As well as writing stories and articles I enjoy travelling, both at home and abroad, the excuse being that it’s all research. This year all my planned journeys had to be cancelled, for the reason we know. That left swathes of time for another longtime hobby – metallic embroidery.I love all types of embroidery and marvel at the infinite variety of invention to be seen in different countries.
My Woodbine chainsmoking great-aunt Hannah taught me my first embroidery stitches, as well as showing me how to Make The Back As Neat As The Front. Thank you, Aunt Hannah, embroidery is a still a pleasure.
Making pictures with beautiful silken threads fascinates me. The brighter the colours, the better.
I also adore sparkling jewellery, so discovering how to do metallic embroidery with all the gold thread, sequins, beads and pearls was like having a private Ali Baba’s cave.
There is no such word as ‘overload’ in my vocabulary for my various pieces. There is never too much Bling. My aim is for the finished item to sparkle, shine, gleam or glow, preferably all at the same time.
You can read my article about Safranbolu on Page 61 in the December issue of thewritersandreadersmagazine.com
The wine bottles symbolise the family’s winegrowing business. The trellis loaded with grapes is for shelter from the sun. The pictures because she’s an artist. Her ladder and tools as the old house needs constant repair. Oh, and her grandmother’s pompom rosebush and mother’s bougainvillea. The chaise longue for the essential siesta.