Part one - Friday morning saw me heading up the A7, at the start of my two days away. After the A7 came the exciting bit - yes, I got to drive on a motorway and go faster than the speed of a tractor! It was a lovely morning for the drive, unlike the weather I left at home - wet, windy and trying to snow! When I arrived at Greenpark quilters, they were busy getting started with a workshop, taught by Joyce Watson ...
I've known Joyce for a long time - she is an incredibly talented award-winning quilter - indeed it was Joyce who taught me the wonderful applique stitch that I have used ever since - and have in turn taught to many more quilters! You can see behind Joyce what they were working on .....
.... a lovely wreath, which is made up of fussy-cut flowers and snippets of leaves, all bonded in place ....
Hard at work in this next picture are Frances and Betty, whom I've also known for a long time - it was lovely to see everyone again and catch up on all their news - and also to see that there were several new members - and a waiting list. Quilting is alive and thriving in Polmont
They may be working hard, but as you can see, still had time for tea and biscuits!
Next on the itinerary was a visit to my son Stuart. I have to admit that we had takeaway pizza for dinner - not because he can't cook, but because his local takeaway does the best pizza in the world (yum, yum!!). As he is currently indulging in some decorating/renovation, and I like my comfort, I headed off to spend the night in the nearby Travelodge. It opened recently and is very comfortable - but all you get in the bathroom is a small bar of soap - I would rather pay a little bit more for my room than have to remember to take shower soap and shampoo with me.
On Saturday morning I stopped at Tesco for a bit of shopping - I got there just after 8.30 and it was already very busy! Then armed with sausage, bacon and rolls for breakfast it was back to Stuart's - he had to wait in for a workman coming,so we couldn't go out for breakfast!! Later on, we went to visit his stepsister and her two gorgeous children, Jasmine aged two and Reuben aged one. As soon as we rang the doorbell, we could here Jasmine shouting Stuart, Stuart - she loves her uncle! Here he is, the famous Uncle Stuart ...
As we had eaten so much for breakfast, I decided to do without lunch, and all too soon it was time to head back home. The weather was still lovely and I had an enjoyable drive back - getting home in time for the beautiful dinner that Malcolm had cooked.
Ane now for part two .... the Time for Tea swap has now taken place, and after teasing you with previous photos, I can now show you what I made for my swap partner Sam ...
Perhaps you recognise the shape of the teapot? Yes it's my own lovely teapot - this photo was the starting point for the design ...
I traced the outline of the teapot, cup and saucer, then transferred them to the calico centre. Malcolm drew the sonflowers for me! I then added borders, using fabric which I had bought some years ago in Aix-en-Provence. After embroidering the picture, I hand-quilted it, using lovely YLI silk thread - here is a detail ...
Of course, you also include some goodies in the swap - here is what I sent ...
The curly scarf is for Sam's little girl. The lavender is from my garden. And I love the teacup fabric (I may have bought some for me too!)
Malcolm and I had a super day out today - but you know what I am going to say next - come back tomorrow and I'll tell you all about it!!