Fashion, Embroidery and Stitch/Sewing for Pleasure

Like many others, I was disappointed that what used to be the 'Madeira' Show would not be in Harrogate this year, but very keen to go to its replacement at The NEC. There was more than a little doubt about whether this was a good idea, mainly when I was preparing to catch the 6.30 AM! train from Whitehaven on Thursday. After that brutal start, the journey was very easy, and I was in the show by 11.30. I was there on two days, and so had time for a good look round, and managed to fit in two workshops as well as talking to various designers and makers on Friday morning, before the crowds arrived.

I really enjoyed the show, and though it was busy, felt that there was plenty of space to get around. All the usual suppliers were there, of course, but I especially enjoyed seeing inspirational work from groups and individuals, many of them incredibly generous with their time and advice. No pictures, sadly, because many of the designers, understandably, don't allow photographs. I did get contact and website details, and books, of course!

 The workshops I took part in were taught by Pauline Verrinder from Fibre Fusion, whose display was stunning, and I felt on Thursday that if I saw nothing else, the journey would have been worth while. But, I did see plenty of other things that made my mouth water, and I came back with all kinds of goodies, and books, but also ideas to develop back at home.

I have added a website to our list. Linda and Laura Kemshall run ‘Design Matters TV’, online workshops for textiles, which, as their work is lovely, must be worth looking at. One of the introductory videos shows needlefelted and embroidered brooches, and I know there are some of us who'd be interested. However, my broadband connection is so volatile that I haven’t been able to watch more than a few seconds of it, yet. You may have more luck. http://www.lindakemshall.com/

Did anyone else get to the show? What did you think of it?

March meeting Eleanor Paxton

Today's was a slightly different kind of meeting for us; instead of the workshop format we're more used to, we were treated to a talk by Eleanor Paxton. She was for many years involved with the costumes, props and scenery for Keswick Amateur Operatic Society, performing first at The Blue Box, and then, as it became, The Theatre by the Lake in Keswick. The slides showed her scenery for Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and other musicals to be so realistic, and she brought along examples of the costumes she has made over the years, always on a small, and often a shoestring budget.
We were very impressed by her talents. The talk ended in theatrical fashion, when Keswick's Town Crier made his entrance, giving us a sneak preview of his new costume, designed and made, of course, by Eleanor.

No photographs can do justice to what we saw today.

Mikado

Mikado

A saucy showgirl, this one!

Town Crier

Two very realistic (and surprisingly lightweight) Props

One of Eleanor's first backdrops

Many thanks to Eleanor for a glimpse behind the scenes!

More silk purses.

More examples of little purses made after our silk paper workshop. I'll add more as I get them.

These two bags were embroidered and finished by hand and machine.

Marilyn's purse, made on the day of the workshop

                          

Purses finished at the informal meeting last week. I'll have more pictures of them soon, hopefully with some names.

I travelled up to Glasgow last week, for the Creative Stitches show. It's not the biggest, but that meant there was time to get around all the stalls and exhibitions, without rushing. This year there was plenty to see, and a chance to talk to designers and makers, such as Isobel Hall, Margaret Beal, and Kim Thittichai. I bought Margaret Beal's book, and am looking forward to experimenting more with soldering iron and heat gun.

If anyone is interested, look at http://www.nationalneedleworkarchive.org.uk/, for details of a Tea-cosy competition!

Our next meeting is on 18th March, when we will be treated to a talk about Theatre costumes, and then we will have a brief introduction to the embellishing machine. See you there!