I'm Back...

and feeling somewhat less desperate than when I was last here but rather more exhausted!

My Open Studio weekends went well and far better than I expected, apart from one random Saturday when I clocked up a mere four visitors. But overall I had seventy three visitors through the door who were generous, kind and enthusiastic. My gamble on making lots of canvases paid off and I've only got a couple left.

 

 

No sooner than I'd seen my last visitor out of the door I was in my loaded car and on my way to the beautiful Missenden Abbey where I was teaching City & Guilds level 1 in Machine Embroidery... in just one week (well, five days actually).

 

And what a week! Thirteen learners and I have worked flat out to cover the syllabus and I'm delighted to say that each and every one of them passed... above and beyond the standard required at this level. So huge congratulations to Sandra, Judith, Kathryn, Margaret, Scilla, Anne, Wendy, Mara, Sue, Carol, Margarete, Nicky and Jane. What stars you all were. It was a real pleasure to be working with you all week... but rather good to have my feet up today. (I'm ignoring all the bags that need unpacking!)

 

 

In addition to my thirteen "official" learners we also had a trio of gatecrashers who appeared from time to time.... Florence (in her Primark Pearls), Humphrey and Fleur.

 

I'm sorry to say that despite their best attempts they did not obtain their Level 1 City and Guilds

 

 and Florence couldn't work out how to make a tassel... but they did keep us amused.

You can read more about their adventures and those of their fellow "Tattiebugs" over at Crammel and Scrow.

 

I've now got a few weeks off from teaching but should any readers be interested there will be more City & Guilds classes at Missenden Abbey in the autumn. Get in touch if you would like to know more!