Montana on Old Shed

The Clematis Montana and the shed were very old - like us - as the shed was falling apart, except where a strong Ivy held it up, both had to go last year. John took several cuttings which quickly rooted in the Autumn.
Several neighbours had one and we planted one on a trellis.
Today it's about eight feet tall and has ..... one blossom on it.
We won't be around when it achieves its former glory - that took 40+ years, but lets hope it brightens up a bit soon!

If you like this sort of thing!

Our son Neil is 45 today - he works for a small travel company in London and for some years he has been on his own. He is frequently away on short trips with his job and has had several long vacations to do treks. His idea of a holiday is three months in the Andes, trekking as far as the Antarctic - trucking in Kyrgyzstan, the Sahara, or across the old silk route in Asia.
One of his trips was described as 'not so much a holiday as an experience with dessert hazzards' by the travel company.
He is planning a cycle ride next year, about 6000 miles, from Cairo to Cape Town in five months. In between he does Triathlons, Half Iron Man and such energetic things.
Where did we get him from? Us - who have always loved home, gardening, cricket, football, crafting, civilised holidays in the sun - all the good old solid things of life!
Great that we're all different though - maybe he will settle one day.

Cousin Judy sent two photos that she took in a bluebell wood near to Cleobury Mortimer last week.
Here's one - I love them both and just wish I could walk well enough to go there!
Having the photos is good though - more inspiration for stitching!

My favourite card, from John.

Well. I'm 73 today - some of us crafters have to be that old!
Have lots to muse about and do today - I'll be back!

ATC Organza Flowers

Even more nostalgia!
The linen background is a piece from a jacket I wore at a friend's wedding more than ten years ago - I decided a while ago that even I shouldn't keep wearing such ancient clothes so I cut it up and used most of it in a ribbon embroidery class - but I still have bits big enough for ATCs -great recycling!

It was so warm and sunny yesterday, a friend called and we enjoyed sitting in the garden with a glass or two of wine! What could be better - I even stopped crafting and PC gazing!
I did take a few photos though as there are lots of lovely blossoms and spring flowers about. My favourite was this fern, just unfolding. The ferns are a nuisance later in the summer but I forgive them as they are so lovely as they open.

Nostalgia!

I love crazy quilting and patchwork and may have to keep this ATC as it evokes nostalgia - something that comes over me in waves in my dotage!
Remember the small print cottons and voiles used to make little girl's frocks (that little girl is now in her 40s!)-remember the little shop in Bruges that sold such lovely lace - remember those Spanish markets with cheap bead bracelets - remember a lazy daisy stitch sampler made with a group of children in a craft club - oh! - remember a wedding dress 50+ years ago with seed 'pearls' head dress (and made with gorgeous lace from the Rag Market). Precious memories.

More Needlefelt

GMT 7.30am Wednesday 7th May.
I was not expecting to enjoy needlefelting greatly when I bought a small starter kit and instruction leaflet just a few weeks ago - nor thinking it was really suitable for the small area of an ATC.
I was wrong - I really love the vibrant colours of the fibres and the feel of the felt as it builds up with quick sharp stabs of the needle.
It's quite therapeutic and luckily I haven't stabbed myself so far - I probably will one day and so will add a bit more colour to the felt.
The ATCs seem to be popular to trade, so I'm happy.
Yesterday I ordered a book about fabric fusing with a soldering iron - something else I know nothing about yet - it sounds a bit hazardous!
Well it's a lovely day, lots of blossom in the gardens I see from
here so I may have to take a few more photos before breakfast.
What a contrast to the grey skies and snowy pics taken recently.
I'm struggling with a deep personal sadness about a very dear friend, but there are still good things to look to and to share.

Home from Spain

We had a lovely holiday, lots of sun, lazy days and I made at least one ATC most days - 18 altogether!
Gwen asked to swap the needlefelt poppy card I made previously but as it was already promised to Wendy I made this for Gwen - I hope she will like it.