June meeting

It was a very busy meeting last night.Dr Aruna Mene had been invited to talk to us. First we had the usual messages and then “the Edgworth Three” alias Lesley Hilary and Penny showed us what they had done at a recent workshop. Then Pauline showed us two Wiggly Bags that she had made.These can be found in the most recent Contact magazine but Pauline had a personal reason to promote them and explain their uses. We are encouraged to work as many as possible and then we will approach the Manchester Childrens Hospital.

We were all very confused that evening as the caretaker had reversed the seating . Tables were all over and Aruna comandeered several for her displays.

Aruna began her talk which was entirely accompanied by slides of her work. Her underlying there is of well being, happiness and joy. She feels that colour affects the emotions{ as do we all}, Her work began as tiny pieces of fabric,applied onto a canvas to create a harmonious picture. She had holiday inspirations, flowers, landscapes and portraits. Wherever possible the scraps of fabric had been used before and thus recycled.

Then she paused and explained her “day job”in a hospital. I cannot remember the correct words but she deals with tissue and cells of cancer etc .Using a microscope to examine, she saw other patterns and began to reproduce them.So we saw a blood vessel, clogged with a fatty layer and other disgusting yet oddly attractive pieces of work. Obviously many of these pieces have been used in and on medical journals.Aruna has developed other techniques such as rag rugs and has now moved into cushions. These along with her cards bags and collages are sold to raise funds for her many charities.  She seemed very busy last night so hope her funds were swelled.

Newsletter – June 2015

News and Competitions

The Rose Bowl competition title is “Under the Sea”, for our Regional Day in April next year.

Northwest Region Broderers’ Cup is for October AGM. Open to our Branch only.

Molly’s Cup is “Whitework”, for September meeting.

New books in the library: “Felt and Fibre Art” by Val Hughes

“Applique Art” by Abigail Mill

“Crewel Intentions” by Hazel Blomkamp

“Modern Sashiko” by SAilke Bosbach

Exhibitions and Events

· Summer School at Alston Hall 16^th-19^th July. See notice board for details and booking forms.

· Lancashire and Yorkshire Open Craft Exhibition at The Platform Gallery, Clitheroe until Sat July 4^th ; www.platform.gallery@ribblevalley.gov.uk

· Woolfest, Cockermouth, Cumbria, Friday 26 June and Saturday 27 June. www.woolfest.co.uk

· Annual Blackrod Scarecrow Festival 4&5 July 10am – 7pm. Over 130 scarecrows registered. Lookout for the orange bows around the village as these indicate the various houses with scarecrows. Programmes are £2 – see Julie Burrows.

· For more information about textile art exhibitions checkout this website –www.textilesociety.org.uk/events.

Advance Notice

• Playdays are on Saturdays June 27 and August 22 at Banktop Church, 10.00-2.30.

· Please keep your Pearl Exhibition pieces to put on a display at our Regional Day next year. New work would be very welcome too.

REMINDERS

· There is a vacancy for somebody to run the Sales Table. This involves collecting items brought in and pricing and presenting for sale at our meetings.

· The Summer meal (£25) and EGM at Ridgemount, Horwich July 14^{th .}

Ann needs more handmade birthday cards for sending to members if you have any to spare please 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; 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