Balmy Autumn and Embroidery

I have been making the most of the beautiful weather we have had lately and getting lots of painting done on my new shop and I will put the last coat of paint on tomorrow and then a quick paint on the inside and I can start decorating and getting set up. Its all go soon.

I found some embroidery transfer books from the 70's, I think, and have been stitching the designs onto scrap pieces of linen to use in an artwork. Am looking forward to experimenting with them and paint. Also have been stitching thick watercolour paper on the machine to see what happens - so far so good - will post some photos when they are completed.

My lovely friend Al gave me a whole beautiful roll of brilliant blue rick rack which I love. It's just waiting to be made into something but so far I know not what and is sitting around looking beautiful. Many thanks Al!

Shop and Wabbits

Have spent the few months busy with making things for markets and orders which was fun but I am glad to have some time to do other chores. I have been bottling tomatoes from our garden and shelling beans to add to the larder. We grew pinto beans and am trying the scarlett runner beans too. The flower garden is still looking colourful and todays rain is welcome if not inconvenient.

My Ramari Textiles shop project is taking shape with cleaning out and painting the last two jobs to complete. I have choosen colours and sorted fittings and lights to enchance it's small but perfect interior. I have lots of stock to fill its shelves including Wabbits. Made from recycled vintage fabric and old woollen blankets with a wool stuffing these soft toys have been popular with children and adults.

I will have a definite opening date soon when I am closer to the state of being ready. So more imformation in my next post.

Greytown Arts Festival

I have had a great weekend being part of a Art and Garden Tour in Greytown. I didn't see many of the other events on offer but had a lovely social time selling my wares at Westwood Country House. By all accounts the weekend was a huge success even though the weather was totally erratic at times. I was joined by two very talented friends, Janet Green, a potter from Masterton and Alison Norris-Baber who has a creative textile business called Agnes Coy. Both make amazing pieces that inspire and bring joy to those who know them.

I created some new cozies and cushions for the day and took a few pics for the memories.

Also added a photo of beautiful Taranaki Hydrangas.

Spring Creations

I made a few new goodies for a recent local market which was a success. It was great to be part of the community on such a beautiful day. The Carterton cushions were popular and there was interest in t-shirts with the same design on the front.

Cloth Doll and Tui

I have just finished a doll made from linen and with a filling of carded sheeps fleece. I am giving it to a friends daughter for her birthday. I plan to make more. I enjoyed inventing and making up the dress and then crocheting a wee hat with glass beads. She has a small contented face and no shoes. Its great to use all those small bits of fabric that I find so hard to get rid of.

We have had visits from Tuis's in our apricot tree and they are very photogenic.

Spring Fever

Has been a wee while since I last posted any news or photos so here goes. Have been laid up for the last week with some nasty flu and am recovering slowly. Beautiful spring weather has helped with blossoms and songful birds filling up the garden. I have been working on embroided and felted brooches and have posted a few samples. They are a great project for a winters night and reasonably fast to complete. There is always some project that I am working on and at the moment it is tea cozies (again). They are very bright and girly and I love them. Also I am trying to build up stock for upcoming events that I am taking part in - (more info later).

We are also working on an old army hut on our property to use as a shop for all my creations but that is a wee way away yet and will be very exciting when it does happen. We are near the end of turning an old garden shed into a fabulous kitchen, yesterday all the plumbing was completed which was a biggie in the progress department.

It sounds like it is all go this spring and all I can say is that it is! Being sick does'nt help but allows time for rest and planning for the busy future. Summer sounds good!

Not For Porridge

I have been experimenting with wool and wire crocheted together into decorative bowls.  This pink one I gave to a friend for her birthday.