Wednesday, 9 June 2021

I Had To Leave Him With Her!

On Monday I went off to Norwich [with Bus Pass- it took 90 minutes]] to see the Norfolk Maker's Festival in The Forum. Much of it was given over to Margaret Seaman's knitted creations - but there were other things too. Captain Sir Tom was there to greet us on arrival.

Many craft groups have not met during the Pandemic so I guess there were fewer entries this year. One of the secondary schools had submitted a collection of clay figures on the theme of 'Emotions -what I am feeling right now' [Click on the pictures for a larger image]

Another sewing group had produced a "Coronaquilt"

Some squares full of hope, others joking about the restrictions, others acknowledging the separation from loved ones

Postcards and embroidery hoops [these were on a 'sea' theme] made for consistent sizes for the displays

Four friends got together to produce  Christmas decorations, because they would not be with friends and family to celebrate [I had been looking at Xmas polyhedra on Pinterest recently - these gave me further ideas]

There were three worthy winners of the Costume and Textile Association 'scarf' competition. The 'eco' theme included Marine Conservation up on the coast, the Peregrine Falcons nesting on the Cathedral, and increased cycle provision in the city.

And then of course there was all Margaret's fundraising stuff
The Knittingale Hospital 
And Great Yarmouth seafront back in the 60s
Up close, one is aware of the intricate detail. Textures, brickwork, foliage, and clever use of different techniques [pompoms, french knitting, cable, moss, stocking stitch, fancy yarns...]
Here's Margaret beside Sandringham...
I remarked to her that I had noticed Prince Philip was still standing on the balcony with the Queen. "Yes" said Margaret wistfully "I had to leave him with her - I couldn't bear to separate them" How sweet!
I had a great morning, and picked up two craft books in the library [also housed in the Forum building] I got the fast bus back to Dereham [30 minutes] where Bob met me and we enjoyed coffee and cake in Costa!








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15 comments:

  1. Kezzie9 June 2021 at 07:33

    Ah, what a gorgeous exhibition!! It looks superb! How fortunate you got to see it! Did you make a lanyard solution for your Bus pass?
    What a difference in train times! 30mins v 90!! How far is Dereham from you then?

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  2. Angela9 June 2021 at 07:44

    I realised that the pass fits neatly in the pocket in my phone case, so didn't make a lanyard after all. 4miles West to Dereham. 18miles east to Norwich. But the D-N bus is direct, straight along the fast A47. The other bus winds through the villages, with lots of stops.

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  3. Meanqueen9 June 2021 at 09:28

    Amazing creations. Thanks for the slide show.

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    1. Angela9 June 2021 at 10:23

      Thanks Ilona [are you MeanQueen because you are a royalist, or because you like Freddie Mercury's music?]

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  4. Between Me and You9 June 2021 at 10:37

    How fabulous you got to meet Margaret and see her fantastic creation close up. Such dedication and work involved in that project. Thanks for sea theme pics. I'm working on a local project (The Forthline Project) so any ideas are helpful. I'm thrilled that there's an express bus!

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    1. Angela9 June 2021 at 12:23

      I've emailed you copies of the sea pictures so you can see the details more clearly.

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  5. Elizabethd9 June 2021 at 12:16

    I would love to see Margaret's knitting. I quite understand that she couldnt leave Prince Philip out!

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    1. Angela9 June 2021 at 16:52

      There was even a table of items for sale, which she'd knitted "in her spare time" to add to her fund raising efforts. I do hope I am still crafting when I'm 90

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  6. Margie from Toronto9 June 2021 at 13:43

    What a wonderful show - and what talented people! I always admire crafters, especially as I have no such talents!
    You might be interested in looking up "The Knitting Pilgrim" - this gentleman is an actor who took up knitting and then just didn't stop. He ended up creating three large panels (5' x 9') - all knitted - about each of the Abrahamic Faiths and then he created a one man show, I've seen it twice and I believe he is now on Youtube as well as there being lots of articles online. As you say, up close the detail is amazing. I truly admire those who have the patience and the talent to produce such works.

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    1. Angela9 June 2021 at 16:50

      I just looked up his webpage [http://www.kirkdunn.com/] There is HEAPS of info there, and youtube clips etc. Thanks for this Margie, I can see me spending a whole afternoon looking at his work and reading his story. A fascinating guy indeed!

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  7. Mary9 June 2021 at 14:58

    How lovely to be able to see the work up close. So much creativity.

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    1. Angela9 June 2021 at 16:51

      You're right - a photo doesn't really do it justice. Up close you can find so much more

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  8. Bless9 June 2021 at 19:55

    Sounds like it was a lovely exhibition of creativity! I especially liked the clay figurines displaying the emotions felt by the students who made them.

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  9. Bushlady9 June 2021 at 21:38

    Just a wee bit envious of your bus trip - even some of our long distance buses packed up and our train lines were ripped out a while back! It's all about the mighty automobile here, I'm afraid.
    So much incredible talent at that exhibition. I forwarded links to the knitting man and Margaret Seaman to a friend who is a life long knitter.

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    1. Angela9 June 2021 at 22:41

      We don't have as many buses and trains as we did 50 years ago. But I'm grateful for what we do have

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