The Ides of May

 and still depressingly cold and wet. Escapism is the only answer.

Last week I finally made time to visit an inspiring exhibition in The Scott Gallery in Hawick Museum. 'A Woven Journey' is a wonderful collection of embroideries, tapestries and felt made by Jane Brunning and Louise Martin, two professional tapestry makers who took themselves off to the Gobi Desert. They lived with nomadic families and returned to produce a tremendous volume of work reflecting the desert landscape and its colourful people. Runs till 26th so get there if you can.

I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop I ran for the East Lothian Embroiderers' Guild. It's always fascinating to see how people's style and approach varies. Here are a few works-in-progress

.

The top image shows Mary's take on a recent trip to Venice. 
Rita combined painted bondaweb with selection of stamps illustrating different modes of travel. Jenny's travel images were particularly significant to her family. There were some great combinations of stitch and paper in everyone's work.

Another birthday in the house called for a wee celebratory trip oot to Myreton Motor Museum near Aberlady. We had the place to ourselves and pored over old bikes, cars, vans and toys and generally had a grand time.