Wednesday was busy. At WES Group the Guild Office Manager, who is not a hand embroiderer, told us about her passion, hobby and small business in cork fabric.
She brought lots of examples, both of the fabric and of things she has made. The cork is harvested from trees, which are then left for 8 years to regrow their bark, while the harvested cork goes through a secret process to emerge as rolls of fabric which can be dyed, stamped, stitched and polished. There was a lot of interest.I managed to grab some lunch with a friend before writing up the meeting summary and heading to Kilkenny where Fionn had cooked a magnificent pasta dish with prawns, cherry tomatoes, shllots, lemon, parsley, anchovies and white wine . A wonderful way to end a busy and happy day.
I shopped for moussaka ingredients on Friday, as time on the weekend was largely spoken for. I cooked it on Saturday while waiting for visitors who had been inspecting the apartment two floors below mine, which is on the market. Downsizing is a scary business. There were only three of us for dinner that night and Katherine and Niamh made their fabulous pizzas.
I had a class at the Guild on Sunday - Carol Mullan's pattern darning name badge pouch. I don't need a name badge pouch, but I like the technique and the smallness of the project. It is also a chance to catch up with Guild friends I don't otherwise see.Unfortunately, although I searched my email archive, the only instructions I had for the class mentioned a kit, so I assumed there would be one. This proved not to be the case. Somehow I had missed an updated instruction to bring linen and threads. Carol is a great teacher, phased by nothing. We sourced some linen in the trading table and a roll of perle8, in the darkest shade I could find (!). After about an hour of struggling, we worked out the linen was 30 count, not the recommended 28. Carol produced a small piece of 28 and I started again. By 2pm I'd had enough, eyes and back protesting. I had completed 30 of the 90 pattern rows. I'm thinking I might finish it in a darker shade, then fold it into a small pouch for a pair of earings, using the pale section as the closure flap. If I finish it..
On Monday morning I moved my car into the street before 7am, then moved it just before 11 for the electrician, who arrived to re-install the kitchen exhaust fan. This involved removing the unit, then stripping away a row of tiles on the wall behind and re-installing. It took 2 hours and involved a lot of adjustment along the way in order to ensureit fitted far enough back for the doors to close
Eventually the doors went back on and closed. It still needs a panel to cover the unit inside the cupboard. That's a job for a carpenter, so I need to contact Will.
Just as well I’d prepared the moussaka. I had time to dash out for bread and milk, make a salad for the 7 of us who fronted for dinner. Great to have so many here.
haven't done much of it as yet. I also got out a knitting project - a cardigan in a cotton/alpaca mix - 8 skeins.I. went looking for my swift to wind the yarn into balls. I ended up cleaning out my craft wardrobe. It wasn’t there, nor in any other possible place. I’ve no doubt left it somewhere or loaned it to someone after last using it- a few years ago now. I don’t mind winding skeins, but with the number I have, I need something other than a chair back to hold the skein as I wind. The simple 
Amish swift was perfect.
I tried to source another one. They are no longer available in Adelaide, and most online shops list them as either discontinued or not in stock. I found a Melbourne company with stock and ordered one, which arrived today, an hour or so before my podiatry appointment. I set it up immediately and began winding. I love the rhythm of turning. I now have 4 balls wound. I had to interrupt my winding for a visit from Shaun the Geek - the name given to a tech assistant recommended by my electrician. I wanted a check of my internet set up, wifi, modem and tv. Shaun was terrific. My modem is operating well. He is going to source and price a back-up system to replace the discontinued Apple Airport. He agrees it would help to update my television - something I've been putting off. Once I've done that he will update the whole system for me. He was relaxed, informative and unhurried, I'm pleased and relieved. Now to decide on a TV replacement.
When I am tired, as I was after yesterday’s effort, it is easier to knit a beanie than to work on the tapestry. I've made two more beanies for the team, and one for selling. These are in 16 ply, so knit up quickly. I've modified the pattern to fewer stitches and only two sets of scales on each. They are still roomy. The yellow is a bit of a statement.
It's been a busy, and productive week. I've felt stressed through much of it - repairs and updates to the apartment are routine and to be expected, but on my own I worry about them. I feel a lot lighter tonight.
