In January, February and March, the tapestry weavers met up at least twice a month to teach more people the basic principles from Hilary Charlesworth's excellent notes and to work on techniques for the main tapestry.  There were a few problems with the mixing of the colours to achieve the desired effect and so small samplers were used to experiment.  Lots of experimentation and learning took place…

Missenden Abbey, set in lovely grounds in Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire, offers a very special combination of first-class tutors, a peaceful and beautiful setting, and an excellent programme comprising hundreds of inspiring residential courses and non-residential courses in creative crafts, art, textiles, singing, photography, cultural studies and many other subjects.  I have been tutoring…

I was fortunate to spend five days teaching tapestry techniques to a group of residents on the island of Sark.  The island has a community project to weave three panels depicting a local scene.  I was impressed by the skills achieved by the participants who will go on to share what they have learnt with others who wish to take part.   Sark is a beautiful, peaceful (no vehicles) place and I was made…

Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th October

Tapestry weaving weekend. Exhibition of entries to the Tapestry Weaving Competition. Hilary Charlesworth www.totallytextiles.co.uk will visit Sark to tutor 10 residents in the techniques of tapestry weaving. Expressions of interest for places on this course can be made from 15th August. Further details will be available on both the Tourism and the Creative…

If you haven't yet visited the Fashion and Textile Museum in London then I hope you have the opportunity in 2015.  Yesterday I visited their current exhibition on Knitwear from Chanel to Westwood which was a real treat.   The exhibition included some classic designs and some amazing 1930's pieces.    I came away wanting to pick up my needles immediately!   My only disappointment was the lack of…

Needle felting is a dry felting technique with numerous creative possibilities.  Using a felt base, we will embellish it with colourful Merino fleece and needlefelting techniques to produce a decorative wall hanging.  Let your imagination run wild!   This course is running at Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden, Bucks. on 7th/8th February 2015.   For more information and to book call: 01296 383 582…

The tenth anniversary Contemporary Crafts show which I co-organise with potter Angela Carter from Milland Pottery was a great success.   A warm friendly atmosphere welcomed many visitors to this "meet the makers" event and a good time was had by all!

Celebrating ten years of exhibitions on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November 2014.  Meet the Makers at this annual event.   Find that unique Christmas gift.   Refreshments all day with donations to Samaritans.  Open both days from 10am - 4pm at Milland Hall, Milland nr. Liphook, Hants.  GU30 7NA

I spent a really enjoyable and inspiring couple of hours at the National Gallery enjoying the amazing Making Colour exhibition.  Although the emphasis was on paints and painting, I found it fascinating and learnt a lot about how colour has developed over the centuries.   As a colour "blindness" carrier, I also found the research project the gallery is doing on colour perception very interesting.…