Inspiration for Block Eight

This month’s embroidery block measures 5 x 9 ins (approx.) You will need to use number 8 from your cut linen.

I have always found January rather a dreary month, decorations are down, everything looks bare, the daffodils haven’t really arrived yet and I find it difficult to be motivated. Of course this year we also have covid and lock down to deal with, but we need to be positive. Fortunately for me I seem to be busier than usual plus I find myself appreciating things I hadn’t really noticed before. For instance the wildlife in my garden, bracing walks and roaring fires all of which I have used for my inspiration for Block 8.

We have a family of squirrels cavorting though the trees behind my workshop and they even come right up to my kitchen window! They are very cute so can be forgiven for robbing some of my bulbs! That brazen robin is still around like an old friend.  We had a haw frost the other morning which was so very beautiful, a haw frost is when everything is white, the cobwebs were amazing.  I am still waiting for the Lapwings to arrive from Siberia, they feast on the berries in Tesco’s car park and my neighbours tree and they make a lot of noise when they come.  

We have looked a little further a field for our walks (but not too far) as our disused railway line is just too busy, and discovered unbelievable new places.  We are so lucky to live near the south downs and the beaches of East Sussex, nothing like a bracing sea walk to wash away those cobwebs and to come home rosy cheeked and snuggle in by the fire watching a classic, Emma or Little Women is bliss.  

Download Mandy’s inspiration for Block 8 here