap all my energy so I am resting up beforehand and then will be resting up afterwards but I wanted to take the opportunity of learning something in a small class and seeing how I get on as I have to have something positive to cling to in the middle of all mine and my families health problems.  We haven't had the best start to the year with losing my precious Uncle so young, our son having serious health issues since December but our GP has just been fantastic with him, admitting him to hospital when needed, believe me he needed it, now he is having bloods done each week and is hoping to be back at University after Easter whilst still having his health problems sorted out and our daughter is having her thyroid problems finally sorted out.  I am back and forth to the hospital for my various appointments for leg and foot strapping, insoles, stomach problems etc etc.  I am hoping to get more help though which I am sure will make a difference to all of my families lives.  We have to remain positive but sometimes it is very hard to do and seeing a friend or two and having the occasional day out certainly does brighten your spirits.  If you ever get the opportunity to go to a class, just do it and you never know where it might lead.

Enjoy your weekend all and I will be back with new posts on Monday. :)





Friday 22 March 2013

Sunshine & Flowers Precious Pincushion

The first part of stitching the pincushion is the Spider's web roses.  I have used the recommended Chameleon threads from Lorna's website as I have never used Perle No.12 before but I will certainly be using it from now on as well as my DMC threads.


When you open the pattern pack, there is the pre-printed fabric and a piece of muslin for the back.  These were the first flowers that needed to be done, Spider's Web Roses.  I am fortunate that in the past I have used these stitches on my daughter's dresses that I made and taught myself through Country Bumpkin Smocking & Embroidery Magazines and books.  I am quite pleased with how they turned out as it is something I haven't done for a couple of years but it has certainly renewed my interest in embroidery - thanks Lorna :)



Thursday 21 March 2013

Lorna Bateman Embroidered Precious Pincushion

I recently had the opportunity of attending a craft show at Glasgow and managed to purchase one of Lorna Bateman's kits for a Precious Pincushion called sunshine and flowers.


There was one on display at the show and I just fell in love with it.

Lorna has loads of kits on her website as well as useful class information and also retreat info.  The website is called www.varigalore.com and is well work a visit if you are interested in embroidery.

I chose this particular project for my Mum's Birthday as she is a Qualified Sugarcrafter but unfortunately has had to throw out some of her very old samples she did for certification.  Anyway the colours in the pincushion are my Mum's colours and I thought it would be a perfect replacement for the missing flowers/displays in the glass cabinet and the best bit is - it will last forever.  I will keep you updated on my progress with this in other posts.


Wednesday 20 March 2013

Gingher Scissors

Gingher Scissors


4" Gingher curved embroidery scissors.  They are brilliant.  They come with their own leather cover as they are extremely sharp.


Perfect for all kinds of embroidery.  I have already started using them on a project but more on that later.  It is my first pair but it certainly wont be my last.