Out and About

Yesterday, Judith , Ann and I set out for the Knitting and Stitching show at Harrogate. Weather forecasts were awful and we were a little apprehensive. However it was a bright and clear day in Bolton and although there was snow on our journey it really made the countryside attractive.

We met many old friends at the show. The Guild had an excellent display of work , including work by one of our members, John and the clogs made by his granddaughter. By coincidence we all met and chatted there together.I believe that several of our members have also visited the show and we are considering trying to book a coach for next year.

Ann and I tried our hand at a workshop run by Ann Small.

We were both impressed with our results and of course it gave us an hour to rest both our feet and our pockets!!! Finally we had to leave. We all agreed that It had been an excellent show and that we could really have done with two days there.

November workshop

Sorry it has taken me a week to write this but I have been really busy. However, we welcomed Sheila Cass on Saturday.She spoke about  Mythical Creatures and techniques to achieve results.

Many of us tried two differing techniques. BUT I was being spoiled that day by my friends in the Guild. Sunday was my 60th birthday so the room had banners a balloon and after a delicious lunch, I was given a cake to cut and eat.

We di manage quite a lot of work and hope that some might be completed for our December meeting.

November Meeting.

One of our founder  members, Jackie Martin was invited to talk to us last Tuesday. Her title was The Reluctant Quilter” which really confused me as I know that Jackie is an amazing quilter. However Jackie explained how she gradually developed her ideas about quilts and her love of applique.

She has entered several competitions and modestly admitted that she had won many prizes. One of the most recent was for her Flower Alphabet quilt, below.

Jackie also admitted that she would far rather stitch than clean the windows{don't we all agree] and she was happy to show us the back as well as the front of her work.

You can see above the quantity of stitching in addition to all the applique.Mistakes can be surmounted, Jackie had called two butterflies, Red Wine and Coffee and I'm sure you can work out how they gained their names.  Jackie showed us a number of items that might not at first glance be thought of as quilting and left us with thoughts of what we can do with all our favourite but unused fabrics.

November Bulletin

December Meeting - will include a practical session – so please bring your usual sewing equipment, plus a bodkin type needle and pliers if available, beads and ideally glittery threads to compliment blue green and purple felt and £1.00 for the kit PLUS seasonal refreshments and our Xmas Competition. A seasonal stitched postcard.

Jacob’s Feast - Saturday 29th January 11.30 am - 3.30 pm at Bank Top UR Church PLEASE SIGN UP TONIGHT {NO COST........... Just bring food} Activity will be a bonnet making assembly line, watching the video and an Australasian Quiz.

ADMIN A plea from Ann for birthday cards, Another plea, please sign and date the medical form for the current year . Spaces available for the Nov. Workshop sign up now. Our Library, we have a really good stock .Do support it.20p for the first month and then £1.00 thereafter, unless you contact the Librarian or committee member before the night. We also want ideas for new books. Have you seen yourself on our blog yet@ http://begstitchers.blogspot.com Let Val know if you have anything to include on the Newsletter.

NWREGION We are delighted to announce that Terry is being kept on by HQ to implement his proposals ................... Check out Workbox in Nov for an article about the Market Hanging .................... When did you join the Guild . We are still trying to compile a list. Dont miss out on your silver badge. ......................... WHITWORTH ART GALLERY 17 Nov -19 Dec Edith Lundebrekke-Contemporary Textiles 27 -28 Nov Discover Finnish Emb and other activities.

POSTCARDS Our Xmas competition is a seasonal postcard, ie a piece of work 6”x4”. It does NOT need to be backed with cardboard. The OLYMPIC cards , much later do need to be mounted in a similar way to the Rainbow Squares. Details to follow. ...................................... HAND AND LOCK This years competition is in memory of Bunty Hand and her Old Drawers. Details with Marilyn. ..................................... Have you finished your bonnet brim yet? Hearts and Roses. Must be completed for Jacobs Feast. ........................... KNITTING AND STITCHING at Harrogate this weekend. Concessions £12 on door.

Out and About

Monday , 1st November was an important, but worrying  day for me. I had been asked to become Acting Chair for a possible new branch of the Guild. Kathryn and I had met with interested people at Gawthorpe Hall earlier but this was our first “meeting”. Monica Selway volunteered to come and talk to us.

We hoped for a reasonable attendance for were delighted when 35 people attended. Monica chatted about her love of embroidery, and the Guild. She began by showing us one of her earliest pieces{she could not find the cross stitched apron} and finished with a piece embroidered by her mother. I’m sure it inspired us all.

We had coffee and set the date of our next meeting. Kathryn will show us how to make a Christmas decoration. Just bring along the usual sewing equipment. 2 till 4pm Monday, 6th Dec. Hope to see you there. Val, Acting Chair.