Another busy day in Haxby for the embroiderers and stitchers. The final session for the stitch clubs evidenced progress in two very different techniques and we are really appreciative of our lovely members who share their skills with us. We are always on the look out for new ideas so please consider volunteering to facilitate a stitch club for us or let Nicky/Chair know if you have a suggestion for a technique you would be interested in trying.
Helen's group were ready to move on from experimenting with paint and collage to translating some ideas into textiles. Helen had brought in a huge tub of fabric scraps left over from her own work which she generously invited us to dig into. It was fascinating to see what had inspired different members and Helen encouraged stitch club members to bring 'completed' pieces back next month. Christine's starting point was a painted colour play experiment while Michele was drawn to a section of a torn paper collage.
Christine's fabric collage in progress
Michele choosing and assembling fabric scraps to reflect her torn paper collage
Celia and Jose were working with their Goldwork group, all of whom had made good progress with this meticulous technique. Linda had introduced a subtle coloured element into the various samples (blocks, corners, curves) and was adding sparkle to applique.
Linda's goldwork sampler in progress
York Minster Broderers are nationally renowned for their specialist embroidery skills. Jose and Celia are long standing members and have brought in many samples of their work for the group to see. As is often the case the photographs don't do justice to the fabulously detailed embroidery.
Celia and Jose's eclesiatical work as members of the York Minster Broderers
Alter frontal in York Minster
As is usual with our meetings most members in the hall work on their own pieces. There was a great variety of different stitch and embroidery techniques on display and members are generally happy to stop and chat about what they are doing. Laura was inspired by a recent visit to a quilt show where she particularly liked some collage/boro stitching work. Using a pastel palette she was working quite intuitively and enjoying the process sewing with mainly linen threads. She was trying a layering technique, cutting holes in fabrics and using lace to see what worked for her - early days but looking very interesting so far.
Laura's collage in progress
Elnaz Yazdani 'Rethinking Embroidery'
Our afternoon speaker was a young woman who is a Yorkshire based artist and educator. Elnaz graduated from Manchester School of Art with BA 1st Class Honours 'Textiles in Practice' She was an embroidery scholar under the Embroiderers Guild and worked as a lecturer in Embroidery/Textiles at both the Manchester School of Art and as a technician at the University of Huddersfield. She had very recently been awarded an MA by Research in Embroidery: Connecting Communities Through Embroidery from the University of Huddersfield. It is hard to categorise her work which is very sculptural and contemporary, using recycled and industrial materials alongside traditional hand stitching. Her work encompasses fashion, jewellery and installation.
More recently Elnaz has moved into community based work as well as continuing her own art. We were very heartened to see how her enthusiasm for connection and transformation was being put to productive use in diverse communities and with different age groups. She clearly thinks anyone can (and should) pick up a needle and thread, a view which we definitely endorse. It was interesting to discover that traditional Goldwork remains her great love, which was a serendipitous connection to the morning stitch club!
A selection of Elnaz Yazdani's work
Our next meeting will be on 4th April. Visitors and New Members are always welcome. We meet at 10.30am in Haxby Memorial Hall. To see the current YES Programme for 2026 scroll up to the tab at the top of this webpage. Bring some stitching and spend the morning with like minded people. In the afternoon we will be making pairs of memory hearts for York General Hospital. All the necessary materials will be provided so why not join us?
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