Pieces of the Past

After perusing one of my favourite antique shop Collectible quilt company  with the samples of old feed sack in hand my mind started to wander as to how I would use them. The small print was perfect for hexagons and the three similar samples would work well together. One inch hexagons in English paper piecing was perfect for a little holiday project in Co Wicklow.

A week where I had nothing to think about but rest and relaxation. Exploring the Irish countryside with my bestie Westie was idyllic no matter what the weather, although there were some lovely summer days.

 

Butterfly wings

This is my cousins blog. It may not be the easiest to read as so emotive as she lives with ALS but it is from the heart and this poem she wrote is so beautiful I just had to share

via Butterfly wings

Projects

Last year I decided I really needed to get to grips with all my ‘to do’ projects including hand embroidery, knitting, crochet, patchwork and anything that falls between. It was amazing what I managed to finish but still a few things on the list.

 

Working on the Game of Thrones Tapestry a few years ago

Along with a team of ladies we finished the Game of Thrones tapestry this month which is on display in the Ulster museum until the 28th July before it goes to visit Bayeux.

I am working on a cardigan I am sure I started 15+ years ago. It has been some time since I knit as crochet had become more popular.

Despite the need to finish things we always need something new for a boost of creativity. A little wedding sampler to start.

There has also been time to get out and about and not always when the sun is shining.

Patchwork and embroidery classes continue so keep an eye on events. One space left for July. It is great to meet-up with like minded people. Check out School of stitched textiles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IrishMinidoe on Facebook comes to an end

Hi folks

I have decided to close my Facebook page as it’s not very reliable so hopefully everyone will come and follow my blog instead. Check out events tab for classes which are predominantly on a Saturday morning once a month. Classes are kept small so you need to book a head. Payments taken by cheque, cash or bank transfer.

Hand embroidery and machine and hand patchwork so a mix of a class staying at the skill level appropriate to each persons needs. This makes for a very interesting class with everyone learning and getting ideas from each other.

New quilt design available during classes coming up soon.

This will involve some flying geese.

 

For those interested in embroidery both modern and traditional techniques taught.

 

Sewing machine just back from service which was well overdue, really need to do this yearly.

Lace Guild of N.Ireland

In September I decided to go along to the N.Ireland lace guild. I had worked with some lovely ladies on the Game of thrones tapestry who were part of the guild and they encouraged me to come along. With my first love being embroidery which I feel is very closely connected, I decided to try my hand at lace making.

Regarding embroidery I like to design my own pieces so after a trial piece of Carrickmacross lace I decided I would make up my own design. Most of my work is influenced by my volunteering at MountStewart house   so of course it was likely to influence the lace as well. I decided on the initials of Lady Londonderry and felt they worked well with the stitches required for Carrickmacross without losing the fact they were initials. I am not sure if she had any personalised lace so maybe this is the first, better late than never!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Montmellick workshop as well by a wonderful lady from Cork, an excellent teacher, Veronica Stuart.

Many of the members are very much involved in bobbin lace making. Although it is beautiful it is so far removed from my other interests I really do not have time at present to attempt. However I was very impressed by some of the work by one of their younger members Zandra Williams (seen above).

I am looking forward to the new season in September to possibly try other forms of lace.