Summer is here! We still have cool nights, but our days have really warmed up and the air conditioner does kick in every afternoon. It is often hazy and overcast but it does help if one must be outside.
June was super busy with my demonstration weekend at the Folk Art Center and the opener of the annual Brevard Music Festival. My musical friends and I always enjoy several performances and support new crops of budding classical musicians from all over the world. We have already enjoyed several opera medleys, from La Traviata to Into the Woods. I am also looking forward to a Gershwin Evening next month, after checking out a new Thai restaurant in Brevard.
My demo time at the Folk Art Center was very busy since many people were on vacation. We had several bear sightings, which added to the excitement of the visitors. A large male was spotted in the picnic area below the front entrance to the building. Everyone was able to safely observe him from a walkway above. He was very much aware of everyone’s presence but not at all distracted by some tasty morsels and potato chips left on the table. Once all that was consumed, he slowly moved across a large grassy area and our parking lot, then disappeared back into the woods.
Several visitors coming from that parking lot on a walkway towards the building never saw him, although they were passing each other with just a few feet between them. Our ranger could not warn them without alerting the bear, so everyone was happy that the bear was well fed and in a good mood. This added some excitement to our busy Saturday.
As usual, I love to demonstrate my heritage lace crochet techniques and show how my tools are used. Many visitors mention that they crochet but “not like that”. This gives me the opportunity to talk about my books and especially my teaching videos on Udemy.com. I am very proud that during the middle of June I passed the 5,000 number of students all over the world and my Ultimate Course for Beginner and Intermediate Crochet is still the #1 bestseller in the crochet category. Check it out if you want to refresh your basic skills or add some new stitches or techniques to your repertoire. Go to www.Udem
y.com and check my workshops under Rita de Maintenon.
My friend who was the recipient of the blue bordered bridal hankie you saw in the June picture gallery shared this image of it being used during the ceremony.
The florist secured it around her bouquet, so it became part of the celebration.
What a lovely idea!
After my demonstration week I received a request to restore a vintage garter that has been passed down through the family for over 100 years. It did need some tender loving care before the next wedding. I was able to restore the torn lace sections by incorporating the stitching into the actual floral pattern. Then I secured the lace back to the elastic band. Now the garter is ready for the happy bride for her wedding and will be passed on for more family weddings later this year. My magnifying glasses were very helpful with this job, but they do get very heavy on my nose.
Here are the before and after shots:
Currently I am working on a tablecloth restoration, replacing a large area of broken connectors and floral pedals. There will be before and after images of that beauty next month!
Right now it feels good to sit inside under the ceiling fan with my feet up working on this lovely tablecloth!
I just received a message that an interesting cluster and diamonds bedspread is on the way to be restored next week. I love any excuse right now to be staying inside, away from bugs, heat and smoke.
Pick your favorite indoor activity and enjoy your ceiling fan! This is a great time to design and create some new projects. Enjoy summer any way you like!
New in the studio:
Introducing Fat Freddy Cat
“ I do what I love and I love what I do”