My days seem to be speeding up again, more things that I am involved with have started up for real again in the last few weeks. The various sewing groups I go to have changed: from nothing at all, weekly or monthly newsletters, Zoom workshops and meetings, to meeting up again. Several of them have generated new projects already.

Much as I love new projects, it all feels a bit overwhelming. Seeing more people and lots of conversation and catching up is great too, but so much to talk about. How did we fit it all in pre-lockdown?

I’m sure it will all feel normal again soon.

The photo above is for an exhibition in the Chapter House at Lincoln Cathedral next August. No, no, no, not as it is! At Lincolnshire Textiles a few weeks ago we were shown a mock-up of the finished piece in paper, lots of round-ended triangles of various sizes and lengths, in various shades of blue. Anybody wanting to participate was asked to trace off one of the shapes, and write their name on the cartoon, so that none get duplicated. There was a pile of fabric to take a piece from, if required, and I took a piece of fine blue linen. I rarely work in blue so have very little myself, and couldn’t think of anything suitable in my stash. I have got some blue threads, these are my starting ones.

I’d watched the http://textile.artist.org workshop by Jean Draper “Stitching in mid-air” earlier in the week and fancied having a go, so this was my first idea. I’d no idea how to make a frame the right shape, but have now cobbled together something I hope will work. I’ve had a little trial so far, and whether it will look how I see it in my head, time will tell.

I’ve also cut two pieces of pelmet vilene and made myself a new pattern piece. The back is likely to be at least partly visible, so that needs to be taken into consideration too.

At the Allsorts group a fortnight ago it was suggested that we start some Christmas projects, seems a bit soon really. But on past experience, when we don’t start them until mid-November I never manage to get them finished, unless it’s a gift for somebody else. I’m usually finishing mine off on Boxing Day at best, or before they get put away on Twelfth Night, but more likely the following year or even years later.

This is my new resolution: not to be finishing things off at the last minute, or even starting it at the last minute. I want to enjoy the process, not stressing out about getting things finished in time.

My piece of plastic canvas and bag of red and green threads nearly got finished in the morning. The usual problems with counting with canvas work, and predictably not following instructions, and wanting it to mirror image in the middle; a few stitches had to be undone, but it worked in the end.

I’ve used a strand of my favourite Madeira Metallics with the perle thread, which catches the light (I can see a loop on the larger than life size photo below that needs taking through to the back), and Twilley’s Goldfingering.

There was a table of intersting beads and bits and pieces for us to dip into, so I picked out a few sparkly bits to make a tassle. It just needs a piece of red felt attaching to the back, and it’ll be ready for the tree.

I’d missed the last meeting of SEATA (Scunthorpe Embroidery and Textile Association) as it clashed with the Grasby Village Hall Exhibiton, but Sandra brought me a Christmas Challenge decoration pack including a felt pear kit, which I have started. Gold buttonhole stitch to attach the middle (core?), and some purple reverse chain stitching that I could do while we chatted, that’s all I’ve done so far. But I’m getting in front of myself with even starting these things! I’ve not started the Challenge, inspiration hasn’t struck yet.

Finishing off old projects is on the back burner for the moment, but I do want to keep up with and on top of the new ones. I did manage quite a few, while new ones weren’t coming at me thick and fast!