The last two weeks have been rather full on with work. A deadline for a new needle felt pattern, which is the largest thing I've designed instructions for. And because of a workshop happening up in the middle of that, a lightening 48 hour trip back down to Bampton, to my favourite haunt, Folly Fabrics.
Sharon (lovely shop owner and my host that night) took me on a little scenic walk around the village, where I snapped the 'Downton Abbey' church. Again.
And took touristy photos of pretty cottages and houses. I still miss the Cotswolds, despite loving Shropshire. And despite the fact that I could never afford to live here.
One of the things I miss most, is the combination of mellow light on Cotswold stone, against a darkening sky. It brings out a horribly poignant homesickness. 'The Land of Lost Content' indeed.
The Land of Lost Content
Into my heart an air that kills
From yon far country blows:
What are those blue remembered hills,
What spires, what farms are those?
That is the land of lost content,
I see it shining plain,
The happy highways where I went
And cannot come again.
A. E. Housman ('A Shopshire Lad')
I am sure that many of us have those places. I do find it painfully ironic that this particular excerpt comes, of course, from A.E Housmans 'A Shropshire Lad' - and that one of my favourite musical collections by Ralph Vaughan Williams is 'On Wenlock Edge' - which I now find almost impossible to listen to.
'On Wenlock Edge' is, as you may know, based around 'A Shropshire Lad'. The real Wenlock Edge - in Shropshire of course - is also close to the ancient green woodlands where Andy rests. All of these interwoven strands combine to make a tangled knot of intense sorrow and melancholia, which I try not to dwell on too much.
So let's not. Let's have a photograph of Sharon taking a photograph of wildflowers. As you do.
She was collecting autumn inspiration colours, and these 'Fox and Cubs' (as I know them) are the most gorgeous fiery blood orange.
That night, a cake was decorated for the workshop. They are always themed to fit whatever we are making.
And there everyone was, the next day, with the usual combination of chatter and concentration.
It's always lovely when people come back to my workshops and this time, four out of the nine places had been taken up by people I'd taught before.
Teatime and the traditional toadstool dance around the cake.
I never cease to feel so rewarded at the end of a session, when everyone has worked hard, ploughed through any difficulties and gone home with something they love.
I returned home to Shropshire that night (via train as usual), a little shattered, to find a box of macarons waiting for me; a present through the post from Joe. So sweet and so pretty; the only thing to do was to Instagram them. And then eat them. And feel lucky that I have a man who sends cake through the post.
The rest of the week was spent getting on with my pattern deadline, which was all business as usual; it will be published by Christmas, and it's my favourite one yet - I can't wait to show it off!
This month saw me down in Buckingham for a repeat workshop at the Buckingham Summer School. It was great last year and it was great this year - with the small problem of my stupidly arriving on the wrong day. Something I only realised on my arrival, when I was greeted with 'hello Gretel, lovely to see you again - a day early'. At which point my brain caved in somewhat, as I had booked my motel room for that night only. I also had been asked to do a live interview from the cottage with BBC Shropshire (on the day that my workshop actually was) and had pre-booked train tickets.
I'm not normally this daft and I can only blame it on my being a bit under the weather this summer and my head not being in its normal steady place. After recovering my senses, I set about sorting things out. I cancelled the interview (which was to be about this blog), managed to book the last room at the motel for an extra night - at some cost - then rang Joe and whined at length, before settling down for a dull night in a bland motel room.
I was saved by the lovely lady (who had just ferried me from Milton Keynes train station to the school) who rang me to say that she was sorting out her spare room, so that I could stay the extra night with her. Thankfully I was able to cancel my booked room and things started to look a little better.
The next day, when I had mistakenly expected to be doing my workshop, I ventured into the pretty and bustling little town of Buckingham and pottered about taking photos. I even managed to locate a nice sweet shop, where I was able to buy Joe some of his favourite truffles
Back at the Summer School, I was just in time to snaffle some afternoon tea.
The previous day, I'd been introduced to a fellow felt maker, who's name I know from reputation; the lovely Sue Pearl. At precisely the point when my head was imploding. I hadn't really made good conversation, apart from the occasional whimper.
Sue was also holding workshops at the school. Today, she was holding a natural plant dying class and I popped in to say hello properly and have a look around.
We had a good old chat and I had a peek at something which I've not encountered before. All of her students had produced beautiful work and Sue herself had examples of her work for sale. As you can see, she is multi-talented. Compared to her I'm just a one trick pony, but I do love seeing other people's work.
After that, I trailed back to what was to be my workshop room and spent a couple of hours in solitary splendour, doing my own work. During which time, I was rung by the nice people at BBC Shropshire, who told me that they really, really wanted to go ahead with the interview and could I do it by phone instead? So that was another thing sorted out.
Later, I was picked up and taken out to dinner by my guardian angel. I don't often eat out, so this was a proper treat and a chance to catch up with someone who has become a friend, since attending my last year's workshop.
And so the next day began with a live early morning interview on BBC Shropshire, about my blog, and why I do it. I managed not to make an idiot of myself and Jean-next-door heard me as she was having her breakfast.
At last the workshop started. All of my class were totally new to needle felting. And they were, without exception, fabulous.
As was lunch. I have very happy memories of last year's lunch, and I was not disappointed this time.
The rest of the day flew by on needle felted wings. One person had brought along some foraged sheep's wool, hoping to make it into something - which she did, making a delightful little lamb.
By the end of the day, there was a flock of geese. It is always so rewarding when the day's labours have produced fabulous results.
As for me - I was taxied back by my friend to the train station for my return trek home to Shropshire. Great relief when I discovered that there was no extra fee to pay on my train ticket. And on the way, I was rung by a charming chap at the BBC, asking me to do another live interview on the Friday night with Georgey Spanswick, broadcasting on all of the UK's local radio stations. And again, miraculously, I managed to chat about this blog without any pratfalls. Most of the conversation was about jam, as recorded in my last blog post.
So despite a nightmarish beginning, it all worked out in the end, mostly thanks to someone going the extra mile for me. I am due to do one of my last workshops this year at Indigo Moon, Montgomery, in Powys on Saturday October the 17th. We will be making decorative acorns. (And yes, I really have got the date right this time!) There are still spaces left and it would be great to see you.
Last Saturday saw me at the
Fibreworks in Chipping Norton - not too far from where we live and one of the best things to happen to 'Chippy' in a long time. Claire, one half of the shop, dosed me with coffee and I popped out a few bits and pieces for a display, including a couple of sketchbooks and some of the '
Puddletown Tales' toys, very excited at being out of their storage bags.
I had seven lovely people attending, including
Emma - an old work colleague from Waterstones bookshop whom I hadn't seen for nearly ten years, and two travellers from the other side of the country, who came over specially. Which is the hugest compliment. Frances of '
Felting Needle' and Jenny of '
Renragged', both of whom I know through blogs/Twitter/Facebook. After a brief intro from me, everyone began making birds and soon a familiar peace reigned as everyone became absorbed with their work.
It was only a short workshop, about four hours long, but I was very pleased with the results.
Jenny had made her own version of one of my birds, finishing it beautifully -
'Tasha made a lovely nautical bird and then designed her own sweet sloth -
A hare was begun -
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11 Comments on Fibreworks workshop, last added: 4/12/2012
11 Comments on Fibreworks workshop, last added: 4/12/2012
Gorgeous!
Ooooooh, drats! I live so far away. :(
I read the article at "while she naps" - what a nice read! Congratualtions!!!!!
I looooove the peacock, gorgeous!!!
Nice article about you. Glad the workshops are doing so well and wish I lived nearer! Hope you had a good Easter break. M x
Hi Gretel, just wanted to thank you for infecting me with the needlefelting "virus" - I love it.
It was an absolutely lovely day, and really enjoyed myself!
I wish I wasn't too far away to get to one of your workshops, I'd love to try needle felting one day!
Fab work that your students produced, I especially like the sloth!
Gretel that room looks like a lovely place to introduce a new technique. The photos of the students' creation once again show you are a fine teacher!
It was also so interesting to read the other blog featuring the interview with you.
Best wishes for continued success in all your endeavors/endeavours. xo
Hello Gretel,
I WILL be in one of your classes...someday!!!!
Looks like all had a grand time and produced lovely little felted treasures. You look to be an excellent teacher. Why am I not surprised.
Janet xox
The Empty Nest
Hi Gretel, wish I could have been there -it certainly looks like a great time was had by all! I shall of course be buying Mollie Makes - I think it comes out tomorrow! Anne x
I can't believe how well they all did and how much they accomplished in short time.....
ooooh.... I'm with Lin and Janet....WANT to be there to do a class in person....... I'll figure something out...just see if I don't.... hey...why don't you make a video tutorial for us to buy??? it would almost be like being there..or .... an online group to come to..or .... well, there must be some thing!