Patchwork hexagons

( hexagon patchwork pin cushion)

This is a pincushion I made from some left over fabrics manufactured by Rose and Hubble. I found them in my stash from dressmaking days, so a real blast from the past. 

These hexagons of course are a very traditional English Patchwork design. It is generally called Grandmothers flower garden. The hexagons are first cut out of thin card, then covered in fabric and the fabric is tacked into place, the edges are then oversewn by hand. A lovely activity when sat in front of the TV.

( view across Lydiard Park from the house)

Or an ideal activity when stewarding exhibitions, my stint of stewarding at Lydiard House was very busy as we had many visitors that day. It was a lovely opportunity to talk to everyone about what we like to do at Great Western Embroiderers, because we have lots of fun as well as being very creative. The local Link magazine attended the Mayors opening of the "Traditions"  Exhibition at Lydiard House and the article is   here ....

GWE are also featured on the BBC website see here which features the national Museum Night in which you will be able to see behind the scenes at Lydiard House at night. GWE and the Traditions exhibition is featured as a highlight.

( daughters finished hexagon cushion)

Thought I would also post a photo of the finished hexagon cushion made by daughter, so lots of activity again this week in the studio. Also her birthday today... so Happy Birthday!!!

Missed me?

Mmmmm.... feel as if I have been caged in for a while too!
Its been a busy time, but I will not bore you with the details.... thanks for your good wishes Maggie.. suffice to say this illness lasted too long.

I have been to a couple of Exhibitions... wonderful cakes and tea at both.

One of the groups I belong to, the Great Western Embroiderers Have been very busy in preparation for the exhibition in September. We had a wonderful workshop on Sketchbooks and then had a second visit to the Steam Museum. I enjoyed this particular visit even more, as I am making headway with my ideas, so the visit had a better sense of purpose.

Have you ever been underneath Caerphilly Castle?

Well here is proof that I did.. really scary underneath, met a lovely bloke just before I took this photo( as you do) and during our conversation it came to light, that he was a school teacher from Holland with a party of schoolchildren. Funny how you meet up with the most interesting people when you are underneath a train... and scared out of your wits!

I had a hard time finding evidence of the women's work that went on at the old railway works... I know for example that there were a lot of sewing machines... but not one on display. Its a very "blokey" ( is there such a word?) environment in the Museum.

Besides the mention of women working during the war years, the office typist and the tea lady.. this is the only mention for women.

with this photo beside it.

Its probably a sign of the times, but does not seem to be very correct for the 21st Century. What do you think?