I'm so upset about the impending doom to our Ash trees that I had to stop myself trying to spot them as I drove across the countryside last week. Stopping at some traffic lights on a steep hill in town a few years ago was always a moment of pleasure as a mature Ash and a Scots pine met over the road and gave a beautiful patterned silhouette which I have tried to capture from memory. I always thought I should try to photograph them, but it was a busy junction and before I could get it together they were both felled as part of building work. The two leaf patterns have definite decorative possibilities. I have to turn down the radio and skip past articles in the newspaper if I see the disaster mentioned - ignorance is bliss and I want to be able to enjoy these beautiful graceful trees as long as possible. Don't you just want to weep and tear your hair knowing that there is seemingly nothing to be done to stop them dying?
Once sussed, had another go using pen and lovely spicy colours.
Another thrill this time of year are the berries everywhere - never tire of their vibrant colours.
Meanwhile back in the sewing room...
I have printed all the 'square in a square' blocks and stitched the straight cut blue strippy blocks, adding some prairie points, (all pinned up here on my design 'wall'). Next I am going to have a go at some free cut strips for the top and then add a few printed motifs. I had to cut a new, smaller block for the printing and the shapes are a little more delineated. I hope they don't appear too Christmassy as that is not the look I'm going for. The brighter orange paper shapes at the top are the original motif. I could paint over them - cannot decide. Besides that I am pleased with how much my patchwork resembles my design - I know that was the idea, but I haven't managed to pull it off before!
In between time I have stitched up my bag and lined it - just deciding how to finish it off, whether to add a magnetic clasp which is practical, but a bit clunky, may just make do with a button and a cord. Hopefully tomorrow I'm having some new shelves put up in my sewing room, so I have got to do some clearing out sometime today,
Have a good week
Jill
9 comments:
It is a tragedy. I'm just hoping that it doesn't spread throughout the country. Your quilt is coming along really well and I do like the bag.
Please put some of your own knitting in your sketchbook - it would be the icing on the colourful cake!
Your sketchbook is an absolute delight.
Sad isn't it, but your sketchbook is joyful :-)
So much going wrong with our different species of trees, it is truly heartbreaking and I even would go as far as to say frightening.
I am envious of how you captured that knitting in your sketchbook Jill, I tried once and it drove my eyes MAD!
Your stitch sketches are so effective and have inspired me to have a go as they will really help in such a lovely way when I teach people to crochet.
It is so sad knowing how we will lose so many trees and it is far worse then the Dutch Elm desease of years ago. My old apple tree had to be felled earlier this year and I cried for it but that was only ONE tree.
Jo x
Beautiful sketchbook interpretations as ever Jill. You have an intuitive sense of colour and I can relate to the act of throwing yourself into it and trying to block out the thought of ash die back. You just have to ask who took their eye off the ball with this one don't you? It must have been apparent that we were in the firing line from imports etc. I love my old ash tree in the garden and can't bear to think of the future. The only consolation is that mature trees are more resilient and we are so far west... but I fear it may only be a matter of time because since this became news the spread had increased rapidly. Sad days ahead methinks.
Yes, it's very upsetting. There are not as many ash trees up here as down South but we have at least 3 large ones around us. On a positive note I love your interpretation of Spice of Life and specially your drawn knitting stitching made me want to grab some knitting needles and get going!
I really love all your patchwork ideas and seeing it progress. The mini log cabin is beautiful . You are Great at translating your ideas and your sketchbooks are so interesting. You said you were buzzing. You can see it in your work, real enthusiasm ! The butterfly and insect pages are glorious.
Lovely work.
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