I never imagined in my wildest dreams that traveling would be a part of my life. Growing up as a child in the 1950s, my mother was often ill, which I now realize meant my father worked tirelessly to cover medical expenses, leaving little for anything else. We lived in a newly built satellite town designed for British migrants arriving in Australia for the princely sum of just ten pounds. I had a strong dislike for the town and its environment. Summers were hot and dusty, while winters were cold with limited heating; I often slept under my dad’s old wool dressing gown. Yet, I found joy in waking up by the window, greeted by blackbirds perched on the cream chimney against a vibrant blue sky. Music filled our home. Both my parents had sweet voices, and my Dad taught us to sing in two and three-part harmony, holding concerts on Sunday nights. He crafted his own steel guitars, and there was always music and art to keep us entertained. I dabbled in the harp, violin, and guitar—none of which I mastered—but I learned to read music, a gift I cherish. How could I have ever imagined seeing the Taj Mahal? It was a dream that felt far beyond reach. Now, travel is an integral part of my life, and I find myself visiting the Taj Mahal at least once or twice a year during our tours. I remember the child I was, filled with wonder about the Taj Mahal, and now when I

Our "shack" is actually a cute 1950s house nestled in the heart of a river town. It's owned by our son and daughter-in-law who live in the USA We care for the property and often escape to it as our peaceful retreat. Me more than anyone. The back of the house opens up to a lagoon, while the front overlooks a river. The area is a haven for a wide variety of bird species, creating a a chorus every day that provides a tranquil escape, especially during the weekdays. It’s a place where I can unwind, cook for myself, and be alone with my thoughts, I have a small well stocked studio up here, so for the past few days I’ve been painting, slow stitching and working on the computer. I can also exercise more and watch what I eat. I’ve had three phone calls from my family, “Mum, what are you doing, you’re up there for a whole week”? It was let to tenants for several years and they totally destroyed it. They left it in a disgusting state, so I ended up with the job of redecorating and setting it back up again. We’ve had to do it on a budget. Most of the things are re-purposed and it’s decorated in my style, !!!! A style that is relaxing to me. I was going to add more quilts from the Birmingham show in this blog, but seeing as I’m up here, I’ll share the projects I’m doing. I found a delightful image

Creating a textile portrait can be quite challenging, as it requires a high level of skill and patience. Selecting the right fabrics, cutting and arranging them to form the portrait, and sewing them together requires a great deal of precision and attention to detail. Additionally, achieving the desired shading and depth in a textile portrait presents its own set of challenges. Overall, it's a complex and time-consuming process that demands both artistic talent and technical expertise. I decided I would attempt to design a simple way to create a realistic portrait in a day. #block-yui_3_17_2_1_1725254203521_4041 .social-icons-style-border .sqs-svg-icon--wrapper { box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px inset; border: none; }

I successfully delivered two classes and three lectures at the Birmingham Quilt Show. This event has been an excellent opportunity to showcase my expertise and connect with other quilting enthusiasts.I had the opportunity to wander through the show's aisles, taking in the quilts on display. The craftsmanship and artistry on display differed from my quilting genres, which I found really interesting.One of the highlights of my experience was visiting the artist studio booths. I chatted with the young artists, discussing their techniques, inspirations, and creative journeys. It was insightful to better understand their artistic processes and nurture connections with the next generation of quilting talent.I am going to introduce you to Judith E. Martin's artwork. I was drawn to the intricate tactile textures she masterfully crafted with slow stitches and the organic essence she achieved in her work.

We just finished a fantastic tour of England and Scotland. I will create a video to share our tour experiences.I’ve also posted a video to You tube of the Portrait project I taught in Birmingham.

This is a blog about No 1. Central India, Trails of Textiles and Temples.You may be wondering why we offer consecutive tours. The reason behind it is to make it more convenient for guests who wish to participate in multiple tours. This way, guests can save money on airfares and the tours are designed to transition smoothly from one to the next. Varanasi. The city of Varanasi, also known as Benares, is located in northern India and is regarded as a sacred place by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Situated in the fertile Ganga valley and on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, who come to bathe in the holy river. The city is also known as the City of Temples and is a center of culture and has produced many renowned writers. Additionally, it is a hub for silk weaving, so be sure to practice your haggling skills at the bustling bazaar for some beautiful souvenirs. Rickshaws are the best way to get around the city.

I work a lot with Muslin, so this exhibition at the Indian Craft Museum was fascinating to me. Muslin is a fabric that embodies delicate beauty and ethereal qualities. It has been treasured and worn by people all over the world since ancient times. This feather-light fabric is as light as air and was even described as "woven air" by Roman author Petronius in the 1st century CE. Its rich historical significance is rooted in its extensive use by many cultures, from the Indus Valley Civilization to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt.The Mughal emperors of India recognized the magical qualities of muslin and used it to create magnificent turbans, which were embroidered with gold and silver yarn. Although some historians believe that muslin originated in the Iraqi city of Mosul, where Europeans first encountered it, its true origins are traced back to India. The cotton fabric was first produced in Dhaka, and later in Andhra Pradesh, Jagatsingpur, and Odisha.The mudmul of Bengal is one of the most renowned types of muslin, made from the cotton plant called Phuti Karpus that grows abundantly in the region. Local weavers use this cotton to create muslin with a thread count of over one thousand, making it incredibly fine and luxurious. Some of these varieties are especially fine and costly, making them highly sought after.In conclusion, muslin is a fabric that has a rich and diverse history.

I've been traveling and teaching for a long time now, and my Indian business partner, Mr. Govind, is one of the best tour guides in India with years of experience in the industry. Together, we've noticed areas in the tourism industry that we believe can be improved, and that's why we decided to start our own tour company. We've already completed three great trips in the past year, and we're thrilled to be starting the next five.Our goal is to provide our guests with not just a tour but new friendships. We share a love for textiles, photography, and art, and we want to share that passion with you. We believe in taking the time to stop and connect with the local communities we visit, learning about their culture and way of life. We're excited to embark on this journey with you and can't wait to create unforgettable memories together."  We take it slowly and consider your needs to the max”I have 1000’s of photos of our last three tours, but I decided to add a few, and the stories behind them. The fact that we can just stop and visit folks on a whim gives us so much more to explore in following tours.During a planned trip to the fish market, my friends and I stumbled upon a group of women who were busy creating traditional bags and embroideries. As they waited for the fish catch to

I’m just touching base because you have expressed an interest in our tours, or you are a ‘class’ friend, or you are just plain reading this blog, and we thought you might like to know more about our upcoming tours in India.India is a country of rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible diversity. Our upcoming tours in India aim to showcase the best of what this fascinating country has to offer.From the bustling markets of Delhi to the serene backwaters of Kerala, our tours will take you on a journey through the heart of India. Explore the magnificent Taj Mahal, a testament to love and architectural brilliance. Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivals and celebrations that dot the Indian calendar. Discover the spiritual allure of Varanasi, the oldest inhabited city in the world. Experience the thrill of a wildlife safari in the national parks. We have meticulously designed our tours to provide you with a perfect blend of cultural immersion, relaxation, and adventure. Our experienced guides will lead you through hidden gems and iconic landmarks, ensuring that you have a truly unforgettable experience.Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking a memorable travel experience, our upcoming tours in India offer something for everyone. Join us as we explore this extraordinary country and create memories that will last a lifetime.Stay tuned for more details on our upcoming tours in India! Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not