Post 31: Last a day in England for now

So here I am, at the Mitre, at 7.44 pm. in my Qantas pyjamas ( because they are staying behind), book-through bag packed and closed (without the expander), pile of clothes to wear tomorrow, only my computer, ipad, laptop and cords to go in my carry-on in the morning.  I wasn't at all sure I would manage it. My boots and  puffy jacket are in the suitcase.  A little regretfully I took both Jenny and Nicola's projects out of their smart and useful boxes. They fit more easily in a suitcase without the boxes.

I’ve checked in online and my transport to the airport is confirmed for 7.55 in the morning.

I took it very easy today. I really wanted to do as much as I could of the Herdwick project, so I started work on it straight after breakfast. While my room was being serviced I moved to the hotel lounge. It is comfortable and has good light. It wasn't warm enough for me to sit outside.

I was working on the spray of Dog Roses. It is slow work. Each petal has to be outlined in split stitch before being filled in with at least two layers of satin stitch.




I went for a couple of short walks to Gardinarium. The pub next door seems to always have customers.




The weather was sunny on and off, but with a bit of a chill in the air. It didn't stop the flowers blooming outside the pub.




I hadn't noticed the wisteria on the hotel wall before. It must look lovely when blooming.

There is also a healthy looking Fir tree, no doubt enjoying the air until required again at Christmas.







Back in my room I worked steadily on the dog roses. I finished them just after 5pm. I haven't put the flower centres in yet. They include beads and I don't want to start that in a hotel.

I'm pretty happy with it. I did contemplate taking it on the plane and continuing work on it - but common sense prevailed. It is too meticulous for the light and conditions on a plane. I have now dismantled my hoop stand and packed it all away in my suitcase.

Back to my zen project for the  plane!

My jeans came back from the laundry - so I will not have to wear my leggings for the third day on the plane.

My friend Christine Thatcher tied to phone me at the hotel last night but was told I wasn’t answering my phone. She called again this evening and was told the same. This time the receptionist came to check. The phone is not connected! I wonder how long it has been like that? We did eventually connect and catch up on my mobile.

I got to dinner in time for sunset.













There was a dozy swan


and quite a few craft on the river, narrow boats on the move, launches and a rowing boat.


One thing I’ve learnt on this trip is that Yorkshire pudding is served with more than beef! I’ve had it twice with roast pork on this visit. I haven’t made it for decades because I rarely roast beef. This is an example, I think, of migrant communities preserving traditions long abandoned in the country of origin. Next thing I’ll find mint sauce served with chicken!

In spite of the destruction of long-held assumptions, I’ve had a great month. Many thanks to all those who have helped to make it so -particularly Pene and Mark. I’ve met so much kindness and generosity. 

There will be one more post in this blog. I will post it when I get home on Thursday night or Friday morning.

Thanks for following along.

Post 12: Carry on Stitching

The wet weather continued this morning, but it makes little difference to most of us here at the Ryebeck. It hasn't stopped the two or three early morning walkers striding around in the rain and damp.

The view from the lounge room window is still charming, and its warm and pleasant inside.

We cracked on with our projects. I discovered I had used the wrong green thread around my windows. One of the great things about both Nicola and Jenny as teachers is their insistence on flexibility and adaptation. Jenny made a comment this morning to that effect that I thought would make a great sampler - but I failed to write it down! I thought it would be great for our South Australian Junior Embroiderers. I have a paper and pen ready to write it down next time.

My window outlines are quite strong. I like them. They remind me of my grandparents house.

Jenny's design has lots of different techniques and challenges. The gate was the first one this morning. I haven't finished it yet but it was fun to do.
Another challenge is the dry stone wall in Herdwick wool. So far I have only tacked the woolly rocks to the wall. Tomorrow's challenge will be working the embroidery on this wall. It is such a clever idea.




We had several demonstrations of techniques throughout today's sessions.









We began the flowers towards the end of the day. I  found the fettuccini thread the hardest to work with. I haven't finished these.

It was another great day of stitching and laughter.

As we were getting ready for our evening lecture, there was a stunning sunset - the first I have noticed since being here. The things that look like fireworks are a reflection of the lights in the dining room as I took it through the window.

Our evening lecture was by  Judith Heelis,  a descendant by marriage of William Heelis, Beatrix Potter's husband. She breeds and farms Herdwick sheep, and gave a presentation on the history and breeding of them. It was really interesting and well-illustrated. She also showed us some photos of Beatrix Potter and then, at the end, showed us some items from her personal collection - costumes, Herdwick carpet  and a magnificent quilt made between 1802 and 1820. She was lively and engaging - especially in relation to the sheep. She so clearly knew what she was talking about. 

I found it a relaxed and enriching day. Tonight people are sitting around talking. A couple are stitching.

For those who are interested, last night at 10.30 pm here (9.30am Adelaide) I rang my Vergola rep to work out how to progress my balcony cover. He is preparing the Council documentation while I am away. On my return he will bring me the contract to sign and submit the Council Approval Documentation. So it is moving forward.

Tomorrow the weather is forecast to storm - perhaps even snow - in the afternoon, so our program has been adjusted . We now go to Alan Bank, a National Trust property where the Wordsworths lived for 2-3 years, in the morning and then stitch in the afternoon. I have decided to stay and stitch in the morning. I am very keen to keep moving on both my projects - and there are only two days left.

Addendum
I almost forgot - I promised to add information about this charming Herdwick rabbit (contradiction in terms?) purchased by Sandra at Cable and Blake in Kendal. Apparently they have lots of interesting things.