Coffee? Tea? Two sugars?
After a difficult week with my day job, I look forward to a relaxing weekend of designing and sewing. I may even go and enjoy the last few rays of sunshine before autumn sets in. Maybe somewhere with open space, where you can breathe, think and just be.
Have a good weekend!
xx
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
This poem by Robert Frost has always spoken to me. I have never been one to do as everyone else; to take the safe or convenient option in life as I have always been determined not to have any "what if's" or "it could have been's" in my life. I belief that we have one life and should make the most of it. That it is up to us to fulfill our dreams and to live the lives that we want to live. If you are passionate about something and have the commitment to pursue it, the right doors will open for you but you have to take the risk and walk through that door, no turning back.
If you have followed my blog for a while, you will know that I am following the road of becoming a full time pattern and textile designer. Wherever your journey takes you, may have have the courage to follow your dreams.
xx
It's a long weekend in England with Monday being a bank holiday. We are enjoying the last of the Summer sun before Autumn starts to set in. We've been spending time at the Italian market in town, swimming, playing tennis and today I want to go to a garden show. We've been to the show a couple of years ago and it provided great opportunities to take photos to inspire future design work. These are some of the photos we took last time but this time, we'll have a better camera:
xx
I often find that colour can affect my mood and yellow, although not particularly my favourite colour, I find make me feel happy. I did not sleep too well last night and woke up feeling grumpy, so please excuse my indulgence in some yellow-therapy as I think happy thoughts.
Always makes me smile.
Cornfields in the Cape.
Sunrise, sunset...
If all else fails:
Hubby impressed with the size of seafood in South Africa. Always makes me smile.
Hope you have a good start to the day and if not, I'm sending happy thoughts your way - it is Friday after-all and for us in England, we have a bank holiday on Monday.
xx
I've been going through my photos and noticed a few with a focus on texture.
Yes, I quite like the feel of a snake! I'm scared of spiders but snakes - not so much. I was born in the north of South Africa and we had loads of snakes in our garden and sometimes in our house (which caused a lot of excitement as the majority could kill you). But, I like 'em (and no, I'm not one of those weird people who have pet snakes). Anyway, moving on...
I quite like the colours that rust can create.
Seaweed, not so much for touching (too gooey).
Pebbles and seashells? Who doesn't go home with pockets full of interesting shapes and sizes after a day at the beach?
The crystal chandelier in our previous home. Can you tell that I did not touch these too often with the duster? Oh well, moving on swiftly...
I like architecture, the patterns often inspire me. This one is from Bristol (England).
I love finding a spot of colour when you least expect it:
I love these metal gates (spotted somewhere in the Cape):
And this one:
Love the beaded peacocks and flowers in this one:
Wooden shutters with layers of paint peeling:
A fabric shop where you can touch to your hearts content:
xx
I thought I would share a few more of the lovely quilts that were on display at the Festival of Quilts.
I wanted to finish with this quilt because I think that every artist can relate to these words at one time or another in your life:
As promised, here are some more photos of some of the quilts that were on display at the Festival of Quilts:
Hope you're enjoying these as much as I am. More photos to follow tomorrow.
xx
I've had a really good time at the Festival of Quilts. There were so many beautiful quilts to see and I took plenty of photos, which I would like to share with you over the next few days. I also met Amy Butler at one of the stalls. At first, I felt a bit star-struck, hovered and then went over to introduce myself and ask for advice about submitting my textile designs. She was very friendly and helpful.
I the evening, I also attended the event, 'An Evening with Amy Butler'. She spoke about recent trips to Bali and India and showed some of her photos and shared the inspiration behind her next fabric line, which is called 'Love'.
She also shared some of her future projects, which include handmade rugs, luggage and another book.
I met so many wonderful people from all over the world - kindred spirits - and it was great to talk to everyone about their interests and to share mine. There were young and older people and the quilts ranged from traditional to contemporary with something for every taste. It also struck me that despite the big crowd, people were polite and considerate, no rudeness, pushing or elbowing. So, without further ado, I would like to share some photos of some of the quilts that I saw. I will not be able to give credit to any of the artists as there were just too many to remember.
Hope you've enjoyed these with me. More photos to follow tomorrow. Hope you have a good day.
xx
I've been contemplating for a while now to do something with my iphone to personalize it a bit more. Although I have been looking at different covers, I have not really seen anything that I like. So, today I decided to do a quick make-over with some stickers that I got from Accessorize a while ago and here is the result:
Have a lovely weekend!
xx
