(Sorry to you all for not visiting many blogs lately...but that should change from now
on!)
..but LOADS of other stuff has taken over for the past few weeks.
Mostly...
...three concert outings (with the organization, paperwork and people managing stress that goes with them!)...
..two throat/head cold bugs...nasty little blighters that followed each other rather too closely for my liking...
...and indeed number 2 is STILL hanging around causing me sleep problems because of the irritating cough and gloop (sorry...too much information!)...so it's another course of anti-biotics for me :-(
However,
..there's only one more outing and then all the performances are done for 2010. Things will start winding up again for March next year, but that seems a long way off right now...and I need a rest!
We've had a few of trips out recently...
...around Herefordshire mostly...
...but yesterday we went to Tetbury in Gloucestershire for another ARTIQUE fix!...and where Ali and George let me loose with my camera again :-)
...and Rooney (no not THAT one) their gorgeous brindle boxer snuffled around happily if a little confused looking at Bloke's mode of transport :-o
(Now is a good time to make yourself a cup of something nice.....sit back....and enjoy...Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!)
A large wooden bowl of old Afghan embroidered hats...
..with THE most exquisite embroidery...
..using tiny cross stitches..
..and couched threads..
Little waistcoats...beautifully embellished...(sorry about the blurring :-(
Beautifully woven rugs...
...and card-woven bands..
(couldn't get this picture to rotate - so put your head on your right shoulder and you'll see it as it should be;-)They had a lovely selection of wooden print blocks too..(8 of which came home with me!)
..along with some delicious looking spice pots.
The whole place is a delight to wander and find all sorts of things...
Musical instruments...
carved panels...
Big jars and lanterns...
Piles of rugs....
Embroiderd Banjara bracelets...
Jewellery and chandeliers....
Bronze statues....
The place is just so inspirational!
They have a lovely selection of hand-dyed and hand-stitched fabrics in stock. Crewel embroidery and indigo cottons. I had some indigo with light half-moons sprinkled over it.....great for some Sashiko and Kantha stitching over the winter.
When we were there last time, I'd spotted some amazing Kushti skirts, but had to satisfy myself with taking pictures.
This time though....one came home....
Just look at that embroidery!!!
There are almost 4 metres of embroidered fabric in this skirt...
...and I now have to admit that I'm going to....
... cut it!
YES! I can hear the shrieks of horror as I type!!! :-o
But I have something in mind for it you see....
...that bald panel over my fireplace...
...which has been begging for something beautiful to fill it for so long now.
..and, of course...
...there'll be plenty of fabric left over to make other things out of :-)
Well...that's Artique done..
...now what about my bits and bobs?
Production is continuing...
...with brooches mainly...
...but with other stuff too.....
I just loooooooooooove playing with clay!
