frayed at the edge

A fully-fledged lecturer!

Thank you so much for all your good wishes for today!  I arrived early, so that I could get organised before the students arrived, and the wonderful Tracey who runs the campus immediately made me a cup of tea, which helped to settle the butterflies.  Once everyone arrived there was a bit of admin to do, and they had to be told where the fire exit, the first aid box and the toilet are.  Then they settlled down to sew

 

Tracey had asked if Jac, who teaches photography (and IT), could take some photos of the class, to put in the next college newsletter.  So after Jac had taken lots of photos, I asked her to take one of me with my camera for the blog (please note the painted nails!)

 

the ladies did really well, and got much more done than I thought they would.  They all got to the stage where they had to trim off the excess wadding, so with a great deal of trepidation I showed them in turn how to use the rotary cutter (I think they will hear my voice saying "cover the blade" in their dreams tonight!).  There was one left-handed lady, but it was straightforward to show her too how to use the cutter

 

Betty was the star student, as she almost finished her needlecase

 

we had a break mid-morning for a cuppa ..... and a chocolate biscuit, then all too soon it was time to go.  The ladies all said they had enjoyed themselves and were looking forward to next week.  We also had a chat about doing follow-on classes, to make a sampler quilt.  After they had gone there was some more admin to go through with Tracey, and she showed me how to access my college email, both at the college and at home.  I packed everything away ready to go

 

and before I left, Tracey presented me with a set of keys and showed me how to activate/deactivate the burglar alarm.  So that's me, a fully-fledged college lecturer ....... but I don't think I'll be keeping Malcolm in the lap of luxury any time soon!

ps - I haven't forgotten about Tuesday night - I'll show you what we did at Abbey Quilters tomorrow.

On top of the world!

No, we didn't have a quick jaunt to climb Everest, getting back in time for dinner!  Instead we set off in the sunshine this morning, to climb Minto Craigs to Fatlips Castle (click on the photo to enlarge it)

 

we parked the car and set off up the track

 

there were lots of distractions along the way

 

the path went ever upwards

 

the trees suddenly gave way to views out over fields

 

and still the path went up, and up

 

then we rounded the next bend, and there it was

 

but what's this - a door with three locks behind a metal grill

 

no problem, the grill was only bolted and we had the key!

 

an impressive barrel vaulted roof on the ground floor

 

then I had to take a deep breath and overcome my intense dislike of ......... a spiral staircase!

 

but it was worth the effort of climbing all those horrid stairs to see this

 

then I had to take a very, very, deep breath to overcome my fear of heights and step out on to the roof.  But it was worth it to see the amazing views

 

Malcolm snapped me, snapping the view

 

back at ground level, Malcolm was auditioning for King of the Castle

 

as we set off back down the hill, I took this arty shot of the sun shining through the trees beside the castle

 

at times we had to go "off'track"

 

hooray for my serious boots and walking pole!

 

after all that exertion, we were ready for lunch!  We went to the Cream Puff in Denholm (after returning the Castle key)

 

we both had the spicy lentil soup - and it was very spicy!  The bread was delicious too

 

right, I'm off to do my nails, so that I look glamorous for my first day in my new job ........ I may even put on some slap in the morning!

Rock star!

We were in Berwick again today (I'll tell you why at the end!).  These are the last photos I took as we crossed the old bridge on our way back to the car, but they deserve star billing

 

we were so engrossed watching the seal, which seemed to be responding to our voices, that we forgot that we were running late for getting back to the car.  We were somewhat worried when we saw an official looking car parked in front of ours, but fortunately it turned out to be a Coastguard car, rather than a traffic warden, so we didn't get a parking ticket for being 15 minutes past our allotted parking time!  So, back to the beginning of our day out.  We started with a cuppa (you of course knew that!) and a lemon and poppy seed muffin

 

then we walked down to the river, making a slight detour to snap these lobster pots

 

what a wonderful front door - but the building seems to be unoccupied

 

it is such a shame that this magnificent building is slowly rotting away

 

a reminder of the town's turbulent past

 

we walked along the breakwater to the lighthouse, having duly noted this stern warning

 

we thought the sign on the lighthouse would tell us its history, so we were surprised to see this

 

mindful of the warning notice, we managed to not trip over this large rusty ring

 

we had a detour to collect driftwood and sea glass

 

we admired these details on a building .......

 

which sadly is empty and delapidated

 

I'll save the rest of the photos for tomorrow, so that I can show you my accidental fabric purchases

 

I love fabric that has text on it

 

you may have thought that the red and white check fabric was a bit boring - but look at it opened out!

 

when we got home, there was a parcel for me

 

oh dear, another accidental purchase - when I saw Kate's latest design I somehow clicked my mouse several times and bought a kit!

 

so, why have we been visiting Berwick so often?  We are buying a little holiday home there!!  I didn't want to say anything until the process was well under way, but we have now signed the first lot of paperwork, and we should complete the purchase at the end of June. 

 

 

Mud, mud .......

........ not so glorious mud!  I suggested that we put on our serious boots yesterday morning, so that we could go for a woodland walk.  And we certainly needed them

 

but it was worth squelching through the mud to see snowdrops

 

daffodils

 

and the first shoots of wild garlic

 

after the soggy winter, there was a lot of bright green moss

 

and some interesting fungi

 

we reached the end  of the wood .......

 

........... normally we would turn round and walk back, but because of the mud, we deciced to walk down the road, although we weren't quite sure where it went

 

these sheep were enjoying the lush grass

 

the sun was shining on Ruberslaw

 

usually I show you the Waterloo monument way in the distance

 

the road eventually took us to the main road ........

 

........ quite a long way from where we had left the car, in the garden centre carpark

 

we were ready for our cuppa ....... but, oh no, they had run out of scones!!  So instead of scoffing sconnage, we had to make do with border tart

 

and orange sponge

 

when we got back home, I noticed a little white bundle in the field across the road.  A tiny lamb - the wrinkles show that it is very young

 

the weather was good again today, so after lunch I went for a walk, braving the muddy path again.  The ewes in the first field still haven't had any lambs, but I could see some in the field beyond them

 

I walked on round to the other field, where the old donkey was enjoying the sunshine

 

however he was obviously unhappy at having his photo taken, as he raised his head and let  out a volley of hee-haws!

 

as I walked back home, I was startled when a voice behind me said "ting-a-ling, ting-a-ling" - it was a rather elderly gentleman on a bike

 

I'll be back tomorrow with the usual Tuesday sewing update, and to finish ........ two of my favourite arty seedheads

 

A slight delay

Tracey phoned me from the College yesterday, to say that she had realised that my first class, scheduled for next Thursday, clashed with the Jethart Handba.  This means that the windows in the college will be boarded up, and lots of men will be running riot through the town, so we decided to delay the classes by a week.  Malcolm and I popped into the college this morning, as Tracey had various bits of paperwork to go over with me.  We had a cuppa (and biscuits) while she explained all the ins and outs of working at the college, including where the fire exit is, where the first aid box is, where the staff toilet is, and most importantly, where the fridge is!!  She also gave me my staff pass (Malcolm is still laughing at the terrible photo of me!!)  It was quite a thrill to see my samples in the college window!!

 

I have to write a little article about myself for the next college newsletter, and Tracey also asked me to send her some photos, so I took these this afternoon

 

I have had these beautiful Japanese silk threads since 2001 - I bought them on my first trip to Houston.  I had been waiting for a very special project to use them for, and finally I have one ........ Mrs Billings

 

I finished the quilt top for Quilts for Comfort this afternoon.  First I added a red border

 

and then a grey/black border

 

to finish - after we had been at the college, we popped into the Woolen Mill for a quick lunch.  I went to the Ladies, and was surprised to find this small chair  It is sadly in need of refurbishment, butI couldn't fit it in my pocket, to take it hoe and give it some tlc (goodness me, yesterday I was talking about stealing a garden gate, and today a chair!!)

 

ps - I am sorry that some of you had a problem leaving a comment yesterday.  I have been in touch with Typepad, who said that there was a brief problem yesterday, which has now been fixed.

A grand day out!

Maureen arrived ten minutes early this morning, but as I am a very punctual person, I was ready even earlier!  We had a good run up to Edinburgh, although there was a bit of rain and sleet.  Suitably fortified with a large cup of tea, we split up and hit the show.  I decided to look at the quilts first.  As you know, I'm not supposed to show you the quilts, in case you copy them, so I'll just show you some details

 

when I was waiting in the queue for lunch, I was chatting to the lady in front of me ....... like me, she was hoping that macaroni and chips was on the menu.  Hooray, it was!!!!  (I don't like tomato ketchup, I am a brown sauce girl!)

 

of course I spent all my pocket money (and possibly a little bit more) ....... I'll show you my purchases on Monday.  After a further bout of quilt viewing and shopping after lunch, Maureen and I decided that we would head for home, and stop off at a garden centre on the way for a cuppa and cake ........ we were tucking into the cake when Maureen realised that I hadn't taken a photo - oh well.

 

For the rest of this evening, I will be sitting with my feet up on my stool, resting my weary legs ........ and enjoying a delicious glass of wine or two, a present from Maureen to say thank you for giving her a lift.  As always I shall be busy sewing over the weekend, and I hope you have a good weekend too, love Anne

A warm welcome!

As soon as you arrive at my studio, you know you are welcome ......

 

the frogs welcome you

 

the cow welcomes you

 

and of course I welcome you too

 

OK, I won't tease you any more, and will tell you my VERY exciting news .........I've got a job!!  Well, I've sort of got a job, with the grand title of community classes lecturer.  Do you remember some weeks ago I was working on a Top Secret Project?  It all started with a conversation with my friend Maureen.  She had been going to classes at the Borders College in Jedburgh, and had got to know Tracey, who runs the campus.  When Tracey found out that Maureen quilted, she asked her if she would like to teach patchwork and quilting.  Maureen said no, but said that she would ask me if I would be interested.  I went along and had a chat with Tracey, and after a bit of thought came up with "Get Set for Patchwork" - four classes where the students would make a needle case, pincushion, scissor holder and bag to put everything in.   Along the way they would learn the basic skills of patchwork and quilting.  I then had an interview (that was a shock, having a proper, formal job interview) and yesterday I had to fill in reams of paperwork.  There is just one last hurdle - the class has been advertised, and five people have signed up ....... but the minimum number for the class to go ahead is six!  However if that last person doesn't sign up before March 6th, when the classes are scheduled to start, all is not lost, as the college are keen for the classes to go ahead, and will re-advertise them for a future date.  But before you get too impressed with the thought of my teaching at the college, perhaps I should show you this photo

 

the Jedburgh campus is actually just a very small building, with, I think, two classrooms!  I went to the new Hawick campus for my interview - it is a fabulous building, where proper full-time students go, and tomorrow I will be popping in to the main Galashiels campus to hand in the reams of paperwork to HR.  Hopefully, if the classes are successful, I will get to teach more. 

I have made a start to the Blue Peter stage by stage and "here's one I made earlier" samples.  I'll just show you a selection

 

after all the soggy, grey days, it was wonderful to see this beautiful blue sky, when I came out of the studio at 4pm after a busy day quilting another little quilt for Linus!  (I'll show it to you tomorrow)

 

Neat and tidy - almost!

So what did I buy yesterday?  Well, first it was something practical - new blades for my small rotary cutter

 

next was this pretty pattern, designed by Carolyn, one of Anne's friends

 

I love the label - especially the cute owl!

 

and of course I bought fabric ...... the calico is for Mrs Billings, and the dark fabric was from the reduced shelf

 

I had taken along "Lillyanny" to finish handstitching the binding.  The original "Lillypilly" that I made as a sample for Anne is still displayed in the shop

 

when I came to make mine, I couldn't be bothered to do all those leaves, so mine is a winter tree!

 

a detail of the fmq

 

I have still to add the birds' eyes

 

I aso want to do some more stitching on the fence, to make it stand out more

 

I didn't do any sewing this afternoon, as I thought I ought to tidy the studio

 

looking much better, but it still needs a bit more organising

Flying solo

I had planned to go to Longframlington today to visit Anne, but because of the miserable weather, Malcolm decided not to come with me, as he didn't fancy beachcombing in the rain!  So I set off all on my own, with just a bag of wine gums the radio to keep me company on the 90 minute drive.  Of course as soon as I arrived the first thing I did was make a cup of tea (and a biscuit may have been consumed).  We were a small company today, as regulars Margaret, Ros and Frances weren't there, but there was a newbie, Barbara.  But the best thing was that Anne was there, looking much recovered from her recent bout of poorliness (is that a word?)

Sue was handpiecing hexagons

 

Barbara was working on her Whimsical quilt blocks

 

and Annie was prepping lots of circles, which she plans to use on a bag

 

after I had taken the photo of her circles, Anne reached under the table, and produced this stunning bag!

 

when I went (reluctantly) to give the bag back, Annie pointed out that I hadn't taken a photo of the side of the bag, which she said was her favourite bit

 

as always, there were lots of lovely new fabrics in the shop

 

did I buy anything?  Of course I did!  I'll show you tomorrow, and I'll also show you what I was sewing.  But to finish - very good news if you are going to be anywhere near Longframlington next week ........ head to Stitchin' Heaven for their fabulous sale (Anne very kindly gave me the discount today, as I won't be there next week!)

A busy weekend .......

........ and a busy Monday, so lets get started!  I headed over to Kelso on Saturday morning, with the car stuffed full of all the things I needed for the cushion workshop.  It didn't take long to get set up

 

our Chairman Sandra had taken a pile of fabrics, as had I, and after the obligitory oohing, aaahing and stroking of the fabrics, everyone started sewing.  We were so busy, I didn't take very many photos!

Anne Marie cutting out her first cushion

 

Helen was about to quilt this lovely fabric for her cushion front

 

Doreen made this large cushion

 

by the end of the day Anne Marie had made three cushions!

 

but my favourite was this pretty Sunbonnet Sue, made by Valerie.  I shall have to buy lots of tickets for the raffle at our exhibition, in the hope of winning it!

 

I also showed the ladies another technique, but I'll show you tomorrow, as I have put together a little tutoral.  It was miserable yesterday morning, so again we didn't go for a walk.  We popped down to Sainsbury's to get the Sunday papers, and have a cuppa.  We shared a "skinny" lemon and poppy seed muffin - a lot fewer calories than a scone!

 

I was busy in the studio in the afternoon, but I'll show you what I did tomorrow.  This morning we headed over to Berwick again, stopping in the Garden Centre on the way for a cuppa and a scone (I have swapped my "fast" day to tomorrow)

 

it was a bit wet and miserable, but we had an enjoyable stroll round the town.  We had a walk round the grounds of this old church

 

is spring on the way, with blossom on this tree, and snowdrops at the foot of the trunk

 

the date on this gravestone is 1763

 

we only had to walk a few yards to admire another church

 

the building next to the church had a seagull on top of every chimney

 

obviously they were admirers of architecture, choosing such a handsome building to sit on

 

what building is it?  I doubt you would ever guess!

 

I remembered to look up, and saw these wonderful details on yet another old building

 

of course after all that walking about taking photos, we needed some lunch!  Delicious butternut squash soup

 

I may have bought something in this little shop!  I'll show you tomorrow