All the latest from Linda and Laura

Hello, Linda here - welcome to our weekly newsletter!

Firstly, Laura's had more tests this week and all have come back clear. So, while we are still no closer to solving the mystery of her illness, she's feeling so much better that we are way less anxious. Thank you again for all your emails and cards!

Laura was energetic enough to take a walk in the fresh air yesterday and to capture the glorious autumn colour that's appeared so suddenly. A few days in hospital and everything has changed in the garden! She's posted more of the autumnal pics on her blog.

New video workshop on DesignMatters TV

Faux Piecing: Drunkard's Path

We have a new workshop on DMTV for you this week. Did you try the exchange dyeing that Laura demonstrated recently? If so, then you'll spot she's putting those fabrics to excellent use exploring counterchange and contrast, all with a fast and effective faux piecing technique. We think you'll love it! And don't worry if you haven't got around to the exchange dyeing just yet, you can apply the techniques to any of your hand dyed, painted or commercial fabrics.

The video workshop is for members only but if you haven't signed up already we'd love to have you join us now. Just choose 'Membership Videos' from the menu and you'll see 30+ titles in the current playlist. We hope there's something to tempt you there!

If you're already a Member you can login to watch the new video:

Watch Now!

Max & Rosie Giveaway

The crisp, misty mornings here are signalling the start of autumn and scarf season! You'll already know about my daughter's craft business, Max & Rosie, well this week she's running a giveaway on her website to win one of her beautiful handmade infinity scarves.

As with so much that we do, it's a family team effort - Laura and Jamie print the fabric while Frances takes care of all the sewing.

For a chance to win, head on over to Instagram and....

Follow Max & Rosie here & like the giveaway post
Repost the giveaway image with the hashtag #maxandrosiehandmade
Don't forget to tag @maxandrosiesew in your post to make sure that Frances sees your entry!

The winner will get to choose a scarf in any of Frances's current fabrics and you can see the range here.

You need to enter by 30th September and Fran will pick a winner on 1st October.

Good luck everyone!

Things to see

Loving Vincent

We were fascinated to read, quite some time ago now, about the fully painted feature film about Vincent Van Gogh. This huge project is finally completed and the film goes on general release here in the UK (and I think in the US) next week. Perhaps check local listings to see if it's on in your country too.

There's a website for more information about the film and a look at some of the 65,000 frames that were oil painted for the movie.

Visit the website

Drawn in Colour: Degas from the Burrell

If you're lucky enough to be in London between now and May, you might enjoy catching the Degas exhibition at The National Gallery. We're hoping to find time to have a trip down to see it, but in the meantime, there's also a video from the exhibition on the NG Facebook page. Here's a link to their video page where you'll find other fascinating clips.