And I for one am sad that the month is over when all around seem to be rejoicing that February is here and that the 'long, dark' month of January is over! For me January is a great month for brisk chilly walks and lots of cosy sewing and knitting. A time to recoup after Christmas and plan for the coming year - which will no doubt be over before we know it. Anyway less of my moaning and more about what I have been up to this week.
Another fun week with my stitch journal.
The TAST stitches for this week were Raised Chain which I had not tried before You can see two versions at the bottom of the photo. We had some strong wind last weekend, hence the windswept tree.
And here is a picture of my roll for January.
Love how it is turning out. However I can now see that the thread I have is not going to last the year although I have plenty of fabric and lace etc. I can't replicate the threads I dyed using plants from the garden in St Victor but I also have threads dyed with tea, coffee onion skins and black bean water which I can try to reproduce. The other problem I have is that they were solar dyed and that is not going to happen at this time of year. So I am going to try standing my jam jars in the airing cupboard to give them some warmth. My first jar is underway - we have a casserole with black beans tonight and the soaking water plus some alum and a selection of threads is safely stowed away for a month. Fingers crossed.
My knitting has progressed this week and I turned the heel last night. I also have the next border of Wings marked up and ready to quilt.
We had a nice trip out in some sunshine yesterday - to Stogumber a village about 20 minutes drive from us. We wanted to look around the church of St Mary's which is right in the centre of the village.
When I first looked at the front of the church I was not very impressed - I thought it very unattractive.
However from the rear you see the lovely warm pink stone that has been used for the building.
How fascinating to wander around a place that is twelve centuries old. The architecture is amazing. Gorgeous embroidery on the piano cover and those hangings depicting scenes are lovely. You embroidered lovely work throughout January, Lin. Your stitching journal is looking gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post Lin - I absolutely adore your stitch journal & I am in awe that you hand dyed all the threads for it. How special is that. I look forward to seeing your next experiment with the threads in the hot water cupboard.
ReplyDeleteThat church is wonderful - I have "a thing" for old churches & of course, in your country they are a darn sight older than in mine!!! Just so special & I would have been hunting out all the textiles too. Wishing you a great week ahead Lin. xx
Pity about your blue thread, but I think whatever happens in the airing cupboard - it is bound to be unique. Love the decor in the church...what history you can enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYou have put so much detail in your stitching journal. A lovely day out and not far from home.
ReplyDeleteYour stitch journal is looking great. I love the church. They do have beautiful art designs in them
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tour, Lin. The church was beautiful and the history amazing. Poor tree. I'd say it must not have been doing well if it blew over. I always tell myself that to make me feel better over the loss of any tree. Your stitchery is stunning as usual. It looks so intricate. Have a great stitching Sunday.
ReplyDeleteGreat to be doing your own colour threads..... they do make lovely colours... Sad about that old tree - what lovely work in the church
ReplyDeleteHugz
A lovely post. Your stitch roll is beautiful. Maybe with the inclusion of lace and other yarns you can lessen the difference of the yarns you are dying. Thank you for that great tour.....the textiles were fantastic. Sad about that wonderful old tree x
ReplyDeleteI enjoy when you share about dyeing threads, so very interesting. The church is amazing. So sad about the old tree.
ReplyDeleteHello Lin, I enjoyed reading this. I hope that your dyeing goes well and I look forward to reading about your results. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteDear Lin, I wish you much success in dyeing your yarn... your embroidery diary is great.
ReplyDeleteYou found wonderful textiles in the church. There are so many treasures to find everywhere :-))
Viola sends you happy greetings
There never is enough information about embroidery or textiles, anywhere you go, is there!
ReplyDeletelove the big picture of the journal roll, I have noticed snippets on instagram but hadn't visualised the whole piece, looks amazing!
ReplyDeletelove tour of the churches you visited. So sad to see such a big old tree fall over.
A huge, old tree for sure!
ReplyDeleteSeeing your January roll is a joy. Do you do a new roll each month?