One of the things I brought home from my late dear Dad’s home was an old woollen blanket. Pure wool and very well used, so perfect for colouring with plant dyes.
Last Autumn, in 2019, after dyeing it with ivy leaves, iron water and buddliea, which give a soft green, I stitched into it, darned it in places. As always I so enjoyed the calming rhythm of working with needle and thread, doodling, no plan, loving giving another life to a blanket that might have been discarded.
This November I decided to dye another piece of Dad’s blanket. It was late November, nearly all the Autumnal colours had gone, and this time of year I am very inspired by the greys, whites, blues and often pinks, of the moody sky.
I dyed a piece of the blanket with some iron water and spent logwood dye bath, I like the blue-greys this mixture can give.
(Sorry I’m not managing to downsize this photo!)
This next photo was taken just a few days ago, as I sat for hours in front of the fire, with my stitching. Embellishing Dad’s blanket.
A couple of people have asked me why stitch, especially as we haven’t been able to exhibit at all this year. I stitch because I so enjoy the process. It was very timely indeed when a few days a go I read a quote from Jude Hill, whose work and words I enjoy. “You don’t need a reason to stitch”.
Wishing everyone well, hoping you’re feeling calm and loved, as we continue to face a time of such uncertainty. Love xxx