Indigo Prayers

My dear Indigo Sister, Judi, stitched this prayer flag for me. It was waiting for me, having flown all the way from Australia, when I returned home from Daddy's funeral.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to open the package and find this special gift inside.  If recipients of the prayer flags I stitch feel at least half as special as I did I would be honoured.  Thank you Judi.

A Parcel from Japan

Today I received an exciting parcel from sensei Bryan in Japan

Look at these wonderful stamps, I have a neighbour who is going to be over the moon to get these

I knew the parcel was on the way because I received a demand for money from Parcel Force

I can (just about) accept paying the VAT but the "handling fee" was beyond the pale, especially when Bryan had already paid 2100 yen in postage

Never mind, the contents were well worth the cost and hassle

When we were in Fujino we overdyed skeins of cotton thread that had already been dyed with madder.  We dipped them in the indigo vat leaving some areas of red and letting some areas become a rich purple.  The combined threads, knitted up by Kurihara san, created a harmonious mix of red, white and blue, perfect for Jubilee year and the Olympics (she writes with her tongue firmly in her cheek).  Seriously, I love the accent the madder gives to the indigo blue, a very successful mix I think.  Thanks Bryan and all my Indigo Sisters, we shared the length of knitted fabric.  Bryan suggested making pygamas, I'm wondering whether a skirt is possible...