Just thought I would update you one the progress of the very special snail square. A suggestion from Kate Chiconi inspired me to be a bit more creative with the border for Young at fifty‘s contribution to my masterpiece, and to have a permaculture garden theme – not quite as formal as I first proposed. So, I have made some leaves:

A snail surely need a snack!

And I have embroidered some stems:

Rambling stems

I just need to combine the elements now… but that will have to wait until I’m back from my latest teaching gig!

To entertain me in the evenings whilst I am away, I’m going to make myself a pair of slippers… having completed those for Mr Snail-of-happiness, I couldn’t bear to be without some myself. I’m making them with slightly softer wool (this is from Texere), but for added strength, I’m incorporating a strand of sock yarn. I have chosen a self-patterning yarn, to add variety. I think this combination is going to be a little more gentle on my fingers, but may not be so hard-wearing… time will tell.

The beginnings of another slipper

Oh, and I should mention the arrival of more squares this morning… they are up on the masterpiece page (with links), but here’s a little preview:

From Willow

From Kate