Morley monotone, leaves and libel matters

White on white experimental stitching, and I’ve finally conquered bullion stitch. Stitched on calico, with white cotton Perle no 8 thread.

Incredible leaves picked up on the way to Morley. I’m attempting to preserve these colours using the method suggested by Isabella, of ironing the leaves between waxed paper and brown paper.

Lastly, off with younger son tonight hear Simon Singh speaking. The libel law reform campaign is still live, as another physician has had a libel case brought against her for questioning the claims made for a cosmetic cream. Not only that, the Sense about Science campaign has been requested by the manufacturer not to publicise her case. If individuals want to spend their money on these products, fair enough, but it is reasonable to ask to see the evidence on which claims of efficacy are based.

Simon Singh vindicated - BCA drops case

A day of celebration as Simon Singh has been vindicated. The British Chiropractic Association have dropped their libel case against him.. A victory for common sense, open debate and questioning of untested claims, hurray!

Quilts at the V and A and conscience at the Houses of Parliament

A day of contrasts. First to the V and A for the " Quilts 1700 - 2010" exhibition. This exhibition has been the subject of much debate on the quilting blogs and chat groups as the V and A does not seem to have involved the UK quilting guild, The Quilters' Guild in any of the organisation.

The exhibition is well worth a visit, even to non-quilters, as these textiles are rarely on display. The fabrics in the early pieces are startling for the contemporary feel of the prints on the fabrics. The photo opposite, from the V and A site, shows the quilt that intrigued me the most. It is exquisitely pieced, but then there is the central motif plonked on top of existing piecing, very asymmetrically. If I visit again, I will hire the commentary, in case there is a comment on this piece.

After this, off to the Houses of Parliament to attend the mass lobby to try to get changes to the libel law. It was very gratifying to see that the committee room assigned had to be changed to a larger one, and that a good number of MPs attended the meeting. Simon Singh also spoke, despite becoming a father for the first time 3 days ago. Do support this cause if you can as this is such an important issue.

London, libel..... and lunatic fashion

One of the things I love about living near London is the chance to go and participate in group events, demonstrations or protests, all for the price of a train ticket.

Today I went to the Royal courts of justice to support Simon Singh in his appeal against the libel ruling won by the British Chiropractic Association. There were about 70 people waiting to greet him as he went in , from Sense about Science, PEN and with their great banner, suburban pirate. After greeting Simon, as many people as possible squeezed in to Court 71 ( after following the ten line instructions on how to find it). It was gratifying that the court staff had to bring in another 20 or so seats to accommodate everyone, and there were still people waiting outside to get seated.

Having never been in a court, it seems an odd mix of the formal and the informal, and also very British. The two barristers were women, which I did not expect, although the 3 appeal judges were men, which I did expect. Any member of the public can go to the courts and it is worth a visit to literally see the law in action. Lots of the presentation of the case hinged on the differing meaning of the words " happily" versus " happy to" and of the interpretation of the word " bogus". I felt a bit like a tricoteuse because I was stitching a phrenology head to keep my hands busy while trying to understand the legal issues being discusssed.

I had to leave before the end, so am waiting to hear the judgement. This case is an issue that affects us all, not just those who are scientists or writers. Read about the issue, decide for yourself and if you care, sign the petition.

On a lighter note, as I came out of the court, I nipped into the Courtauld Gallery where London Fashion Week is being hosted and saw this bonkers, wonderful quilted dress. London .... love it!