Out and about,Merseyside

Last Saturday I fulfilled my first engagement as Chair. Merseyside invited me to their Christmas party. I was not sure what to expect but was amazed when I walked into the room.

I was transposed back a few centuries……medieval maybe? What a stunning room, which Merseyside had filled with stalls and competition entries. One of the first members to greet me was Rubina who had her stall there, supporting the orphanage.To confuse me more, there were women wandering around in beautiful costumes, that I found out were advertising A Winters Tale in Southport. The costumes are being  made and some of the Guild had been involved in the embellishment. 150 costumes are needed so any member nearby who would like to get involved, contact

www.handinhandtheatreproductions.co.uk

Merseyside use this occasion to promote their Branch, advertise what is happening, a fund raiser and to celebrate with friends. They do similar in the summer.

We were encouraged to make a decoration for the Christmas Tree and mine still needs some glitter.

 

I was tempted by the bag stall, all made by members and being sold at £3.00 each, a bargain!!!

I bought raffle tickets and won a book. There were presentations for the YE and member competitions and of course the food was delicious. I was delighted to be invited,and to attend.The members were welcoming and friendly. I do hope their coffers were filled and members were recruited.Merry Christmas Merseyside.

Bolton Xmas party

You wait for a party and two come along….well Padiham on Monday and Bolton on Tuesday, yes our Xmas party. I was a bit worried cos I didnt see food but then realised that there was a lovely spread in the adjoining room. No quiz for us, Clare had made a forest of trees and wanted to share this skill with us.Our competition was a wearable brooch. perhaps less entries than in the past but lots of votes. The winner was Barbara.

Well done!!!  A reminder about our Jacobs Feast in Jan at 11.00 and a chance to sign up for your food gift. I will then include the Nov Bulletin .

News and Competitions

The Rose Bowl competition titles are “Something Old, Something New” for 2015 and “Under the Sea”, for 2016.

The members’ challenge for 2015 is “All that Glistens”.

The Christmas competition is – a Christmas Brooch.

Congratulations to Ann Heather on winning the most voted for piece of work in our recent exhibition at Bolton Art Gallery.

Also congratulations to Val Coleshaw on beginning her tenure as the Northwest Regional Chair.

Exhibitions and Events

• Last chance to see Grayson Perry from 23 Aug – 7 Dec at Temple Newsom House, Leeds.
• Platform Gallery, Clitheroe ; “Treat and be Treated”, a variety of crafts peoples work until January 10^th.
• Paper Christmas Trees and Baubles Book Art workshop – 29^th November at The United Reformed Church Hall, Croston Rd, Garstang, PR3 1FL. 10am - 4pm.

Contact : linda@creativethreadworkchops.co.uk

· Little Contemporary Northern Craft Fair - Altrincham Grammar School For Boys, Hale. WA142RS. Sunday December 7^th.10am- 5pm.

Advance Notice

· Next year’s NW Regional Day will be held by Chelford and North Cheshire EG. Details of speakers on the notice board. Tickets going on sale in January.

· February Play Day’s activity will be printing and stamping.

REMINDERS

· Harrogate Show – OUR TRIP is this Saturday. The coach will be leaving the Resource Centre at 8.30 and be returning at 4.30pm.

· Next meeting – December 2^nd. Please bring basic sewing kit for the Christmas activity.

· There is a new book in the library, “ Get Stuffed”, by Maggie Smith

If you have any items for the Sales Table please see Jenny Whittle. Jenny 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)

Also 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: brownhovis33@yahoo.co.uk

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

The Northwest blog address is http:/www.info@nwregionembroiderers.org

A  HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY READERS. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN IN THE NEW YEAR, VAL.

Padiham Xmas party

On Monday I travelled over to Padiham. It was the usual busy meeting. I had rushed there from my Aqua class so the small of Xmas food was very tempting, BUT we had two puzzles to complete first!!! Needless to say, I did not do very well although Nan and I shared a packet of Rolo for our score of 15 out of 20.Our competition,Winter Wonderland was well supported and the winning piece was my favourite.Im delighted to see that Padiham continues to flourish , due to the hard work of all the committee and the support of members , especially with the raffle and sales table. Happy Christmas to you all.

November meeting

Stella Adams Schofield joined us this week.She is an artist, teacher and researcher who is fascinated by old textiles and lace. However she began her slide show with microphotographs of skin and explained how she used it as an inspiration. She transferred this idea into very delicate  lace pieces .

However she had another slant being very interested in technology, so we were able to see video shown on and through lacey drapes. The fabric that she created were influenced on British production so she wove with linen and wool.

I loved the jumper she had produced, that followed her family history through a pathway of photographs.

Most of all I loved her integrity. She explained that museums value their shards of pottery but pay less attention to fragments of fabric.

She can be contacted at

stellaadamsschofield@outlook.com

 

Ann Heather was presented with a small gift in recognition for her winning the visitor vote at our Exhibition. There was a display of dolls from the last workshop.

Over 20 of us went to the K annd S at Harrogate on Saturday. A very good day, lots to see and buy and as always I spent most of my time chattering to friends that I know.

You will need a beading needle. green thread and beads for our Xmas meeting. Apologies that there is no newsletter this month,,,technical problems!!!

Padiham Nov 2014

A lovely drive over to Padiham yesterday.I was pretty shattered after the NWR committee meeting the day before. Lots of ideas exchanged and some  changes will be announced soon that we hope will make our region more effective. Back to Padiham, I was warmly greeted by several of the members who remembered that I had become the Chair of NWR. our speaker was Sheila Sturrock.

She began by apologising that her talk would not concentrate specifically on embroidery but she did bring along some exquisite  embroidered cards.Sheila had collated a wonderful range of images of greetings cards, from museums around the country.. She began her talk with St Valentine and moved through this to Christmas and other celebrations. Some cards we more like post cards and others were 3D.The paper skills shown were amazing. I had just decided that this year I do not have time to make my Xmas cards and I'm quite relieved to have made this decision as I could not compete!!!

Don't forget you Blue and gold star and your Winter Wonderland pieces at our Dec meeting and get your thinking caps on , ready to create our tablecloth.

Pearl Exhibition Part 2

Ann and I arrived at the Art Gallery today to bag each of the items. We very much appreciated that each work was named and had a suitably named bag for transport. Apologies if the bubble wrap was missing,  we became a little confused as time went on.Several members of staff called to see us and as always they were SO complimentary about our work. I'm sure we will get another slot!!!!

On Saturday I had not told Ann of her winning piece so had to point her in that direction .She was delighted. I persuaded her to keep the plaque.

I will now add a few photos to remind us of the event. Unfortunately those in cases did not photograph too well but we do have Johns book.I have two visitor comments books and will make a few notes of comments made.

Pearl exhibition

It was not possible for Monica and I to attend the exhibition together until last Thursday, when we combined it with the exchange of Chairs stuff and lunch.

Monica was delighted with the variety and quality of our work. I met Matthew who had been unable to count the visitor votes so I asked Monica to help me. I was delighted how many people had made the effort to vote. There was no doubt of the winner who had a massive majority of the votes. I hope she does not read this tonight as we are together tomorrow to steward for the last time.You can see Monica pointing to the winning piece, by Ann Heather. Congratulations.

Thank you to everyone who submitted work, helped to steward or came to visit. We have two visitor comment books that are totally full.

Oct Branch meeting

On Tuesday we were entertained by Emily was had travelled up through all the rain and wind ,from Leicestershire. She spoke of her development in craft.Although trained in ceramics ,she soon moved into embroidery and specifically hand embroidery. Her work was delicate, translucent and I must apologise that I could not do them justice in photography.We were asked to bring the usual sewing equipment but quite bemused when we were asked to stitch into real leaves. A real challenge. Emily can be contacted at

www.emilynotman.co.uk

 

News and Competitions

The Rose Bowl competition titles are “Something Old, Something New” for 2015 and “Under the Sea”, for 2016.

The members’ challenge for 2015 is “All that Glistens”.

The Christmas competition is – a Christmas Brooch.

Congratulations to Pauline Bowling who won Molly’s Cup at our first meeting this year.

Exhibitions and Events

· Glossop & District Embroiderers’ Guild 10^th Anniversary exhibition, “A Decade of Stitch”.

At Bradbury House, Market Street, Glossop. Mon- Sat 9-5pm. 6^th-30^th October.

• Last chance to see Grayson Perry from 23 Aug – 7 Dec at Temple Newsom House, Leeds.
• Free Stitch workshop with Bella May Leonard at Gawthorpe Hall, Sunday 2 November from 12-16.30. See notice board,
• The Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexander Palace 8-12 October and Harrogate 20-23 November. A coach is being organized for Saturday 22^nd November to Harrogate. The more people who go the cheaper the bus and tickets to the event. You may wish to purchase an extra ticket for a seat on the bus and not the show for friends /partners who just want a day in Harrogate while you enjoy the event.

There is a list of the workshops being run on the Saturday on the notice board, please check and let me know if you need one booking.

Please contact Brenda if you’re interested. My email address is brownhovis33@yahoo.co.uk.

Advance Notice

· Next year’s NW Regional Day will be held by Chelford and North Cheshire EG. Details of speakers on the notice board. Tickets going on sale in January.

REMINDERS

· There is a play day on November 8^th “All Dolled Up”, at Bank Top Church. Please bring your own lunch as usual.

· Our Pearl anniversary exhibition which began on the National Day of Stitch; 2^nd August runs until 26^th October at Bolton Museum.

· There is a new book in the library, “A Passion for Colour”, by Ruth Isset and the Jan Beaney/ Jean Littlejohn DVD “In Motion”.

Ann is in need of handmade Birthday/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 Jenny Whittle. Jenny also needs clear envelopes (like the ones cards come packed in) if you have any please keep them and pass them on. Would anyone like to help Jenny, if so let us know.

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; brownhovis33@yahoo.co.uk

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

The Northwest blog address is http:/www.info@nwregionembroiderers.org

NW REGIONAL AGM

Last Saturday I drove up to Garstang in something of a daze, having returned from Morocco the night before. I missed the turning and was then much later than I had anticipated. I think Monica was panicking more than me in case I did not turn up!!!!

The AGM went through very smoothly.Clare looked after the photography for me.She captured Barbara and Carol looking very happy.Then the formality of the High table, with Sandra {Treasurer},Angie{ National Vice Chair}Christine {National Chair} Monica {NW Regional Chair} and me. Elections took place and thanks to retiring committee were said.Monica presented me with THE BADGE and then I gave her an orchid on behalf of us all.

Molly's cup and newsletter Sept 14

I forgot to add the photo of Clare , our Chair ,presenting Pauline with Molly's Cup. This award is a rose bowl awarded annually in memory of one of our founder members, correctly called the Molly Lee Rose bowl but colloquially referred to as Molly's Cup.Molly was an exquisite needle worker and we alternate between  two years the first being a technique and the next a theme. From memory we have had white work,  gold work , round the garden, crewelwork and this year jewels. I must get a complete list!!!!

NEWSLETTER –September 2014

News and Competitions

The Rose Bowl competition titles are “Something Old, Something New” for 2015 and “Under the Sea”, for 2016.

The members’ challenge for 2015 is “All that Glistens”.

The Christmas competition is – a Christmas Brooch.

You can see the winning pieces for this year’s members challenge,”Tree Rhythms”, on the EG website.

Congratulations to Pauline Bowling who won Molly’s Cup at our first meeting this year.

Exhibitions and Events

· Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair : 9-12 October at the old Granada studios Manchester. www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk

· Glossop & District Embroiderers’ Guild 10^th Anniversary exhibition, “A Decade of Stitch”.

At Bradbury House, Market Street, Glossop. Mon- Sat 9-5pm. 6^th-30^th October.

• Last chance to see Grayson Perry from 23 Aug – 7 Dec at Temple Newsom House, Leeds.
• The Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexander Palace 8-12 October and Harrogate 20-23 November. A coach is being organized for Saturday 22^nd November to Harrogate. The more people who go the cheaper the bus and tickets to the event. You may wish to purchase an extra ticket for a seat on the bus and not the show for friends /partners who just want a day in Harrogate while you enjoy the event. Please contact Brenda if you’re interested. My email address is brownhovis33@yahoo.co.uk.

Advance Notice

· There is a play day workshop on October 11^th at BankTop Church. The theme is soluble materials, or you can just come along and try out any new ideas or materials you have acquired over the past year. As usual bring a packed lunch.

· Next year’s NW Regional Day will be held by Chelford and North Cheshire EG. Details on the notice board.

REMINDERS

· Our Pearl anniversary exhibition which began on the National Day of Stitch; 2^nd August runs until 26^th October at Bolton Museum.

· See Clare or Val if you can offer your time to steward and bring your sewing too!

· There is a new book in the library, “A Passion for Colour”, by Ruth Isset and the Jan Beaney/ Jean Littlejohn DVD “In Motion”.

Ann is in need of handmade Birthday/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 Jenny Whittle. Jenny also needs clear envelopes (like the ones cards come packed in) if you have any please keep them and pass them on. Would anyone like to help Jenny, if so let us know.

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; brownhovis33@yahoo.co.uk

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

The Northwest blog address is http:/www.info@nwregionembroiderers.org

Sept AGM

It was our first meeting of the year last night, so we held our AGM.The officers and committee were elected as per our EGM in July. Judith gave a treasurers report, and although w seemed to have spent quite a lot last year. we had invested in books and DVDs etc. Five of us held up show and tell pieces.

We welcomed Eileen back after her spell away puppy training.She explained that her church had a branch of the Women's Institute . She showed us a tablecloth that is almost complete.Phil held up another amazing cross stitch piece but I must apologise that this snap is blurred ,{ I must have been overwhelmed}

Pauline brought along a bag that she had started the first time that Jean Littlejohn came to Bolton,,,,voluptuous velvets. Jackie had another wonderful quilt  and we began by showing the back. I seemed to have been too busy to take photos of these, sorry. I took along the piece that I had done at summer school.

Brenda then demonstrated a form of Dorset Buttons.that can be seen in the current Stitch Magazine. This was deja vu for me as  at my first ever Guild meeting, Barbara D demonstrated….thirty years ago. I completed mine and you can see it below.The one on the left is many years old and the right was last night.Finally Clare presented Pauline with Mollys Cup.her piece had been chose in our Jewels competition. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Bulletin and current stewards list to follow.

Demo in the Art Gallery

Yesterday Clare and I were booked to demonstrate and encourage children to stitch. WE did not know what to expect but Jackie had prepared materials for us. There was Binca, assorted wools , scissors and 26 individually stitched sample letters. We had already decided to make bookmarks and Matthew at the Art Gallery reminded us just how much the children liked to see their names. Our schedule was 11 until 3.pm but as we were setting up soon after 10am, the children arrived.

Some were very tentative, others full of enthusiasm. Some were encouraged but mothers fathers and grandmothers but one older group arrived alone. Brenda left Glennys and Liz in our exhibition to assist until they went home,her help was really useful. We never had a minute, I didn't even manage to finish the juice I had taken with me.

One father was quite absorbed with helping his son.

Sorry Clare not very flattering but you were so busy.

My hardest task was to help a young 3 year old girl and eventually decided that I would find the hole and she could tug the thread. Matthew asked if I could keep a tally , another task!!!! but I think we taught 18 children and 5 adults but there were many more watching or trying to assist.I thought that I had taken more photos but sadly only managed 5. This final one should be recognised by some…..Emily, granddaughter of Pauline. As you would expect she got stuck in straight away and needed no help.Sorry George, you did not sit still long enough for me to catch you!!! I began packing up at 3.pm and Clare was quite shocked as she had not realised the time.She said that it was a lovely way to spend a few hours. Matthew is keen to offer us a space again if two or three of you fancied a few hours,all the preparation is done.

See you all at our AGM on Tuesday, dont forget your Jewel ,bits for the activity. envelopes with cheques and diary as I have a few Saturdays to fill.