A red dress and a blipmeet

I was astonished when, a few days ago, Val posted a photo of The Red Dress https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/3381282852992714516 I had heard of this project a few years ago, but could not find anywhere where I could see it and had forgotten all about it . . . until Val’s post.

How could I not go! As soon as Gordon realised that Oakwell Hall is not far from the Yorkshire Mining Museum, somewhere he has always wanted to visit, a two day trip was hastily planned.

So, here we are at The Foxglove Inn near Huddersfield after a lovely day, despite rain.

The Red Dress is wonderful, a fabulous piece of work. Val gives a lot of detail in her blip. I will just say that it was created in panels over 14 years (2009-2023), 380 embroiderers from all over the world were involved and it became a powerful platform for self-expression by people, often in very difficult situations. *

And we met Val herself - blip friends for many, many years, this was our first meeting. In fact it was a rescue! Val suggested she meet us on the Oakwell cafe as it is not far from where she lives. Our plan had been to meet up and then walk round the extensive grounds of the park.

When it started raining Val suggested we go home with her, which we did . . . wonderful to actually see the delightful garden she has created and to be in their gorgeous cottage. We had lots to talk about and passed a pleasant few hours.

I have used a photo of the Red Dress for my blip but really it was just as much a highlight to meet Val - photos in extras.

*For Example : the white birds in my blipped section were embroidered by a group of female refugees who fled Kosovo during the 1998-99 conflict. Returning later they are rebuilding their lives with the help of embroidery. Their birds, sewn in white thread on the burgundy silk, are six doves, symbolising how they had to flee for their lives and now hope for peace and a brighter future.