I have been experimenting with this little needlewallet proto-type for myself, and prospectively to make for participants in the proposed puppetry workshops for sexual abuse survivors. I have been reading a wonderful book ‘Threads of Life’ by Clare Hunter and was particularly impressed to learn how important and precious needles were through the ages. It makes sense really! So I got to thinking that making a needle-wallet for myself and the prospective participants in the workshops would be a special gift that makes needles and pins always easy to find. I would link the painting on the silk lining to the drawings made in lock-down at the garden I visit to draw and do a little tidying. Here are some images of what I have been doing. Am on with the second wallet now but will not share that out of respect for the prospective participants. Some things need to stay special and private, but thought you may all like to see my proto-tyoe.

Am still finishing my large oil so watch this space for pics of that when I am done, which isn’t quite yet I feel!

I decided to add patchwork pieces onto the back panel of the linen dress I have been working on. The criteria for the patches was that they should come from fabric that had been gifted to me by way of clothes or textile pieces by the special people in my life. This becomes a celebration and a thankyou through the slow process of stitich and choice of fabric and composition. Will add more images as I complete the piece. Click to enlarge the shots as usual!