Out and about, Bolton Museum

Ann and I combined two events today. firstly we met with Matthew in the Museum, to make further plans for our exhibition. Think pearl and start stitching. We will be there for almost 3 months.

Then we had planned to combine this meeting with a visit to the Progressive Threads exhibition.It is always a delight to see the work of embroiderers that we know well.Some are also members of our Guild. Above ,Lesley has a new direction, using smocking.Then to the left an almost translucent piece.Glennys to the right continues to work with felt and has chosen my favourite colour.Very pretty.

I'm sure this will be my last Blog before Christmas , so may I repeat my seasonal greetings to all my readers.Val

Congratulations, Barbara

I went to collect our pieces from the RKS exhibition at Gawthorpe hall last week. There was a piece missing!!! The corset designed and worked by Barbara R had been retained and added to the collection. Well done Barbara , we are all really proud of you.

December meeting

Our December meeting is earlier than normal due to the number of activities later in the year. We walked in to the Centre to see really traditional festive decorations. It was the usual busy night , lead by Jackie who had made kits for us , so all we needed was a needle. Love classes like these. I am sorry Jacky but due to my extra tasks, I forgot to take photos  so you will have to make do with my own scissors keep, that I finished during the evening.Thank you again for the time and trouble, we all enjoyed the task.We had a small display of fairy feet, sorry I should say FFarie slippers.One member who shall be named…Brenda had not only finished a pair but also had them mounted. Wont repeat what I said to her!!!The standard for our Xmas Competition, The Holly and the Ivy, continues to rise.It is inspiring to see how members interpret the title.The prize was won by Pauline . Holly and Ivy were two angels!!!Very Clever.Clare presented Pauline with a lovely festive plant that I cant spell.I sold all the photographic fabric that I had acquired and then a few more tickets for Jean and Jan.I will now make them available to the Region. Have a really Happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you twice in January, our meeting and then our Jacobs feast.

NEWSLETTER –December-2013

NEWS

The Rose Bowl competition titles are “Black Magic” for 2014 and “Something Old, Something New” for 2015.

The members’ challenge for 2014 is “Tree Rhythms”. Closing date for entries - 14^th Feb 2014. Pick up an entry form today.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

• Gawthorpe have Workshops available. See events@gawthorpetextiles.org.uk or telephone 01282 773963 for details.
• Lucinda Attwood is running embroidery classes at the Friends Meeting House in Silverwell Street, Bolton. on Mon. 10-12am, Tues 2-4pm, Weds 1-3pm. Call Lucinda (07977821119) or ask Brenda Cooper for further information.
• Grayson Perry Tapestries On Tour at Manchester City Gallery 24^th October – 21^st January.

See www.artfund.org/news/2013/06/05/grayson-peery-tapestries-to -tour

· Bolton Progressive Threads have an exhibition of contemporary textiles in felt, thread and mixed media inspired by Bolton Museum’s rich and diverse archive collection- “History Uncovered”, 4^th November- 26^th January situated in the Work Town Gallery at the end of Bolton Lives Gallery.

· “Challenges” an exhibition by textile group Metaphor exploring different themes and media, from now until January 5^th at Farfield Mill, Sedbergh. For more information about exhibitions visit www.farfieldmill.org .

ADVANCE NOTICE

January’s meeting on the 21^st January is “Recycling Textiles” with speaker Amy Senogles.

REMINDERS

The Beryl Dean Teaching Award has been launched again and will go to a teacher who is personally passionate and professionally inspirational and highly competent, recognized by students and peers alike. The prize will be £1000 to be spent on taking the teacher’s professional expertise to the next level. The 20^th December is the final date for nominations.

Ann is in need of handmade Get Well or open greeting cards for sending to members if you have any to spare.

If you have any items for the Sales Table please see Jackie Martin. Jackie also needs clear envelopes (like the ones cards come packed in) if you have any please keep them and pass them on.

Raffle prizes are always welcome. Please see Barbara Ryall if you have anything.

Sheelagh Madden now has some new DVDs in the library, including, “In Stitches” by Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn and also “Nations of the World in Stitch” about the Olympic postcards. If there are any library books you think would be suitable for us, please tell Sheelagh Madden. (An ISBN would be helpful)

If you hear of any interesting exhibitions or events that you think may be of interest, please let Brenda Brown know and details can go on the newsletter.

Don’t forget our blog address for Bolton EG is http://begstitchers.blogspot.com/ .

Also just a reminder that the Guild web address is www.embroiderersguild.com

Just been to see out tree and its now worth £250.00 Brilliant!!!!!

Out and about, Padiham

It was the Christmas party at Padiham yesterday. The committee had organised food and a quiz. The competition “Twelve days of Christmas “ was judged by the members. an amazed Glen won.her pieces was seven swans a swimming. There was a wide variety of pieces showing that we are a talented group. Sue produced the finished banner and it took a number of members to display it.

We were also delighted to hear that Wendy had had her piece for Gawthorpe accepted into the collection. No meeting in Jan so see you all on Feb 3rd. Happy Christmas.

Out and about, Harrogate

A group of us  filled a mini bus and set off for the Knitting and Stitching at Harrogate on Saturday.Much better than driving!!! Firstly I took Ann to meet Jan and Jean as she will be hosting them in June.{tickets going very fast.After our meeting next week available to the north west} Coffee and then we split up to follow our particular interests. There were many stalls and exhibitions but I spent much of my time chatting to friends I have made through the Guild. Many send greetings to Bolton. I met with Ann and Barbara for a very brief lunch and then I had booked a class with Katie Caplin.  A Japanese technique that she called “usheeah”.It is a padded fabric to make into a picture. I was surprised that we used double sided tape and there was no stitching involved but it is certainly quite quick.We used traditional kimono fabric and the end result was pleasing.I will let you know when I finish mine. I am still busy with my “holly and the ivy” for Tuesday.Doubt whether I will also have my fairy slipper ready either. Being in 2 branches does mean twice the work!!!

November meeting

I had no idea what to expect from this meeting. It was presented by Nawal Gebreel and called Talking Textiles. However it was a delight. Nawal displayed some of her work but it came to life later!!!She gave a PowerPoint presentation, explaining how she had progressed from designing for fashion houses to setting up her own business. How she began with painting and mixed media , moving on to discharge on velvet and how she has succeeded with these scarves. well to call them scarves is really an insult as they are individual works of art. She sells them throughout the world. Nawal asked for a volunteer and so Brenda had the honour of trying on many of these creations.Apart from the beautiful fabric and amazing “creases”, the scarves could be tied in such imaginative ways. Do contact Nawal for further information nawal@gebreel.com

Breaking news….. the Christmas tree bid is now £175.00

Tickets for Jan and Jeans talk and workshop selling quickly. Bolton members have the next meeting to purchase before being opened up to the NW branches.

Our Christmas tree

Months ago, Barbara approached our Guild with an idea. Each year at this time the Lowry outlet holds a display of decorated Christmas trees which are subsequently auctioned off. all proceeds are donated to the St Francis Children's Hospice in Manchester. She thought that we could get involved,making decorations.

The Branch agreed and we decided to limit the colour to silver and white, the shapes to a bird, star and circle . Kits  with appropriate felt beads and ribbons were assembled and we began. The idea was to bring back finished decorations each month but there was some panic when in September Barbara announced that all work must be ready for the following month.

Jackie and Ann had supported  Barbara with the collation of kits so the three of them, ably assisted by Phoebe, Ann's  granddaughter, went along to the Lowry to decorate the tree. There were 120 decorations  on our tree,and members had been really generous donating gifts which were wrapped to compliment the tree and placed underneath. I  believe these totalled more than £300.00

The proud tree decorators, Ann with Phoebe, Barbara and Jackie. I went along a few days later and thought it was amazing.better still there had been two bids already on our tree. £75.00 currently but I would hope for several more bids  before long as the charity is well worth supporting.

November day school.

Lucinda Allwood lead our workshop yesterday, “Beaded FFaerie Slippers.”

I was delighted that we only needed to take a hoop and beading needle as I am up to my eyes in competition pieces for Christmas. Lucy had kindly assembled kits for us to use. I just wish I had planned ahead and taken my beading mat as I kept scattering my beads across the table.Above is the sample that we could aim for. Underneath, a quick photo of Lucy as she never stood or sat still!!!

Lunch was again a delight, thank you Brenda and Judith and we had an added celebration as Its Barbara s birthday today. Ann placed candles on the cake and we sang to her. Doesn't she look bashful in the corner?We were also delighted to see the new kitchen installed at Bank Top. Well done to all the fundraisers and workers.

Finally we were given instructions as to how to assemble our slipper [I say slipper as my fairy is likely to be one legged!!!}and then had our show and tell. i look forward to seeing many pairs of slippers very soon.

Out and about, Padiham.

Our November meeting, welcomed Rubina Porter who was to tell us about the orphanage project. I had suggested to a couple of our members that they might like to attend as they missed her visit to Bolton a couple of weeks before. Ruby spoke again about her love and dedication to this amazing enterprise. She presented a very good slide show and is able to name every person that she photographs. She brought amazing Kantha work quilts worked by the orphans and finally we were able to support her cause by buying scarves, bags, cards and assorted items .My Christmas presents are sorted!!!

AGM Garstang

6 of us from Bolton, attended the NW Region AGM last Saturday. I had to set up the pieces for the Broderers’ Cup. I should have counted but there were 2 tables full , exquisite work produced by Rochdale members.A few pieces are here. Voting took place before the start of the meeting and at the end Christine Poole our national chair was delighted to present the cup a certificate and token to Joyce Burgh.The room was really full, due to an excellent turnout of members and a number of exhibitions.The dreaded ties,,,well I was amazed with the ingenuity of members.It seemed like hundreds of pieces. We had to pack them so closely  as we were short of room, my photos will not do them justice.

There were also exhibitions of C and G, YE and Summer school.They are here on disk if you would like to see.

The AGM itself went well. The NW region seems to be thriving. Christine gave a report on behalf of the Trustees. We then had time for questions. Diplomatically, I must say that there were many questions posed that could not be answered by Christine. The members have charged Monica to put them to the trustees and we await their responses. I have yet to write up the Minutes from this meeting and am finding as many excuses as possible to delay.Watch this space.

October meeting

On Tuesday we welcomed a friend, Mrs Rubina Porter MBE to our meeting. Ruby has visited us several times but this time she wore her MBE with pride. This was a lovely touch as Ruby does not boast of this amazing award that she gained for work at the orphanage.Ruby “tells it as it is”, the horrors of life in the slums and in one of the worlds poorest countries of the world,but the success and respect that these orphans can{and do} achieve. Ruby has now made 33 visits and her family are all heavily involved. Ruby was so proud to tell us that her daughter had now been made a trustee and the Porter legacy will continue.Ruby gave a power point presentation but also brought along work produced by “her girls”.Finally , she  displayed scarves,bags and cards made at the orphanage and we had a great time doing early Christmas shopping.

These “three little maids” show off hats that they have made. Not one but 2 or 3 hats in some cases.

NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2013

NEWS

The Rose Bowl competition titles are “Black Magic” for 2014 and “Something Old, Something New” for 2015.

The members’ challenge for 2014 is “Tree Rhythms”. Closing date for entries - 14^th Feb 2014. Pick up an entry form today.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

• One Step On Woodland Exhibition – Astley Hall, Chorley til 27^th October Sat & Sun only 12.30pm- 4pm. (Definitely worth seeing).
• 10+ Textiles are exhibiting at Bankfield Museum – Boothtown Rd Halifax HX3 6HG (Tel 01422 352334) Until Oct 26^th Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm.
• Altrincham Embroiderers’ Guild has an exhibition at the Waterside Arts Centre, Sale M3372F. Mon-Thurs 10-8pm, Fri – Sat 10-5pm, 21 September-10 November.
• The Gawthorpe Hall “Inspired” exhibition is on until November if you haven’t yet seen it. They also have Workshops available. See events@gawthorpetextiles.org.uk or telephone 01282 773963 for details.
• Lucinda Attwood is running embroidery classes at the Friends Meeting House in Silverwell Street, Bolton. on Mon. 10-12am, Tues 2-4pm, Weds 1-3pm. Call Lucinda (07977821119) or ask Brenda Cooper for further information.
• The knitting and Stitching Show is on at Harrogate International Centre 21-24 November.
• Grayson Perry Tapestries On Tour at Manchester City Gallery 24^th October – 21^st January.

See www.artfund.org/news/2013/06/05/grayson-peery-tapestries-to -tour

• Bolton Museum & Art Gallery. Exhibition entitled “Textile Treasures” until Sunday 3^rd November. For details of exhibitions - http://www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/exhibitions.

· Bolton Progressive Threads have an exhibition of contemporary textiles in felt, thread and mixed media inspired by Bolton Museum’s rich and diverse archive collection- “History Uncovered”, 4^th November- 26^th January situated in the Work Town Gallery at the end of Bolton Lives Gallery.

ADVANCE NOTICE

Lucinda Allwood will provide a pack of beads for £1 for those on the Ffaerie slippers workshop on November 9^th. Also required are an 8inch hoop and beading needles.

REMINDERS Thank you to everybody who has made Christmas tree decorations, it is to be assembled at the end of October. Handcrafted gifts, not necessarily Christmas related, are needed to go under the Christmas tree and I am sure we can make plenty of these. The tree should look dazzling and will raise a good amount for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Ann is in need of hand made Birthday cards for sending to members if you have any to spare.

If you have any items for the Sales Table please see Jackie Martin. Jackie also needs clear envelopes (like the ones cards come packed in) if you have any please keep them and pass them on.

Raffle prizes are always welcome. Please see Barbara Ryall if you have anything.

If there are any library books you think would be suitable for us, please tell Sheelagh Madden. ( An ISBN would be helpful)

If you hear of any interesting exhibitions or events that you think may be of interest, please let Brenda Brown know and details can go on the newsletter.

.

Don’t forget our blog address for Bolton EG is http://begstitchers.blogspot.com/ .

Also just a reminder that the Guild web address is www.embroiderersguild.com

Hardwick Hall Visit

On Saturday 21st September, Clare had organised a coach to Take us to Hardwick Hall. I had been with the Guild many many years before but decided to go again. How I have moved on, first visit and I didnt really appreciate the Tapestries but this time Mary and I held long discussions about almost each and every one. We even taught a guide the term slip.The Hall is amazing and Bess must have been an amazing woman.I took loads of photos so will just included a taster. I have more if anyone wants to see/copy.

Mary and I spent ages studying this last piece of Queen Elizabeth 1st. Im sorry that this snap does not do it justice. The detailed embroidery on the dress , the lace, the beading…oh it was amazing. We were so lucky to see it as it was on the way to the National Portrait Gallery. It was a great visit, glorious weather, and good companionship. I look forward to the next.