Drawing Things

We have two new subjects at TAFE: history and drawing. And we have a couple of weeks holiday coming up. The two subjects are organised very differently. For history we have half a dozen different assignments with dates and facts and details to be researched and absorbed. When I asked the drawing teacher what we should do for homework her answer was very simple, "just draw". So far I've had a go at a few reels of cotton on a bench in my studio and last night, a little vase. If I need a bigger challenge later on I thought I might have a go at this: My mandolin has been sitting in its case neglected since my first flush of enthusiasm last year. I still have hopes of learning to play it, but meanwhile I could see how I go with a pencil and paper.

Meet a Treat

I bought myself a very special treat this week--and it's not textiles! It's my new mandolin:I've been thinking about learning mandolin for quite a while. Now I've taken the plunge. So far I'm just working out the basics and toughening up my finger tips, but I've booked myself a few lessons to give me a boost. It's been too long since I actively pursued music in my life and I'm looking forward to learning something new.

I said, "it's not textiles". Well, that's true so far, though, as you can see in the pic it's nestling amongst my usual sea of textile stuff on the big table. And I will need a strap to help me hold it: now let me see . . . card weaving, braiding, twisted cord, macrame . . .