Featuring Sophie Willis from New Zealand!

I had the pleasure of being invited to teach and speak in Palmerston North, New Zealand earlier this year and it was an experience I shall never forget.  I heard from Sophie Willis today with pictures of her beautiful project and I just KNEW you would enjoy this as much as I did.  Thank you Sophie and congratulations on your beautiful piece!  Hugs, Cindy :)

Sophie's story:

I have just finished a piece that was inspired by your class here in Palmerston North, NZ.  I have put the story of the embroidery on the back and was able to take it to our club night last Monday.  There were water stains on the mat particularly in the center but these are now hardly noticeable under the lace and the beads.  I have added the green and red stitching to the lace motif.  The mat had been stored in a box but can now be displayed on a wall. I  am very pleased that it and its memories can now be readily enjoyed.

The label reads:

"Revival"

The silk embroidery on gauze was made by my mother Lily Ayers (circa 1920) in Feilding.  She gave the mat to her sister.  My Aunt Phyllis Avery later gave it to me.  I was inspired by the class with Cindy Needham to give it a second life by mounting it on the quilted silk base and adding the lace and beads.