It was another good turnout in Haxby and we were pleased to welcome visitors who were interested to see what members were doing. In the hall many members worked on their own projects whilst others joined a stitch club.
Marina started a group off with 'Crazy Patchwork'. This is a creative style of patchwork that uses irregularly shaped pieces of fabric and is often heavily embellished with decorative embroidery. Marina had brought in some beautifully worked samples and instructions for foundation piecing as well as fabric scraps and a lightbox. The morning passed quickly as members got to grips with the technique.
Marina's samples for crazy patchwork
The second stitch club option was run by Barbara who was demonstrating lettering using Reverse Appliqué. There are several techniques which she will teach over the three sessions but first was 'raw edge' appliqué. Participants tacked two pieces of fabric together and traced around simple letter templates before starting to embroider with two or three strandes of embroidery floss. Once the layers were stabilised they could then carefully cut the top layer to reveal the coloured letter beneath.
Barbara's reverse appliqué sample
Chris' work in progress
Previous stitch club. Helen asked members who had joined her colour and design stitch club in January to March to bring in 'finished' work. It was fascinating to see the great variety of outcomes from simple paint and collage starting points. Members had greatly enjoyed the low stress process and her gentle encouragement.
Competition time! The Spring competition brief was for a commercial design from a kit, book or magazine in any stitched media. As is usual the entries were very varied and it was lovely to see such a wide variety of items. We enjoyed and admired them all. Voting was very tight but our eventual winner was .... Denise.
Competition entries
Winning entry - Denise. An embroidered hoop worked from an Ann Brooke panel
2nd place - Liz - Bayeux Tapestry panel in Bayeux stitch
3rd place - Denise - Hardanger sampler from pattern by Yvette Stanton
The brief for the next competition is to create a piece inspired by an artist or painting. Members are encouraged to use unconventional or unusual techniques. Please bring entries to the June meeting.
The afternoon session was taken up with a sewing activity prepared by Nicky. She brought in a range of supplies so that we could make pairs of 'comfort' hearts for York Hospital. The idea is that small, palm-sized hearts, created with love and care by volunteers are gifted to the hospital. Staff then pass these on to patients (and their family members) who are in life-limiting or stressful situations. Because the hearts are matched pairs they are a way for people to feel connected even when physically separated. We were happy to contribute our time and share our stitched hearts and hope they will provide some comfort in difficult times.
Our next meeting will be 2nd May in Haxby Memorial Hall near York. We will be there 10.30-3.30 and are always happy for visitors to drop by and see what we do! Further information about the programme and contact information is on the tabs beneath the banner.
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