Monday 24 November 2014

All I Need is Time!

What a splendid time I've had in Harrogate!
I'd like to tell you I had plenty of time to see the beautiful town, visit its many attractions and that I'd had tea and cake in Betty's (there was a big queue outside) but it wouldn't be true... that will have to be a treat for another time.  For most of the time I was sat behind a table on Art Van Go's "Artists in Action" stand at the Knitting and Stitching show.
 
 
I arrived Wednesday afternoon in time to set up my table (it has a calm before the storm feeling, don't you think) and met some of my fellow artists... Clare Bullock, a wonderful feltmaker (without a website unfortunately) Alison Hulme and myself had a lot of laughs over the days we were there... many that seemed to involve the security guards but that would be telling!

 
The time whizzed by as we demonstrated, worked on projects and even did some collaborative work... Clare made felt, Alison printed on it and then I stitched it... and of course we chatted to the public, who were all so friendly and interested. I met several ladies who said they read this blog... HELLO!!! That's a big wave to you all, it was lovely to meet you!

 
It was so much fun I ended up staying an extra day  (which involved having to find an M & S to buy clean knickers but that's probably too much information) and didn't get home until Saturday evening... absolutely exhausted! Yesterday and today, I've pottered about, putting things away and tidying up but feeling very inspired to finish off work with plenty of ideas for new things as well. All I need now is more time... If only M & S sold that too!

 
Before I went away, I had a fabulous day in London where I met with two fellow bloggers - Frances, who had come all the way from New York and Celia, a friend from not so far afield. We had a lovely day that included a visit to the Constable exhibition at the V & A and a leisurely lunch. Celia has written so eloquently about the exhibition here that I'm not even going to try, but I do need to share the lovely gifts I received. A set of Celia's beautiful Christmas cards together with buttons that she had covered with Grayson Perry fabric... I think I may have squealed just a little at these. And Frances had hand knitted this dear little fairisle sweater. Mine is already pinned up on my notice board and will not be relegated to the Christmas decoration box, that's for sure.
 
So that's my busy week... although there are commissions to finish and teaching to do in the coming days so it will be back to work for me in the morning. If it's true that there's no rest for the wicked then I reckon I must have been pretty bad as some point! Catch up with you soon!

13 comments:

  1. Good afternoon from New York to you Gina, and many thanks for the Harrogate reporting.

    I think that I share your wish for the gift of more time. I had such a great time in London, that I got quite spoiled by the concept of free time...no laundry to do, no errands, no meals to prepare, no dishes to wash.

    No, it was also grand being spoiled by the opportunity of getting together with you and Celia at the V&A. I'm already looking forward to seeing you all again next time I get across the Atlantic.

    Since getting home, I am glad to still be on holiday from my job. I've been playing catch up with lots of household matters, chatting with family members and NYC pals on the phone, and...trying to figure out how to paint this year's Christmas tea cup cards. I am now way, way behind schedule, but do think I have just about figured out my 2014 design.

    Also still have to do my holiday blog post. Maybe latter today. This morning, besides the painting, I also managed to vacuum the apartment, and yesterday I made soup. It's time for lunch now and some of that lentil soup is on the menu.

    xo

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  2. Sounds as if a good time was had by all. Glad it was so enjoyable for you, and remember to pack an extra pair of knickers next time!

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  3. It all sounds fun, if a little tiring. Mind you often it's the busy times that energise us. After reading your post, I feel inspired & energised to get making. Planning to get my sewing machine out after a very long time. Christmas presents...

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  4. Sounds like a great weekend away with lots of other like-minded people. The gifts you received look really sweet (love that tiny sweater!). Enjoy your jolt back to reality! Wendy x

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  5. Glad Harrogate went well for you Gina!
    Good old M&S! ;)
    V x

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  6. It is great to have fantastic days like these.
    Best wishes
    x

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  7. I'm glad that you had such a good time, I hope that you can return to Harrogate sometime for a more relaxing visit! Sounds as though you still had some good times! xx

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  8. Sounds like a lot of fun, and yes, TMI with the undies!

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  9. I'm so pleased that you've had such a great time in Harrogate, it looks as thought you were very very busy! And what a lovely day in London too :-)

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  10. Such lovely gifts you had. I had no idea that GP did fabric too, I must investigate that further.

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  11. I'm glad you had a good time. It sounds like great fun!

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  12. I am glad you had a great if busy weekend in Harrogate and also a lovely day with your friends in London. I have yet to visit the V&A but it is on the list of things I want to do before I get too frail to leave the house. Time is at a premium here, too, particularly now that I work full time. Mustn't grumble. Have a lovely week. x

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  13. Gina, the positivity and energy just oozes from this post. You sound different, almost 'refreshed' if that doesn't sound wrong or fanciful. You will know what I mean I hope? Anyway, silly title for a post as I know you already have more hours than the rest of us in a day....who are you trying to kid...

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