So, that’s Christmas done then. If I’m honest, it’s not really my favourite time of year. So much hard work beforehand – apart from running lots of extra courses I also try and make most of my presents myself (so I suppose it’s partly self-inflicted!). Then there’s the socialising – I’m just not a party person really.
Anyway, back to ‘normality’ now – I’ve got a few days in my very favourite place – Whitby – this week. That will blow the cobwebs away !
The ‘Teddy’ in the title of this blog entry is the exceptionally handsome Mr Teddy Townsend. He is the beautiful Flat Coat Retriever puppy of my friend Janet. He came to ‘help’ recently on a couple of day courses, but after running round and round the room with his head stuck through someone’s bag handles, then demolishing four of my Siesta embroidery frames under the misapprehension they were dog chews it was time for a well deserved rest.
He looks so innocent doesn’t he ?! He has the silkiest smooth and shiny black coat and is lovely to cuddle ! I told Janet I would take her and Teddy to The Lamppost Cafe in Hebden Bridge this week (I had actually told her I’d take her dogging, but she still seemed up for it !). However, sadly Hebden Bridge has really suffered with the floods this week and The Lamppost Cafe is under several feet of water. I can’t imagine what it must be like for people with homes and businesses affected. Just terrible.
You’ll have to wait for your ‘pupcake’ Teddy, but we will get there.
With all the Christmas commotion, kerfuffle and palaver I’ve not had time to keep up with my blog, so here’s an update on what’s been happening in the world of RaggedyAnnie ….
I ran a few sessions on the Pieced and Embellished Book Covers recently, with some great results ……
I had a session at home teaching several different styles of ‘Heirloom Christmas Decorations’, using Liberty fabrics, beads, embroidery and decorative yarns ….
… and then the same session at the shop ….
Another day course at the shop was my Fabulous Fabric Christmas Trees, and the results really were fabulous !! …..
Kev and I were working with two groups of Guides before Christmas, he was teaching them lino-printing, here are some of the lovely cards they made …
I made raggy wreaths with the Guides ….
Wooo !!! Sparkly !!!
The lovely Lily came for a day with her Mum to spend some time practising using her sewing machine. She already knew the basics but wanted to practise a few different techniques. She is very competent on the machine although she likes a bit of speed – I nearly lost a finger at one point ! She decided she would like to make a pencil roll, here’s the result …
…. I love it !! She also made a raggy wreath while she was here ….
…. and appears to be taking credit for the patchwork cushion her mum Maxine made on the day …
And finally, my turn now, as a self-confessed Bronte-phile (no, it’s not illegal !), I try and visit as many of the places linked with the Bronte family as I can. I am passionate about both their books and the stories of their own lives. I went to one such place just before Christmas, Red House in Gomersal, West Yorkshire. It was the home of Charlotte’s friends Mary and Martha Taylor, and was also the inspiration for ‘Briarmains’, the house in Charlotte’s novel ‘Shirley’.
Here are a few pictures from a display of items belonging to Charlotte, including a chatelaine and one of her drawings ….
Have a happy and peaceful New Year !!