Late WIPocalypse post

Finally got round to taking some more photos of my WIPs. I worked on this piece while we were on the cruise. 

I don't normally use Anchor threads, but I liked this space-dyed thread colour - 1344. I've got a few other skeins of different colours, and I'm playing around with the idea of doing more of these panels, perhaps using the design in different ways for cushion panels. More on this idea soon perhaps?

Since we've been home I've been concentrating on my Flower Fairy.

I suddenly realised just how close August is! By the time I get this done, I've still got to complete the quilt (adding this as the last square); then I've got to add batting and a backing fabric which I've yet to decide on. Then bind it all and add any extra hand quilting. I'm going to ask my friend (who is a far more experienced quilter than I am) for her advice on that part of it.

The rest of my WIPs are no further forward than they were last month! That's what comes of having a holiday!

And as a finale - for a change - something that I didn't do!

While we were in Souzhou we visited their Embroidery Research Institute. Their work is absolutely amazing. All worked on silk with silk threads! Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take photos inside, but DH and I fell in love with one particular piece of "art" - there is no other word for their work. Some of the pieces we saw were done by students, some by teachers and some by masters of their art. Some pieces were single sided - several portraits were on display which were photographic in their realism. Several were double sided - the picture is reversed on the back - both sides are sewn at the SAME TIME! And the other style were pictures with a completely different picture on the reverse! The most amazing was a lion's head with a tiger's head on the reverse! Again - both sides are worked at the same time, but it was so real - you could see each and every hair on the animals' heads.

We bought a piece which shows the Rainbow Bridge in the Humble Administrator's Garden in Souzhou, a place we visited later in the day. Although we didn't have the benefit of bright sunshine or spring flowers - it was still a beautiful place. Enjoy my photos of our embroidery, something I could never hope to achieve.

 The "Front" view.

The "Reverse" view. 

 Close ups of the two sides.

 Absolutely AMAZING work isn't it?

Better go now - my Flower Fairy is calling my name!

'Til next time

Sandie

Checking in - Mother's Day

Hi all, just to let you know that we're back in the land of the living - a Far East cruise is exciting, but EXHAUSTING! We haven't even looked at photos yet, but must have about 1,500 to sort through when we're both feeling better. Yes - with temps ranging from -13C to +32C and a boat full of people coughing and sneezing everywhere, it was inevitable that we caught some bug or another! DH was full of cold and sore throat for the last days of the cruise and I managed to come down with it on the last day - an overnight flight from Singapore when you're blocked up with cold is no fun let me tell you!

Anyway when we get a bit more sorted I'll post a few pics so you can join in the vicarious fun of travel! I'll also try and get a photo or two of what I've been working on while we were away, and of a very special present which we bought in China - no clues except that it's VERY special!

On Mother's Day (in the UK) I just have to add a quick word to my Mum. She died many years ago; my own daughter was small, so Mum never got to have the privilege of being called Great Grandma. Most of my friends are in a similar situation where their own mothers have died. But we all agree that no matter how long ago it was, today is the day that we all wish they were still around for us to call and wish a "Happy Mother's Day". Mothers can be awkward; they can be determined; they can be exasperating or domineering; they can be loving; they can be interfering. But above all they are the one person we could turn to no matter what who would love and support us through anything.
I still miss my Mum. When she died they lived over 200 miles away from us, and I never got to say a final goodbye to her; but when Mother's Day comes around I always make a silent prayer that she forgave me that oversight.

With love to Mothers everywhere - even if it's NOT Mother's Day where you are.

Love and sniffles!
Sandie