Stephanie, our new chair, opened the meeting with the notices.
The November workshop ‘Tyvek Flowers ‘was the first live workshop of our newly formed independent group led appropriately by one of our own talented members Kath Roberts.
The November workshop ‘Tyvek Flowers ‘was the first live workshop of our newly formed independent group led appropriately by one of our own talented members Kath Roberts.
Kath explained that Tyvek was a strong paper like material used in the building trade as a wraparound cover for houses under construction. It is also used to make protective clothing for paramedics and other services. Despite its hardwearing qualities it is lightweight and suitable for crafting.
Kath had painted sheets of Tyvek for us to choose from in a variety of lovely colours and patterns. She advised that acrylic paints are the best to use for this as the Tyvek takes these better. She also supplied petal shaped templates to draw round, wires and an assortment of beads.
Everyone chose their colours and templates. We used the template to draw 5 petals on the Tyvek and on Kath’s advice did not cut them out before stitching.
Kath had painted sheets of Tyvek for us to choose from in a variety of lovely colours and patterns. She advised that acrylic paints are the best to use for this as the Tyvek takes these better. She also supplied petal shaped templates to draw round, wires and an assortment of beads.
Everyone chose their colours and templates. We used the template to draw 5 petals on the Tyvek and on Kath’s advice did not cut them out before stitching.
Each petal was then covered with vermicelli stitch free motion embroidery or a standard decorative machine embroidery stitch in polyester thread. A cotton thread will burn when heated.
The stems for the petals are sugar craft stems or florist wire. Sugar craft are preferable as they are less likely to break your needle when applying it to the petal.
The stem is placed vertically down the petal and machined on leaving a length at the top to thread beads on or decorate in some other way. The petals were then cut out.
Kath offered us advice at each stage if required.
Using a heat gun, the petals can be made to curl or burn away making an attractive lacy pattern.
The stems for the petals are sugar craft stems or florist wire. Sugar craft are preferable as they are less likely to break your needle when applying it to the petal.
The stem is placed vertically down the petal and machined on leaving a length at the top to thread beads on or decorate in some other way. The petals were then cut out.
Kath offered us advice at each stage if required.
Using a heat gun, the petals can be made to curl or burn away making an attractive lacy pattern.
The petals are then placed together, and the stems twisted around each other. Once the petals are arranged in a flower shape, stamens with beads can be placed in the centre. Kath suggested making Tyvek beads.
The main stem can be wrapped with florist tape.
The main stem can be wrapped with florist tape.
Everyone who took part enjoyed the workshop and thanked Kath. It was a very enjoyable and relaxed day. The future of our group is looking good.
Meanwhile, several ladies were busy on their own projects and Sylvia manned the shop as usual. Some real bargains were to be had.
Meanwhile, several ladies were busy on their own projects and Sylvia manned the shop as usual. Some real bargains were to be had.
Due to several unforeseen circumstances, there were only a couple of the Monthly Challenge pieces on display. This month, October, we asked members to use some Crewel work in their design.
“I have used Crewel work to create an Acer leaf. The acer was a beautiful deep red Autumnal colour, and this really inspired me along with an idea in Jacqui McDonald’s book RSN essential stitch guides- Crewel Work”. Ann R.
“I have used Crewel wool to stitch an apple in my piece”. Irene.
“This month I have stitched a pomegranate, a design from a crewel work stitch book. I have used a variety of colours and stitches including running stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, satin stitch, whipped running stitch, French knots and Jacobean couching”. Mel.C
“I have used Crewel work to create an Acer leaf. The acer was a beautiful deep red Autumnal colour, and this really inspired me along with an idea in Jacqui McDonald’s book RSN essential stitch guides- Crewel Work”. Ann R.
“I have used Crewel wool to stitch an apple in my piece”. Irene.
“This month I have stitched a pomegranate, a design from a crewel work stitch book. I have used a variety of colours and stitches including running stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, satin stitch, whipped running stitch, French knots and Jacobean couching”. Mel.C
This month the November Challenge is to recycle some items as part of the design. This sounds interesting and we can’t wait to see the results.
The December meeting includes a Christmas Make so please bring sewing materials, beads, anything sparkly ready for the morning session. In the afternoon we are looking forward to a talk by Marie Livesey – ‘In Pursuit of the WOW factor’. After the talk there will be a chance to try out the technique.
On a final note it is very pleasing to know that ' The Grapevine' embroidery is still being admired and appreciated by staff and visitors at Vine House. The embroidery is now on display in the recently decorated entrance hall.
Thanks to Kath Howarth who wrote the blog.
K.H. & A.R.
The December meeting includes a Christmas Make so please bring sewing materials, beads, anything sparkly ready for the morning session. In the afternoon we are looking forward to a talk by Marie Livesey – ‘In Pursuit of the WOW factor’. After the talk there will be a chance to try out the technique.
On a final note it is very pleasing to know that ' The Grapevine' embroidery is still being admired and appreciated by staff and visitors at Vine House. The embroidery is now on display in the recently decorated entrance hall.
Thanks to Kath Howarth who wrote the blog.
K.H. & A.R.
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