Crewel World ...

I spent another enjoyable weekend at Dillington House teaching crewel work last weekend. I stitched two new projects for the class, both in shades of reds and blues.

The smaller of the two, Forget Me Not (named for the small blue French knot flowers in the design), I made into a cushion with a gingham surround, and the other, Summer Leaf (pictured), is a larger project for those brave enough to take it on.

Both will shortly be available as kits.

If you missed the crewel work classes at Dillington, and fancy a break in the new year, the classes are re-running (due to popular demand) on January 6-8.

In other crewel work news, I am now stocking the excellent new crewel work book from the Royal School of Needlework. I'll be uploading a PayPal link for this soon.

While we're talking about books, part of my silk shading book is to be included in a compendium of other Search Press beginner guides - a big hardback book. This will be out in May.

The third and final Christmas king (which is worked with copper threads) is now a kit, and will also be available online soon.

We're looking forward to our first Christmas with George (he is doing well, and is growing fast!), and wish you all a happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you soon.

Class Conscious

The Saturday classes are filling up quickly, and I would encourage you to get forms back as soon as possible before they fill-up completely!

Here are the images of the first two classes - the drawn thread work (October 22), below, and the embroidered padded hanger (November 5), above.

The drawn threadwork class gives you the chance to stitch a small sample of drawn thread work which can be used as box top or a small coaster.

Once you have drawn the threads out, you will learn how to weave patterns back in using a coloured thread and ribbon to create a delicate design.

The embroidered padded hanger will give you the chance to make a lovely Christmas present for somebody. The embroidery will be on silk dupion fabric and will include silk shading and other hand embroidery stitches.

Saturday classes ... now online

My latest series of Saturday classes are now planned, and you can find full details on the website by clicking here.

The first class, on October 22, is a drawn thread work class. This is a dainty project, which fits one of the new satin boxes that I now have in stock.

I have been busy stitching all the Saturday class projects, and all the pictures will be online soon.

In another development, we have now set the website up to allow you to order and pay for kits online using Paypal - this already seems to be a popular move.

I've recently visited Wells to give a talk to a group of ladies at Wells Museum, and was delighted to discover a room full of beautiful samplers on display there - it is well worth a visit.

I hope there will be a class to tempt you - look forward to seeing you soon.

Mid-Maternity Leave Update ...

Still enjoying my maternity leave - but taught for the first time since George's arrival, at Dillington House last weekend.

Some of the students stitched my latest design, a stumpwork castle (pictured) which was inspired by the piece I recently completed for the newly reopened Holbourne Museum in Bath.

I was asked to stitch some step-by-step samples of how stumpwork is worked. They are incorporated into the new display surrounding the King Charles II stumpwork at the museum - which is worth going to see.

George is doing very well and is a very good little boy, sleeping through the night and letting mummy get her beauty sleep.

George Arthur Clensy has arrived!

Clare and David are delighted to announce the safe arrival of George Arthur Clensy, who arrived on January 20, at 7lbs 11ozs.

It was a long 60-hour labour, and Mum and baby are still in hospital, but are doing well.