Every best wish for 2012

This year, instead of sending Christmas cards we've decided to donate to Oxfam's project to train a businesswoman.  Having spent most of the energies this year building my own business, it seemed an appropriate choice.

Wishing you a very Merry Solstice and every best wish for 2012. 

X

Women do two-thirds of the world's work but receive only 10% of the world's income.

SOLD!!

Wow!  It's been an amazing two weeks since setting up my exhibition at Sock Gallery, Loughborough.  The work has been really positively received, sales have been great, both of originals and prints and it's been a wonderful affirmation of my creative work.  So.... I'm still on cloud nine!

The exhibition runs until January 15th.

Max the Cat

Our very lovely Max the Cat has departed this mortal coil and gone to prowl amongst the stars.  he was very much a textile bumpkin, always curled up on the fresh washing, a blanket, or a tea-towel if needs be.  Never any trouble and a part of our lives for ten years, he just got old.  Much missed.

They will follow

My eldest has recently taken an interest in sewing.  At six and a half I figured he had the patience to have a go.  I remember having a sewing kit for my seventh birthday from my grandparents.  My Mum recounts the tale of being encouraged to sew on my Brownie badges and sewing through the sleeve of my uniform so I couldn't put it on!

So this is his second project.  I thought we were making a purse but no, it's a purse-on.  I love it....I hope he gets the bug.  It was lovely to watch him concentrate calmly on the task in hand, and see the pride he had when his person was completed.

I read this today and it made me realise I need to make more time to read, make and just be as an example to my chaps.

Private view

'On the turn' ink, collage and stitch

I had a wonderful evening at the private view of 'Patterned Presence' last Thursday.  I sold far more than I ever expected to and received some wonderful compliments.  I haven't come down from cloud nine yet!

Took my breath away

Setting up

Helen Rhodes

Josephine Gommersall

Sue Vanderplank

Here's Helen and Sue setting up the exhibition.  And a million thanks to Josephine for helping me set up.  I couldn't have done it without her.....so handy with a drill and very calm and collected!

Pulled it off!

Well, here it is.  The piece I had every intention of finishing for the exhibition but seemed more and more unlikely.  I've wanted to put my work on to furniture all year and I am delighted with this.  It's lined with beautiful bookbinding paper.  It is officially a blanket box but would make an equally good sideboard or hall table.  It now takes pride of place in my exhibition at Sock Gallery Loughborough which I set up on Tuesday.  There were tears and tantrums but I did it!