Summer still here in our hearts!

All images copyright Tina Francis Tapestry 2013

I don't know about you but it seems that now the kids have gone back to school we have to give up on summer, I say lets try and eek it out a bit longer or at least until my friend Sarah Watkins has got married.  Sarah runs ParentSkool which teaches people how to look after their newborns, it's a great company and is going from strength to strength with courses opening around the country.

Speaking of learning it has been back to the drawing board for me over the last few weeks as I start to get some new designs ready for The Knitting and Stitching Show this will be the first time that I have exhibited at Alexandra Palace and it really is quite nerve wracking, I am dreaming of shelves and display stands!  A few of the new designs are shown in the photo above.  
I will be in the textile gallery and someone who taught and encouraged me to become a textile artist will also be there, she is Kim Thitticai one of the hardest working people I know just check out her diary and events page!  Going on Kims experimental textiles course meant that I was able to gain a place at Morley College on their Textile Foundation Course, I love the way she uses colour and texture in her work and also how she encourages people to experiment. If you are coming to Knitting and Stitching Show be sure to check her out if you have not already.

It's a great time of year to start thinking about taking up a course at night school, without these courses I would not have been able to start my business.  The thing about going to night school is that all the people who go want to learn and are generally a good old bunch.  Why not join a textiles course in your local area and see where it takes you.

Off to carry on preparing!