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I don't often get time to do embroidery just for me and for no other reason than the love of stitching, but I took a few hours the other night and stitched this little chap:

The design is taken from the Bayeux Tapestry and can be found in the borders with other wonderful creatures (some recognisable, some not!). He is stitched in stem stitch and seeding, and worked in a hand died cotton thread. There are lots of great elements in the 'tapestry' so there may be more little beasts to follow!

I've just spent a few days in Durham with Tracy A Franklin assessing some students work for the RSN. It was fun to explore a new place, see Tracy in her great studio space and to stumble across Anglo Saxon Embroideries in Durham Cathedral museum. The embroideries are part of a set of vestments found in St Cuthberts tomb and date from the early 10th Century. They are still in fabulous condition considering their age. They are the oldest known hand embroideries in England (older than the 11th Century Bayeux Tapestry) so well worth the £3 entry fee to the museum to see if you are passing by.

The door knocker above is the Sanctuary door knocker on the Cathedral door. In the middle ages the Cathedral provided a refuge for fugitives. Anyone who had committed a serious offence could claim sancturay by knocking on this door. They were given 37 days to organise their affairs then they had to decide to either stand trial or to leave the country by the nearest port...

Just for the fun of it I thought I would have a go at making some felt beads. I love working with felt: how amazing to be able to make a solid material by just rubbing fibres together! Free instructions on how to make these beads on my free stuff page.

There are now more kits in my shop, in fact 3 more kits no less! The Jacobean flower we worked in Rugby last weekend is now for sale, along with my Sari inspired 'Rain and Shine' kit. Last but not least, is William and Kate in all their engagement outfit glory: make you own miniture future King and Queen of England!

Visit my shop to check out all my embroidery kits.

The new classes in Rugby last weekend went very well indeed, thanks to everyone who came and made it so enjoyable!

Saturday - Jacobean

Sunday - Blackwork

Join Nikki Jarvis and I in April for one day classes in silk shading and goldwork. More classes to follow, watch this space!