Shells

Shellness (on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, UK for those unfamiliar with this area) is one of those magical places.  Much like Dungeness ............ remote, desolate and sometimes eerie but oh the shells.  Fragments embedded into the sandy bank separating the road from the beach .....................

In places the beach is entirely covered with shells (this one's from flicker as it's clearer than any of mine)

If you decide to visit, you might want to be mindful that it is a nature reserve ........... not only a nature reserve but THAT kind of nature reserve as well so, like us, visit out of season or during non-sunbathing weather!  The beginnings of some shells on my "Rainbow" piece .........

I am really struggling with my eyes and this stitching so progress is going to be very slow but I hope to be able to show at least a little bit more each week.  I have lots of ideas for other stuff I could do in the meantime but there are more pressing things too ............ some blinds for home.  I want to do something like this ..................

There is only one copy in the county library system and it's out on loan until sometime next month.  Then it could take up to a week to get to our branch library but I want to start NOW .............. if only I could tell them I only need a quick 5 minute look to get an idea of the block sizes and see how they are paper pieced!

On a more positive note, I knew what the postman would be holding when he knocked the door this morning ........... my prize from Fibrefrolics - aren't they just "my" colours!  Some merino tops, silk fibres, ribbons, fabrics, Angelina ................ lots to play with!

Penny had also previously awarded me a "Sunshine Blogger" award which was exciting too.

Pink on Pink

Paper template to mark position of foundation stitches

Foundation stitches = chain stitch in coton a broder

Starting at centre, whipped needleweaving in coton a broder over ground stitches incorporating one more stitch at the end of each row taking care not to pierce fabric

Each chain stitch has now been used

Continuing to fill shape

Pulling the threads of the chain stitches together to make a "frilly" edge

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Needleweaving

Needleweaving changed my life .............. well kind of.  A needlewoven carnation (I'd never even heard of needleweaving) was on the agenda at the first ever adult embroidery class I ever attended.  Then came the woven picot leaves and raised chain band stems.  Here is that very sample from those first few weeks all those years ago.

Over the following weeks, I learnt various other raised embroidery & stumpwork techniques.  They were just perfect to frame a photo of our daughter as a bridesmaid.  I call this my first real creative embroidery project (sorry that the photos aren't so clear)

So there it is ................. the day that changed my life.  There will be some of this on the "Journey" quilt.  I think that's enough of the past for now ................. I have some serious tidying up to do then to sort out some threads to start embroidery.

Thankyou for all your comments ladies, they are very much appreciated and I will make some time to respond to them all personally this week ............... it's hard work trying be creative, blog & read all the blogs that I'd like to read - I like to read them all properly!!!

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