To continue our story, somewhat belatedly, we started hearing the cuckoo in April. This is a real thrill (to us, and the locals) because cuckoos are considered a sure sign of Spring. Unfortunately, due to diminishing habitat, they are becoming increasingly rare. It is a treat to hear them call. Add to that our sightings of the corncrake, another bird that is diminishing in numbers due to the same reasons, and you'll understand why we feel privileged to see these pretty flying friends.

Cuckoo

Corncrake

Two very large hares (which are related to rabbits, but much bigger!) have made their appearance and are fond of munching on the clover. They can occasionally be seen in the early morning or early evening, and are so large that I thought they were dogs at first--till I saw them hopping away and chasing each other around the yard!

The sewers among you (that is, people who sew and quilt, as opposed to waste disposal systems) might remember that I purchased a Bernina 440 QE in February from John Burns of Electronic Machine Centre in Dublin, the Bernina dealer for Ireland.

Bernina 440 QE with embroidery module.

I immediately attacked my UFO's and began turning out quilt tops to beat the band. In April, we decided to purchase the embroidery module that goes with the machine, despite the fact that I don't yet have the appropriate computer to run it. The Bernina dealer and his wife (John and Kathleen) brought the module to us all the way from Dublin. It was a bank holiday weekend, so a room was difficult to get. We gladly offered to put them up, and we had a most enjoyable time with them. They were amazed at the number of quilt tops I had completed since buying the sewing machine, and we played with the embroidery module using John's computer. Then we went to dinner at Leo's (home of Enya and Clannad, well-known Irish musicians) and then on to the session at Huidi Beag's. Altogether a wonderful weekend with good conversation, good food, sewing and music. Who could ask for more?

One of my FFOs - Dragonflies

The next week I taught a "schoolhouse" workshop at Pauline's, and used the Bernina to turn out samples. This consisted of demonstrations of four techniques, and attendance was good. We covered invisible machine applique, partial seaming, floating stars and the lumpless finish for binding. I will be expecting to see some of these ideas in the quilts that the ladies turn out.

Detail of a sample for my Fusible Machine Applique Class - there are 12 blocks altogether.

Color Wash Applique class sample

I had contacted Beryl C., the Gammill quilting machine dealer in Cork, and she told me about the Quilting Expo that was planned for the last half of May. Since I don't have a machine here I was reluctant to sign up for classes, but my husband persuaded me to take advantage of the opportunity to study with Sharon Schamber who was traveling to Cork to teach there. So I made the arrangements, with lots of help from Beryl, and flew to Cork for three days of quilting workshops. It was certainly worth it.

Beryl's studio is in Castletownbere on the Beara peninsula, one of the most scenic spots in Ireland. The Island View B & B, which Beryl had arranged for the students was excellent, and overlooked Bere Island. The hospitality shown by our host, Dinny Hannafin, was superb! I noticed Anita Shackleford's name in the guest book we signed. I met quilters from all over Europe, the US and Australia, and best of all, Sharon Schamber was not only a wonderful teacher with new ideas and techniques, she also shared some of her philosophy with us, giving us a new perspective on artists and creativity. Her husband enthusiastically presented her trunk show and gave us details about the construction of her many award-winning quilts.

Beryl has a spacious studio, and she provided lunch there for the students. On the last day, she very kindly took us on a short tour of the area which included Derrcenataggart Stone Circle and the Teernahilane Ring Fort. These prehistoric structures are fascinating, and surrounded by natural beauty.

Derrcenataggart Stone Circle

Sharon Schamber at Derrcenataggart Stone Circle.jpg

Lisa at Teernahilane Ring Fort

We also saw the castle of Donal Cam, the O'Sullivan Bere, Chieftain of Dunboy, who was driven out in 1603 after the loss of the Battle of Kinsale during the waning days of the Elizabethan Wars. He and his remaining force made an historic and arduous epic march to join the other forces opposing Elizabeth in the North. After fourteen days, during which they were under almost constant attack, and suffered from hunger and terrible weather, they arrived - but only 35 out of the original 1000 had survived. See here for more information on Donal Cam, and here for more information on Clan O Sullivan.

Remains of O Sullivan Beara Castle

Area Around O Sullivan Beara Castle

It is hard to believe now, seeing the lovely, tranquil countryside of today, that 400 years ago this land was ravaged by warfare.

The next day, it was back to Donegal with my workshop samples, and new ideas and patterns.