Copperplate Special Interest Group Calendar 2017
I’ve been a member of the Copperplate Special Interest Group (CSIG) since 2014, participating in its envelope exchange for the past year. When coordinator, Joy Daniels, asked me to submit a piece for the 2017 calendar, I am glad I was able to say yes. My quote by Virginia Woolf is written in flourished black and white copperplate calligraphy and features for the month of September.
So long as you write what you wish to write, that is all that matters; and whether it matters for ages, or only a few hours, nobody can say.
It sits alongside the wonderful company of artists such as David Simons, Gwnyneth Hibbert, Keiko Shimoda, Rachel Yallop and Charles Wrigglesworth.
Order your copy of the CSIG 2017 calendar
If you would like to order a copy of the calendar, or would like to be part of the CSIG, please get in touch with Joy via joydaniels@ntlworld.com.
Knitting ventilator bonnets for sick and premature babies
A friend recently shared a post on Facebook from First Touch, which has led me on a wonderful journey to knitting ventilator bonnets for sick and premature babies at St George's Hospital, London.
I emailed First Touch about the fairy mice pattern, but when they said they could use some bonnets, that was my priority. I have also offered to donate some of my watercolour birth announcements, although it's not as practical. I'll be wrapping these head warmers in paper I've reused from Amazon packaging, hand lettered with messages of love.
I took up knitting when I was pregnant in 2015, and was pretty proud of my first efforts at a "monkey snuggler" sock for a newborn baby, alongside a pretty intense chevron blanket.
I knitted beanies for all of our NCT group babies, one of whom was just a little tyke born on the cusp of being premature and weighing just five pounds. When I met him, he was five days old and just the tiniest thing (and going absolutely great guns now). I can't imagine the struggles that parents of very premature babies (some weighing just a pound) must go through, or the stress of having a sick baby in hospital. I know that medical staff work wonders to care for them (and their parents) through some very rocky days.
If you'd like to help too, you can email the First Touch team: info@first-touch.org.uk or visit their website to find out how you can help. I'd love to see what you make if you do, so please feel free to tag @oliveandreid on social media.