P.E.G STITCHERS

FEBRUARY MEETING–SATURDAY 11th

2012-02-05T13:35:00.001Z

Liz Almond will be coming to talk to us about her ‘Blackwork Journey’ and some of you will remember her day workshop with us a couple of years ago.

You can find more information on her website – www.blackworkjourney.co.uk where she has a link to her Blog, free download patterns and much more, including charts and projects for sale.

She says she has a new and alternative approach to blackwork so I’m sure it will be a very interesting talk.

Horrocks’ Dresses for Regional Day

2012-02-05T11:57:00.001Z

A REMINDER – please bring in all finished dress shapes to the February meeting, as Sue Chisnall and I have to join them into pairs for display and the sooner we get them will mean we don’t have to rush them at the end.

We are aiming for 40 completed dresses and I have had one card shape returned so if any of you would like to do a second one please ask me at the next meeting - I have some small floral print and plain fabrics available.

Sue and I are both very busy at the moment with our own work for exhibitions and I have to make some wedding books so no time to do the last dress shape – HELP please.

FEBRUARY–COLOUR RAFFLE–AMETHYST

2012-02-05T11:51:00.001Z

The stone of Royalty – all shades of purple.

‘INDIAN EMBROIDERY’ talk by Renu Modha

2012-01-21T15:22:00.001Z

On a bright, sunny but cold day Renu had brought a selection of very colourful pieces to explain her background in Fashion and Embroidery. After her degree from Lancaster University and having been awarded a placement with Woolmark in Mumbai, she worked for them in the Indian fashion industry manufacturing shawls in India.

Using her collection of original Indian pieces, she took us on her journey through various parts of the country, starting in Gugerat with Banjara work which was based on regularly worked patterns and included Shisha mirror work, using recycled Sari fabrics.

Beadwork patterning was also used for very elaborate pieces.

Next; to Rajastan in the Punjab and Phulkari work, with floral designs worked in very close satin stitch.

In Kashmir the men worked most of the embroidery - Paisley designs worked on dark backgrounds which were left mostly unworked to show up the stitched design.

In Bengal the use of old Sari fabrics was again the base for Kantha stitch work – a form of darning or running stitch that pulls and distorts the fabrics into blocks or patterns.

I personally love the reverse side of these pieces showing the patched fabrics and amazing stitching.

In Utah Pradesh – the work is done on lightweight muslin or sheer fabrics using a herringbone stitch worked from the back to form an outline running stitch and shadow work effect on the front.

Mogul work – gold and silver – couched onto silk to form floral designs.

A fascinating journey through textiles by a very talented lady who obviously loves her textile heritage.

PROGRAMME LISTINGS 2012

2012-01-04T16:36:00.001Z

I am having some trouble entering the 3 month programme onto the Blog so I think the easiest thing for now is to include it here until I get is sorted.

January 14th – A talk by Renu Modha - “Indian Embroidery”.

February 11th – A talk by Liz Almond – “A Blackwork Journey”.

March 10th – Hands-on session with Sue Tyldesley – “INCHIES”.
If you went to the Lytham and Blackpool branches joint exhibition last year, I’m sure you will have seen their wonderful display of these tiny pieces of work SO we thought we would have a go.

March 17th – Full Day Workshop (Amended Course) with Michaela Smith on “Scrappy Landscapes”.

JANUARY COLOUR RAFFLE - GARNET

2012-01-04T16:25:00.001Z

Usually a very dark red, but there are other shades as well.

A MESSAGE TO ALL OUR MEMBERS

2012-01-03T10:56:00.001Z

We hope to see you all at our JANUARY MEETING on Saturday the 14th when we have a talk on “Indian Embroidery” by Renu Modha.

Also a reminder to all committee members that there will be a committee meeting prior to the afternoon meeting.

A HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL BRANCH MEMBERS

2011-12-18T13:56:00.001Z

And to anyone else who reads this Blog - may you continue to do so.

The Blog was set up almost 3 years ago to keep members, who couldn’t always attend meetings on a regular basis, up to date with the latest monthly talks and workshops as well as Regional and National news.

We hope it keeps you informed about what goes on at our Parbold meetings. New members, as well as visitors, are always welcome.
Come and see us in 2012.

A few seasonal Clip Art images for you – but don’t have too much of these!!

AND A

HEALTHY AND

Best wishes from Sandra and all the committee.

Saturday 10th December

2011-12-11T12:18:00.001Z

Due to an apologetic Friday evening phone call from our booked speaker, explaining that she was ‘iced/snowed in’ somewhere in the depths of the countryside, and after many late Friday night and early Saturday morning phone calls between committee members, we managed to put together a very successful meeting for the 26 members who came.

Members had been told that they did not need to bring anything with them for our original speaker, so between all the committee we got together a collection of threads, glitter and Christmas fabrics, other bits; cards, scissors, needles; glue, beads, sequins………. Together with paper patterns and finished samples, the challenge was to make a Christmas card or ‘way out’ Christmas ornament.

In addition I had taken part of my collection of sketch/workbooks for those who might not want to stitch, but just sit quietly and as this meeting was planned to start at 12 noon, we started with a our usual notices which was then followed with a very short talk (sprung on me at the last minute) about my notebooks.

After our packed lunch – with the addition of mince pies, Stollen and chocolates provided by some members (how calorie laden was that!!) the ‘CHALLENGE’ then commenced.

You can obviously eat and drink and stitch at the same time!!

Three of us did not take part in the stitching – me plus 2 others who wanted to read through the sketch books - and it was amazing to see the innovative ideas appearing so quickly in the hands of our expert members – see for yourselves in the pictures below.

Our Joint Chair – Sue Tyldesley had provided two prizes so that we had one for each category – the finalists are shown below -

Caroline was the winner with the card on the left which had a very Christmassy feel. The runners up were Carole and Sue Chisnall.

The ornament section had a lot of entries and the 4 finalists are shown – the winner (John) with the green ‘springy’ tree decoration on the left – the three runners up were Sue C’s cracker, Eileen’s silver Fairy and Helen’s gold angel.

We were amazed at the wide variety of items created in such a short space of time. However the prizes Sue had provided in such a hurry were for ‘ladies only’ – hand creams and the like, so John as winner just had to settle for extra chocolates!!!!!!

After that excitement we of course had our extra special bumper Christmas raffle – 3 large baskets of ‘goodies’ – a truly bumper crop this year with overflowing baskets –

First prize to Karen Hurrell -

Second prize – Pat Bean -

Third prize – Sue Chisnall who seems to be having trouble containing her excitement!!

Then for the colour raffle –going to Angela McLarnon who was amazed at her good fortune!

I think you will see from all the above that it was a very successful afternoon – something different for us and very much appreciated by all who attended. A very relaxed and friendly, chatty afternoon – just what we need currently on a very cold and damp day ‘up north’.

NATURAL PROGRESSION RETROSPECTIVE

2011-12-09T14:18:00.001Z

The group have a retrospective exhibition along with a couple of artists, at Mere Sands Wildlife Nature Reserve- it is on for the whole of December & maybe into the New Year.

Most of the works is for sale & very reasonably priced, extremely good for Christmas presents etc.
Also their shop features work by Sue Chisnall and Pat Bean – all available for sale.

The reserve is open every day for walks 9.30am to 4.00pm but the visitors centre, is closed on Fridays.

You can contact the Visitors Centre,Mere Sands Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve, Holmeswood Road Rufford, Lancs
L40 1TG Telephone 01704 821809.

DECEMBER–COLOUR RAFFLE

2011-11-29T15:26:00.001Z

Don’t forget that in addition to our bumper Christmas raffle we still have our monthly colour raffle, which, for December is Turquoise. SO please bring a few items in that colour for the raffle, if you can.
Thought this picture was a bit different – you can look up others on Google images.

December meeting - 10th

2011-11-29T15:24:00.001Z

On Saturday 10th we will have an extended monthly meeting starting at 12noon, when Sue Lancaster will be giving a talk and a Hands-on entitled ‘Gambling with Creation’. (Don’t forget your packed lunch!).

Sue will provide everything we need for the Hands-on exercise we will be doing – which is to be a surprise -so no need to bring anything with you, though I don’t think I can travel without scissors and a needle and thread – just in case!!

Sue has a website entitled ‘Stitched up and Fleeced’ which shows a wide variety of her work which includes – Panels, Bags, Hats and Buttons, so if you want to see what she does, do have a look.

Hope to see you all there.

SATURDAY 12th NOVEMBER - COFFEE MORNING AND AFTERNOON TALK

2011-11-17T15:17:00.001Z

A busy day on Saturday – starting with a very successful Coffee Morning for Project Linus when we handed over a further 7 quilts and 17 knitted blankets making our totals for the year 42 quilts and 59 blankets – well done everyone - a fantastic effort.

During the business part of our afternoon meeting our Joint Chairman Sue Tyldesley was very pleased to hand over the Broderers’ Cup to Kathleen Slinger, our longest serving member – of 61 years. Kathleen’s work was chosen by a members vote at the Regional AGM and will appear as the cover for the Annual Regional Journal 2012 – a beautiful piece of Goldwork. I will get the photograph of her piece to show in this blog as soon as I can.

The afternoon speaker was Michaela Smith who came to talk about her journey from her first beginnings as a quilter when she created standard block designs; followed by a City & Guilds course, and how this has influenced what she is doing now.

She has always loved working with landscape and now incorporates a variety of modern techniques including painting directly onto fabric; using Lutrador, painted Bondaweb, papers and silk painting.
She has been influenced by the Landscape paintings of Brian Cooke who creates landscapes using mixtures of bright and muted colours and this same idea is now being incorporated in her work, where she uses brightly coloured strips of Sari ribbon with torn and frayed edges to great effect.

A very interesting and informative talk by a very talented lady – photographs courtesy of Sue Chisnall – I had forgotten my camera!

CHISTMAS RAFFLE REMINDER

2011-11-06T14:49:00.001Z

As most of you know we have 2 ‘bumper’ raffles a year and the Christmas one will be held at our December 10th meeting …. SO…… Carolyn will need donations for the 3 baskets of goodies to be brought in for our November meeting, to give her time to put everything together.

Donations can include fabrics, threads, books, kits, already stitched items – in other words, anything to do with stitched textiles.
We had 3 wonderful baskets last Christmas so please do help with donations this year if you can.
Tickets are £1 each

REMINDER TO MEMBERS – PROJECT LINUS COFFEE MORNING.

2011-11-06T14:40:00.001Z

On Saturday 12th November we are holding the Coffee Morning and Sale of Work for Project Linus – I will be there from 9.30a.m to set up and would appreciate as much help from members as possible. Please arrive as soon as you can as we need to arrange the sales tables, seating etc., before we open at 10.30a.m. Kay will also need help in the kitchen and we will also need helpers for the sales tables.

If you have made a Lavender bag kit, cakes or biscuits, please bring as early as possible and anyone donating fabrics, threads or finished work should pack and price all items so that this does not have to be done on the day.
If you intend selling work and want to give the nominated 15% commission, also please pack and label with a price and provide a list of items for checking at the end of the morning.
We will have both Lesley Mercer with her ‘Project Linus’ fabric stall and Hilary Nagashi has also agreed to bring her remaining items from her shop ‘Bags of Inspiration’ (which is now closed) – lots of beads, silks etc….

We have to finish at 1p.m so that we can set up for our afternoon meeting. Visitors to the coffee morning will be welcome to stay on for the talk, at our normal visitors fee.

Look forward to seeing as many of you as possible – lets hope we have good weather.

FIBRE FUSION WITH HILARY NAGASHI

2011-11-06T14:23:00.001Z

Hilary came with everything we needed for an exciting days work. Her explanations and demonstrations were very clear and all 15 members and visitors got stuck in straight away to make fine silk creations from a variety of silk fibres, trapped leaves, threads, feathers and paper scraps.

Some of the following photographs are not named as we were all so busy I could not get around to everyone and write down names against pieces of work, so apologies to those not named but perhaps you could let me know sometime.

A clear example of how we were working – by Helen a visiting friend!

Apologies – don’t know who!

Sue Chisnall’s leaves.

My trapped skeleton Hydrangea petals.

Another one I’m not sure of.

Not sure but these might be Monica’s pieces.

We will now look forward to seeing what everyone makes with their ‘stash’ of exciting silk creations.

Thanks to Hilary for a fascinating day.

COLOUR RAFFLE FOR NOVEMBER

2011-10-21T16:41:00.001+01:00

The ancient Egyptians believed that TOPAZ was coloured with a golden glow of the mighty sun god Ra and that Topaz was very powerful and protected against harm.

SATURDAY 12th NOVEMBER

2011-10-18T17:42:00.001+01:00

Prior to our afternoon meeting we are holding a coffee morning – as detailed below. After a talk by the local organiser of the Project last year, several members decided that they would like to form a working group to support the Charity.
They have so far made a total of 45 quilts and 53 knitted blankets mostly using donated fabrics and wools.

PROJECT LINUS - COFFEE MORNING
AND SALE
AT PARBOLD VILLAGE HALL
10.30a.m to 1 p.m
ORGANISED BY THE BRANCH
IN SUPPORT OF THE CHARITY WHICH MAKES QUILTS AND BLANKETS FOR TRAUMATISED CHILDREN IN
HOSPITALS, HOSPICES AND AT HOME.

AN ENTRY FEE OF £2 INCLUDES REFRESHMENTS
AND THERE WILL BE A WIDE SELECTION OF ITEMS TO PURCHASE.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU

Visitors will be most welcome to join us for the morning and maybe stay on, to hear our speaker - Michaela Smith - talking about “Fabric Landscapes”.

NOVEMBER WORKSHOP WITH HILARY NAGASHI

2011-10-14T18:37:00.001+01:00

On Saturday 5th November we are holding a workshop entitled “Fabulous Fibre Fusion” – a day spent experimenting with a variety of fibre techniques to make small samples which can be further developed at home. There may even be some time to start some stitching SO if you would like to attend and haven’t already booked, please get in touch with Sue Chisnall – I think there are a few places left.

OLYMPIC POSTCARDS–SERBIA

2011-10-14T18:18:00.001+01:00

We now have a set of 12 cards completed with one or two more to come in – they all look very colourful and will be on display at the Regional AGM this Saturday (15th October) at Garstang.

We have the flag, national flower, various costume designs and a map as well as various country scenes – mostly taken from research on different websites.

OCTOBER HANDS-ON

2011-10-14T18:06:00.001+01:00

Everyone was supplied with a card dress shape which they have to cover for the display of Horrocks style dresses at the Regional Day in Preston next year.
We worked with 2 methods – either printing onto plain fabrics which can be combined with commercially printed fabrics or using Transfer painted papers to create striped, floral or linear designs based on the styles of the Horrocks dresses from the 1950s.

It was a very busy afternoon but everyone managed to get some printing or ironing off done to take home and work on, so we now look forward to the results which we need completed by our February meeting next year – so plenty of time to get stitching.

I suggested that some of us (of the right age) might like to look out old photographs or memorabilia to put together a display for the event on April 28th 2012 – so again plenty of time, but do let me have them a.s.a.p as some of the old grainy pictures need to be improved for printing – at least mine does! We all seemed to look the same in those days – not much individuality really.

My picture from 1954 wearing a dress in the Horrocks style made by my mother, photographed in our garden by my father. Those were the days when there was a waist, slim arms and ankles!!

Two of my designs – on the left – Transfer paints and on the right – printed and commercial fabrics with pleated skirt front and tie belt.

Sue’s two designs –printing on coloured cotton (left) and transfer printing onto synthetic fabric with gathered skirt and button decoration (right).

REPORT ON BRANCH AGM–SEPTEMBER 12th

2011-09-28T18:12:00.001+01:00

The Chairman opened the meeting by firstly welcoming everyone and giving news of the announcement of Pauline’s resignation as National Chairman.
The membership was shocked and upset to hear this, as we all know that Pauline has always been a great supporter of the Guild – nationally, regionally and at branch level, and it was agreed that we should send a letter to Pauline expressing our distress and wishing her well.

The annual reports, including finances, were given and it was noted that we had made an overall loss, which meant that we had to increase fees for the coming year.
All committee nominations were verified but it was noted that we still needed a volunteer to run the Library – if you are interested please contact Sue T. or Anne.

After the business meeting we had a talk from Christine Driver from Empress Mills on the history of this family business which had been started in1927 by her grandfather and is now run by Christine and her two sons.
It looked as though they had brought a full shop of ‘goodies’ for us to browse but before we were let loose Christine talked us through the development of the yarns they used to produce for the selvedge for cotton cloth – different colours for different manufacturers.
When most of the weaving industry shut down in the UK they turned to the top end of the market and the embroiderers, quilters etc. – yarns had to change to a finer sewing thread and a whole new industry of different weights and finishes of cotton, poly-cotton, polyester (made from recycled plastic bottles), rayon, silk and textured cottons was born.

Christine in passionate about her company and her threads and gave many of us much more understanding, whilst passing around samples of threads and fabrics, of what had to be done to create some of the fascinating items we take for granted these days. The company are based in Colne (not too far from us for a visit) but that day we only had to get up and open our purses!
I particularly liked the Kilo bundles of Egyptian cotton which includes offcuts of many sizes – wonderful for dyeing – you might have expected me to say that!!

OCTOBER–COLOUR RAFFLE

2011-09-27T19:27:00.001+01:00

THE OPAL – a variety of pale colours but mainly pink.

LATEST UPDATES FOR PREVIOUS BLOGS

2011-09-26T13:04:00.001+01:00

KATHLEEN’S EXHIBITION AT TARLETON
It was a damp afternoon but about 100 people turned up to see Kathleen’s work and have afternoon tea at the village cricket club.
Kathleen was thrilled that so many people had turned out to see her work which spanned about 50 of her 61 years as a member of the Guild. She hardly had any time to have a cup of tea – there were so many people wanting to know how she had made her pieces.
The grand sum of £500+ was raised for Marie Curie care.
I hope that I can put together an article soon which will include photographs of some of her work.

RESULT FROM DYEING DAY
My selection of threads and fabrics from the ‘Dyeing’ workshop has amazingly been made up into a finished cushion. I must be slipping – finding time to actually make something!!!
Dip-dyed threads and pattern dyeing.
These were used to create the very ‘jazzy’ cushion which goes with none of my furniture but was fun to make!

OLYMPIC POSTCARDS FOR SERBIA
We now have 9 cards so if anyone has not quite finished can you please bring them to our October meeting for stitching together.

8th OCTOBER MEETING–’DESIGN-A-PRINT FOR REGIONAL DAY’

2011-09-24T15:44:00.001+01:00

Sue Chisnall and I will be running this month’s Hands-on session based on Horrocks’ Dresses for the display at Regional Day in Preston next April.

You will be provided with a card dress shape and some fabrics to create a ‘printed dress’ of your own design, following the style of these 1950’s dresses. The basic designs of the dresses were striped and floral -
Ideally we would like between 24 and 30 to display at Regional Day.

Sue and I will bring supplies of card for the dress template, Transfer Painted papers, a limited supply of Acrylic paints, some print blocks and rubbing blocks and some plain cotton and poly-cotton mixes (for the Transfer Paints)

However if you have any of the following items please bring them with you -

· Plain fabrics– no more than a 20” square of any to include – pale colour cottons or synthetic mix fabrics (not the shiny type) or small flower print fabrics.
· Small Buttons and narrow ribbon (optional).
· Print blocks (if you have them) – flowers, leaves, open linear, or squiggly line abstract.
. Wet wipes for cleaning your print blocks.
· Acrylic paints, brushes (1” household) sponge, rubber print rollers (if you have them).
· Small Foil or plastic food tray about 1” deep and piece of felt to fit inside.

We will have a display board of some dress designs and the Horrocks book for you to look through for ideas.

PRESTON THREADS AT BRABINS

2011-09-13T15:50:00.001+01:00

‘Retrospective Threads’

An exhibition of previous works brought together under this title, will be held at the Brabins Shop and Gallery – 22 Talbot Street, Chipping, Preston PR3 2QE

1st to 30th October
Open daily 9a.m to 5p.m
Closed weekdays from 1p.m to 2p.m

Preview – Sunday 2nd October 2-4p.m
everyone welcome.

Chipping is a pretty village near Longridge, and is popular with walkers; it has a church with beautiful stained glass windows and there is a choice of Pubs and a Cafe.
Tea/coffee and cake is available at the gallery.
You can get more information from the Brabins website at www.brabins-chipping.co.uk

REGIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL at Alston Hall.

2011-09-05T11:52:00.001+01:00

This annual event attracts a variety of interesting tutors for a weekend in July.
Sue Chisnall, one of our members attended and her report is shown below -

“This is my second time of attending and I can truthfully say I am now hooked!! I really fancied the workshop with Francis Pickering on Cherished Books ands luckily managed to get a place.

Francis’ books are enchanting, normally with the theme of nature and with applicable sayings and quotes. She keeps a record of all the quotes, poems and snippets that she sees and hears and uses them when needed (a really good idea).

I really fell in love with the way she colours the pages and will definitely use this method again.
My book was on geology and I have yet to fill the pages although I have made a good start. The beauty of this method is that you can work on the pages as and when the mood takes you.

The weather (as usual) was diabolical and long walks to keep the weight down, after eating non-stop, were out of the question. However as we worked until 10p.m most nights, I never had time to be bored and just flopped into bed at night – what an experience and with the added bonus of seeing old faces (not literally) and making new friends.
I can’t wait for next year!!

Some photographs of work in progress – Sandie Meher’s ‘Dragonfly’ book.

Sue’s ‘Geology’ book -

I really wanted to attend this course but couldn’t go this year, so I went to have tea with everyone on the Saturday and was so bowled over by the wonderful papers everyone had produced for their books that I just had to have a go when I got home -

I just need to make a book now – I already have a poem in mind but need some spare time to get started!!

SEPTEMBER MEETING–A.G.M

2011-08-29T17:00:00.001+01:00

Our September meeting will be the first of our new financial year when our subscriptions are renewed.
Our Secretary, Carole Sams has renewal forms and if you cannot attend this months meeting you can send your membership directly to her. Contact her at shirazsupper@hotmail.com

This year we have had to increase our fees due to increases to HQ; tutor fees and travel, and general running costs, as follows – the annual fee will be £32 for members; £10 for Associate members (belonging to another branch as their main branch) and Life and Friend members of the Guild.
Monthly entry fee will be £3 and £5 for visitors who will be able to attend for up to 3 meetings a year.

The new year’s programme will be posted on our Guild webpage as soon as I can get it done and printed programmes will be available at the September meeting.

We start a new COLOUR RAFFLE THEME for the year this month, which will be BIRTH STONES – September being SAPPHIRE.

OLYMPIC POSTCARDS FOR SERBIA

2011-08-29T16:24:00.001+01:00

Our short workshop in June was the starting point for a set of ‘postcards’ based on the culture, art, architecture, flora and fauna of that country and already we have a few completed cards some of which are shown below. Sorry I can’t put names to pictures for all of them at the moment.

The National flag.

National flower

Costume design.

Costume design

A wine country!

Taking goods to market?

Map of Serbia

We need to have completed our strip of cards for display at the National AGM in Southport next March, so a while yet to complete the set – 7 down a few more to go.

SPECIAL EVENT–Tuesday 16th August

2011-08-03T13:58:00.001+01:00

Kathleen Slinger, our longest serving member is holding an exhibition of her embroidery work, at the Tarleton Cricket Club, Carr Lane on the 16th at 2.30p.m.

It will be well worth the visit as Kathleen is a very talented lady – she studied for her City & Guilds embroidery in 1949 in Manchester and joined the Embroiderers’ Guild in spring 1950 so is certainly our oldest member (in the best possible sense) spanning 61 years of dedication to the Guild.

She is expert in many techniques especially gold work but she does seem to be able to cope with most things including some of the modern things we introduce at our monthly meetings, as well as patchwork and quilting – a true craftswoman, so do come along and see how her work has developed over the years.

There will be afternoon tea and an entry fee of £3 will be donated to the Marie Curie Cancer charity.

(How to get there – At the traffic light junction on the A565/A59 follow the signs into the village as far as the square – you will see the Library and a Pub straight ahead, immediately turn left into Gorse Lane and Carr Lane is second turning on the right – Cricket Club is on the left quite a long way down). Hope I don’t lose too many of you!!
Look forward to seeing you all.

AUGUST MEETING–Saturday 13th

2011-08-01T17:30:00.001+01:00

This month will start with our EGM when we nominate new members for vacant post on the committee – we are always looking for volunteers so please come along and support us.

This will be followed by a talk and display of the Chester Ps and Qs Suitcase Collection of quilts, given by our own member Karen Hurrell.

I know several members will be on holiday but I am hoping that those who can, will bring in finished or ‘ongoing’ work from both the Hands-on Day in July and any items made from the dyed fabrics and threads that were produced in June.
Also - 3 or 4 members attended summer school at Alston so it would be nice to see what they produced too (hint, hint!!).

IF anything turns up I will photograph and include in the blog over the next few weeks.

THE COLOUR RAFFLE THIS MONTH IS GOLD though I must admit this picture does not look very ‘glittery’ to me – anyway I’m sure you will know what to bring ‘anything that glitters in the yellowish variety’!

DON’T FORGET the Natural Progression exhibition starts this week at Mere Sands Woods – see previous entry.

UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS BLOGS

2011-07-12T11:23:00.001+01:00

KATHLEEN’S EXHIBITION AT TARLETON

It was a damp afternoon but about 100 people turned out to see Kathleen’s work and have afternoon tea at the village cricket club.

Kathleen was thrilled that so many people had come to see her work, which spanned about 50 of her 61 years as a member of the Guild. She hardly had any time to have a cup of tea – there were so many people wanting to know how she had made her pieces.

The grand sum of £500+ was raised for Marie Curie care.

I hope that I can put together an article soon which will include photographs of some of her work.

RESULT FROM DYEING DAY

My selection of threads and fabrics from the ‘Dyeing’ workshop has amazingly been made up into a finished cushion. I must be slipping – finding time to actually make something!!!

Dip-dyed threads and pattern dyeing.
These were used to create the very ‘jazzy’ cushion which goes with none of my furniture but was fun to make!

OLYMPIC POSTCARDS FOR SERBIA

We now have 9 cards so if anyone has not quite finished can you please bring them to our October meeting for stitching together.

HANDS-ON FINAL STAGE–Choose & Construct’

2011-07-09T20:00:00.001+01:00

The third and final stage of this Hands-on series leads to a completed ‘Journal Quilt’ from paper, paint, thread, beads, buttons etc.
Sue and Tracey had worked hard to plan these three sessions and bring them to an interesting conclusion – not many of our members had stitched into paper before but the results so far are truly amazing.

Some are shown below.

Pat Oxley – based on Klimt

Ann Stark – a sunny theme

A garden theme.

Sue Tyldesley has combined her cards onto one of her dyed backgrounds – nice idea Sue.

Can’t wait to see the finished pieces – bring them to the next meeting ladies – just a bit of homework for everyone!!!

NATURAL PROGRESSION exhibition.

2011-07-09T11:23:00.001+01:00

4 August to 4 September 2011- 'Natural Fibres'
An exhibition of contemporary and traditional textiles by Natural Progression - reflecting aspects of the fauna and flora of Mere Sands wood.
at the Visitors Centre, Mere Sands Wood Wildlife Trust nature reserve, Holmeswood Road, Rufford, Lancs L40 1TG (along shared drive with Meresands Kennels).
Open 9.30am to 5.00pm daily (closed Fridays)-
No admission charge but voluntary donations to Wildlife Trust accepted.
Disabled access and parking.
Enjoy the walks & lakes until 8.00pm.Tel- 01704 821809
It is advisable to phone to check that centre is open.
Preview is being held on Sunday 7 August 2.00pm to 4.00pm - Open to all.

DYEING WORKSHOP–18th JUNE

2011-06-19T15:13:00.001+01:00

Fabric, thread and colour surrounded the 12 members who attended this workshop.
This was a real ‘play day’ using a range of Procion cold water dyes, working the colour into fabrics and threads in plastic bags. This method is best for dyeing small quantities and as our meeting room is carpeted, is also the best way to make sure there are no spills!

The following pictures show the members ‘at work’. As you can see they brought a lot of ‘stuff’ with them!!
Bowls, plastic milk containers, jam jars, plastic bags and so……………. much more.

Choosing colours – decisions, decisions!

I can’t wait to see the results of all their labours at our next meeting. I will put some more pictures on the blog then.

NATURAL PROGRESSIONS AT SAMLESBURY HALL to 31st JULY

2011-06-15T16:25:00.001+01:00

The latest exhibition by this new group entitled ‘Roses and Ruffles’ is currently on show at Samlesbury Hall, Nr. Preston.
The Hall is a lovely setting for an exhibition and the work is definitely worth a visit. Our members include Pat Bean, Sue Chisnall, Caroline Percy, and Tracey Ramsey and some of their pieces are shown below -

These two by Tracey Ramsey

Sue Chisnall

Caroline Percy

Pat Bean

MONTHLY RAFFLE–JULY

2011-06-15T16:22:00.001+01:00

‘SUNNY OASIS’ – the colours of summer – YELLOW in all its shades.

HANDS-ON PART 3 Choose & Construct

2011-06-15T16:05:00.001+01:00

Our next meeting on July 9th is the last in the Hands-on series for this year with Sue and Tracey.
So far we have painted watercolour washes onto paper and created ‘postcard’ type pieces following our own theme – whilst listening to music!

For the third session you will need to bring all the pieces you have created plus the following-

Strong threads of your choice to stitch cards together as a quilt; fancy embroidery threads with appropriate needles;
Scissors; Buttons; beads; ribbons; braids or card adornments etc.
NB. You can as an alternative, bring elastic cord, leather cord or braids to lace through as Tracey & I will bring our hole punches etc.

Can’t wait to see what you have all done.

BAGS FOR SHAKESPEARE’S HEROINES - 2

2011-06-09T11:15:00.001+01:00

On Saturday 4th July Anne Rodgers visited us for the second time with more of her wonderful bags.
Each bag was explained in detail with the background of the play and how, because in Shakespeare’s time women did not appear on stage, boys played the part of women but the same boy would play the part of a young man and back to a young woman again.

I discovered from Anne’s talk, the reason I could never really understand any of the plays when we studied them in school. To me they were very confusing and I hardly ever knew what was going on – if only Anne had been my teacher!!! We learnt such a lot whilst still appreciating the quality of the work in each bag.

We were talked through bags for Rosalind in As You Like It; Viola in Twelfth Night; Kathryn in the Taming of the Shrew and many others. All the bags were beautifully stitched and some are shown below -

Kathryn’s bag from the Taming of the Shrew – Italianate style ‘laced up’.

Cleopatra’s bag refers to a line in the play – she was ‘pursed up’.

Thank you Anne – I am sure many of us will now go to the theatre and understand more of what is going on, but I bet the heroines will not be carrying bags as sumptuous as yours.

LINUS PROJECT UPDATE

2011-06-02T17:07:00.001+01:00

Today – 2nd June, I called in to the periodic workshop days that the Project organisers run, when anyone can go along to help finish off, start a new item, stitch on labels or cut fabrics for the kits that they sell to raise money for the project.
I delivered a further 11 quilts and 6 blankets, bringing our total so far to 25 quilts and 24 blankets – not bad for 6 months work!! Lesley asked me to thank everyone for all their efforts so far.
More news on this project at a later date.

DYEING IN PLASTIC BAGS WORKSHOP

2011-06-02T16:57:00.001+01:00

On Saturday 18th June I will be running a ‘dyeing day’ using Procion cold water reactive dyes. The method I will be using is suitable for small amounts of fabric only and you will need to bring a wide variety, to include cotton, linen, fine silks, rayon, viscose and cotton-polyester, together with a similar collection of threads.
Full requirements lists and availability of vacancies can be provided by our Programme secretary, Karen Hurrell.

All fabrics and threads MUST be pre-washed before the day and there will be some available for sale on the day.
I will be providing all dyes and fixatives.

Some dye samples are shown below. This particular mixed bag will be part of our Textile basket raffle in June; but do come and dye some of your own.

Hope to see you then.

MEMBERS WORK AT THE EXHIBITIONS

2011-06-02T16:38:00.001+01:00

Some work from our exhibiting groups –
One Step On and Preston Threads, who were at Aintree -

Californian Poppy and Wild Rose by Sandra Kedzlie as part of the ‘Floral Threads’ display with Preston Threads.

Flowers on calico by SUE Tyldesley and an untitled piece by Monica Selway with One Step On.

AND - PRESTON THREADS at Rossendale Museum – continues until the 31st July- see details of opening times on their website -

Work by Sandra Kedzlie

A colour swatch folded canvas book of dyed fabrics and threads based on old samples in the Museum.

Hand stitched Design book containing drawings, stitch samples, text, poetry, printed, coloured and stitched papers etc., based on the theme of Transformation - from trees into pulp, paper and eventually books.

A Swatch of handling samples describing the construction of each of the books created by printing, painting and stitching into old book pages, photocopies, transfer papers, direct printing onto fabrics etc.

You can see more of the current exhibition pieces and past work by Preston Threads on our new website – www.prestonthreads.co.uk

A FESTIVAL QUILT–raffle result.

2011-05-26T18:25:00.001+01:00

Monica Selway reports that the raffle of the Festival Quilt raised £578 and was won by a local lady from Wigan.

NATURAL PROGRESSION EXHIBITING GROUP

2011-05-26T10:05:00.001+01:00

Several branch members have formed this new exhibiting group and we wish them well for the future.

1st June to 31st July 2011- 'Roses to Ruffles'
by Natural Progression
An exhibition of contemporary and traditional textiles reflecting aspects of Tudor and Elizabethan life at Samlesbury Hall, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Lancashire PR5 OUP-
Open 11.00am to 4.30pm every day except Saturdays.
Normal admission charges for entry to Samlesbury Hall apply. Disabled parking, toilets & stair lift.
Tel- 01254 812010 - www.samlesburyhall.co.uk.

JUNE RAFFLES

2011-05-20T16:32:00.001+01:00

‘You are the Apple of My Eye’ ALL THE GREENS

ALSO in June we hold our half yearly raffle where the prizes are all based on anything ‘embroidery’ and there will be 3 baskets of goodies up for grabs, which will include a variety of – fabrics, threads, beads, books and more.
If you would like to contribute items for the baskets please bring to the meeting for Carolyn but don’t forget to buy your tickets on the day.

NEXT MEETING–4th JUNE

2011-05-20T16:24:00.001+01:00

PLEASE NOTE – this meeting has been brought forward by one week and a has a few changes to our normal meetings.

Firstly we will start at 11.30 with a stitch and design session for our Olympic Postcards – based on SERBIA.
The committee will be providing the background fabric, calico backing and ready cut card so you will just need to bring your usual hand sewing equipment, a variety of threads and a notebook and pencil.

PLEASE if you use the internet, look up the country and any of the following which may interest you - the flora, fauna, art, architecture, costume, embroidery, customs, food, currency, maps etc………. THE MORE PHOTOGRAPHS AND INFORMATION we have on the day, the more we have to choose from.
You all did such a splendid job on the Rainbow Squares that we know you can do this too, so bring a packed lunch and join the Olympic stitchers.
John has already started on the National flag!!

******************
In the afternoon we have a TALK BY ANN ROGERS – MORE BAGS FOR SHAKESPEARE’S HEROINES.
It is a while now since Ann did the Part 1 talk for us, and for those of you new to the Branch I’m sure you will enjoy this one – the work is exquisite and each bag very covetable.

OH GOLLY GOSH!!

2011-05-20T15:52:00.001+01:00

Elaine Hughes was our fascinating speaker on the 14th May and talked about her imaginary world of whimsical art textile pieces, which included harbour scenes, gardens and still life. All constructed on her sewing machine from a variety of recycled fabrics, papers, tickets, postcards, dressmaking patterns and much more.

A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

With Elaine’s permission I have copied some of her images from her website – do have a look – some lovely whimsical and quirky pieces.
www.ohgollygosh.co.uk

PARBOLD MEMBERS AND THE NORTH WEST REGION

2011-05-11T16:39:00.000+01:00

Since the inception of the Parbold branch, over 14 years ago in 1996, we have been represented on the Regional committee by 5 of our branch members in several capacities.

Pat Birch, the founder member of Parbold, who had also started the Southport branch some years earlier, was Regional Secretary 1996-8 and then Chairman of the North West Region 1998-9. In 1999 the Regional committee, led by Pat, took over the responsibility of organising and running Regional Day 2000 at Edge Hill College and after that Pat stood down. Unfortunately Pat died in 2005.

Pauline Hannon – a previous member of the Kirkintilloch, Glasgow and Bolton branches; was Parbold Chairman from 1997–2000 and a member of the Regional committee. In 2003 Pauline took over from Betty Mansfield as Regional Chairman, resigning in 2007 to move to London. She was a Guild trustee for three years and acting National Vice-Chair from 2007-8.

I moved to the North West in October 2000, having been a previous member of Banbury, and Northamptonshire branches; founding member of the Daventry branch and the Regional Secretary for the Central East Regional committee 1995-2000 before the split into 2 regions – Eastern and East Midlands.
I was introduced to Betty Mansfield at the National AGM in Southampton in April 2000 and joined Parbold branch in the November. I eventually found myself co-opted as NW Regional Treasurer in May 2001 and did this job for a further 6 years, finally ‘retiring’ as Treasurer in 2007 when I took over the temporary post of Regional Chair for 1 year only, from Pauline.

In 2006 Monica Selway was co-opted to the committee to help set up the three National Trust exhibitions to celebrate the Guild’s centenary and she is now currently Vice-Chair, due to take over as Regional Chair in October this year.

Our latest recruit to the Region is Sue Abbott who jumped in at the deep end in October 2009 by taking over the role of Young Embroiderers’ Organiser.

SO – who will be next? We have set a trend and we need people to follow in our footstep - but perhaps we should be watching out for those who mention the dreaded word
“co-option” – beware!

It would be interesting to know of any other branch who has had this connection with work in the Region – let us know.

AND – of course we now have the ‘Icing on the Cake’ in the form of Pauline Hannon who has just taken over as Guild National Chairman and we all wish her well in this huge job – good luck Pauline – we will be thinking of you.

REGIONAL DAY REPORT

2011-04-26T15:24:00.001+01:00

I am pleased to report that 12 members of the Branch attended the Regional Day in Blackpool on the 16th April on a pleasant sunny day with lots to see and do and lots of old friends to meet up with from across the Region. A well organised day with good food choices, wonderful displays of work and some yummy things to buy from the traders. Thanks to both Blackpool and Lytham branches – don’t forget it will be our turn next year (with Preston branch) so hope you all made notes!!
It was a great pleasure to have Pauline Hannon, one of our Branch members, with us as the newly appointed National Chairman.

This report comes from a new(ish) member of the Branch – Carol - who had not attended one before – these are a few of her thoughts.

Saturday was the first regional day I attended and it was a really good day. On arrival raffle tickets were purchased and I thought the idea of putting your tickets against the prizes you wanted to win, a really good one.
After that I had a wander around the other rooms, particularly enjoying the display of wonderful work by the host branches with some fabulous pieces to admire; there were some exceptionally small pieces of beadwork and a really good display of postcards. Being a doll maker myself it was lovely to see ‘Maurice the Elf’ and the ‘Buxom Babe’ on show.

The competitions were in a separate room and there were an impressive variety of interpretations of the theme ‘Lights Fantastic’ for the Rosebowl competition; a wide range of skills utilized in the Coats competition and a lovely selection of work from the YE.
The only problem with this was that every time I went to the room it was full of people and I didn’t think the lighting did the pieces justice.

The trade stands were in the sports hall and as with most attendees I had to indulge in some retail therapy and admire the skilled demonstrators working away with untold patience answering questions as they went.

Paddy Killer gave a quite interesting talk in the afternoon giving us a resume of her career with examples of her work over the years. She is a very talented lady and it was fascinating to see how her work had changed and developed.

In all it was a well organized friendly day that I thoroughly enjoyed, especially the displays of work from the talented guild members.

A FESTIVAL QUILT by Monica Selway

2011-04-26T14:15:00.001+01:00

Monica Selway, a founder member of the Branch, runs a patchwork and quilting group called ‘Cavendish Quilters’ who meet in Warrington. She reports on a competition quilt made by the group for the Festival of Quilts at the NEC in 2007.
Having visited the Knitting & Stitching Show in Harrogate the group decided they needed a project, so why not a competition quilt – after all they would have 7 months to make it, so why not have a go!
They were already working with a technique called ‘Turning Twenty Again’ – a quick method of cutting fat quarters to make blocks which give random, but effective, patterns, so decided on this to form the basis of the quilt and to add photographs of the areas where members lived to give a sense of identity.
These included the Manchester Ship Canal and the Town Hall gate posts amongst others in Warrington. The cutwork design of the posts worked well as a version of Cathedral Patchwork diamonds which echoed the gate patterns and these formed the side panels.
Colour was influenced by the red brickwork of Warrington houses and the blue seen in the gates and the ship canal.
This quilt had to be made in a hurry to meet the closing deadline, which meant more frequent meetings and members taking work home to complete, until of course it all became too big.
They got some unexpected publicity when the steward at the community centre where they meet brought a local Councillor to see the quilt and this led to the local Warrington Guardian showing pictures and a short article in their paper. After the exhibition, they were invited to display it at the Gateway Centre - an apt venue as it was opposite the gates that inspired some of the work.
A slightly madcap adventure but enjoyed by all the members and as a footnote, and with the help of the members, the quilt is now to be raffled for the Warrington Carers Centre. The draw takes place on the 8^th May and tickets are available via e.mail: cavendishquilters@hotmail.co.uk

The finished quilt.

The Town Hall gate – used as design source for the side panels.

MAY 14 MEETING–OH GOLLY GOSH

2011-04-26T12:26:00.001+01:00

A talk by Elaine Hughes, whose work brings together stitch, drawing, vintage ephemera, found and treated papers and textiles to create unique one off pieces that will intrigue and surprise, and which always reward closer inspection.

Elaine creates visual stories depicting scenes from her imaginary topsy-turvy world called ‘Oh Golly Gosh’.
Where the windows of her houses are all higgle-dee-piggle-dee and the skies at night are always pink.
Full of unexpected delights, her quirky one-off collages play with humour and language.

MAY COLOUR RAFFLE

‘Candy Floss–with a Twist’ – all the pinks – appropriate for those ‘night skies’!!

AND – DON’T FORGET –
The next meeting of the Project Linus group will start at 11.30a.m before our afternoon meeting.
Please bring any completed items you have or anything you are working on, or if you are just interested in seeing what we do you would be welcome to visit us.
I’m sure you will be interested to know that I have recently delivered 18 knitted blankets and one more quilt to Lesley. She sends her thanks.

SOUTHPORT CONTEMPORARY ARTS GROUP

2011-04-26T12:25:00.001+01:00

One or two of our members belong to the above group, who are holding an ARTS TRAIL – Open Studio event from 14th to 22nd May.

The event covers studios and centres from Hightown and Formby to Ainsdale, Birkdale, Central Southport, through to Churchtown.

There will be displays and demonstrations of Jewellery, Paintings, Photography, Encaustic Art and Textiles.

More information – opening hours etc., and a map can be found at their website www.southportcontemporaryarts.com
or phone 0754 1156119

PART 2 - HANDS-ON–‘COLOUR EXPLORATION’–TOUCHY/FEELY.

2011-04-13T12:38:00.001+01:00

Another stimulating afternoon of playing with colour with Sue and Tracey – in fact adding more colour and texture to what we had already produced in the previous session.

We chose 9 of our postcard sized textured and painted cards and were told we had to be ‘quiet’ for 10 minutes!!!!!! A tall order for a group of about 30, so the intrepid duo played us some ‘relaxing music’ to get us in the mood and we had to listen and think (at the same time!!) about what the music meant to us or reminded us of in connection to each card.
Some really weird answers were written on the backs of the cards, BUT no-one spoke (well almost), and then we had to add cut pieces from our remaining cards and decorate with pens, dimensional paint – images and text etc.
Somehow mine have all all ended up with connections to the sea, sand and sky – not intentional when I started out butt perhaps I am influenced by where I live.

As we were all so involved I couldn’t take any pictures of other members work so you will have to put up with a couple of my cards for now just to give an idea of what we were doing.

In the third and last session in July – we have to stitch them together to make a ‘Journal Quilt’, so plenty of time to get the other 5 cards done!!!! I only managed these 4 on the day and they were not quite finished.

BRANCH MEMBER EXHIBITIONS

2011-04-13T11:54:00.001+01:00

We now have at least 3 exhibiting groups that some of our members belong to and all 3 have some interesting exhibitions coming up throughout the year – the first of which are shown below.

PRESTON THREADS at Rossendale.
'Preston Threads present an exhibition based on individual work following the theme of 'Threads Transformed'
from 7th May to 31st July 2011
at
Rossendale Museum, Whitaker Park, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale BB4 6RE
Opening times - Tuesday to Thursday; Saturday and Sunday from 1p.m to 4.30p.m.
Admission free.
Refreshment kiosk in the park (seasonal opening only).
Contact - the museum on 01706 260785
or Sandra Kedzlie 01704 229097

******

AINTREE 20-22May - Creative Stitches and Crafts Show at Aintree Racecourse.
2 of the groups – ‘ONE STEP ON’ and ‘PRESTON THREADS’ will be exhibiting at this show as follows -

*****************

ONE STEP ON are exhibiting work entitled ‘Connecting Stitches’.
You can see them on stand ZB21.

*****************

PRESTON THREADS will be exhibiting work under the title ‘FLORAL THREADS’ based on garden flowers, with the concentration on colour in abstract work.
See us on stand ZC24 – we hope to have demonstrations each day as follows -
Friday – Printing; Saturday – knitting; Sunday – the Embellishing Machine.

Dates and venues of further exhibitions will be shown later.

APRIL 9th–HANDS-ON MEETING

2011-03-30T11:00:00.001+01:00

Sue and Tracey will be instructing us in the second episode of Colour Explorations – this time ‘Touchy Feely’.
You will need to bring the colour washed cards that we made at the February meeting -

PLUS a selection of some of the following – the choice is yours -
Gel pens and glitter pens; Felt tips; Coloured pencils and 3D paint.
Prit stick and paper scissors; notebook and pencil for your thoughts and feeling.
Can’t wait to see what we end up with at the third session in July!!!!

APRIL COLOUR RAFFLE – all things BLUE

‘A Carpet of Bluebells’

ALSO – can those of you who attended the Lizzie Wall ‘Applique Panel’ workshop day, please bring your pieces with you – finished or not so that members can see what we achieved. We hope to have another workshop with Lizzie next year.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY (or back to the Library!!)

2011-03-24T17:40:00.001Z

How many times have you ordered or even bought a Textile book, got it home with great excitement, started to read and then found to your disappointment that it was not what it seemed.

Sometimes you can be lucky and find that your Library has a copy or can even order a copy if it is available in your area. I have done this several times and it can save you disappointment and money in some cases, or even encourage you to purchase your own copy if it is that good and you feel the need to have it on your own shelf!!

A book that has been recommended by a member who did just this, is the Compendium of Quilting Techniques by Susan Briscoe published by Search Press and we hope to have this in the Branch Library soon.

DO LET US KNOW OF OTHER BOOKS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN OUR BRANCH LIBRARY.

I have written before about my local library and just hope that not too many in West Lancashire, where I live, will be closed – I think I might join a ‘sit-in’ – or perhaps a ‘read-in’ might be better, if there is any chance of not being able to use this service!!!

APPLIQUE ‘TREE’ PANELS with Lizzie Wall

2011-03-20T17:51:00.001Z

WOW – what an amazing day it was and how hard everyone worked for this excellent tutor. Thank you Lizzie for a super day.
We were all given a ‘pack’ which included background fabrics, pattern, wadding and other fabrics in colours of our choice.

We worked in layers – first cutting out the basic tree pattern and then applying cut shapes to give shadow and definition, finally ending with flower and leaf patterns to create our own very different ‘tree’. There were 14 of us, all starting off with the basic tree shape and no two were alike – amazing.

To show the process I am using my own piece of work to follow through the stages; as we were all so busy, I didn’t have time to go around and photograph all the stages of everyone’s piece.

First stage – basic tree shape working through the other stages -

until we reached the final stage before stitching.

A selection of work is shown below - named where possible -

Sue Chisnall

Sue Tyldesley

Angela MacLarnon

Some pieces had started to be quilted by the end of the afternoon.
I will try to show some of the finished pieces when I can.

MIXED MEDIA MEANDERINGS

2011-03-13T13:49:00.001Z

On Saturday 12th March, Marie Bellamy, our speaker, admitted to being a hoarder of all things which ‘might be useful’ and I think most of us can relate to that; and a ‘dabbler’ in all things ‘crafty’.
We were not surprised therefore to see her vast collection of mixed media pieces which ranged from wood work, through paper, plastic in all its forms, paints and dyes of many kinds and some fabrics. There were books, pictures, panels, jewellery and much more to see and Marie described her journey from start to finish of some of her pieces, though she did say that she couldn’t always cut up a ‘precious’ piece of painted paper that she had made for some of her projects.
I definitely can relate to that one – with many a box full of bits and pieces!!! Must really do something with them.

I am sure members enjoyed the meanderings of this talented lady but Marie did not want her work photographed, so no pics I’m afraid.

A very good attendance of about 30 members and we welcomed 4 new members who we hope to see regularly at our meetings in future.

WORKSHOP WITH LIZZIE WALL–19th March

2011-03-11T17:52:00.001Z

For this workshop you have a choice of hand or machine stitching.

If machine stitching you will need your sewing machine which should have a drop feed and darning or free motion embroidery foot, extension lead, all attachments, spare needles etc., plus a selection of machine threads of your choice.

Hand sewing threads of your personal choice with thimble, needles etc. Fabric scissors.

Pencil and notebook and scissors for cutting paper.
All fabrics will be included in the charge for the day.

This course is now fully booked. The majority chose to work the Tree applique – so look forward to seeing you there.
Hope to show a wide variety of finished tree panels at a later date.

MIXED MEDIA MEANDERINGS with Marie Bellamy.

2011-03-01T10:13:00.001Z

On Saturday March 12th Marie will be coming to talk to us about her work. She says -

Thanks to my Mother and Father, I have been involved in crafts since an early age - you name it and I've probably tried it (and taught many of them too!). My working life has taken many paths but my 'crafting career' began in the Probation Service as a craft tutor, then I completed a B.Ed (Hons) Degree in Craft, Design and Technology.
After teaching woodwork (yes really), metalwork and more for nearly 10 years I became a self-employed craft tutor eventually opening my own craft shop while still teaching at various venues and to various groups.

Paper, fabric, wood and metal - canvas, gesso, paint and powders - beads, thread, ribbon and lace - photos, transfers, techniques and 'what if's' - put them into a melt-pot (include this technique too!) and you will have some idea of the fun you can have with mixed-media.
Anything goes (as long as it's not dangerous!)

My work has been exhibited and sold in galleries and my latest venture is a jewellery line.

This should be an interesting afternoon with lots of ideas and plenty to see.

************************

MONTHLY RAFFLE – ‘Spring is Here’
Lemon and Cream

HANDS-ON SESSION 1–Colour Washes

2011-02-19T18:12:00.001Z

A good session with watercolour paints, paper and texture. We were encouraged by Sue and Tracey to colour pieces of watercolour paper by mixing colours to form a graded colour wheel of 12 (or more) shades and tones.
A lovely ‘messy’ afternoon just up my street, though probably not for those who don’t like ‘dyed’ hands and nails – good job I wasn’t going out that night – don’t think bright green nails are that attractive!!

We also used a variety of items to texture and mark the papers to give them more interest and we are told that these will be used in the next session in April for Part 2 so if you didn’t complete all 12 you can do more of them at home!!!

‘Women at Work’ – photographs by John Clark.

In April you will need – a choice of some of the following -
Gel pens and Gel glitter pens; Felt tips; Colour pencils; 3D paint. Whatever you have.
Also bring the colour wash papers you made in February; scissors; Pritstick and notebook and pencil.

DO YOU LIKE A GOOD READ???

2011-02-17T15:46:00.001Z

I have been an avid reader from a very early age when I remember the excitement of waiting for the latest edition of the books by Enid Blyton.
I still have my 1945 copy of ‘Five go to Smugglers Top’ and the 1946 ‘Castle of Adventure’ and remember going to the Saturday book club in our local bookshop when the owner read a chapter – why don’t they do that now? What an encouragement that was to get children reading – we couldn’t wait to get home with the latest book to see what happened next!

However I digress – I now go to my local library where I am still an avid reader and the other week came upon a ‘Quilting Murder Mystery’ – yes that’s what it said on the cover, so I couldn’t resist and thought that those of you who like to read might find them interesting – this is not an advert!!
This turned out to be a series of books by Terri Thayer – the first called ‘Wild Goose Chase’ which those who know about quilting will recognise as a quilting design (I didn’t). Having been to the Quilt show at the NEC I will now look at it in a different light!!

There are two more in the series – ‘Old Maid’s Puzzle and ‘Ocean Waves’ and I suppose these too must be quilt designs though I haven’t come across these yet. If you like a good story with a bit of mystery thrown in – look out for them in your library. Hope you enjoy.

PROJECT LINUS UPDATE

2011-02-17T15:03:00.001Z

After our meeting on 12th February, a remarkable 12 quilts and 6 knitted blankets had been completed and were passed to Lesley for distribution.
It was exciting to see what everyone had done in such a short time but we all agreed that this was probably down to the bad weather – no gardening and not much going out either!! However we all hope to keep up a supply of items coming in for the future even if they are at a slower rate.

Lesley had brought more fleece and a lot of fabric scraps in for everyone to use, as well as the new ‘kit’ to make a star. A lot was taken but I still have a supply of some of the fabric pieces so they will be brought to the March meeting.

One or two of the quilts and blankets are shown below. Not all by Guild members.

Sylvia

Lillian

Angela

Sue Tyldesley

AND……. another item, made by Angela McLarnon who took on board the Christmas Challenge of ‘Working in one stitch’ and instead of creating a book cover design, decided to go for a small panel. Looks great Angela.

OLYMPIC POSTCARDS PROJECT –SERBIA

2011-02-04T15:43:00.001Z

To celebrate the 2012 London Olympics, the Guild is proposing a spectacular tribute by creating a series of textile postcards dedicated to each of the countries taking part.

Parbold Branch have been allocated Serbia as our country and the aim is to make a set of landscape ‘cards’ 6” x 4” with the national flag at the top of a concertina fold strip. Aspects of the country can include costume, customs, currency, embroidery, fauna, flora, food, geography, landmarks etc… The list is endless as are the techniques that can be used to replicate the ideas. Images and information can be found on -www.flags.net/index.htm and you can also try http://www.en.wikepedia.org for other information about the country.

The Serbian flag is red, white and blue and it has been suggested that to make the strips of cards more cohesive, we will use at least one of those colours either as a background or in the stitching. These are just some starting points so that you can investigate your own ideas.

More information, planning and making up instructions will be provided and we hope to have a workday to get them under way sometime in May. They will probably need to be completed by the end of the year and more news on all of this will be provided later.

February 12th meeting: Hands-on session

2011-02-01T17:13:00.001Z

Sue Chisnall and Tracey Ramsey will be commencing their three linked Hands-on sessions on “Colour Exploration”.
We will be painting onto watercolour paper and you will need to bring the following for this first session -

Watercolour Paper 140 weight or equivalent – minimum of 12 pieces cut into rectangles of 6” x 4”.
Watercolour paints – at least the 3 primary colours – red, blue, yellow.
Large size paint brushes.
Jam jar or paint pot and mixing palette.
Notebook and pencil for note taking.
Apron.

Sue and Tracey will supply additional items and explain in more detail what will be needed for the second session in April.

February Colour Raffle

2011-01-24T17:13:00.001Z

The Rose - my favourite flower.

‘ROMANTIC RED’

Project Linus News

2011-01-23T18:22:00.001Z

Prior to the Branch afternoon meeting, February 12th, the Village Hall has been booked for the first gathering of the Project Linus Group.

Commencing at 11.30 Lesley Mercer, Lancashire
Co-ordinator will attend with advice and supplies, AND to take with her any completed blankets or quilts – so please bring anything you have made or are still making so that we can all see how we are getting on.
We will also discuss how often to hold these meetings and how we feel they should be run and funded.

Please be prompt as we have to make sure we clear everything away by 1.30 for the setting up of the Branch afternoon Hands-on session.
If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

JANUARY MEETING–Sketchbooks

2011-01-09T14:16:00.001Z

Well, I thought I had a lot of my own sketchbooks, but Ann’s collection was truly amazing.
She could even go back to her school days (of course - not so very long ago!!) and fascinated us all with memories of her family and their technical drawing skills which had rubbed off and influenced her work from a very young age.

Ann talked us through a variety of sketchbooks with the aid of a Power Point presentation; some to do with various courses she had done and her most creative was her ‘Chinese Book’ for her City & Guilds in Creative Sketchbooks’ taken as a distance learner with Linda and Laura Kemshall. This is shown below.

I have included photographs of some individual pages below just to give you all a flavour of some of her ideas – lots based on holiday photographs and drawings and some on project work she is doing with ‘One Step On’.

Based on the Tate Gallery in St. Ives.

Work in progress

A small finished piece from one of her design ideas.

Thank you Ann for a very entertaining and informative afternoon.

Our member who gave a vote of thanks commented that she had not before realised that a sketchbook could be a visual diary and not a finished masterpiece – you can keep dipping into it for ideas for many years to come.

SO how about it – let’s see more of them – bring yours in to our meetings so we can see how you are getting on. Who knows some of your pages might be shown on the Blog eventually.
One drawing a week is a good place to start – go out and buy that empty sketchbook now and get drawing, sticking – whatever you want and good luck!!!

JANUARY colour raffle

2010-12-30T11:17:00.001Z

SILVER

JANUARY MEETING–Talk by Ann Christy on Sketchbooks

2010-12-30T11:15:00.001Z

Ann’s talk is about her collection of sketchbooks and her experience as a distance learner taking a City & Guilds level 2 course in Creative Sketchbooks.

She starts with her early interest in drawing and painting, going back 20 - 30 years or more, showing some of those earlier pieces and demonstrating how she has developed her style to the sort of sketchbook work that she does now.

The pictures below show some of her sketchbook pages.

CHRISTMAS SNOW ?

2010-12-19T14:31:00.001Z

To our amazement here on the coast we had a fall of about 10” (25cm) of snow on Friday night and now on Sunday afternoon it is still here much to our amazement – never known this to happen before, certainly not in the last 10 years we have lived here.

Thought you might like to see what our garden looks like – if you would like to mail me any pics you might have, I will get them onto the blog as soon as I can.

A rather damp sit down here!!!

Love the patterns made by the frozen snow on the branches.

Our holly tree devoid of berries – eaten by the blackbirds.

This looks a bit of a ‘cool’ hotel!

Our pots look a bit swamped here – it just shows how deep the snow is.
Hope it all disappears by next Friday – going to our daughter’s for Christmas.

Have a good holiday – Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

KIMONO – an entertainment

2010-12-13T15:39:00.001Z

A very different extended meeting for December was well received by all members who attended. A fascinating talk, demonstration and hands-on session with Katie Chaplin on all things Japanese.

First of all Katie demonstrated ‘dressing a Kimono’ on a mannequin called Dolly! The layers of silk wrapped and tied onto the body was quite amazing – I think I counted 15 in all and some are shown in the photographs below. Most of these are used to ‘fill out’ the body to give a straight look and Katie started off with a white cotton base garment; padding around the waist to thicken (not many Westerners would need this I think!).
The next layer in pink, had long falling sleeves to signify that the wearer is looking for a husband. Yet more layers to fill out the waist area, then came the Kimono itself – mostly green and orange.

The Kimono Katie used was 45 years old – hand painted with some couched gold on the flowers of the front panel.
Mostly worn by girls at their coming of age at 20 and at New Year. They must be worn with the front crossed left over right as the Western way of women’s dress – right over left – in Japan, is only worn that way on a corpse!!!

The OBI that Katie used was gold thread woven into a heavy silk.
This gets wrapped around the middle, tied at the back and folded to form a bird (Little Sparrow) at the back.

Finally a fan is tucked into the front of the Obi and wooden shoes are worn with split toe white cotton socks.

Katie then performed the traditional Japanese tea ceremony – very calming and carried out in complete silence.

After a lunch break we then re-gathered for a ‘hands-on’ go at Furoshiki gift wrapping using fabric squares, which can be used to wrap almost anything. Some pictures are shown below.

Some of our members with a collection of the work. I think some people might be wrapping their presents a bit differently this Christmas!!
A big thank you to Katie for a fascinating and very different meeting.

Katie, who has studied both in UK and Japan, uses vintage Japanese fabrics to create a variety of textile pieces, as well as doing talks and workshops – more information from her website www.japancrafts.co.uk

December meeting – Saturday 11th

2010-12-03T16:58:00.001Z

A talk, demonstration and hands-on session with Katie Chaplin entitled ‘Kimono Dressing, Tea Ceremony and Furoshiki- Gift Wrapping’.
Information on Katie’s Kimonos can be seen on TextileArts.net and I have taken the following passage from that site – sounds interesting.

Few images of Japanese culture are as evocative as an elegant lady in a beautiful silk kimono. Although rarely worn nowadays, a symbol of refinement, sophistication and taste.
Yet 'kimono' translates simply as 'clothing', and was the everyday attire of all Japanese people for centuries.
In modern Japan you will still see the occasional old lady who has never worn anything except kimono, but most people only wear their national costume on special occasions e.g. Weddings, New Year celebrations etc., their clothing revealing much about their social status, lifestyles and tastes.
There are many types of kimono and many ways of wearing each type. Each nuance has meaning which can be 'read' by others. Young, unmarried women wear bright, gaudy furisode with sleeves reaching to their ankles. This shows they are old enough to marry, but are still eligible and looking for a suitable bachelor.

This will be a special extended meeting starting at 11a.m for 11.30 and you will need to bring your packed lunch. Visitors welcome but the charge for this special event will be £5.50. Branch members normal entrance fee.

Let’s hope the weather is kind to us so we can all get along to enjoy both the talk and demonstration and make it a special festive occasion. Hope to see you there.

DECEMBER COLOUR RAFFLE

2010-11-25T12:54:00.001Z

WINTER WHITE – but also a little grey perhaps.

COFFEE MORNING

2010-11-25T12:41:00.001Z

THANK YOU to everyone who came – we raised enough from the entry fee, raffle, sales and cash donations to get us started and we received enough fabrics, wools etc., to give everyone something to take away and start stitching, so we now look forward to seeing the results of our labours – hopefully pictures later. Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way.

I should point out that this project group will be open to anyone who wants to join in and is not restricted to Parbold EG members – so tell any of your friends who either like to knit or stitch.

I have made up some fabric packs from the bits that were left after the coffee morning and these will be available for members to take if they would like to join in with the project – I will have them at the December meeting and anyone who has fabrics, wools or threads that they would like to donate, can bring them to any of our monthly meetings.
AND hopefully we will have a show and tell table at the meetings – so get stitching!!

From next February we hope to meet every now and then to see how we are getting on, exchange ideas, hints and tips – more information on this will be available later so watch this space.

‘MY QUILTS AND OTHER ANIMALS’

2010-11-17T11:55:00.001Z

Now I know what the title meant – a wonderful array of wall hangings – all based on ‘magical’ animals from children’s books, written by a friend, were shown by Elizabeth Wall at our meeting last Saturday. An absolute riot of colour and mix of fabrics were the basis of the work. Lizzie, an art teacher and embroiderer, drew the animals in pencil and then searched her massive collection of mixed fabrics as part of the process of creating the hangings.
They ranged from the Owls, Dolphins and Fish seen below to Butterflies, a Chameleon Bear, Birds, the Allerton Oak made for the Year of Culture in 2008, to a Banner for her husband’s teaching union and a wonderful Church vestment which was just one of a set she had been commissioned to make – certainly the most sumptuous I have ever seen.

A very inspirational talk and display of work which was very much appreciated by the large number of members who attended.

In March 2011 Lizzie will be taking a workshop for us and we have a choice of either the Tree or the Owl which are shown below. Anyone interested in taking part should let Karen Hurrell know which of these you prefer, so that Lizzie can bring the correct choice of fabrics. Members were already putting names on the list for this course after the talk, so I suggest getting in early on this one – it is obviously going to be popular. I just love the Owl – my favourite bird, but I also have ‘a thing’ about trees, so what to do!!!???

COFFEE MORNING –20th NOVEMBER

2010-11-04T11:24:00.001Z

A coffee morning with bring and buy stall, raffle and coffee and biscuits is to be held on the 20th at my home commencing 10.45.

We would love to see you and if you don’t know my address please phone for directions – my number is on the Parbold programme and in the Regional Journal.

The aim is to raise funds to purchase materials for the Project Linus working group we hope to start and you will be most welcome to come along – just for coffee and a chat, donations of materials or raffle prizes and maybe to purchase one or two bits for Chistmas.
If you can’t make it but would like to make a donation of any kind I will be at our monthly meeting on the 13th so will see you there.

NOVEMBER MEETING – COLOUR RAFFLE

2010-10-25T16:40:00.001+01:00

The colour raffle this month is entitled ‘Misty Mornings’ – shades of grey, silvers etc.

NOVEMBER MEETING – Saturday 13th

2010-10-25T16:38:00.001+01:00

Our November meeting will be a talk by Lizzie Wall entitled ‘My Quilts and Other Animals’.
Lizzie will be bringing a collection of her miniature quilts which combine fabrics and free machining and which will be prior to the workshop on Applique Quilts that she will be running in March next year, so we hope to get lots of ideas to get us going.

Look forward to seeing you all there with up to date news on the Project Linus Group which we hope to start soon.

We hear that both John Clark and his grand daughter Sarah Ruaux both had work exhibited at Alexandra Palace which will also be on show in November at the Knit and Stitch Show in Harrogate.
Sarah was awarded the Young Embroiderers’ De Denne prize for her embroidered clogs which you will remember from our Open Day in May when they were on display. A picture of the clogs can be seen on the blog entry for May 12th.
I for one will try to get along to see their work – many congratulations to you both.

WORKSHOP CANCELLATION

2010-10-16T17:33:00.001+01:00

Unfortunately due to low booking numbers we have had to cancel the ‘Tassels and Braids’ workshop with Marge Quinn, to be held on Saturday 6th November.

THE CONTEMPORARY FELT SCENE

2010-10-11T12:42:00.001+01:00

Our meeting on Saturday 9th October was well attended for the talk by Sheila Smith who told us about how felt originated thousands of years ago in Central Asia. It was an important part of life for the Nomadic people who created tents made from long strips of felt which could be rolled up, bags and carpets, for easy transportation of their homes when the shepherds were looking for new grazing areas.

Sheila had attended a symposium a few years ago in Hungary which included workshops on inlaid felt, run by women from Kirgizstan. She had several samples of this technique, including 3 or 4 she had made herself, plus a lovely little traditional doll made by the women – picture below.

Sheila passed around many samples of her work, from the early thicker pieces to the very fine work she likes to create now.

She described the making of Nuno felt onto scrim or silk chiffon as a backing fabric and the use of prepared needlepunch felt which is available widely nowadays.

For those of us who like to recycle old knitwear, Sheila had made a bag from an old sweater – but warned that if you want it to shrink by washing in the machine, first make sure it is pure wool! It can be very disappointing to open the washing machine to find the sweater has only partially shrunk due to a mixture of wool and acrylic fibres having been used. Her warning was – read the label first! All is not lost however as it can be attached to a layer of needle punch felt and worked on an embellishing machine – hers was a bag to be proud of.
(Note: On the other hand I had the terrible experience of washing my daughter’s sweater purchased in American with the USA flag on the front, and which had been worn once – put it in with other washing at a cotton setting!!! Need I say more – it would have fitted a small baby – wish I had had my embellisher then – could have made her a very nice bag!)

The photographs below show some examples of Sheila’s work.

Part of a waistcoat front using grey wool fibres, black silk chiffon and painted silk flowers.

Sample technique piece used as a demonstration at a show – hand punching knitting wools and fibres into a pre-felt backing.

Bags need to be made from a thicker felt and are made on a template the shape and size of the finished bag – a lot of hard work – I know I have tried this method!

Thank you Sheila for a very entertaining afternoon.

October 9th – Talk by Sheila Smith

2010-10-05T17:02:00.001+01:00

Sheila, a renowned feltmaker who teaches in the UK and abroad; writes regularly for magazines and is the author of several books; will be talking about the Contemporary Felt Scene, which will be the talk that was cancelled from last January due to bad weather – I think Sheila was snowed in, in deepest Yorkshire.
Those of you who know Sheila will know what a good tutor she is and we were all pleased with the end results of our labours at the day workshop she did in March – so can I suggest that all of those who attended, bring your finished (or otherwise!!) work to show Sheila and other members of the branch.

If you want to see the what Sheila does, her books on the subject are – Felt to Stitch; Embellish, Stitch and Felt and another written with Freda Walker – Feltmaking: the Whys and Wherefores.
She also has a website – Felt by Design.

THE OCTOBER COLOUR RAFFLE IS -
‘FALLING LEAVES’ so will include browns, rusts, golds etc.

BLACKWORK WITH LIZ ALMOND

2010-09-23T16:46:00.001+01:00

Passion and enthusiasm personified by Elizabeth Almond during the BLACKWORK COURSE swept all who attended along with her. It was a rattling success. The structure of the day was well thought out and the content was illustrated by a plethora of her work displayed for everyone to drool over.

The morning started with a history of blackwork, from its introduction into English fashion by Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’S first wife, through the developing stages to present day practise. Liz then went on to categorise the materials and threads which can be used , which saved a great deal of trial and error on our part by telling us of her own failures and successes. Experience is always better than reading manufacturers’ blurb, which can be sparing with the truth.

Technique and method followed. At this point Liz asked if we were getting bored. Shell shocked more like. A well prepared pack was then given to each member containing patterns and instructions for three works along with threads and materials to make them, including the correct needle! The fun then began as we tentatively selected our nemesis.

Actually it was clearly explained and much easier than first thought, so the room ,after a noisy start dissolved into silence. Liz told us to call out if we needed help, but the genius of the woman was at your side before you even realised you had a problem.
All our work developed differently, and any member of the Parbold Branch could pick out the work belonging to specific individuals, from the “exquisite” to the “well tried”.
A voice from the depth of the kitchen called “Hey, it’s raining!” This was the cry to return to the hum drum present day .
A great deal of effort went into making the day a success, from assisting Pick fords, to tea making and clearing away, and thanks go to all backstage staff.
It truly was a BLACKWORK JOURNEY.

Carole Sams

Brenda Jackson

Pat Barends

Sue Chisnall

Many thanks to June Talbot for her report and to Karen Hurrell for the photographs.

APOLOGIES

2010-09-15T11:11:00.002+01:00

I have just noticed that I missed one new addition from our list of new committee members - Kay Kellaway - sorry Kay - you are of course very welcome.

BLACKWORK WORKSHOP

2010-09-13T17:21:00.001+01:00

On Saturday 18th September there will be a full day workshop with Liz Almond on Blackwork.
Commencing at 10a.m the charge for the day will be £22 for members and £25 for visitors – this will include fabric, threads and designs.
Refreshments will be provided – please bring a packed lunch.

There are still a few places left so contact Karen Hurrell if you are interested – visitors most welcome.

AGM and TALK – Saturday 11th September

2010-09-13T17:14:00.001+01:00

The year of our Open Day saw the end of the 3 year term of our joint Chairmen Sue and Tracey and as a closing event it proved to be very successful, both in visitors attending and increasing our income for the year, which was very much needed due to high increased costs.

Both Sue and Tracey and other members of the committee who retired this year were thanked wholeheartedly by the 25 members who attended and new members to the committee were introduced – Ann Baldwin, Caroline Percy, and Carole Sams. All other members remain on committee for another year.

The Chairmans’ challenge for a ‘Folded Book’ had 7 entries – judged by the outgoing Chairmen, the winner being Audrey Gore and runner up Marjorie Williams. Pictures of some of the entries are shown below.

‘Geometry’ by Audrey Gore

‘Machine Stitches’ by Marjorie Williams

Some of the other entries.

AFTER THE AGM official business, we followed on with a most interesting talk with a show and tell of the Project Linus quilt project. Lesley Mercer the Lancashire area organiser seemed to have an endless supply of quilts, from mini ones (20” square) for premature babies, up to much larger ones (40” square) for teenagers. All in bright colours and patterns, stitched by hand or machine and as well as quilts, or comforters there were knitted blankets in soft colours.
Originally targeting paediatric cancer patients, Project Linus has broadened its focus towards seriously ill, abused or traumatised children – in need of a ‘big hug’ and Lancashire is one of the most productive regions with over 1200 items donated in the last few years.
The quilts on show had all been produced by volunteers, either individually or in groups and would eventually be donated to hospitals, hospices, Dr. Barnardo’s, care homes etc., in and around Lancashire.

Some of our members at the end of the meeting, were quite keen to ‘get something started’ not as part of the Guild, but as an individual group and anyone who is interested should contact me, preferably by e.mail or phone (you will all have my contact details on your membership card). When we know who is interested then we can go about setting up a meeting with Lesley to get organised.

However – to the quilts – I have only shown parts so that you get an idea of the detail. I am no patchworker but love hand or machine quilting so if there is any, please excuse the incorrect terminology!!
There were whole cloth quilts; pieced and patched; some with hand embroidered panels attached and as you will see in lovely bright child friendly colours -

Whole cloth Whole cloth Pieced

Whole cloth

Pieced

Pieced 2x4

Hand embroidered

Machined panel

September 18th – Black-work workshop day

2010-08-19T18:06:00.001+01:00

A week after our monthly meeting we are running a full day workshop on Blackwork with Elizabeth Almond – there are places left so please contact Karen Hurrell or Sue Chisnall. Kits will be available to purchase on the day, so no need to worry about the correct fabrics and threads to bring.

Elizabeth has a website – www.blackworkjourney.co.uk and there is a link to her blog which provides lots of hints, tips and ideas about blackwork design – she also has a few patterns which you can download as freebies.
It should be a good day – I love the counted thread techniques and blackwork especially can be so effective.

NEXT MEETING – SEPTEMBER 11th.

2010-08-19T17:43:00.001+01:00

Hello again – I have been away for a while and missed the August meeting, so hope you are all refreshed from you ‘hols’ if you have already had them, or perhaps you are still looking forward to them?
Whichever it is I look forward to catching up will all of you at our AGM on the 11th, and if you have all worked hard to make the Chairmen’s Challenge, hope to see lots and lots of entries – mine is not quite finished, but will be I’m sure!!

Following the AGM when we will be gaining some new committee members and officers, we will have a talk by Lesley Mercer on ‘Project Linus’ – a volunteer organisation who aim to provide a sense of comfort and security for sick and traumatised children of all ages, through the provision of home made patchwork quilts and knitted blankets. This idea originated in December 1995 in the USA and since then over 3 million quilts and blankets have been delivered worldwide.

Started in the UK in March 2000 over 122,000 quilts and blankets have been delivered so far in this country – the aim being to deliver quilts as locally as possible to their makers. It should be a fascinating talk with lots of samples to see.

We have a new colour raffle for the year, starting with our September meeting – no pictures this time but interesting titles – the one for September is “You’ve been Tangoed” – wonder what that can be?????

I shall be putting our new programme for 2010-11 on the Branch web page soon so please log in to check out what we have in store for the coming year.

Talk by Jean Surrey - 14th August

2010-07-31T12:13:00.003+01:00

At our next meeting on 14th August we will be welcoming Jean Surrey who will give a talk on 'Grandma's workbox'. This will be about 19th century workboxes and their contents, and Jean will bring along examples from her collection to show us.

The colours for the colour raffle are:
Mandarin Fish-orange, purple, brown, green,yellow & pink (multicolour)

Here's a picture of the mandarin fish:

CHAIRMAN’S CHALLENGE – SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-07-03T12:13:00.001+01:00

Sue and Tracey will be retiring at our AGM in September and they have set the members a challenge – to make a ‘one page booklet’ from fabric.
You can use any theme, colour and techniques that you prefer and these will be displayed for judging at the AGM on September 11th.
Information sheets are available at our meetings – but you will need -
A piece of fabric 10” x 7” approx. – plain, patterned, dyed, painted or printed. You can then hand or machine stitch; patchwork or applique, and embellish with decoration on one or both sides.
Full details of folding and cutting are in the hand-out. If you haven’t got one please ask at the next meeting or if you can’t get there and would like to take part I am sure one could be posted or e.mailed – contact Sue or Tracey.

We get distracted from our stitching at this time of year, when the sun shines, the garden needs doing and holidays are on the horizon!! SO – you will need to get started soon.

The two made by Sue and Tracey are shown below .

Looking forward to seeing at least 40!!!!!!

HANDS-ON SESSION – 10th JULY

2010-07-02T17:42:00.001+01:00

Marie Brown from Preston Branch will be running a Hands-on session for us on ‘The Distorted Stitch’.

You will need to bring the following requirements -
A 12inch square (or 30cm) of multi-coloured or space dyed cotton fabric.
Quilters wadding or felt the same size.
Piping cord or string.
Strong threads to match fabric.
Needles and scissors.

Look forward to seeing you all then.

**************

THE COLOUR RAFFLE FOR THAT DAY IS –Yellow ribbon sweet-lips – a cute little creature. Colours to include – lime green, pale blue, and black.

MACHINE EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP – 19th JUNE

2010-06-27T11:52:00.001+01:00

I got to the hall about 3p.m to see what everyone had been doing and I arrived just in time for tea!!
They were all working very hard at making samples and experimenting with, what was for most of them, some new techniques. These included fabric distortion, manipulation using scrims and working on dissolves, as well as some simple stitch exercises to get them started..
The results are shown below – don’t know who did what but members present included Donna Eaton, Angela McLarnon, Mary Heaton, Pat Barends, Brenda Jackson, Kay Kellaway (sorry if I have missed anyone off). All ably tutored by Sue Chisnall, Karen Hurrell and Tracey Ramsey.

Apologies for the poor photo quality but it was a very bright day with a lot of reflected light in the hall.

TALK BY DIANE GAFFNEY – 12th JUNE

2010-06-17T10:41:00.001+01:00

We had a fascinating talk and a most enjoyable afternoon with Diane when she talked about costume for special occasions from Java, Bali and Northern Thailand. There were weddings, Court , Temple and street ceremonies – all shown with our new digital projector, which is really proving it’s worth as most speakers now seem to bring a laptop or memory stick with all their photographs.

The printed batiks, amazing patterns and colour were a main feature of the talk, with some really incongruous sights – like a little girl from the Hmong tribe in Northern Thailand, having her school lunch and dressed in a beautifully embroidered and patterned top with a pair of jogging bottoms and plastic sandals!! Also a group of men from Bali at a street ceremony all wearing red T-shirts with the word PECALANG printed in white on their backs and over their traditional long ‘skirt’. Diane explained that the word means SECURITY and they were the crowd control for a street ceremony!!

After the slideshow we then got to handle and even try on some of the fantastic collection of items that Diane had brought with her and here are some pictures.

One of the beautiful Batiks from Java

Sue – our (joint) Chairman in all the finery of the Hmong tribe – love the T-shirt, necklace and badges, but having seen the items they put together I’m sure they would be more than pleased to do the same.

Top view of the lampshade (sorry – hat!) she is wearing.

Detail of her skirt – very finely pleated with hand stitching mainly in cross stitch.

A man’s ceremonial hat – for Court ceremony.

Karen our Programme secretary in a very grand gold embroidered jacket and holding a pair of matching slippers. Would make a nice item for evening wear maybe.

AND FINALLY - I just couldn’t resist this one – John our official photographer is always ‘snapping’ away when we least expect it , and I for one like to make sure it’s my best side (!!) when I am photographed so I am not always best pleased !!!!!

SO JOHN this is just for you – we just had to get our own back, so on the catwalk now is John Clark wearing a skirt and pinny!!!!!
Finished off with a natty little hat – it really suits you and I’m sure you would fit in with the best of them in Java. Thanks John for being a good sport.

Amendment for bookings – 19th June

2010-06-16T20:27:00.001+01:00

For this workshop can you please contact either Sue or Tracey and NOT Karen – or me if you can’t get through to anyone!! Sorry about this but Karen has changed her phone number.

Saturday 19th June Workshop

2010-06-13T17:30:00.001+01:00

Sue, Tracey and Karen will be running a ‘Machine Embroidery for the Uncertain’ workshop and there are still a few places available. If you would like to book please contact Karen Hurrell our Programme Secretary.

You will need to bring -
Your sewing machine which is capable of dropping the feed teeth; an extension cable; darning or any open front foot; spare needles and bobbins and your machine manual.
If you do not have a suitable machine, there will be 3 available for use.

You will also need a thin embroidery hoop (capable of fitting under the machine foot.
Cotton fabrics, machine embroidery threads, pins, scissors etc.
Paper and pencil for notes.
Your lunch. (Tea and coffee will be provided).

The tutors will have supplies of cotton fabrics, dissolvable fabrics, material scraps and plastic wallets. A few spare hoops, thread etc., will also be available.

JUNE 12th MEETING

2010-05-26T10:50:00.001+01:00

This months Colour raffle is based on Hard & Soft Coral, Sponges and Algae – lilac; gold/yellow and white.

Our speakers this month are Diane & Jim Gaffney
talking about ‘Clothes for Festivities, Ceremonies and Special Occasions’.
Diane and Jim Gaffney run Textile Techniques and their shop, Textile Traders. They have an excellent website with lots of information at www.textiletechniques.co.uk

They specialise in buying, selling, and exhibiting hand made textiles and learning and talking about the people who make them and the techniques they use to make them.

Quoting from their website - “Glamour, glitter, gold, intricate weavings and stunning embroideries are all part of the textiles and costumes made and worn for weddings, festivals and temple ceremonies.
A wedding in Java, a temple ceremony in Bali, and a New Year celebration amongst the hill tribes of Northern Thailand.
The significance of the textiles, and the stories of their designs are as fascinating as the way they are made and the events they are made for. Come and enjoy!”

“Fair Trade has always been an important part of our business and we do our best to keep things fair by buying directly from the maker wherever possible. That way we know everyone is happy with the deal. It also helps to give money to those who continue to make high quality textiles in the teeth of considerable global economic pressures.
We particularly specialise in silks, brocade and ikat weavings from Laos, Thailand and Indonesia, batik from Java, Malaysia and Thailand, kilims, carpets and flat weaves from Turkey and tribal costume and textiles from the hilltribes of the Golden Triangle. Going to see the people who supply us with textiles and tools is the best part of our job and we try to visit at least once a year”.

OPEN DAY NEWS

2010-05-12T15:18:00.001+01:00

WOW what a day we had - if you couldn't get there you really missed a treat.
Sue Chisnall and Tracey Ramsay our joint Chairmen, deserve special thanks for the enormous amounts of time and effort they put into the planning and background; the visits to Mills, Museums, Canals and Coal-mines to prepare samples and ideas for our Hands-on days that we had in the build up to this event. It really was worth all that effort - thanks U2.
The displays looked absolutely great with a table devoted to each of the four subjects of Local Industrial Heritage.

Wakes Week Postcards - There was a huge variety of fabric postcards on show and for sale.

Mining - The miners ‘buttie’ (or sandwich) boxes proved very popular as they each contained a little colourful gift – brooches, pendants etc.

Canals - A variety of stencil printed bags following Canal barge painting designs and the horses feed bag shape.

The Canal bargemen wore intricately stitched belts made by wives and girlfriends, based on check tea-towel material and these proved very popular.
Christina Mutch and Sue Tyldesley ran an ongoing hands-on workshop throughout the day and many of the visitors took part. I think these might become a popular fashion accessory in the branch!!

Weaving -
A variety of weaving equipment – clogs, shuttles and posters were on display as well as some hand woven pieces by members.

Continuous spinning and weaving demonstrations throughout the day were undertaken by several members of the Merseyside Weavers group and their contribution was much appreciated.

IN ADDITION we also had a display of members own work, which never ceases to amaze me – we never see some of this work being done but we always get a good display for an exhibition that does everyone proud – a few examples -

The 'Catering team' did sterling work and kept everyone fed and watered and we had great fun on the door, talking to all the visitors. AND of course our two Trade stands selling a wide variety of paints, dyes, fabrics, beads etc………………..

The whole event seems to have been a great success with over 145 visitors who appreciated absolutely everything and have written some really nice comments in our Visitors book. Do read it at the next meeting.

We hope now that some of them follow up on this and return as visitors to our monthly meetings and eventually of course join us as new members in September.

WELL DONE TO EVERYONE – IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS and worth all the hard work put in by members.

LOST PROPERTY

2010-05-12T12:36:00.001+01:00

At the end of our Open Day last Saturday we found a pair of black leather gloves with a label inside which says -
100% Goat Nappa – size M-L.

If anyone has lost these please contact me at sandrakedzlie@gmail.com and I can bring them to our next meeting on the 12th June.
If they belong to someone who is not a member they can be collected from our meeting, from me or they can be posted. Just get in touch.

OPEN DAY – 8th MAY

2010-04-29T13:57:00.001+01:00

Just over a week to go and all the hard work will hopefully pay off.

We have arranged some really good displays based on the Northern Industrial Heritage theme that we have been following for the last year – these will include work on Weaving, Wakes Week Postcards, Canal Barge Painting and Coal Mining so there should be something for everyone, including husbands!
There will also be a general display of members work completed over the last few years.
We will have demonstrations throughout the day which will include Weaving; Knotting and Canal Painting.

Tombola and General Raffle to include – the Colour Raffle that we normally have at our monthly meeting , which will be a giant basket of fabrics, threads, beads etc. following a colour theme.

Sales tables from -
Sticky Fingers with paints and papers.
Marshside Quilts and Crafts with a variety of patchwork fabrics, embroidery kits, fancy buttons and other embellishments.
A bead stall and a branch stall which will include variety packs of fabrics and threads.
LOTS TO SEE AND BUY.

AND there will be refreshments made by our own catering team which will include a variety of sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and drinks.

We will be open 10.30a.m to 4p.m. Entry fee £1 with easy disabled access.
The village hall is situated at the end of the village opposite the Library and for those of you with SatNav our post code is WN8 7DN .

We look forward to seeing you.

AND FINALLY – The Photograph Album is at last completed and will be on show so do make a point of looking for that – lovely samples of work on the cover and some great photographs.

LATEST NEWS

2010-04-15T18:20:00.001+01:00

Or should it be ‘Breaking News’ as the latest expression goes – can anybody explain why, what or how it is breaking. Sorry but what is wrong with ‘Latest’??

The Exhibition by our new group ‘Natural Progression’ at Drumcroon Gallery , Wigan will be holding a private view evening from 6.30p.m on the 19th April. You are all most welcome to attend.
Members of the group have heard a whisper that Alice Kettle might be attending to visit the main exhibition which includes work by one of her friends. Hope she finds a minute or two to visit our group!!
Unfortunately I can’t be there as I should be in Amsterdam for a week – volcanic eruptions not withstanding.
So just think of me on Friday 16th stuck at the airport, not knowing when or if I can go. If you hear from me before the 23rd you will know I didn’t get there – hey ho – the best laid plans and all that!!