Happy Birthdays
Last week was my Mum's 80th birthday. She doesn't like a lot of fuss, but we had a small ‘party’ hosted by my sister, whose birthday is on the same day. After the last couple of years it was quite exciting to have eight family members reunited for an evening of cake and quizes.
National Museum of Scotland
The other excitement of last week was a bus trip to Edinburgh to shop for presents and cake ingredients. Once the important purchases were made I decided to see if the Museum was open to unbooked visitors…and it was! It's one of my absolute favourite places on the planet and I hadn't been since before Covid. I can't tell you how good it was to walk up the stairs from the entrance in the dark basement, and catch that first glimpse of the bright and spacious grand hall, in all its Victorian magnificence, then wander round my favourite galleries and greet all the exhibits like long lost friends…in my mind at least! It made me quite emotional.
I first visited in the 70s with my family and on school trips, then had drawing days there as an art student in the 80s. In the 90s it was my favourite place to be on Sunday afternoons while nursing a hangover, just sitting beside the (greatly missed) goldfish ponds for hours, watching people come and go. There have been so many changes over the years but I always love popping in and discovering something new, learning about the world by the objects people make. I feel comforted there. Is this how religious people feel in church…?
I took a picture of one of my current favourites at the museum - the image at the top is a detail from a huge printed textile panel called Painted Desert designed by Althea McNish in 1959. I LOVE everything about this design! I have a huge crush on the orange/pink colour combo and the freedom of the black cactus sketch is something I aspire to. The repeating motif is huge too, maybe about 12 inches. The whole thing just makes me swoon. I'd love to have my settee recovered in it 💗🧡
Bunnies
Back by popular demand! Bunnies have sprung back into my shop for the new season.
There are 10 colours to choose from, all cut from recycled wool jumpers. I love delving into the scrap wool box and picking out the colours. The lilac one is gone but there's one each of all the rest.
Wish the bunnies could summon up some spring weather. It's been so cold…there was sleet here the other day, but I did notice the solitary snowdrop in the garden has flowered which is a good sign. Hope you're managing to keep warm! Until next week, Julia x
Lovely post, Julia! Not only are you a great creative force, but you are also a superb writer. I really enjoy your posts. A great way to start the day. Have a lovely week! x
The museum is wonderful! I still remember the impression the hall made when I went in there the first time. With you! 😊
I felt quite emotional too when I visited the British Museum last year. I've been there so many times and never given it much thought but after the lockdowns it was just amazing to be back there. I actually walked around with tears in my eyes. ☺️