On Sunday I was lucky enough to get a place on a one day workshop with Jean arranged by my branch (Lutterworth) of the Embroiderers’ Guild.

It was an excellent day as always with Jean and I learned lots of new tricks, using my Embellishing machine. The topic was all about textures and layers and the subject matter was fields and hedgerows. Here are some images from the day, firstly of Jean’s work and then some from the members.

Sample of Jean Littlejohn’s work

Another of Jean’s

This one is an altogether lighter piece of Jean’s. really fine and ‘floaty’

Next are two pages from her Sketchbooks.

Jean’s work

Another sketchbook page

The rest are all of member’s work.

Table laid out for Jean to review

Some were total beginners with the embellisher and I think there are quite a few new ones being bought now! 🙂

A selection of closer views

Of course in a day we couldn’t start on big pieces of work so we were encouraged to make little gems showing techniques.

Jean is a really fun person to be with and a very giving tutor. I should love to meet her little grandson who loves to play in her workroom.

A most enjoyable day.

Today was the day to go and look at some of the gardens in my village. There were many more open than I managed to view…… it was very hot and of course a lot of walking … some of them unsuitable for me with my wheely walker 🙂

Th first one I visited was at The Old Butchery, no longer that but the buildings once used for such are still there. This garden was huge and had many ‘rooms’ to visit. There was something new and different around every corner and a big surprise at the bottom of it! Here are some of the shots I took.

Too late for the poppies here but I love the seed heads.

Another ‘room’ with one of several sun rooms

There are fairies at the bottom of the garden

Impish grin?

This was round another corner, leading to yet another secret sitting place.

And the big surprise the garden overlooks the working quarry! There are seats here too allowing one to sit and watch the wildlife

Another view.

Next I visited the Old School House this one really was too steep for me but I took some shots where I could get to.

Walking down from the house

A patio area with many pots near the potting shed.

Next was the old Rectory. Again… a very steep garden as the house on the side of Croft Hill. This is quite a landmark in an otherwise flat landscape in this area. In the old days people used to take a bus out to the hill for picnics. It is a good place for birdwatchers and is also known for butterflies and dragonflies.

This is the view from the rectory patio area.

Another view looking towards the village

The brook, leading into the River Soar makes a good drinking spot for the cattle

Finally some shots in the garden of Rose cottage….

Bill or Ben the flowerpot man!

I know this is a bit of weed but it’s lovely!

All in all a lovely day out. And the muffins and coffee at the Old Rectory were delicious!