live and learn

 

Red Cross quilt in Quilt Me!

Exams are tricky for those who aren't taking them - as well as for those who are. The older the exam-taker, the greater the stakes, the more the stress, the harder it is to offer any advice other than 'do your best'. As far as this year's exam season is concerned, the end isn't far off now that Tom and Alice are basking in post-exam freedom, and Phoebe is already planning her reading and baking, and wants to learn how to quilt and relearn how to knit. It's made me appreciate how wonderful it is when exams are a thing of the past and you are be able to carry on learning but without any tests or dissertations or qualifications hanging over the process. You can learn for the sheer pleasure of learning, and there is a great deal to be said for that.

Every summer for many years I did a couple of weekend workshops as a way of recharging my batteries and having some space to myself. I don't need this form of escape so much any more, but I still look at the courses mentioned in magazines such as Selvedge or those held at the brilliant West Dean. I'd also recommend the knitting and crochet workshops run by Jean Birch Leonard who has an interestingly creative background and knows a thing or two about what to do with yarn. And the tables have been turned as I am now teaching quilting workshops at Ray Stitch with the next one on 22nd June.

It's always nice to live and learn without any pressure.