Wednesday 26 September 2012

Back to Normal?

I suppose blogging is like anything else in that if you get into the habit of doing it regularly it becomes almost second nature. But start slipping out of that habit and it is easy to forget all about it. With all the disruption to our family life over the summer in one way or another, I've slipped out of the habit of blogging and it has started to feel like too much of an effort... just one more thing to have to think about. But I do miss it and especially miss that connection with fellow bloggers.
 
 
So as I start  to settle back into something of a more normal routine, so I hope I'll regain that blogging habit. Part of that "normal routine" has meant getting back to work and this past weekend I have spent a lovely few days with the ladies of the South Devon branch of the Embroiderer's Guild in Paignton.


You might be fooled into thinking that I was running a knitting class from the photo above but it was actually a machine embroidery class with fouteen very lovely ladies from the Guild.
 

 
And each one of them produced a beautiful little machine textured landscape. Most of them still needed some finishing off but I'm sure you'll agree they all did a brilliant job... especially as this is a class I usually teach over a couple of days.


 
The following day I came back to give a talk to the group and the ladies brought back their landscapes to show to those who weren't at the workshop. Liz had actually put hers (pictured above) into a frame and it looked fabulous.

 
Each one different and unique. Each one beautiful.

 
It was a lovely weekend and I was thoroughly spoiled.
I stayed with my friend Diana (pictured knitting on the left in the photo above) and her husband and was treated to some wonderful food, fabulous company and a mini tour of the area around Dartmouth where the scenery is quite stunning.

 
It's no wonder really that these little landscapes are so inspired when the ladies live in such a beautiful part of the country.

 
Everyone was so kind and welcoming and I was given such an enthusiastic reception to both my workshop and the talk, that it has done my self confidence the power of good.

 
Even before the summer I was having doubts about my work, about what I wanted to be doing next.

 
But this weekend has helped restore my confidence in what I do and I know I would miss teaching if I gave it all up.
 
 
So thank you ladies of the South Devon Embroiderer's Guild...

 
and thank you Diana and Les.

 
It's good to feel things getting back to "normal."


20 comments:

  1. Love it when a plan comes together!

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  2. Glad things are beginning to feel 'normal' again for you Gina.
    Nice to see you back in blogland again too. :)
    Beautiful work from the ladies!
    Vivienne x

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  3. Sometimes you just need that little confidence boost that a class can give you. Glad it worked its magic.

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  4. Gina, the examples that you show of the South Devon embroiderers is so impressive. Clearly, all your students are keen observers of nature who were fortunate to have you as their teacher.

    Bravo. Everyone please do take a bow.

    xo

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  5. Yay for normal! I know just what you mean about getting out of the habit -- I had my vacation and I'm having trouble getting back into the swing of things. I'm glad you've found normal though -- welcome back!

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  6. Those are really gorgeous. I have always loved your machine landscapes, and the ladies have done you proud.

    Really looking forward t seeing you next week.

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  7. Welcome back! I think blogging is one of the hardest things to step back into after a break, no matter how long the break was.

    So glad you can make it on Monday : )

    T x

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  8. Great to have you back Blogging, I love the landscapes.

    ANNYA

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  9. A fabulous post Gina and I love the seaside holiday poster. As you say each of those landscapes is beautiful - wonderful colours and textures. Your ladies must have had a lovely day with you.
    Glad you are feeling more settled, but it does take time and can't be rushed as I have found myself.

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  10. What a lovely day those ladies must have had with you. Their little landscapes are a delight and I bet each and every one of them went away thrilled with the result and raring to do more. Only the best teachers do that you know. x Jo

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  11. What fantastic pieces. No wonder you enjoy teaching when you enable results like this.

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  12. some more wonderfully clever and talented stitching ladies. lovely textured and coloured samples Gina. glad to hear the workshop was good for you. can't imagine you not creating. I expect there will be ups and downs but hopefully more ups now.

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  13. Gina, it was a pleasure to attend your workshop and i know we all enjoyed learning a new way to work. Your own work was so inspireing and gave us all food for thought. Your talk on The Good The Bad and The Ugly was so informative and i loved looking through your work books. I look forward to the next workshop with you some time, best wishes from one very happy bunny Liz x

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  14. Lovely to hear you sounding so positive and upbeat, and I am sure that was helped by a wonderful weekend of teaching. Their stitched landscapes are beautiful, good students are made by good tutors x

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  15. What a lovely way to spend a few days...the pieces thay have made are super and they clearly really enjoyed tyhemselves! M x

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  16. A day at a time Gina is all you can do. Looks like lovely work from the ladies of the EG and good to hear your affirmation of loving the teaching. All the other things in your head will sort themselves in good time. As for blogging, I think saying what you want , only when you feel like saying it, is just fine!

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  17. The workshop looked really good - lovely pictures. Glad you are starting to feel abit more positive - it has not been a difficult period and takes time to get back on track.

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  18. I so know what you mean about missing blogging and the connection and community here. It's so lovely to read this post.

    Goodness, the pieces your class made were so beautiful Gina. I especially love the bottom one - it reminds me of Wicken Fen! These images confirm that you must be an amazing teacher x

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  19. Welcome back; I'm glad you had a good time in Devon and you were obviously appreciated; of course!! Take each day as it comes and be kind to yourself.

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  20. Normal is definitely good - being in your comfort zone is, well, comfortable and a good place to settle and branch out from again. Glad that those lovely ladies helped to restore your confidence in teaching - you clearly have a talent for it Gina.

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