One of my hobbies is hand embroidery. I have been lucky enough to take 2 one day classes at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace, in Beginners Silk Shading and Beginners Goldwork. Both were an amazing experience.
I long to take the RSN's Certificate course, so had better get saving. Thankfully I discovered through the RSN's web site that one of their graduates has begun classes in Bristol, which is a 2 hour drive away from Plymouth. Otherwise I would have had to take the sleeper train from Plymouth to Paddington, an expensive taxi across to Waterloo and a further train out to Hampton Court - with the reverse trip back to Plymouth. Since I have disabilities, it can become hard work on and off trains, so driving 120 miles is far preferable.
I have made pictures, mostly in cross stitch; some stump work pieces including a one off glasses case for Joan, who is like a 2nd 'Mum' to me, along with odds and ends and whatever takes my fancy. I am slowly getting through my version of an appliqued Tree of Life as a wall hanging for my friend in NZ, which includes chickens!
My late Aunt Ida persuaded me to enter a couple of pieces into the Studland (Dorset) Summer Show, so I borrowed back two items I had done, the Christening picture for our newphew and the glasses case. It was with great trepidation that I presented them to be staged, my Aunt had kindly (?) told the clique of perpetual winners that they were going to "have some real competition this year". Imagine my amazement and my Aunt's total delight, and the clique's chagrin, when I walked away with 2 Firsts - and Best In Show!
At present I am planning to do a Merchant Navy Cap Badge for a friend,John, who is a retired Master Mariner and Joan's husband. It will be enlarged by 100% and I am waiting for samples of the gold threads to be sent to me by GoldenThreads here in the UK. Wish me luck, this one is scary!
I also do some dress making for my own benefit and have made a couple of shirts for my husband.
I'd love to know what some of you are doing.
I long to take the RSN's Certificate course, so had better get saving. Thankfully I discovered through the RSN's web site that one of their graduates has begun classes in Bristol, which is a 2 hour drive away from Plymouth. Otherwise I would have had to take the sleeper train from Plymouth to Paddington, an expensive taxi across to Waterloo and a further train out to Hampton Court - with the reverse trip back to Plymouth. Since I have disabilities, it can become hard work on and off trains, so driving 120 miles is far preferable.
I have made pictures, mostly in cross stitch; some stump work pieces including a one off glasses case for Joan, who is like a 2nd 'Mum' to me, along with odds and ends and whatever takes my fancy. I am slowly getting through my version of an appliqued Tree of Life as a wall hanging for my friend in NZ, which includes chickens!
My late Aunt Ida persuaded me to enter a couple of pieces into the Studland (Dorset) Summer Show, so I borrowed back two items I had done, the Christening picture for our newphew and the glasses case. It was with great trepidation that I presented them to be staged, my Aunt had kindly (?) told the clique of perpetual winners that they were going to "have some real competition this year". Imagine my amazement and my Aunt's total delight, and the clique's chagrin, when I walked away with 2 Firsts - and Best In Show!
At present I am planning to do a Merchant Navy Cap Badge for a friend,John, who is a retired Master Mariner and Joan's husband. It will be enlarged by 100% and I am waiting for samples of the gold threads to be sent to me by GoldenThreads here in the UK. Wish me luck, this one is scary!
I also do some dress making for my own benefit and have made a couple of shirts for my husband.
I'd love to know what some of you are doing.
