Progress Report

So this embroidery is now well under way; past the point of those first tentative stitches, wondering how it's going to look, and if I can even bring myself to start. Facing a blank piece of fabric is just as nerve wracking as when I face the blank piece of paper for my initial sketch; and if I have a face to do as part of my image, this really puts the pressure on. Because a human face is such a focal point it's important that I get it right, so it's always the first part of the embroidery I stitch - I don't want to have the worry of this affecting my work on the rest of the piece, so best to tackle it head-on.

I hand stitch my work which does require time and patience and although my sketch provides me with a template, I decide on colour and the type of stitch as I go along. I don't have a fixed idea of how a piece will end up looking, relying more on instinct and experimentation. This does mean that progress can be slow if I have to unpick something I'm not happy with, but that's all part of seeing what works and what doesn't.

When I first begin a piece of work I usually have a massive crises of confidence and start to question why I am even doing this, but as it starts to take shape and I see my creativity manifesting itself on the fabric, something seems to click into place. It's a vital piece of me and who I am. I love the assuredness of this figure and I love that I brought her into being.

Amanda xxx

Tiny Urban Garden - Bursting Into Life

With the combination of gloriously sunny weather and a few well-timed downpours we have had over the past week or so, my garden is really coming to life. Shrubs that looked like bundles of sticks a short while ago are becoming leafier by the day and the border down the side of my house has erupted into a delightful display of Bluebells complemented with the unmistakeable scent of Lavender.

The job that was top of my list to get done this year was a new fence in my front garden. There's never been a proper one, just some border edging that had fallen apart, and the garden was lacking definition. So the fence was put up last week and it looks fab, just need to put some protection on now. I have a little Willow tree here which is erupting with leaves - I think it's happier now the fence is up. I certainly am.

The Heuchera's are wearing purple with a hint of lime this season...

the flowers on the Aquilegia's are poised to open up...

and the Hydrangea is sending out lots of fresh green leaves...

Spring is just the best. Oh and I haven't forgotten about the embroidery update. That will be in my next post.

Amanda xxx