The June meeting was atypical in that there were no stitch clubs running and no afternoon speaker. It was a day to prepare for our upcoming exhibition and take stock of what's been achieved over the last year or so.
An important job for the morning was sorting through all the threads, embellishments and fabrics that have been generously given to the group or donated by members from their own supplies. These were sorted into 'Inspiration Packs' and packaged up ready to be sold at the Exhibition.
Inspiration packs under construction
Everyone who is exhibiting also brought in their pieces so that an accurate list of work could be finalised ahead of label making. There were a lot of bags and we anticipate that the exhibition will be fabulous! For details, see the Architexture Exhibition 2025 tab above.
Well wrapped work ready for the Exhibition
The upcoming stitch clubs were announced and we are delighted to have two options. Angela will be running a series of three Canvas work sessions, each focusing on learning three stitches (so nine in total). This will be a chance for members who enjoy traditional techniques and counted thread work to expand their skills. Sally will be facilitating three experimental sessions under the broad title of stitching with packaging and paper. Her samples based on coffee pods were ingenious and will certainly appeal to members who like to play with new techniques and unusual materials. Both clubs start next month (July).
The winner of the June competition (using unusual materials) was Sally with her quirky forest scene.
Sally's forest scene
After lunch we regrouped for the annual 'Show and Tell' . It is always interesting to see what members have been making and 'show and tell' gives people a chance to hear the stories behind the work. Members who stand up often preface 'showing' with 'telling' that their work isn't very impressive or well done. Not surprisingly it typically gets the opposite reaction with audience members being interested in unusual techniques, fabulous colours and evidence of great skills. One of the nicest things about the YES Group is the variety of modern and traditional styles and techniques that members demonstrate. People appear surprised that others appreciate their work far more than they do themselves. However this is absolutely the case within our friendly and supportive group. In addition to pieces we have seen under construction at the monthly meetings, members brought in work done at home, at workshops, unfinished pieces, and old pieces that had special meaning that they wanted to talk about. We enjoyed hearing the stories and processes involved as much as the finished pieces. Below are some of the lovely pieces - apologies for those missed/not photographed (Celia, Jill, Jill and Elaine) but we did appreciate them all!
Jose's basket of embroidered books featuring meticulous stitching and gold work
Helen's peacock feather quilt (work in progress) applique and hand embroidery
One of Sue's studies of Paua (Abalone) shells
One of Lynn's canvas work American houses
Diana's Dala horse, felt with hand embroidery
Barbara's vessel made under the guidance of fibre artist Gizella K Warburton
Chris's freestyle embroidered garden on linen
Nicky's counted thread chessboard (work in progress)
Next meeting will be 5th July. Meetings are held in Haxby Memorial Hall, 10:30 till 3:30. Visitors are welcome to come along. We are quite a large group (typically fifty at a meeting) and our members' work is very varied. We love to help people develop their skills so don't feel that you have to be good at any particular technique before you come along. You can bring a kit with you or any projects you have got stuck with and we will find someone to advise/encourage you. Alternatively just sit, stitch and socialise with like minded people and enjoy the afternoon speaker or occasional workshop. All are welcome.
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