Friday 7 August 2015

The Postman Brings a Surprise




I have been quilting today, I start to get excited as my patchwork turns into a quilt, I love the way it feels with the added body of the stitches.



Yesterday found us at the Minnack Theatre.







The setting is amazing and so unique.




During the performance there was a dramatic helicopter rescue from the cliffs rising up from Porthcurno Cove.



We saw a performance of Grapes of Wrath by the Shattered Windscreen Company.



Wednesday was day Two of Kian's quilting project.

It is always good to walk away from a project and come back and re-assess it. Last week both Kian and myself were not happy with the background fabric for the boxer dog squares. 

An S.O.S call to Penny brought a quick response and with her help, guidance and the donation of some red fabric a new background was decided on. Thank you Penny.



Kian has a Spanish heritage so the colours of Spain's flag were chosen.

Today was spent drawing, cutting and appliquéing boxer dogs onto the new squares, the old ones won't be wasted as Kian will be making some pillows out of them.



We then spent time going through the importance of an accurate and consistent 1/4" seam and the knock on repercussions when this is not achieved. Kian practised on scrap fabric then went for it. I think when you look at the photos you will agree that Kian absorbed and applied this well. 

We also discussed the correct ways to press patchwork and how the seams should lie to achieve perfect finishes.

It was a long day but enjoyable sharing my studio, we chatted about many different topics and had lots of laughter too. A day well spent.



A silk work has arrived at Trewoon today, at auction it was listed as being from the private collection of Victor Needham of Bournemouth. I bid on it purely as I adore silk works and this one was so appealing.



We were surprised when we unpacked it to find some writing on the reverse indicating that it was given to Charlotte Knollys by Queen Alexandra, Edward VII's consort. 



Charlotte Knollys was Lady-in-Waiting and the first female Private Secretary to Queen Alexandra until her death in 1925. We found images of her writing on the web and it matches. Here is Charlotte in Court Dress.

Charlotte died, aged 95, unmarried, at her flat in South Audley Street, London in 1930.

A major part of the attraction of samplers and antique needlework is the history that surrounds them. Art and history have always been of interest.