
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.