Our October meeting took place in Haxby and was well attended. In the morning a new set of stitch clubs started. Nicky had a group thinking three dimensionally! Members got busy making 3D polygons using Hexiform and pelmet Vilene. Her worked examples included embroidery but first came construction and we look forward to seeing the finished results in due course.
Nicky's stitched samples
Polygons under construction
In another part of the hall members worked with Liz on embellishing printed fabric with embroidery. This had a 'slow stitch' vibe and participants used material provided by Liz or brought from home to try out french knots, bullion knots, lazy daisy stitch, stem stitch, back stitch, outline stitch and couching. This was a relaxing activity and was much enjoyed by participants who tended to do more thinking and chatting than stitching in this first session.
Liz's embellished samples and materials
Not all members participate in stitch clubs and there was a lot of interesting stitching going on in the hall. This month I sat down with Christine, a relatively new member of our group who was laying the foundations for a textile piece of work. She has been a maker for many years, interested in the textures and colours of the natural world. In the piece she was working on she was layering and tacking down strips of fabrics (muslin, cotton, silks) some of which she had hand dyed and painted with diluted acrylic paints. She enjoyed experimentation and working intuitively. As is often the case the photo doesn't capture the subtleties of the colours in the fabrics and it will be lovely to see how the piece develops.
Christine's foundational fabric
For the 'Travelling Book' Chris had produced a fine piece of stumpwork. This is an historical technique (dating back to the 17th Century) created with high relief surface embroidery, wrapped wires and beads, needle lace and slips.
Chris's stumpwork for the Travelling Book
AGM
In October we have our Annual General Meeting so that everyone involved in the group has the opportunity to reflect on what we have been up to, to see that the finances are in order and to ensure there are enough people actively involved to keep the group going. Nicky (Chair) and Liz (Treasurer) gave their reports and we had a constructive discussion about the distribution of Exhibition Profits (to St Leonard's Hospice and Fine Cell Work). Overall it has been a productive and fun year and members were grateful to those who were involved in the organisation and running of YES. We are looking forward to a great range of speakers, workshops and activities in the year ahead.
Selection of work done in stitch clubs over the past year
Our next meeting will be on 1st November. It will be held in Haxby Memorial Hall 10:30 till 3.30. Visitors and new members are encouraged to drop in and see what we're up to. We have many talented and friendly folk who love to share their love of embroidery and stitching. Novices and experts are equally welcome.
Click on the YES Programme tab (above) to see what is planned for 2026.