The Platinum Jubilee weekend was well underway, and Preston E & T group didn’t forget. The room was decorated with union flag bunting as well as our group bunting, delicious cakes had been made by our members and a special iced cake made by Liz our treasurer. Members had been asked to make a Jubilee gift to put into a secret dip box for later. There was also a very warm welcome for three new ladies who participated in the activities throughout the day. It is so good to know the word about our friendly, creative group is getting around. After the notices the workshop began.
Kath Roberts (one of our own members) had a lovely display of sheer and dissolvable fabric flowers and she explained the pros and cons of each method.
She showed us the different techniques using each type of fabric. Firstly, we had to create a petal template and draw around this onto our fabric stretched in a frame. Then the machining could begin. The outline was stitched over twice and a framework for the dissolvable fabric was created. Then free machined patterns could be stitched. Kath demonstrated this with ease. The flowers could be stitched by hand (as one member had chosen to do) but it obviously takes a lot longer.
The morning was spent preparing our petals as well as eating cake!
By lunchtime- Did we have a lunchtime or were we full of all the cake? – the petals were ready for applying the stems and cutting them out.
By lunchtime- Did we have a lunchtime or were we full of all the cake? – the petals were ready for applying the stems and cutting them out.
But before the afternoon session began the Jubilee secret dip took place. What a lovely selection of items had been made: from needle cases to pin cushions, notebook covers to lavender bags. Everyone was delighted with their gift. Guessing who had made what was also good fun. Did we ever find out who had made each item?
The afternoon session began, and Kath demonstrated how to use a soldering iron to cut out the sheer petals to prevent fraying and to seal the fabric. You need to be brave when doing this, although the petals could be cut out by hand if you prefer. She also showed us how to stretch the dissolvable petals and dry them. The stems (cake wires) were then zigzagged in position.
A long end at the top of the petal could be used to attach beads as decoration. Once all the petals had been prepared the wires are then twisted together to form the flower. Flower arrangement tape was wrapped around the wires to finish the flower.
There were several stitch and chatters who were stitching a wide range of pieces from cross stitch to Kogin as well as experimental pieces.
Several of the monthly challenge pieces (Inspired by a sculpture this month) were on display for everyone to see and admire as well as completed pieces from previous workshops and day schools.
 Here’s my completed Carrick-ma-cross style white work heart. It’s far from perfect but it was my first attempt and, as with all new techniques, I’ve learned a lot from the process of making it. Tracey. | Mountmellick white work heart stitched by Paula   Drawn Thread Work by Mel. |
It was a lovely day with lots of fun and laughter and Kath’s expertise helped the workshop ladies achieve a range of lovely flowers. Thank you, Kath.
Next month is our social gathering away from St. Andrew’s but we look forward to meeting here again in September 2022 for our Nikki Parmenter Day school.
Thanks to everyone who made the day so memorable and to Kath, once again, for her most enjoyable workshop.
A.R.
Thanks to everyone who made the day so memorable and to Kath, once again, for her most enjoyable workshop.
A.R.
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