Perfecting some new stitches in a baobab tree ...

Hi all, 

Do  you have an iconic image that pops in to your mind when you think of certain time frames in your life?

My early life was spent across several Southern African countries & one of the abiding images is the majestic baobab tree.  They are distinct, easily seen from afar with their bulbous shapes; some tall & upright, others stumpy & huge in size, all very easily identifiable . 

They have long fruit that has become a super / health food. 

I recently spent a week again doing an online Making Zen workshop courses - 20 talented artists sharing their knowledge & expertise over the week with videos, online workshops & workbooks to help. 

I have long admired the artist Mirjam for her creative stitching. Last year, she taught an original blanket stitch that I have not yet mastered & this time she taught us 'stacked running stitch' & it has opened up a world of possibilities. 

I decided to do a baobab tree combining several different stitches, while keeping the thread colour quite muted. 

I often buy skeins of thread in local charity shops because I love the colours, & it adds to my stash so I have colours on hand for my creative time. These variegated threads seemed perfect. 

Using skeins allows you to take 1-6 threads from each & I combined several colours to give a slight colour change as recommended by Mirjam. 

I then did her closed blanket stitch on top & added in a few fruits too. The base needed something so I added a bolder few bits of grass. 

I think it might still have some beads but it is a very relaxing project to hand stitch & the colours are very easy on the eye. 

What do you think? Do you have an iconic image in your mind? 

Thank you for your company, stop by soon for some of the other Zen projects, 

Dee  💕

Making fabric using water soluble film

 Hi all, 

I am a life long learner & when time allows, I take advantage of free online 'retreat workshops' offered by talented artists. 

I have participated in the making zen ones before so cleared my afternoon schedule this week to be able to craft along to the 4 workshops each day. I follow them, make notes even if I cannot do the activity at that time. 

I have used water soluble film before & know from experience that the rows of stitches is all that holds it together once you dip it in water & the films melts away, if by magic. 

This one encourages you to use fabrics in a creative way to make a new strip of fabric. With limited time, I tore some fabrics in a main colour & some secondary colours, quickly pressed them flat then lay them out on the folded over film. 

I cut the film a bit too short but worked with it anyhow as I had already prepared the strips. I added a few strands of tapestry / darning wool lastly & held it together with sewing clips which are so useful. 

I then sewed up & down the fabric in rows to form a grid that would hold it together then at the end came back around the edges again to hold it securely as a square form. 

The moment of truth when you dip it in the basin of warm water - yay, it held its shape. 

I dabbed it with a tea towel then put it to dry on some paper towel. I am pleased with the result - an interesting piece of fabric. 

What to do with it? I am thinking perhaps a journal cover? What do you think? 

Thank you for stopping by,  always pleased to have your company here. 

Dee  💕

Ready for the coronation of King Charles 111

It has been 71 years since we had a coronation in the United Kingdom. It is such a special occasion even if you are not a royalist because the traditions of the pomp & ceremony date back hundreds of years. 

I gave you a glimpse of the change over of the conservatory sideboard to mark the occasion - it is all things I have used for several royal events - except the 3 new coronation cards. 

The little bunting I made looks just fine hung along the shelves & it can (and will) be used again. 

The front door usually gets something & so at the last minute today, I made some hearts with the fabrics I still had - I should have thought more about how they would hang but they are up & looking rather cheerful I think.

The lounge has some colourful Cath Kidson bunting that has appeared for years. We used it last year on the canal boat, along with the tea towel in the same floral design. We know that King Charles is a lover of flora so it is appropriate 

Several friends will join together tomorrow to watch, the comment, to observe the event - that is always special because it is a national event & I think you take it in more if you are together. 

Last weekend a friend & myself revisted the Monarch's way - a walking route not far from us which charts the escape of King Charles 11 from the troops of Oliver Cromwell in the times we lost our Monarchy after the beheading of Charles1 ... 

The two Priest holes at Boscobel House - King Charles is known to have hidden in one - it must have been cramped because he was 6 foot 2 ... 

The Royal Oak where King Charles 11 spent a night up in the branches, hidden from sight as it was a lot fuller than it is now ... 

I hope you will join us to watch the coronation, do tell me how you found it. Thank you for stopping by, it is always appreciated. 

Dee 👑🤴👸