Saturday 1st December saw our 2018 Christmas celebration.
A private ballot early in the year indicated that members were ready for a change and it was decided that we would go out this year, rather than arrange a party at our usual venue.
Members began to arrive at the hotel from 11am, enjoying the opportunity to relax and chat. At 12.00 we were invited into the restaurant where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch, followed by coffee and mince pies.
A private ballot early in the year indicated that members were ready for a change and it was decided that we would go out this year, rather than arrange a party at our usual venue.
Members began to arrive at the hotel from 11am, enjoying the opportunity to relax and chat. At 12.00 we were invited into the restaurant where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch, followed by coffee and mince pies.
After the raffle, with seven mystery prizes to be won, the votes for our competition were counted. Members had been challenged to make a decoration for the Christmas tree, using any method or materials they wished. The winner, Mel, was awarded the Sullivan Trophy and a voucher. Congratulations Mel!
At 2pm we reconvened in one of the conference rooms for a lecture entitled “Contemporary Whitework,” given by Nicola Jarvis. Nicola’s enthusiasm was infectious as she guided us through the various styles of whitework and how a more contemporary outcome could be achieved, by for example, enlarging the scale, enlarging a design element, experimenting with chunkier threads/wools, or even interpreting a design in paper rather than fabric.
It was fascinating looking at images of beautiful, traditional designs and then seeing them reinterpreted and hearing Nicola’s description of how these had been achieved.
It was fascinating looking at images of beautiful, traditional designs and then seeing them reinterpreted and hearing Nicola’s description of how these had been achieved.
Our trip through cut work, Broderie anglais, drawn threads, pulled work, shadow work and Mountmellick Emboidery ended with Kate Middleton’s beautiful wedding dress. The lace covered bodice and skirt featured the Carrickmacross lace-making technique. Individual flowers were cut from the lace and hand stitched onto ivory silk tulle to create a design using roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrock. Nicola had been invited by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court, to participate in stitching the intricate design along with a large team of highly skilled embroiderers. One can just imagine the frequent hand washing and needle changes needed, to avoid marking the fine fabric. Members thoroughly enjoyed Nicola’s lecture and hope to have a day school with her at a future date.
Personally I was so excited by it, that I ordered the book co -written on the subject, as soon as I arrived home. I can’t wait for it to arrive!
Our thanks to Kath R for organising the raffle for us this year, and for Dee for writing the blog. D.E.
Personally I was so excited by it, that I ordered the book co -written on the subject, as soon as I arrived home. I can’t wait for it to arrive!
Our thanks to Kath R for organising the raffle for us this year, and for Dee for writing the blog. D.E.
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