• For the Regional Chair’s Challenge we will construct a series of cubes, each along a particular theme, and members were invited to take one side each to complete. The cubes will then be assembled by participating committee members, and promise to be colourful, varied and interesting. Printed instructions were provided and each individual piece to be completed by June please.
• The Savick library bunting project is progressing and the children’s drawings have now been transferred to fabric, ready for stitched embellishment. Printed instructions were provided and each piece to be completed by September please

We used cardboard and wadding to pad the pebble out before covering it with calico and pulling it tight around the back. The stones were made by using a piece of 'tights' fabric stretched over some toy stuffing by sewing a small circle and putting the stuffing in before pulling the thread tight. We were then shown how to sew them onto our calico.
Here are some of the end results..................
Sue was working on a piece based on the portrait in the Harris museum of Annie Hill, a 12 year old cotton mill girl. Working on silk organza and using vintage threads in muted tones, Sue’s finely stitched piece promises to be a stunning exhibit. Pam was putting the finishing touches to a beautiful mixed media image of “The Flower Marquee”, a perfect image of a country show stall, and Beryl working on a finely beaded Easter egg.
Annabel was needle weaving a classic yacht, Karen stitching skeleton leaves using fine perlé thread in muted autumn tones and Rosie completing a large calico covered pebble, embellished with seashells and pearls.
Jennifer was knitting a lovely classic 1950s baby matinée jacket in 3 ply yarn, a pattern she has used many times and for several generations, whilst Yvonne was using stump work and calico garden techniques to create “pots and jugs” filled with flowers and plants.
Edwina was beginning an appliquéd wall hanging of a cat, Joan stitching a vintage embroidery of physalis (Chinese lantern flowers) and other autumn blooms and Kay working on a patchwork mixed media piece.
Anne’s project was a vintage damask tablecloth to which she was adding a cross stitch inserted section depicting the four seasons, Kathryn was completing a kit project of a protea flower made from individual appliquéd fabric petals, whilst Carole and Margaret were journalling.
At the back of the main room Kath was using Kantha stitch to embroider a moon-gazing hare onto a piece of printed fabric, which she will then make into a cushion, Hilary hand finishing a embellished felted robin and Tracey completing a crewel work dodo bird in contemporary colours.
The shop and bookstall were both open, but unusually had little custom because we were all so busy. However, the tea, coffee and biscuits took a bit of a hammering - concentrating is thirsty work - on a thoroughly enjoyable day, with lovely work and great company.
Tracey. 1st February 2020