Uncertain times

It is with a sad but hopeful heart that I write this post and like you our thoughts of the future are full of uncertainty. What I am certain of is that we are lucky to have a roof over our heads, family nearby and special friends to support and encourage. It is Mother's Day in the UK today so last night I wrote to Helen wishing her a happy day knowing that it would not be possible for her to share it with family during the current lockdown crisis. The message I got back brought tears to my eyes with both hope and joy and she wanted me to send an extra big cheerio and she is thinking of all of you that have joined her (and sometimes myself) on her Whitecroft tours. So with that I thought it an opportune time to share a bit of fun wiht the news that Helen is now a movie star!! The village where Helen lives in Devon was chosen for filming a new series The Trouble with Maggie Cole starring none other than the delightful Dawn French...and Helen!! If the trailer is anything to go by it looks like it will be just what we need right now......not sure when it will be released in our neck of the woods though......

And here is Helen looking shocked as she had been instructed!!

So during these uncertain times life does go on albeit a little differently. I won't regurgitate the shopping hoarding or the media scares but like many live for the day when it is all behind us so that the good in humanity arises once again. If you are lucky like me and have a hobby to fill your time then this imposed seclusion can only reap rewards. While speaking of quilting I thought I would share some stunning work by two local girls, Prue Wheal and Val Giles who had an extended exhibition of their work that concluded just over a week ago. The venue was a great space to showcase their incredible work full of great skill and colour choice.............

 I am so pleased I got to see it all. Of course during these trying times we must protect the little people so an after school treat a couple of weeks ago went down well.......

 We have also been enjoying our own treat as we watch our kitchen and laundry being transformed. Things have stalled for the moment but we are hopeful it will all be completed soon.......some before images......

The neighbours must have wondered what was happening as father Mark and his sons Jamie and Lewis all have their own personalised work van which took up much of our little street......

 Their website is awaiting more photos but you can see some of their work on their facebook page Here. This business came recommended by a friend Gina Burgess and we have not been let down. We are living 'camp style' but considering world events we have little to complain about.....

 An unexpected issue with the previous tiling led to an opportunity for me to create a feature row of tiles reflecting a quilt pattern of course and I love it!........

 And then one day I noticed a pattern on the wall where the previous tiles had been removed so while the boys were at lunch I created some cheeky art work...click on the image to see a close-up!.....

 So all in all we are very happy and feel very lucky......

 During the past week I also received photos from Sylvie in Canada. Some time ago she wrote to ask me if I would mind her using my 'Coffee with William Morris' quilt pattern to create a hooked rug. Sylvie also sent me images of some of her previous work......

 And here is a reduced sized version of my quilt design all done on linen and in progress.....Wow! I can't wait to see it finished....... 

 Closer to home I also received this glorious photo of Julie and her beautiful version of 'Morris Brocade' surrounded by a co-ordinated Morris print border. Thankyou to both Sylvie and Julie for allowing me to share your work with others......I think with this lockdown there may well be lots of creativity going on.......

 So my final message comes from the great man himself. I saw this on social media and thought it most pertinent. Stay safe and well everyone xxx