Field corner and rook.

 I was looking back in my 2012 sketchbook and found this corner of the enormous field made in January. It has turned very frosty here- cold but bright - those colours just right for now. It got me thinking..........

 but yesterday I was working from this photo of a rook taken at Slimbridge on Sunday, from the Holden hide, who was so interested in this patch of stones and gravel.

 in my sketchbook,

on calico.I managed to catch a programme on Radio 4 about deep listening. Jan 29th 11.00. Note to self- remember that. Be quiet, empty thoughts, just listen.

Slimbridge WWT Sunday 27th.

 Back to Slimbridge WWT on Sunday morning. The Bewick swans are back. Huge numbers of ducks- all kinds, flocks of fieldfares and redwings feeding on the hawthorn berries. Much interest from the birders in a Lapland bunting. They are very kind and let us look through their telescopes, pointing out rare birds and interesting arrivals. 13 cranes together on the fields - well you don't need a telescope for those,

or for this bold robin.

Partridge in a pear tree.

And a partridge in a pear tree. A red-legged partridge because that's what I see round here scurrying along the hedgerows and verges. Machine embroidery for a Christmas card.

Alison Harper - Phd show

 Alison Harper- queen of rubbish, ex Brunel Broderer and soon to be called Dr! We went to see her final show at Corsham Court, Bath Spa University. Alison makes paper from those take away coffee cups that you can't recycle.

 Beautiful, delicate and meaningful.

 The pulped paper from one cup make these hand held birds.

 She knits with shredded crisp packets and junk mail.

So many butterflies from one coffee cup!

Sun Moon Stars finished.

It has taken some time but it is now finished. The sequin stars shine amongst the moonbeams, lovely in low light. I think mother cat is telling the kittens wise truths but they could just be having a quiet, silent moment. They could be in a window or on a roof. I hope stories will be woven around it.

Moonlit paths.

This tiny moon is now finished. It measures 15cm x 10cm. This week is for resting and finishing work.

 The great thing about this time of year is that the birds are back at the bird cafe outside my window and when I went for a walk yesterday - a huge flock of fieldfares were chacking above me. Just dots in the sky in this photo. The industrial farmers in the enormous field cut back the hedgerows to within an inch of their lives.

Luckily my neighbours leave theirs. The fieldfares were after the hawthorn berries and insects on the grazed fields.

Wonderful Autumn colours.

West Country Quilt and Textile Show, Bristol.

My feather work on show at The Quilt and Textile Show in Bristol- extreme left jug by Carla Mines.
A full day out with a workshop in the morning, stewarding on the Brunel Broderers stand in the afternoon, shopping and looking at the exhibits of course fitted in, then take down and pack up! Whew! I met lots of lovely people- the workshop was a joy because it was a chance to sit, stitch and chat. My last outing with the Brunel Broderers. I have left the group to go solo.

Kay Swancutt - seams.

 I had a real treat yesterday- we went to Corsham Court to see Kay Swancutt's work for her final Phd exhibition.

 Over 200 samples of pleats and seams- all hand stitched on various fabrics in different techniques.

 The samples were pinned sequentially

 in  long lines along a corridor gallery.

Larger floor piece.

 It was breath taking.

Wall of samples at the end of the long grey corridor. I feel very lucky to have seen it and have a friend like Kay.

Tiny Autumn Moon .

Stitching into tiny moon - there is a crease dyed into the fabric- I will live with it- stitch into it - we all have to live with those creases and they make us what we are. Small stitches - little bits of progress - Life and sewing.

Tiny Moon

Busy week with the Bristol Quilt Show coming up and Life things happening so I began a tiny piece, cutting up scraps rather like cutting up collages from my last post. Severe frost yesterday morning cooled all the colours turning Autumn into Winter for a hint of what is to come.

Playing with colour-Sue Dove, collage online workshop.

 I went to see my friend Carla who shared with me a workshop she had done with Sue Dove. It is all online just google Sue Dove. It is an exercise with collage and colour. I went home and got started. Wonderful to use bright colours and play. Great that I have the time just to play! The first ones I didn't theme just went for it.

 You tear some magazine pictures into shapes and colour around them. Then cut them up. See online or proper instructions!

 You end up with abstract pieces each one a little work of art.

 I was thinking Autumn colours and flying leaves in these ones. They can be interpreted in embroidery, quilts, canvaswork etc. A great way to design especially if you are too literal and want to go more abstract. Thank you Carla for sharing and thank you Sue Dove for putting in online for everyone.

Sun Moon Stars and the Earth.

I have added a border and put the Earth in too! Tricky to photograph a long thin piece like this.I am now stitching the layers together. The sequin stars reflect back light at dusk. I am going to finish it for my little niece.