A Monster Mash

After meeting the charming Tattiebugs at Missenden Abbey last week, I was inspired to delve into the depths of my sock stash (all new and unworn I hasten to add) and do a bit of monster creation... and these were the results. A motley crew if ever there were.

 

 

First of all are Lexus and Lucretia... a rather well behaved brother and sister, not known for getting up to monster mischief..

 

Their close friend Presley is also very quiet and well behaved and can usually be found with his head in a book... although to be honest, I'm not entirely sure he knows how to read, but he thinks it makes him look intelligent. I don't really like to tell him.

 

Fernley considers himself a bit of a foodie and was passing judgement on our lunch today (beetroot hummus and soda bread). He really is a very rude monster.

 

And finally this is Rowley who is still a baby and likes nothing more than to hide in boxes.

 

I have a stall at the Ashwell show at the end of the month and I'm hoping all these monsters can be rehomed. Surely someone, somewhere will find it in their hearts to love them... or maybe not?

 

And speaking of love, it would seem that I was not the only one charmed by the Tattiebugs. Mr. Sock, who was the very first monster I created, a prototype for all that followed and who now lives with my friend Jude, spotted the Tattiebugs on his tablet and has fallen in love! I fear it could be unrequited.

I'm Back...

and feeling somewhat less desperate than when I was last here but rather more exhausted!

My Open Studio weekends went well and far better than I expected, apart from one random Saturday when I clocked up a mere four visitors. But overall I had seventy three visitors through the door who were generous, kind and enthusiastic. My gamble on making lots of canvases paid off and I've only got a couple left.

 

 

No sooner than I'd seen my last visitor out of the door I was in my loaded car and on my way to the beautiful Missenden Abbey where I was teaching City & Guilds level 1 in Machine Embroidery... in just one week (well, five days actually).

 

And what a week! Thirteen learners and I have worked flat out to cover the syllabus and I'm delighted to say that each and every one of them passed... above and beyond the standard required at this level. So huge congratulations to Sandra, Judith, Kathryn, Margaret, Scilla, Anne, Wendy, Mara, Sue, Carol, Margarete, Nicky and Jane. What stars you all were. It was a real pleasure to be working with you all week... but rather good to have my feet up today. (I'm ignoring all the bags that need unpacking!)

 

 

In addition to my thirteen "official" learners we also had a trio of gatecrashers who appeared from time to time.... Florence (in her Primark Pearls), Humphrey and Fleur.

 

I'm sorry to say that despite their best attempts they did not obtain their Level 1 City and Guilds

 

 and Florence couldn't work out how to make a tassel... but they did keep us amused.

You can read more about their adventures and those of their fellow "Tattiebugs" over at Crammel and Scrow.

 

I've now got a few weeks off from teaching but should any readers be interested there will be more City & Guilds classes at Missenden Abbey in the autumn. Get in touch if you would like to know more!