We are always learning

As an example, I'll tell you a story. We live in a tiny village, in the middle of the countryside and have had dogs to walk ever since we moved here 24 years ago. So imagine my surprise when I discovered a new walk last week.

A wonderful 1.5 mile, stroll through the spinney (a small wooded area), around the edge of the fields and back along a newly constructed footpath. At the end of the spinney there is a fork in the path.

Yesterday I took the other fork to see where it led. From the direction I thought I was taking I expected to end up in the next village and to walk back along the lane.

After walking for ages I almost turned around and retraced my steps, but decided to continue. Eventually I arrived at a roadway. Which way to turn? I didn't recognize the road at all. No one in sight, no vehicles, no buildings, just a quiet country road which led who knew where.

I turned left and continued walking. A few minutes later I realized where I was. In the totally opposite direction to that which I thought I had been heading. Another two miles walking along the main road brought me back to the village. A round trip of 6.5 miles. Poor Clover, at 11 years old, was worn out, but the puppy still had energy to spare! And me? Well I really enjoyed the sit down when I got home.

Up the Garden Path

These are pretty simple. The key thing to remember is to fasten off before you move onto the next flower. If you wish to you could work the leaves in gold metallic thread.

You will need to download the .pdf of the chart here. You will need acrobat reader to open the file, which you can download for free off the internet if you do not already have it on your computer.

I have included the bottom of the snail row for you so you can count and place the lilies in the right position.

Each lily is worked in turn following the letters on the first diagram for the first journey. Return, filling in the gaps, by following the second diagram.

Insert the leaves, between the flowers, following the diagrams below.

Special Offer

The purpose behind this offer?

My mission is to encourage you to have a go.

The sampler we have been working on (you have started it haven't you?) should have proved to you that blackwork isn't difficult.

• You know that you can follow my patterns and instructions.

• You know that although the finished designs look intricate and complex, if you follow a logical path they aren't difficult to work.

• If you have shown your friends and family you will have felt proud of yourself when they admire your work and say "Aren't you clever?"

It is the getting started that counts. Hours of loving care and attention go into producing a new design and I would hate to think that it was sitting in a drawer somewhere because you didn't have the confidence to make a start.

And, of course, you know where I am if you get stuck and need advice, don't you?

So click on over to X-Calibre Designs and make your choices.

Pick any blackwork chart and then choose another, of equal or lesser value, for free. just pop your free choice into the comments box when you order and I;ll send both of them off to you in the post. You won't even have to worry about the cost of postage for the second chart.

Why are you still here? Off you go, I'll still be here when you get back! Oh and don't forget to send me that picture of your sampler will you?

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See you next month,

Regards,

Carol