Sunday 22 March 2015

Elizabeth Almond ..... March Meeting




Whitework for today
 
 
Elizabeth Almond was the tutor for our March meeting, guiding us through the basics of whitework.

These are examples of Elizabeth's own work, in blackwork and whitework. Many of the designs have added colour and also include metallic thread, which makes them look very contemporary........





 
 



 
Elizabeth is an expert in blackwork and whitework, and brought along some of her beautiful work to inspire us. She had also made up comprehensive kits including a variety of designs suitable for black/white work, and several 'letters' suitable for monograms.
We were guided through suitable stitches, and practised colonial knots and  double knot stitch, as we worked. Quiet reigned, as we stitched.
The day passed very quickly, and we all have 'works in progress to complete at home. Pictures soon, I hope, of the results of a very enjoyable day.
 

Tuesday 17 March 2015

St Bees Priory, and Glasgow....... Out and about in March.

 
 
St Bees Priory Embroidery
 
This is a sample of the latest embroidered furnishings made by the St Bees Priory Embroidery Group. Originally, ten seat cushions were made for wooden chairs in the Church; one of the objectives being to use the wools and silks left over from earlier projects.
 
The design on each cushion was basically the same, and the same stitches were used for each one. They were designed, however, using subtle differences in the colours, so that only two or three were the same.
 
They were stitched in wool and stranded cotton, and they are very impressive. Difficult to photograph, though!  Mounted in a velvet fabric, they are a sort of trapezoidal shape, to fit the chairs. My role  in the making of the embroidery is as a stitcher; the designs are the work of one talented lady who is also expert at the upholstery side, once the stitching is finished. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
After these were finished, some more chairs were found, so more of the cushions are currently being stitched, along with a new project. This is very ambitious, and may take some time!
 
 
Sewing, Stitch and Quilting Show, Glasgow
 
Quilting played a bigger part in this show than in the past, and these are some of the images I brought back......
 
 


 



 
 


 
 
 
 
 
......along with fabric, patterns, ideas, and a new Rotary Cutter!
 
 



Friday 6 March 2015

March Informal


March Informal Meeting
 
 
Our informal meeting, usually held in Threlkeld, are always an opportunity to work on our own projects, to 'show and tell' work we've finally completed, and catch up with chat and news. This month, several members brought books started at February's workshop, led by Marilyn. It 's fairly unusual for so many of us to go home and finish things off so quickly!
 
Here are some of the books.
 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 
Several of us have plans to make more, so thank-you, Marilyn.
 
 

 
This is an ongoing piece of work by Debbie, in wool felt.

 
Another of Janet's knitted teddies made his appearance, too.