Wednesday 30 September 2015

Crochet blanket

I started learning crochet this time last year. It has been a challenge
and great fun at the same time. Once a month I go to a local group
meeting, where we crochet, chat and swap patterns. 
Here you can see the blanket I am making.

Work in Progress
It started as a cushion
The pattern is in this book
More yarn arrived from Wool Warehouse

Tuesday 22 September 2015

Sashiko Shirt Cushions

Sashiko is a type of Japanese embroidery, which I really like and
 have some previously stitched projects.
I knew I had 2 finished sashiko pieces, the right size for cushion
covers, and  I knew they
 would be a great gift , for friends who have birthdays on the same day.
I used old shirts for backing and made patchwork borders.
Now I have two finished projects, and two  home made presents.
You can read about the Sashiko embroideries here:
http://texturetrail.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/some-more-sashiko.html
http://texturetrail.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/more-sashiko.html

Sashiko Shirt Cushions

Grape Design

Leaf and Hemp Design

Back of cushion

Shirt Back
Matching Pair

Thursday 10 September 2015

Tag Tuesday-I remember when

This week on Tag Tuesday the theme is "I remember when"

I have made a " Nostalgia " tag, because I
wanted to use this photo of two sisters. I really
wish this was an old family photo, but I found it in
a Brocante in France last summer!
I have used a stamp which evokes
memories of times gone by, lace for a vintage feel,
and a birdcage.



 I have added a close up of the sweet photo of two little sisters.

Wednesday 9 September 2015

Holiday in Italy

Here are some photos of Tuscany and Umbria.
We had a lovely holiday, and visited some beautiful places.
The scenery was perfect! 


Typical Tuscan landscape


Walled town of Pienza


Coffee in the town square


Narrow streets


Magnificent bank


Thursday 3 September 2015

Epoch 3-new shop in Caversham

We have a new shop in Caversham, selling revamped
furniture and arts and crafts by local artists.
If you look carefully, you will see some of my stitched
textile pictures on display!
Epoch3 is a bright, but cosy shop, with lovely furniture
and things for the home.
This is what it looks like today!

 













Tuesday 1 September 2015

Tag Tuesday-Blues and Browns



I am back with you again after a blogging and tagging break over the summer.
The past few weeks have gone by very fast, and it is hard to believe it
is September. I have been spending time at home, and have just
returned from a fabulous holiday in Italy. I will post photos of it soon.
For my Blues and Browns tag, I have used random colours of writing materials 
 and bits and pieces from my studio ( courtesy of Pat Brennan, from when
we did a stash swap)I enjoyed layering on the colours,as some sank into the
handmade paper background. The other pieces were placed on top.