I bought the 4 kits at home handicrafts in Tenby. When I lived in Carmarthen, home handicrafts was my favourite LNS (even though there was one just round the corner from my flat, and Tenby took a while to get to by train, home handicrafts was my favourite). It used to be run by an old man (Eric?), was huge, very muddly, held an amazing variety if stuff and was brilliant for browsing. Plus they had their own range of blackwork charts of Welsh sights - I did Carew Cross years ago when we went to Tenby in my mid-late teens! When Eric retired, one of his assistants took over the shop (but moved it to smaller premises). It's not as good now, but they still have the amazing blackworks which I love - and they aren't available anywhere else. I don't know her name or how old she is, but she's certainly no spring chicken. As Eddy said, the shop may not be there much longer - he was encouraging me to buy more! But I'm feeling poor at the moment, so I was very restrained - but did pop back to get a card and to ask about mail order! We also admitted that we'd driven for 1.5 hours across Wales just to go to this shop (well we love Tenby, but the shop was a major factor in the decision).
So I picked out two of the Home Handicrafts Blackworks - Manorbier and Laugharne Castles - both were local to us in Carmarthen. I resisted Tenby 5 arches, Tenby Tudor merchants house, St Govan's chapel... and a smattering of other Castles and crosses... but they are on my mental wish list!
The willow pattern plate (Heritage Collection by Susan Ryder) jumped out at me - I thought it was a fun design, an interesting mix of xs and blackwork, and it really suited the pattern. This is going to be a present for Margaret (who collects plates).. Christmas or Birthday? Depends how quickly I stitch it!
I picked up the Poppy fairy because I love the flower fairy designs, and I may as well support a LNS!!
I found the books in 2 different shops. The Ehrman tapestry book was picked up in a second hand book shop in Aberaeron. I met one of the Ehrman designers at Harrogate K&S show, but sadly his work isn't included. I'm not sure if I will stray into needlepoint, and if I do if I'll stitch any of these, but it's a lovely book to look at!
The other 2 books came from a very cool 2nd hand, bargain and new book shop in Cardigan. We remember spending a fortune there last time we went to Wales. I'd not seen the Myth and Magic book before, and was amazed to find TWs the Princess and the dragon in it! Bargain! The Chinese book has some fabulous designs in, including a rather lovely Phoenix, which I'm itching to start.
3 comments:
Great charts! I like the blackwork ones, they're charming. I've had that Ehrman book for years - bought the French version at a close-out sale - and as a fellow non-needlepointer I agree, it's great eye-candy.
Great charts, they'll keep you busy for some time.
That is a great little holiday stash haul. I love being able to get my hands on fairly unique stuff!
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