Well it snowed a bit here on Saturday night but nothing that settled really. They say that we should get a good dose this evening but we will wait and see. It was -2 degrees celsius at 17:30 this afternoon and dropping....
Make the most of all situations and live a beautiful life…You are too blessed to be stressed.
A little about Me
For me, my blog is inherently personal, and a place of personal expression – first and foremost it is simply a place for me to talk out loud, to work things out, to recognize my life, to record who I am, to be listened to.
I am married and a mother of two grown up sons. I am also the proud grandmother of a beautiful grandaughter, Alisha May Leighton who is the apple of my eye. We emigrated to the UK in 2004 from South Africa. The adjustment has been hard for us leaving so many loved ones behind but well worth it to secure a healthy, happy future for our sons.
I love life and am passionate about it - I always try to live life to the fullest as I believe that life is not a dress rehearsal, and I will not get another chance to pass this way again.
I am a practising Christian and love quilting and teaching ribbon embroidery. I also love gardening, both at home and on my allotmenthalf just down the road from where we live where I also have four chickens. I also love reading (when I have spare time) , cooking, eating and entertaining family and friends.
My bookshelf
Currently Reading ...
Shutter Island, Dennis Lehane
Gardens Monthly Oct 2010
Gardeners World - Oct 2010
Dream more while you are awake.
What's in my Needle Work Basket Right Now..
I have a couple of quilting UFO's on the go - SA Round Robin Quilt, Mystery Quilt, Mom's Round the World Quilt. Alisha's Jersey, finish binding her blanket and get a couple of hats done for Christmas
I am an agent for Di van Niekerk's ribbon embroidery design. Go and visit her site http://www.dicraft.co.za/
Classes have started for 2008
Our classes are held in a private, cosy environment and to ensure personal attention student numbers are limited to a maximum of four per class. The beginner classes are limited to two per session so it is essential to book early to avoid disappointment.
What if I have never embroidered before?
You do not need any previous embroidery experience to attend these classes as you are taught all you need to know. So come along and learn more about this beautiful style of embroidery.
These classes are aimed at beginners, and comprise of 3-hour sessions once a week. The lessons cover all the basic ribbon stitches with loads of tips and hints to help you on your way. Clear, illustrated with step-by-step pictures and drawings and comprehensive course notes are provided.
History of the Craft
The art of silk ribbon embroidery was first developed in the 1750’s to decorate the clothing worn by royalty. The revival of Victorian craft techniques may be part of the reason that silk ribbon embroidery is seeing a new generation of interest in South Africa and Australia.
The most interesting aspect of silk ribbon embroidery for professional crafters is that it is not as time consuming as other forms of stitching like cross stitch and needlepoint. Silk ribbon embroidery is three-dimensional. The designs of roses, daisies, dragonflies, and ferns pop out of the background fabrics to give interesting, elaborate detail. Yet, no matter how intricate the design, the stitches that make up the whole of the design are uncomplicated. Ribbon embroidery uses many of the classic stitch techniques with a few stitches unique to the art. The stitches are easy to learn with a few tries with the needle so is an ideal hobby for the beginner.
Design, ribbons, threads etc. are purchased as you need them and the cost of these depends on what you purchase for your specific design. Start up fee for the first class and design, ribbons etc is usually around £ 35.00. Thereafter you will only pay for the workshop and the threads and ribbons you purchase on that day.