Our April Meeting
There was lots to see and do at our April meeting. One of the morning stitch clubs was Wessex stitching with Angela. Everyone had enjoyed learning this colourful technique, particularly stitchers who enjoy the precision and logic of counted thread work.
Nadine's Wessex stitching sampler
The second stitch club group were learning stumpwork. This three dimensional technique is done with very fine threads and very small pieces. All of the pieces being worked on were less than 10cm in diameter so people with good eyesight and/or good magnifying lights were at an advantage! Annie and Josie were on hand to give guidance and encouragement.
Annie's completed pin holder with tufted thistles, raised leaves and a tiny bee
Marina's satin stitched oak leaves ready for acorns to be applied
Annie's stumpwork picture with delicate needlelace
Chris is experienced with the stumpwork technique and was working on the wired wings of a butterfly that could be cut out and applied to a box.
The Travelling Book
YES has a book which individual members take home and contribute something to. The outcome is a sketchbook that features a wide range of styles and interests. The most recent pages were 'Using the unusual'.
Sally had repurposed coffee pods to create a striking applique piece
Unpacking the Equipment Store
York Embroiderers and Stitchers have some unusual pieces of equipment that members can borrow. Just ask if you would like to have a go using them to dye, braid, pleat or embellish!
Spring Competition
Eileen was the winner of the Spring Competition for a piece of work from a commercial pattern, book or kit. She had attended a workshop with Liz Cooksey who had guided her through the process of attaching metal forms to wires and embellishing them with delicate crochet using fine hooks and hand dyed threads. The resulting piece was very lovely.
Other work submitted to the competition was also beautifully made and we appreciated every piece. It was nice to see completed items framed or mounted. We are starting to think about our next public exhibition so hopefully these will be shown to a wider audience in due course.
Competition entries showcasing a wide range of techniques
An afternoon of Broderie Perse
Chris had arranged for members to have a go at Broderie Perse in the afternoon session. In this technique elements such as flowers, birds and butterfies are cut from fabric and applied onto a background to make a scene or central design. It was particularly popular in the 17th Century when Chintz fabrics became available. We were able to choose fabric motifs, cut them out and start to arrange/apply them to the background. Traditionally the motifs would be needle turned and applied by hand but most people were opting for raw edge applique, machining the pieces on (at home!) or bonding them using glue or fusible fabric sheets. We were encouraged to finish them at home and bring them along to our next session.
Chris had made some lovely samples of Broderie Perse for inspiration
Cate and Gill had made an excellent start on their Broderie Perse pieces
Next Time ...
Our next session is on 4th May. Visitors are always welcome to join us in Haxby Memorial Hall from 10.30am.