It’s difficult to travel, impossible in some countries, many of us have a  fear of flying - come along with me on a magic carpet ride. For over more than 50 years I have always loved travelling to interesting destinations and seeing buildings, decorative architecture, exciting tiles or mosaic floors and, on my return, have used these memories as inspiration for my needlepoint designs.    Each design has a story, some beautiful and happy others less so.  In fact, in some cases, a terrible event has befallen the area shortly after we had left. However, as I stitch ..read more

While the days are getting longer, evenings lighter and the Government giving us a list of possible dates for easing our isolation and mixing with friends and relations I fear we still have some way to go.   A friend said that we shall have to ‘relearn normal’ I wonder how long that will take?  Not just a single visit to the hairdresser though I am sure that will help a great deal! Every order, every email and every telephone call, your interest and kind words encourage me to suggest and design needlepoint projects that I hope will appeal to you in this difficult time. The February ..read more

Dear Everyone I've come to the conclusion that only bright, joyful colours can lift me from the winter gloom; as a result, I have designed a new canvas 'Custom Initial' in two vibrant schemes, Persian Fiesta and Oranges & Lemons both on 14 mesh canvas, crewel wools with a highlight of over-dyed cotton,  I hope just seeing them will lift your spirits as mine were while stitching them. There is a special introductory offer till the end of January of £59.00 plus free P&P within the UK;  after that, it will be £67.00. The best stretcher bar frame (if you don't have a su ..read more

Our lives have changed dramatically and indeed continue to change almost daily. I have just read the November Blog I posted - while we had come to accept that the pandemic was going to last far longer than originally thought we didn't dream that second lockdown would be imposed and then back into areas of increased vigilance. As with all things, there have been some really interesting and worthwhile outcomes;  in the summer it was our little garden, being able to meet up with friends in the outdoors and even hold some small classes. Now in the Winter the rules are strict, meet ..read more

Since writing my last blog in July many things have changed.  I think we all hoped that the contagion rates would continue to fall and hopefully, September or early October would begin to show some normality in our lives. Sadly that was not to be, in fact, it is unlikely to be normal by Christmas or even further away;  other countries are similarly affected and the prospect of a lockdown in a British winter is not good! However, for us who enjoy stitching or indeed any craft making beautiful things, many aspects are positive, we are very lucky.  My plan to keep a record o ..read more

"Just waiting for the big day to be confirmed" How life has changed for us all!  We were lucky enough to spend the first weeks in the BVIs and only kneelers for my granddaughter's wedding in May (sadly now postponed till September if then) but while stitching I find great opportunities for daydreaming about future projects; with the sun, boats and relaxed lifestyle I found an illustration of a friendly gecko that would make a perfect panel for one of my clutch purses - furthermore I dreamt of making my own shoulder strap for the purse with 'shell' beads f ..read more

Each family has its own traditions linked to the festive season and even more so the many countries around the World. Australian, New Zealand and South America are enjoying high summer; in the Northern hemisphere it is winter and often dark and icy nights. Some countries celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive dinner and the opening of presents at midnight; others go to their church at midnight and keep the presents and the big meal till Christmas Day itself.  In the UK the preferred meal for a big family is Turkey with roast potatoes and sprouts followed by Christmas pudding with brandy bu ..read more

YouTube tutorials are wonderful, featuring a mass of things you had thought of and even lots one didn’t even think existed. The beauty of being actually able to see the process rather than trying to work out with diagrams from a printed source is particularly good with a craft such as Needlepoint/Tapestry.   My daughter in fact learnt to knit from watching a number of tutorials, they encouraged her to try something for the first time and something, and I confess, her Mother had not taught her!    Having enjoyed my needlepoint for almost 50 years, first as a relaxation from full time int ..read more

  Just returned from yet another lovely trip to Calabria in Southern Italy.   This was our 12thannual trip, many of the group have been on all occasions as trips like this are popular; we  share an interest/passion for needlepoint; enjoy the unique opportunity to stitch in attractive surroundings and as far as possible have an all-in price.   All of them, besides being enthusiastic stitchers are great photographers.   I have been the recipient of many, many beautiful memories of the trip and it will be difficult job to select those that I include in this blog. Calabria is still a relatively ..read more

Painting by Hugh Barnden ‘It is how you feel about your home rather than the way it looks’ an interesting comment read recently – when I got to think about it, it makes a great deal of sense.   It is the personal things, the items you have collected on holidays or trips to the country or treasures handed down from your family - and of course things like your needlepoint either made by you or your children or friends given as special gifts. Certain colours in rooms give me a thrill, in a previous home we inherited a deep blue bath (having always said there was only one colour for vanity wear ..read more