Extraordinary Measures

Went to see "Extraordinary Measures" at Belsay Hall in Northumberland. Loved Textile Artist Freddie Robin's knitted interpretation of the myth of Theseus and Ariadne which was set low in a crevice in the quarry wall. Here is Ariadne with her breast unravelling. The thread will help lead Theseus out of the Minotaur's labyrinth.

Ariadne

and

Theseus

Tessa Farmer's sculptures were suitably macabre and gothic, set into a dank cave in the quarry garden. I think it was about the war between the grey and red squirrels in Northumberland.

Thrift and Thread on the road

My exhibition continues to tour. This is how it was set up at Stanhope. You can see even dogs have been visiting ! This coming weekend ( 21st - 23rd May) it will be in Greenhead. I am hoping friends from Newcastle will make this venue as it is a lovely drive out along the Military Rd following the line of Hadrian's Wall. I will be there on both the Friday and Saturday.Visitor numbers have been high, comments very favourable and it has been fun meeting children from local schools on Fridays and teaching them how to sew on a button.

One of the lovely things about this tour is that I have heard many stories about domestic textiles and family history. We have been capturing some of these stories at Barnard Castle this weekend through a tape recorder kindly lent by Radio Teesdale. You can hear me talking about my work on this link if you are quick.
http://www.canstream.co.uk/radioteesdale/index.php?id=637

The other bonus has been that many people have brought me bits and pieces to use in my work. This quilt was given to me by a lady in Stanhope. It is very worn but I really like the extra border fabric that has been added.

At Barnard Castle yesterday I was given the top half of a 1960s wedding dress. I have already got an idea of how I could use this. Thank you Fiona!

The same lady gave me a bag of bits including some nice lace and "useless" ( her words) lace bobbins.

"hello" at Crook Hall

I have had some work selected for a show called "hello" which runs till 27th May at Crook Hall in Durham. It is an exhibition of art work by Art Psychotherapists, Psychological Therapists and Arts in Health Workers employed in the North East of England. Last night was the preview which gave us a chance to explore the beautiful gardens and enchanting old house. The garden is one of Durham's hidden gems and I strongly recommend a visit

Mandy Pattullo "Hello Memories"

Dufton

My exhibition is open for the rest of the weekend at Dufton in Cumbria. This must surely be the most beautiful location it goes to ( the village hall is the building on he left). Surrounded by mountains and on the village green. In these first two days we have had record numbers of visitors, sold lots of work and the addition of a constant stream of homemade cakes from villagers must also have enhanced the attraction for visitors. I have been there to talk about my techniques and to demonstrate. I will be at all the other venues too every Friday and Saturday if you want to come and see me. The details of all the venues were on my blog on March 25th.

Every one was interested in the handling samples and the books I took. These are the ones that I use all the time for stitch ideas and motifs.