Was it really only March?

 

 

 

 

Something from 'Stitch'

 

We had always intended to have a session this year when we would  look to 'Stitch ' magazine for inspiration, and because  the December floods changed our plans, this was the day. In the event, five members prepared mini-workshops for us, one of which was Dorset buttons/flower brooches form Stitch, prepared and led by Gloria and Pat. Lyn taught her silk paper workshop, Debbie had brought her 'Twinchies', little books with machine-stitched canvas covers, and Sally showed a group how to do Tunisian crochet. So, something for everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

Silk paper

 

Demonstration Dorset buttons

 

Debbie's little book.............

 

 

 

One of the completed books.......

 

 

Pat's living room, transformed into workshop!

 

 

Getting to grips with the silk paper.....

 

Very delicate, nearly ready....................

 

March, in Cumbria, sitting outside for lunch, in glorious sunshine!

 

The view from Pat's house today! There was actually snow on the tops, but brilliant sunshine.

 

It was Pat's birthday, so we were even more grateful to her for her hospitality and all the work involved in reorganising her house for our workshop. We had a lovely day, trying out a variety of ideas. Thanks to Pat, and to everyone who shared their skills.

 

 

 

February......Goldwork

 

Goldwork

 

 

Flood damage at The Meeting House in Keswick meant that we had to hold February's meeting at Braithwaite Institute, just outside the town. It was a good venue for this workshop, which was very well-attended.

 

Golden Hinde led our Goldwork workshop, which we had been looking forward to for some time. What a good team they are, managing to fit in quality teaching to a large group, all varying in experience, and working constantly to keep everyone busy, and learning. And keeping a lovely, fun,relaxed atmosphere all day.

 

 

 

                                             Well-stocked shop for those essential supplies!

 

 

 

Work in progress.........

 

This is what some of us are working towards!

 

 

Two pictures from Golden Hinde's facebook page

 

 

A busy day, when we all learned a lot, with plenty of homework. Thank you , Golden Hinde!



Catching up ...Japanese event

November to January

 

 

 

Our November meeting was a Japanese event. Katie Chaplin, from Japancrafts came along to demonstrate how the Kimono is worn. It was a fascinating insight , not only into the mysterious kimono, but the history and culture it reflects.

 

 

 

She followed this with a workshop, making little rice bags. We had a lovely afternoon, handstitching the beautiful Japanese fabric into vessels, probably not for us to carry rice to the temple, but certainly very decorative, and addictive.

 

Several of us went to the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate later in November, and had the opportunity to see more of Katie's lovely Japanese fabrics, threads, and ideas.

 

In December we took part in the Christmas tree festival at  the Methodist Church in Keswick. Most of our members had made a robin to decorate our tree, and before the Christmas meal at Wetherspoons, we went to visit the festival, and view the robins, and everyone else's trees. On to lunch, which everyone enjoyed. More robins were exchanged as gifts.

 

January's meeting was led by Sally, who took on the daunting task of leading quite a large group in making cords and tassels. Mixed ability, I think would describe us, and Sally did a sterling job in demonstrating, and guiding everyone through to producing good results. we had a fun day, laughed a lot, and managed to use up a fair amount of the threads Sally brought along from her endless stash.
 

The Meeting House in Keswick was flooded again recently, and it sad to see the damage the water has done. The Friends are working hard to reinstate their lovely building. We hope to continue to have most of our meetings there, but we have had to move our February Goldwork meeting to Braithwaite Institute just outside Keswick.  

And, finally......... click on this image for some really pertinent advice!

 

 

Style is Eternal

Style is Eternal

 

 

I finally got to see the fabulous 'Style is Eternal' exhibition of the work of Yves St Laurent, at Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle. The first time this has been shown outside France,

 

 

 

 

 

Sketches and design sheets

 

Beautiful, vibrant.............

 

Buttons........

 

Iconic clothes.........

 

Now classic, and timeless, the black trouser suit.....

 

 

Glorious colours and fabrics.......

 

 

 

 Remember paper dress-up dolls? YSL used them, too!

 

 

Sadly, we were just too late to see the Bowes swan automaton in action. It is magnificent, nonetheless. And we did see it move on video. (It is in action once a day, at 2pm!)

 

Bowes Museum is well worth a visit , for any of their permanent, and special exhibitions.

The Bowes Museum

 



Autumn!

 

 

September, October.........!

 

 

 

It doesn't seem possible that we're already most of the way through October!  It is a while since I posted anything on this blog, so this is a catching up exercise.

 

 

Our September meeting was the AGM, when we thanked Val for her term as Chairman, and welcomed Debbie to the role. Pat has planned a varied and interesting programme for the rest of the year, with lots of techniques to learn, and tutors to inspire.

 

 

The business part of the meeting was followed by member Gloria Walker's workshop, where we started to make a tote-bag using plastic canvas. 34 squares of large-count canvas are needed for the bag, so even the most dedicated of us were not destined to finish in the day, but we made a good start, and we all took away some of the squares embroidered,  with lots more to work on.

 

We also looked at the Guild's  pattern-darning folio, to inspire us for October's workshop.

 

 

 

The October meeting was led by Val, who led us through the making of a bookmark, employing this very precise technique. As we were working on a fine count fabric, with one strand of thread, conversation gave way to quiet concentration, ( and the occasional expression of frustration!) as we got to grips with pattern-darning.

 

Most of us had made good progress by the end of the workshop, and this is another  'work in progress' to be shown at a future date.