This month three of our members had agreed to take surgeries to show us some techniques that we might want to learn, and at the same time some members brought their own work, so that they could have a stitch and chat day.
Throughout the day, we asked members to write a small recount of their day and their comments form part of this blog.
Irene talked about the projects she had worked on, and held up some of her display items. She then passed samples around for us to look at close up. Here is what one of the group had to say.
Introduction: "Keep the stitches loose, not too tight. Fasten the ribbon onto the needle (silk ribbon is the best)."
What we did: "Rose - woven wheel. Leaves - lazy daisy. Stem - back stitch. Buds - French knots."
What we enjoyed: " One to one tuition, enthusiasm and encouragement."
Further comments were "a rose with leaves from ribbon, lovely class, clear easy to understand instructions - very enjoyable meeting." "Beautiful examples of Irene's work, very inspirational."
Here are some photographs of our work in progress.
Introduction: "History of how she got started and got interested. Hardanger is from Norway."
What we did: "Thread - Cotton Perle. No. 5 - for blocks, No. 8 for fine work. Work left to right and bottom to top as per sheet. Block pattern, pulled out threads - difficult part - very precise."
What we enjoyed: "Very clear instruction as a difficult topic. Good handouts. Always like to learn new techniques, would need a magnifier to do this regularly. Enjoyed being focused on a project"
Here we are hard a work on this.
Introduction: "Barbara showed us examples of completed pebbles to show us the different possibilities and then demonstrated the first steps to get started. After we had done these, Barbara showed us how to arrange items to add depth and interest. Barbara also showed me how to do a pico stitch as I'd never done one before."
What we did: "I could only attend on the morning, but I have started my project, which will actually be a note book cover and have made the first basic steps. I have also started the first bits of embroidery."
What we enjoyed: "It was a lovely morning and I've now started something I can embellish and do more of at home. Barbara was a lovely patient teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed our morning. Thank you."
Here are some samples of our work during the day
Some had entered a competition for our 'Chair's Challenge,' which was to make a sunglasses case. At lunchtime the judges selected those who would receive a prize Here are the entries:
In the first photograph below, you can see Ann R. receiving her prize, the Kath Morton Memorial Trophy Sampler. Kay L. receives her prize in the middle photograph and in the last photograph Jack Morton and his daughter spoke a few words to say how pleased they were to come once again to visit and present the prize. Dee had kindly organised lunch for Jack and his daughters.