Christmas Meeting, December2013

This month we held our Jacob's Join Christmas meeting and we decorated the hall with our pixies washing line started at the last meeting and completed at home [see below].

Then we talked and showed interesting items we had seen or bought at the Knitting and Stitching Show followed by a coffee break.
During the coffee break we voted for our favourite pixie outfit which was won by Denise.
Well Done Denise!
Our light hearted quiz this year was anagrams of embroidery words and caused much puzzling of brows.
Then it was time to eat the beautifully prepared food offerings and they were much enjoyed by everyone.

We then drew the bumper Christmas raffle where there were lots of prizes.
After a good meeting we wished each other a Happy Christmas and then went home.

Library Exhibition, Grange, December 2013

This month we are holding an exhibition of "A year of textiles " in Grange Library from Monday 2nd December to Monday 23rd December.
The pieces cover a wide range of textile work from traditional stitching to freestyle embroidery and includes felting, weaving and patchwork. The photographs below show a wide range of inspiration for the stitching

If you would like to see the exhibition the library is open from 9:30 to 17:00 weekdays
and 9:30 to 13:00 on Saturdays.

Knitting and Stitching Show Harrogate 2013

We had our annual trip to the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate on Friday. We started off on a cold frosty morning from Grange Station and picked up more members on route. We arrived in Harrogate about 10:20 tickets in hand and bags ready to be filled with goodies over our arms!

There were some really good displays of work by well known textile artists such as Jan Beaney, Jean Littlejohn, Bobby Britnall, Ruth Issett etc and demonstrations of what to do with new items on the market.
There were all our usual favourite stalls to stock up on our favourite items.
By the time 4 o'clock came we were all tired and ready to get on the bus for our trip home clutching our purchases from a good day well spent!

Starry Night in Twenty Pieces

Starry Night one of our group projects  is now completed and it looks amazing. The members were very pleased with their efforts when it was shown to them at the last meeting.

We will be displaying it in the library exhibition in December and at the Storey Gallery in Lancaster next year as part of the North West Region Exhibition "The Ties that Bind Us."

Pixies Washing Line November Meeting 2013

This month was led by Sandra W. one of our own members on making items to hang on a Pixies washing line. The original idea had been supplied by Agnes and when members had thought it rather fun we made the decision to have a go, and use the items for our Christmas competition and decoration for our Christmas party.
Sandra had cut out some templates for us to use and we set about choosing the felt for the outfits and ways of embellishing them.
These will definately be the best dressed pixies in the country looking at the outfits in progress below.

Thank you Sandra for leading the workshop and look out for the finished items decorating our Christmas Party!



Dorothy has turned a piece of her silk paper with skeleton leaves into a light shade for a tea light. It looks very pretty especially as the bulb changes colour. We all feel there is a lot more we could do with the iron method silk paper but need more time to explore the possibilities.

Dorothy's Tea Light

Craft Fair Lower Holker Village Hall Oct. 2013

On Saturday 26th October we had a sales table at the Craft fair in Cark to raise money for our funds. 
A big thank you to all members who made items to sell, helped on the day or came and supported the event. Buying was slow but steady and we raised £126 in profit.

We had a wide and varied selection of items as you can see from the pictures and the money raised will go towards our workshops.
Thank You to Everyone.

Emperor Hawk Moths

One of our members Sandra Kendall was approached by Kendal Museum over the possibility of loaning her entry to the Reticule Challenge  to the Museum so they could display it with some of their collection of moths and butterflies.
The moths are displayed in the basement with entries to the  Wildlife photographer of the Year, along with other animals and another case of embroidery.
 You can see Sandra's moths below in the museum case and some close ups.

Display case in Kendal Museum

Female Emperor Hawk Moth

Male Emperor Hawk Moth

Sandra is delighted that the Museum considers her moths worthy of display.

October Meeting 2013 A.G.M. followed by Exploring Stitches

After our A.G.M. we explored four more stitches by popular request. Members worked the basic stitch and then varied it by using different threads and/or working the stitch in different ways.

The first stitch was French Knots led by Mary who demonstrated the basic stitch and then showed ways of working it with tails and in the round.

Members working French Knots with Mary

Feather Stitch was led by Maureen including closed and double Feather Stitch.

Members working Feather Stitch with Maureen

Stem Stitch was led by Gillian including Whipped and Stem Stitch filling.

Members working with Gillian

Joanna led the group on Woven Circles including Whipped Circles.

Members working with Joanna

Members worked on each stitch for about 40 mins and then moved to the next. Most managed about 3 different stitches.
A most enjoyable afternoon and thanks to Mary, Gillian, Joanna and Maureen for leading the groups.

The Tapestry of Scotland

Anne Covell was lucky enough to visit Edinburgh and while she was there took the opportunity to view the Tapestry of Scotland on display at the Scottish Parliament.
These are a few of the photographs she took to whet your appetite!

Vikings

King James VI of Scotland King James I of England

Close up of above

Spinning and Weaving      Paisley Shawls

Close up of above

The embroidery looks stunning and it would be nice to view it so we will keep an eye open for where it will be displayed next.
Meanwhile you can find out more information about the tapestry on the following website
www.scotlandtapestry.com/