Tables were wiped over, social distancing considered, gel at strategic places and windows open ready for our first meeting since March 2019. Everyone seemed quite excited. The adapted bunting of our new group name was up on display. By 10:00am the room was ready to greet previous members and visitors alike.
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It was good to see many familiar faces and to meet up with people who have communicated by email over the last eighteen months, and now able to put a name to a face.
There was a lot of chat and perhaps some stitching, but it didn’t matter, it was so good to be together again.
Sylvia opened the shop and items on sale were from our late colleague, member and friend Mary Holden’s stash. Some even went away with a bargain piece of Mary’s beautiful embroidery.
There was a lot of chat and perhaps some stitching, but it didn’t matter, it was so good to be together again.
Sylvia opened the shop and items on sale were from our late colleague, member and friend Mary Holden’s stash. Some even went away with a bargain piece of Mary’s beautiful embroidery.
It was interesting to catch up on what everyone had been stitching over the past months. Several had taken up the Anne Brooke challenge of a ‘Tag a Week ‘using a different technique or theme and some also had been challenged by an idea called ‘Inches’.
There were also pieces showing painted backgrounds which were now being stitched over, cross stitch kits, gold work, Sashiko, appliqué, crochet and many more. It was exciting to see the work people had completed or were working on.
There were also pieces showing painted backgrounds which were now being stitched over, cross stitch kits, gold work, Sashiko, appliqué, crochet and many more. It was exciting to see the work people had completed or were working on.
The Monthly Challenge:
This month we were asked to include some dyeing or printing in our piece and, as usual, there was such an array of techniques and designs.
I got rather carried away once I had decided on my idea. Walking along the canal near to my home I couldn’t help but notice how tall the grasses had grown, so I decided to collect some to use in my design ‘Tall Grasses’. Within a few metres I had collected at least 10 different types, I was quite amazed. I took them home and pressed them between kitchen paper and under heavy boxes and books. A week later (because I couldn’t wait any longer to get started) I began my piece.
This month we were asked to include some dyeing or printing in our piece and, as usual, there was such an array of techniques and designs.
I got rather carried away once I had decided on my idea. Walking along the canal near to my home I couldn’t help but notice how tall the grasses had grown, so I decided to collect some to use in my design ‘Tall Grasses’. Within a few metres I had collected at least 10 different types, I was quite amazed. I took them home and pressed them between kitchen paper and under heavy boxes and books. A week later (because I couldn’t wait any longer to get started) I began my piece.
First, I sponged a piece of calico with green acrylic paint and then used acrylic paint to print several of the grasses. Some turned out rather ‘blobby’, but I felt if I used free machine embroidery over them, I could develop some of the textures of the grasses.
I then thought I could arrange the grasses on the calico and spray over them with ‘Brusho’ acrylic paint. I liked this result and decided to use metallic thread and free machine embroidery. So, I produced two pieces - ‘Tall Grasses 1’ and ‘Tall Grasses 2’. Ann R
For my August project I thought that this is a month for a visit to the seaside. So, on this theme, I have called it ‘Seaside’. Margaret G.
I then thought I could arrange the grasses on the calico and spray over them with ‘Brusho’ acrylic paint. I liked this result and decided to use metallic thread and free machine embroidery. So, I produced two pieces - ‘Tall Grasses 1’ and ‘Tall Grasses 2’. Ann R
For my August project I thought that this is a month for a visit to the seaside. So, on this theme, I have called it ‘Seaside’. Margaret G.
For my August piece I have used Tie and Dye and I then stitched washers in matching colours onto it. Mel.
My August piece is work in back stitch, on a tea dyed background. Opposite is a scene worked in machine embroidery on a watercolour background. Irene
I created my pieces using Cyanotype. This is a process that produces a cyan-blue print. Two chemicals are mixed, the fabric is then screwed up and left to develop or placed over designs to develop an imprint. Sandie.
I have been inspired by amazing sunsets over the marshes. The sky turns blue and pink as the sunsets towards Blackpool. The fabric was dyed and then I used bleach to remove the dye to make the sun. Birds fly towards the mudflats next to Longton and Hutton marshes. Edwina
I have painted the background for my other grand daughters hand. I am hoping the girls will write something about their hand to go in to my book eventually. Barbara.
My August piece is work in back stitch, on a tea dyed background. Opposite is a scene worked in machine embroidery on a watercolour background. Irene
I created my pieces using Cyanotype. This is a process that produces a cyan-blue print. Two chemicals are mixed, the fabric is then screwed up and left to develop or placed over designs to develop an imprint. Sandie.
I have been inspired by amazing sunsets over the marshes. The sky turns blue and pink as the sunsets towards Blackpool. The fabric was dyed and then I used bleach to remove the dye to make the sun. Birds fly towards the mudflats next to Longton and Hutton marshes. Edwina
I have painted the background for my other grand daughters hand. I am hoping the girls will write something about their hand to go in to my book eventually. Barbara.
Perhaps some are falling behind with the challenge but hopefully will be inspired by the fact we are meeting once again. The September challenge is to use a new stitch on most of your design.
Irene has also been busy finishing a crewel work panel, started by the late Mildred Rigby.
Next month it is our general meeting, and we have a talk in the afternoon by Monica Selway-entitled Alice Moore -A Detective Story. Sounds quite intriguing. There is also the Gertrude Goodenough competition when any piece of work that has been created can be entered.
The Christmas competition is a Christmas gift tag, so come on ladies get stitching.
Keep safe
A.R.
Irene has also been busy finishing a crewel work panel, started by the late Mildred Rigby.
Next month it is our general meeting, and we have a talk in the afternoon by Monica Selway-entitled Alice Moore -A Detective Story. Sounds quite intriguing. There is also the Gertrude Goodenough competition when any piece of work that has been created can be entered.
The Christmas competition is a Christmas gift tag, so come on ladies get stitching.
Keep safe
A.R.
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