Happy New Year!
Once more, Christmas is almost a distant memory, as we anticipate a new year. Who knows what 2012 will hold for any of us? Lots of good things, I hope.
Students have left their Christmas projects way behind. They tell me that everything was completed by the great day, and from the pictures I've seen, they should be truly proud of their lovely work.
Sewing Machine World,continues to bask in the glory of being voted First in the Best Loved Shop in King's Lynn competition. We still hold classes there, and it is lovely for the girls when customers stop to admire their work.
We are now concentrating on Spring and summer projects, and with Valentines Day and Mothering Sunday and Easter on the horizon, we are not short of ideas and designs.
We are pleased to welcome back to class a lady who was with us last winter and Spring, before taking off to her holiday home for the summer/autumn.
Carol, my Canadian friend, sent me a picture of a quick table runner she had made. After a short demonstration via Skype I was able to pass this on to my girls, and my next class almost resembled a sweat shop! Thanks Carol, from everyone. Those I made as Christmas gifts were much appreciated.
Looking back over the past year, one of the 'most-made' projects was a octagonal table mat (see Jane's on our Teaching page). It has been made up in many different ways, and each time we are stunned by how good they look. Tessa has just made chair pads using Kona Bay fabric, adapting the size and angles to suit her needs. They were quite spectacular. The bespoke template for the mat was made by Roy Bland of Templates for Patchwork & Quilting. Roy always amazes us with his speed of service, and the excellence of his work. We recommend him very highly.
In England, we have springtime weather, with flowers and fruit putting in unseasonal appearances. This time last year we were struggling with heavy snow, which was a great reason to stay indoors quilting until we could get about again safely. We could really do with some cold weather now to concentrate our minds on sewing again.
Emma, Josef and I have enjoyed some good walks along the beach, and also at Sandringham where we were pleased to see the Queen pass us in her limousine. She very kindly waved to us, whether to me or the dogs, I'm not sure! New Year was a heavy time for the dogs, as you can see!
Josef wonders if this is what you would call a hangover!
Best wishes from
Diana Emma and Josef (our angelic Little Hooligan)