EASTER HOLIDAY

 

Hello

I hope everyone enjoyed the Easter break...

We certainly did..

By happy coincidence, the Easter holiday coincided with the first birthday of our much-loved only granddaughter..

I made a little patchwork quilt for the small dolly we gave her.

She is a sweet child, and seems to like the doll, as well as the Easter chicken we gave her on Sunday...

We enjoyed her beautiful birthday party, with exquisite decor done by my clever daughter-in-law.

Baby partied with her three brothers and assorted family and friends, having a fine time.

It brought back memories of our only little girl, now a mother of two healthy boys.  The birthday girl resembles her aunt sometimes in her expression, and it is a special thing to see.

On Easter Sunday morning, I decided to wear this linen dress to church.  I made it about five years ago, and think the colours look a bit like a sunrise.  I added a vintage yellow brooch, for another hint of sunshine...

It was wonderful to sing with a full choir on this special day..

In case you have missed it, I thought I'd show you a picture of the Coronation invitation - no, we did not receive one, lol.

To a bird and garden lover, it is very attractive, with blooms of significance for the United Kingdom:  Roses for England, thistles for Scotland, daffodils for Wales and shamrocks for Ireland.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were pictured going to church at Windsor Castle.

Camilla seems to like blue, and I think it suits her.  The little blue hat is cute and very Spring-like.

Also in blue, the Princess of Wales and in fact, the whole family.

I love cobalt blue, and hope it is coming back for another run.

I think I still have an old jumper in this colour... 

somewhere...

I have continued gathering together everything we need for our upcoming trip to Canada, but finding time for my latest slow-stitching project.  

For the unfamiliar, this is an embroidered and collaged fabric scroll, designed to be rolled around an antique spool.  Born of the pandemic, when we all spent time at home, it is relaxing and creative, and I find it the perfect way to dig out all the bits and bobs in my sewing room which I have collected over many years.  No piece of old embroidery, lace or ribbon, or scrap of linen, is safe around here.  They are highly likely to end up in a flower garden.

When I want a little deer or rabbit, I paint a tiny watercolour on calico and stitch it in.

The project is inspired by two sisters who make online tutorials to follow on U-tube on a fortnightly basis.  The one I am doing is called 'Down the Garden Path', and can be found on Roxy's Journal of Stitchery Vol. 3.  It goes for six months and I am now half way through.

The prompts are simply ideas like 'wildflowers', 'vegetables', 'gate', 'shed', or 'bench'.  Other than that, it is entirely one's own creation, which I really enjoy.

Many people are posting their efforts on Facebook, and I love going through them to see the creative embroidery from all over the world.

Have a great week

XXXXX

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Happy International Women's Day, dear readers...

Let us celebrate our lives, our talents, strengths and accomplishments, and look to a future of equality and empowerment for women all around the world.

It seems a good day to share an exhibition currently showing at the Museum of Brisbane: The Designer's Guide: Easton Pearson Archive.

Brisbane designers Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson retired in 2016, after many years at the forefront of Australian fashion, with their unique artistry, techniques, very innovative materials, and sustainable ethos.

Two hundred garments from the Archive are currently on display.

Here are some which appealed particularly to me:

Applique and embroidery

Texture in embroidered, ruffled petals and fringing

Wonderful effects with beading

Totally love the cowrie shell embellishment

Skilful crazy patchwork

Loved this because:  roses, colour, a bit Frida Kahlo

I spent Women's Day joyfully rehearsing with my Ladies Choir, preparing for a year of monthly concerts...

Followed by a dainty ladies' lunch with my lovely friend V...

and a tiny bit of Easter shopping:

Don't forget to celebrate..

XXXXX

A STITCH IN TIME AND FAREWELL CANADA

This week I spent a day with my Sewing Girlfriends. 

Naturally we began with cake, in this case the above superb Rhubarb Confection;

everyone accessorised with a dollop of heavy cream:  it was gastronomic heaven!

Some sewing also occurred, quilts were admired, embroidery encouraged,

and new work considered and planned.
Show and Tell is key:

Look at this beautiful antique chatelaine put together by one of our clever girls,

and the delightful Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady found by someone else.

We touched upon all the big issues of the week:

Kate and Wills have now left the country, and headed off to Hollywood.

For this happy farewell salute, Catherine shone in a beautiful wool coat of Canadian Red,

and gave the Queen's Diamond Maple Leaf brooch another outing. 

It seems a shame Catherine has been criticised by some for her first Royal Tour wardrobe. 

I think she has done really well, with just the right amount of formality, suitably appropriate gestures such as the brooch, and perfect grooming.

When in Calgary, you join the Wild West culture, and go to the Stampede.

Isn't this lacy shirt pretty?
 Very Grace Kelly in High Noon, as a dainty bride in the Old West.

  The West Wind is blowing here, too,
 bringing with it the dry cold from the Inland.

It was about 1 degree this morning,
the roses are looking a little desperate for some love and care,

and the pool is evaporating rapidly. 

I for one need to get outside for some garden maintenance.

Do something fun this weekend.

Women Can Do Anything

International Womens Day was celebrated last month. 

I made this cushion a few years ago, in my embroidery classes with the late Ruth Stonely, extraordinary Brisbane quilter and textile artist.

The sewing group we formed at Ruth's funeral still meets every month, four years later, supporting each other through good times and bad.

Meeting this Thursday at V's place - can't wait!