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Tasmania and Miss Atkinson

I have been doing a lot of traveling over the past couple of months so have not had a lot of time to update the blog. Family, work and life in general seem to take up most of my time lately. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and friends that put up with me being out of pocket for a week or two at a time. But in today’s economic environment I am truly blessed to have a job that I enjoy and which allows me to see places that I would never get around to seeing if I had to do it on my own.

As posted in a previous blog, I am currently managing a project for a company located in Devonport, Tasmania Australia.  It is one of the most awe inspiring places that I have ever been and the people are some of the most generous and friendly that you will ever meet.  Over half of the island is a temperate rainforest which is so thick that it blocks out the sun. Some of the most scenic mountains and beaches are also within easy reach. You can also travel from the northern most part of the island to the southernmost in about 4 hours.

During my recent visit last week we explored some of the beaches on the northern part of the island and drove down to Hobart to visit the weekly street market. Here are some pictures (I even drove on the left hand side of the road – pretty good for an American).

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I am currently stitching Scarlet Letter’s Jane Atkinson. Fellow blogger and sampler lover Margaret has inspired me to start this one. Please check out her progress by selecting her name above. I am working this one on 40-count Lakeside Linen Straw with DMC (a couple of color changes).

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I am still working on the Celtic Wallace and Robertson sampler by Needle’s Prayse. But do to all my traveling I needed something that was mainly cross stitch that I could work on without good lighting.  Will show a progress picture in my next update.

Seems like I have gained a reputation – I finally made the forum on the Hand Dyed Fibers website and have made some new friends. A very special thank you to all my followers for your kind comments.  It is sometimes difficult being in the minority in this craft but I enjoy all the encouragement.

Warmest regards -- Robert

Comments

Mary said…
A very beautiful design with such lovely colors! Can't wait to see your progress.
Margaret said…
Wow, that is so cool that you are working in Australia! I'd love to visit down there someday, but like you, I doubt it would ever happen -- it's great that your work has taken you there! Love the Jane Atkinson progress! Isn't she a fun stitch? I do love her! Glad I inspired you! (btw, are you the Robert who won EftH's giveaway at Velma's blog? Congrats!)
Robert said…
Margaret - Thank you for pointing me to Velma's blog. I must admit I am a little bit behind in reading the blog posts. I guess I am the winner -- unless there is another Robert who responded. Off to post her an e-mail with my contact details.
Anonymous said…
Your Jane Atkinson progress looks lovely!

KarenV
Katrina said…
Gorgeous pictures and what a fun job! Love your start on Jane too. Isn't Margaret's piece wonderful :-).
valerie said…
Beautiful photos of Tasmania...how lucky to be able to work in Australia as well. Great progress on Jane. That Margaret is a good enabler, isn't she?! lol
Raven/Missy said…
The pictures of Tasmania are gorgeous! What a beautiful isalnd!

Your progress on Jane is looking great!
Edgar said…
That is some beautiful progress on JA!! Love the snaps of Tasmania.
Sylvia said…
Lovely pictures Robert - both of Tasmania and your Jane. Yes, Margaret's Jane sure does make me want to start it as well, but for me it would be a looooong project.

I am headed back to DFW tomorrow for the EGA seminar. Are you in town?
Sylvia said…
Oh hey, you won the drawing on Vilma's Blog ( EftH). Congrats.
Robert said…
Sylvia - I am heading up to Vermont on Thursday for a graduation but will be back in town on Sunday, 13 June. Will you still be around? Would love to see you while you are here.
Oh, how I envy you. I have always wanted to visit the Aussies but know it will never happen now. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos with us. I love the Jane Atkinson piece. You are doing a fantastic job. Congratulations on winning the EftH drawing.
Laurie in Iowa said…
Beautiful photos of Tasmania. TFS I think Margaret is responsible for bringing several people to Jane Atkinson's sampler. It's a real beauty. I'll be gathering the silks and linen soon to start my own Jane, thanks to Margaret. I'm look forward to seeing your progress too.
Deb said…
I love your progress on Jane. Such wonderful colors. And how cool to be in Australia. Your photos are beautiful!!
Isabelle said…
Hi Gentleman, I just discovered your blog and I truly loved reading it . Your photos of Tasmania are fantastic.
I like very much your Jane Atkinson progress and I could admire all your finishes : you really have a great collection of Samplers !!
Have a nice day ,
Isabelle from France
Karena said…
Robert, beautiful hand work. I love your creativity.

Karena
Art by Karena
Natalia said…
Robert, these pictures are beautiful !! It does look like a wonderful place. Famous Jane is looking great.... I may have to consider stitching it also !! LOL.
Michelle said…
What a beautiful place! I am so glad that you share these fabulous places with us, since we can't all go with you! Love love love your new start...you and Margaret put me to shame!
Tracey said…
Beautiful pictures and what a wonderful WIP. I don't think I have seen that one before. I'm enjoying reading your blog-found the link via Blacksheep's Bit of the Web (Edgar's blog.) I wish my husband was into stitching!
Sue said…
Gorgeous pictures; I just love your work in progress piece. Beautiful colors.

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