B.E.G.Stitchers

Jacobs feast, Jan 2012

2012-01-28T12:51:00.001-08:00

Another very cold morning,I had to defrost my car before I could drive to Bank Top. We assembled at 11.00 and had a hot drink as we sorted out the tables and displayed the cold food.

We then played Dominoes in groups of four and then the winner moved clockwise whilst the loser went to the left. So some confusion here for us!!!

Ann appears to be checking whether there is any cheating taking place. After ten rounds , Margaret B. was declared the winner and accepted her prize.

Warm food was presented and we sat down to a delightful meal .

It is one of the only chances that we have to actually sit and talk. After lunch Ann showed us the two bags made and donated by Lesley. Our task was to make leaves, flowers and cord for stalks and tendrils.

The bags are not yet completed but are worth a quick look.

January 2012 meeting

2012-01-18T09:41:00.001-08:00

It was a very cold and damp evening when I set out for the Guild .As always I soon cheered up when I met with all my friends in our branch.I was surprised how many had ventured out that night but am certain that they felt it was all worth while.

There was a lot of business to discuss. Our postcards and work from the last work day were displayed.

I am a bit disappointed that there are so few postcards as I managed one for Bolton and another for Padiham branch.perhaps we should have heard the talk by our speaker Gillian Travis beforehand as she spoke about how she used holiday photos to create her work. She rapidly ran through about 300 shots and then showed us a massive range of work. I had carried in a bunch of flowers that she made and seen below.

I will certainly incorporate some of her ideas. For instance in Morocco she concentrated on shoes but embroidered them with snapshots of the country.

NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2012

A copy of the EG Council Communique to Members is available if you would like to read it. I also have a copy of Material Matters. Sorry about the eccentric printing but I must have misunderstood the instructions.

Programmes for all the North West Area branches are available, so if you would care to visit any other branch see Marilyn who will bring the folder to meetings.

The details of the 2012 Summer School courses are now available and can be booked from Jan 15^th2012.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

Anna White’s exhibition is still running at Bolton Library if you have not yet seen it.

Edgeworth Craft Group meets at the Barlow Institute, Edgeworth in the library. For further details see Lesley King.

Johanna is running a workshop (Patchwork and embroidery made into items) on Tuesday mornings between 9.30 and 11.30 at the Quest Centre, Barlow Way, Halliwell, BL1 3UB. It’s a roll on/roll off workshop and the cost is £7.00 per week. Machines and all materials are provided.

Montague Patchers have an exhibition and sale at the United Reform Church, Montague Road, Sale M33 3BU on Friday 17^th (11am – 5pm)& Saturday 18^th (10am – 4pm) February. See poster for details.

“Little Black Dress” exhibition at Tullie House Art Gallery, Castle Street, Carlisle, CA3 8TP (Tel. 01228 618718 www.tulliehouse.co.uk) from10th December – 26^th February

Opening Times

10am – 4pm Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 4pm Sunday

For further information about the exhibition or to request visuals please contact Fiona Venables on 01228 618734 / Fiona.venables@tulliehouse.org or Amy Walker on 01228 618774 / amy.walker@tulliehouse.org.

ADVANCE NOTICE

THIS year Molly’s Cup title will be “Redo, Rework, Reform” Due AGM Sept 2012,

REMINDERS

The North West Regional Day will be held on Saturday 28^th April2012 at Fullwood Methodist Church, Preston, PR2 8EA. Tickets £25 includes lunch and refreshments. I have the booking form and need to know numbers fairly soon.Competition “two peas in a pod”

Please start collecting pink items for the Pink Bag for the raffle prizes for the Southport AGM from 30th March – 1^st April. Book by 1^st March.

Don’t forget to put your name down for the Jacobs Feast on Saturday 28^th January and for Jackie’s “Heirloom Hearts” workshop on 24th March.

If you have any ideas for new books for the library, please tell Brenda. (An IBS number would be helpful)

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

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

Finally

May I wish you all a Happy New Year on behalf of Ann and the committee.

December newsletter

2011-12-09T11:14:00.001-08:00

Please pick up your copy of Contact if you haven't already done so. There are also copies of "Your Guild", the programme and booking form for the AGM at Southport from 30^th March - 1^st April, a letter calling for nominations for Chairman plus the new bookshop catalogue. Please collect these and any for friends who are not here tonight, but you will see before the next meeting.

A copy of Monica Selway's December NW Region Bulletin is available if you would like to read it, also a copy of a letter from our Acting Chairman Christine Poole.

Programmes for all the North West Area branches are available, so if you would care to visit any other branch see Marilyn who will bring the folder to meetings.

The details of the 2012 Summer School courses are now available and can be booked from Jan 15*2012.

Congratulations to Val on being elected Vice Chair of NW Regional Committee

Congratulations to John's granddaughter, Sarah who won the YE De-denne Competition. Her winning entry was on display at Harrogate, as were all the entries including John's "Green Man".

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

Edgeworth Craft Group meets at the Barlow Institute, Edgeworth in the library with different programmes for afternoons and evenings including "Textile Pictures", Felt making and Paper Work. For further details see Lesley King.

Johanna is running a workshop (Patchwork and embroidery made into items) on Tuesday mornings between 9.30and 11.30 at the Quest Centre, Brownlow Way, Halliwell, BL1 3UB. It's a roll on/roll off workshop and the cost is£7.00 per week. Machines and all materials are provided.

"Little Black Dress" exhibition at Tullie House Art Gallery, Castle Street, Carlisle, CA3 8TP (Tel. 01228 618718 www.tulliehouse.co.uk) from 10th December - 26^th February Opening Times 1 10am - 4pm Monday - Saturday, 12pm - 4pm Sunday For further information about the exhibition or to request visuals please contact Fiona Venables on 01228 618734 / Fiona.venables@tulliehouse.org or Amy Walker on 01228 618774 / amy.walker@tulliehouse.org.

ADVANCE NOTICE

Next year Molly's Cup title will be "Redo, Rework, Reform" REMINDERS

The North West Regional Day will be held on Saturday 28^th April2012. Tickets £25 includes lunch andrefreshments.

Please start collecting pink items for the Pink Bag for the raffle prizes for the Southport AGM next March.

If you have any ideas for new books for the library, please tell Brenda. (An IBS number would be helpful) Raffle prizes are always welcome. Please see Judith if you have anything.

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

Finally

May I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on behalf of Ann and the committee.

And more… There is a change of speaker for Jan. It will be Gillian Travis “Journeys through stitch”.

Dont forget to call in the Art Gallery to see the piece that we worked with Anna White. Its on till start of Feb.

December meeting

2011-12-08T09:18:00.001-08:00

It was quite a miserable night to leave the home but there were about 30 of us attending the December meeting.There were lots of messages and several members” Showed and told”. The night had a Bulgarian theme ,inspired by the Olympic postcards.

Ann, Lesley and I provided Bulgarian food and there were worksheets and pictures to help inspire members. The plan was to try and complete our postcards but I never managed to make a stitch.

The competition, a stitched Cracker was voted by each of our members and Ann was delighted to present Freda Hindle with a small prize.

I hope to include the newsletter later but in case I cannot,very good wishes to all my readers. Val

Out and about,Padiham

2011-12-06T06:42:00.001-08:00

I braved the Arctic conditions yesterday and went to Padiham branch. Kathryn demonstrated how to make a simple ,but very effective Christmas decoration and then we all had a go. We exchanged a Christmas card and voted for our Xmas competition,subsequently and deservedly won by Joan, our hard working secretary.

The branch continues to grow. Three more members were signed up during the afternoon. The first workshop on Boutis is now full. A date and time for a visit to Gawthorpe Hall was arranged : 1.30 on 21/02/12. Kathryn then reminded us to buy our tickets for the AGM weekend and said that due to numbers, two more workshops had been arranged.

We shared festive food and then arranged to meet at our next meeting in February. This will be based on our Kiribati postcards.Looking back to the start of the year,when numbers were low, I am delighted to acknowledge that we have another strong branch in our region.

Out and about,Bolton

2011-12-03T05:44:00.001-08:00

Last night a number of us,arrived at the Bolton Museum and Art gallery to meet with Anna. We had been invited to the private viewing of her work. Anna White had won the Humphrey Spender Scholarship by taking photographs of Bolton, inspired by Humphrey Spenders “Worktown” of the 1930s. Anna had come to our October meeting to ask whether any of us would like to add a few stitches and words to her photographs. We then needed to return them at the November meeting

We were delighted to be involved and amazed by the final piece. We are even credited and named at the side.

The exhibition opens to the public today and continues until January 14th. Do go and visit.

Out and About,Harrogate

2011-11-27T07:34:00.001-08:00

Yesterday a group of us had an early start at Ann's. She had booked tickets and a mini bus to transport us to the Knitting and Stitching show at Harrogate. The weather was awful ,with a blustery wind but it did not dampen our spirits. The first port of call on arrival was a coffee and then we split up and began to attack the shops and displays. I like to get the feel of the place first , briefly wandering around and then re visiting the places of greater interest.However the place is so vast that it happens naturally as you are enticed by a display or stall. I was particularly impressed to see the Beryl Dean and Ten Plus exhibitions.in the Main Hall. A number of us had arranged to meet for lunch, but it was a short break as there was so much to see. Barbara , Ann and I had decided to try a taster course so went along at 2.15. Please note that we are not wearing napkins under our chins!!! the tutor had kindly provided disposable aprons and gloves.

We experimented with Lutradur and Evalon,painting it and then zapping with a heat gun. Good fun and we all purchased glue to try again at home.

I then went to check out The Embroiderers Guild stand. The competition pieces inspired by “The Visitor book” were on display. I will publish Johns from our Branch and Sandra McFarlane from Altrincham { who was commended } as we know her well. Well done to you both.

Christine Poole the Guild Chair was on duty and drumming up membership. Near by were the Must Haves and an array of new books. An impressive display.

It is a good event. Lots to see and do and the chance to meet many old friends, Once on our way home, we chatted about what we had bought,what we had seen and what we had still missed!!! Its a big venue, come with us next year.

November Day School.

2011-11-22T10:00:00.001-08:00

Hilary and her husband both entertained us on Saturday. There was a “full house” so her husband acted as tea maker and washer up, we were spoiled.

We began by looking for sources and then ripped up magazines to find colours and finally begin our stitching. You would think that a 2 by 2 inch square would be easy to fill but it was rather more complicated AND some members had already decided to “go bigger” This Ghandi piece by Hilary is much bigger and must have taken her months and months.She did tell us that she had many sleepless nights trying to gets his legs to look right!!!!

www.hilaryhollingworth.co,uk

Our pieces below need a lot more work and we hope to bring them along to our Jan meeting.Thank you again for making my birthday weekend special. Cant believe it is a year since I became an OAP and the one candle on the pile of brownies at lunch was almost as memorable as the singing. What a friendly branch we are.

November meeting

2011-11-22T09:46:00.001-08:00

Our meetings seem to get more and more busy, I dont know how we manage to pack it all in.Anna White came along to collect the photos that she hoped would be” annotated with stitches” She was delighted with the results and we celebrated by eating cake that she had made. We are also invited to the opening and I have copied her words to explain….

This year I am responding to the theme The Everyday. I am tasked with re-interpreting Humphrey Spender’s Worktown project of the 1930s, and for the last year have been documenting everyday life in Bolton.

The photographs on display are my exploration of the Bolton borough, and of the relationship it has with its industrial past. Echoing the original Mass Observation project, I have also commissioned the poet Andrew McMillan to create original works based on interview transcripts and my photography, which not only provides a written record for the archive but also helps interpret what The Everyday means to modern Boltonians.

Please come along and share in this night with me.

Mulled wine and mince pies will be served. Friday 2 Dec,at the Museum.

Jackie was also delighted to see so many completed needlecases that we began with her in October.

We were then delighted to welcome back Hilary Hollingworth who gave a very interesting talk about the technique she uses most often, darning.There were slides to see and then work was passed around. Even better, she had agreed to come back on Saturday and lead a day school. Photos will follow.

EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD - BOLTON BRANCH

NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2011

NEWS

Please pick up your copy of Contact if you haven’t already done so. There are also copies of “Your Guild”, the programme and booking form for the AGM at Southport from 30^th March – 1^st April, a letter calling for nominations for Chairman plus the new bookshop catalogue. Please collect these and any for friends who are not here tonight, but you will see before the next meeting.

Programmes for all the North West Area branches are available, so if you would care to visit any other branch see Marilyn who will bring the folder to meetings.

The details of the 2012 Summer School courses are now available and can be booked from Jan 15^th2012.

John entered the Guild members challenge competition. Unfortunately he didn’t win, but congratulations for entering. All the entries can be viewed on the Guild website.

Stitch magazine – the first copy we will receive is the December issue.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

The Embroiderers’ Guild Collection exhibition at Barton Grange, Garstang – 17^th -19^th November. Entrance free but you will need your membership card. Stewards are still needed if you can give a half day.

Edgeworth Craft Group meet at the Barlow Institute, Edgeworth in the library with different programmes for afternoons and evenings including “Textile Pictures”, Felt making and Paper Work. For further details see Lesley King.

There will be a Craft Fair at Astley Hall, Chorley on Sunday 4^th December

.

ADVANCE NOTICE

December meeting will be on Tuesday 6^th December, not our usual 3^rd Tuesday. Don’t forget the Xmas competition is a Christmas Cracker. Also we are stitching our Bulgarian Postcards at our Christmas party meeting. Come along for inspiration or to finish working on or lacing your card. Please bring your postcard (to work on if unfinished) plus usual sewing kit and strong thread to lace over the card. There will be calico available for backing.

Next year Molly’s Cup title will be “Redo, Rework, Reform”

REMINDERS

The North West Regional Day will be held on Saturday 28^th April2012. Tickets £25 includes lunch and refreshments.

Please start collecting pink items for the Pink Bag for the raffle prizes for the Southport AGM next year.

If you haven’t paid for the Hillary Hollinsworth Day School on Saturday please do so tonight

Also we need to pay for the Knitting & Stitching Show at Harrogate if you haven’t already done so.

If you have any ideas for new books for the library, please tell Brenda. (An IBS number would be helpful)

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

.

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

AND MEET AT 8.30 ANNS for HARROGATE.

The Travelling Exhibition

2011-11-19T13:23:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, Barbara , Ann and I set off for Barton Grange ,Garstang to help steward an exhibition. This had been organised at HQ and it is planned that it travels around the country. The North West was the first region to accept this challenge. I was really impressed by the quality and variety of work to be seen. I believe there were 75 pieces, some by famous embroiderers and others were nameless. The pieces had been selected from our Collection and illustrated the history of embroidery. There was a table of “Must Haves” to tempt the pocket, magazines on display and it well illustrated the role of our Guild. I spent a short time looking through the visitors book and was amazed to see the distances that members had travelled and the positive comments made .One criticism made was that it was a shame that it was not open to the public I do have some agreement with this sentiment but I believe that this exhibition was a gesture from HQ to give something back to members and make being a member of our Guild a special thing. We were asked not to photograph and publish on the web so I have included three photos of our stewarding skills.

Out and about

2011-11-19T12:56:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday I was invited to Parbold Branch. Barbara and I went quite early in the morning as there was an additional fund raising coffee morning and sale of work, in aid of the Linnaeus quilts. In the afternoon we were entertained by Michaela Smith who explained her slant on embroidered landscapes. I was also delighted to be there on that day as Sue the Chair presented Kathleen Slinger with the Rose bowl, her prize for the winning design for our Journal cover. Kathleen was as self effacing as ever full of wit and humour . We are proud to acknowledge that she is one of the longest serving members of the Guild….61 years!!!!

Recent news

2011-11-08T12:26:00.001-08:00

I was perusing the national web pages today when I saw that the results from the members competition had been published. There were 32 entries with about 5 of them from the North West. The actual winner is an individual member in our area. Sandra from Altrincham was commended . Our own John had a very innovative piece there too. Go to the members area and then use the password on your membership card, have a look and see what you think.

Padiham meeting

2011-11-08T12:21:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I went to the Padiham meeting. The title, Boutis was intriguing. I had never come across it but it is a form of quilting where knitting wool is inserted into channels to create a stuffing.Marie Lewis explained all this to us, had s short demonstration and passed around her work.She assured us that it was not fragile.She will be holding a workshop on Sat 18th Feb at Padiham. The cost of the day is £15.00 and an additional £2.50 for materials. At this moment there are some places so let me know if you are interested and I will put you in touch with the Secretary. Another pleasure was an unexpected visitor, Freda Morrell , a former member of Bolton and the teacher who inspired me and through this, my guild membership.

Out and about, Manchester

2011-11-08T12:10:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday , in my capacity as Area 2 rep , I went to visit Manchester branch. I received a very warm welcome and met many “old” friends. Manchester meet for a full day. In the morning they had a practical based on paper napkins. I arrived in time for lunch and then went into the talk. A member Ro Chin gave a very interesting talk about Japan, showing many slides to illustrate her knowledge. I was most impressed about her command of the language. She had a display of things that she had collected during her travels. Very nostalgic for me!!!! There was also a small display of Japanese embroidery being completed by members of the branch. All worth the horrendous journey there and back….don't trust the Sat Navs and don't travel near Old Trafford when Man United are playing!!!!

Library Book List

2011-10-31T14:08:00.001-07:00

TITLE	AUTHOR
Picture in Machine Applique	Sue Simmons
Assist Embroidery	Eva Maria Leszner
Introduction to Batik	Heather Griffin & Margaret Hone
Exploring Cross Stitch	Audrey Ormrod
Exquisite Miniatures	Brenda Keyes
Cross Stitch Cards & Keepsakes	Jo Verso
Drawn Fabric Embroidery	Edna Wark
Starting to Stitch Creatively	World of Embroidery Magazine
Thread Painting	Liz Hubbard
Embroidered Flowers	Pamela Watts
Landscape in Embroidery	Verina Warren
Embroiderer’s Flowers	Thomasina Beck
World of Embroidery	Jan Messent
Embroidery Studio	Embroiderers’ Guild
Lettering for Embroidery	Pat Russell
Bayeaux Tapestry	Norman Denny & Jos Filmer-Sankey
Free Machine Embroidery	Doreen Cullen
Machine Embroidery – Lace Techniques	Moira McNeill
Your House in Needlepoint	Susan Higginson
Creative Hand Made Paper	David Watson
Pincushions	Averil Ingram
Essential Quilter	Barbara Chaney
Rags to Rainbows	Miranda Innes
Raised Embroidery	Barbara & Roy Hirst
Whitework	Carter Houch
Wool ‘n Magic	Jan Messent

New Additions – Sept 2007
New Canvas Work	Jill Carter
Vanishing Act – Machine Emb. on Soluble Fabrics	Jan Beaney
Bonding & Beyond	Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Transfer to Transform	Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Gardens & More	Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Conversations with Constance Howard	Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Trees as a Theme	Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Giving Pleasure	Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
A Tale of Two Stitches	Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Over the Line – Couching Rediscovered	Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Grids to Stitch	Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Seductive Surfaces	Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Basics of Embroidery on Paper	Erica Fortgens
Embroidery Stitch Bible	Betty Barden
Three Dimensional Embroidery Stitches	Patt Trott
Blackwork Embroidery Stitches	Anchor
Hardanger Embroidery Stitches	Anchor
Creative Tucks & Textures for Quilts & Embroidery	Jennie Rayment
Making Samplers	Embroiderers’ Guild
Beginners Guide to Goldwork	Ruth Chamberlain
New Ideas in Goldwork	Tracey A Franklin
Embroidered Purses - using Free Machine Embroidery	Jenny Rolfe
Machine Embroidered Flowers	Alison Holt
Paper, Metal & Stitch	Maggie Grey & Jane Wild
Fusing Fabric – Bonding & Mark Making	Margaret Beal
Giving Pleasure	Jan Beanie & Jean Littlejohn
Creative Quilts – Inspiration, Texture & Stitch	Sandra Meech
Embroidered Purses	Linda Tudor
Original Design for Silk Ribbon Embroidery	Jenny Bradford
Starting Zele Lace	Agnes Stevens
Creative Embellishments	Sherrill Kahn
Creative Needlecraft	Kaffe Fossett
Bead Embroidery	Valerie Campbell
Complete Book Of Doll Making	Pamela Peake
This Lustred Cloth	Alisn Midgelow - Marsden
The Merehurst Book of Needlework	-
Embroidery Technology from East & West	Munni Srivastava
Bead Weaving	Ann Benson
Introduction to Crewel Embroidery	Mave Glenny
Creative Embroidery Techniques using Colour Through Gold	Daphne Ashby & J. Woolsey
Picture it in Cross Stitch	Jo Verso
Between the Sheets with Angelina	Alisn Midgelow - Marsden
The Needlework Garden	Jane Iles
The Tapestry Book	Jill Gordon
Create Your Own Cross Stitch	Shirley Watts
Flowers in Cross Stitch	Jane Housechild Lindberg
Embroidered Books	Isobel Hall

Lovely Lutrador	Marion Barnett & Di Janne Cevaal
Stitched Postcards	Edited by Christa Rolf
Stitches, Straps & Layers	Maggie Grey
ETN Textile Forum
Tucks, Textures & Pleats	Jennie Rayment
Dancing Needles	Pamela Gurney
No-stress Paper Piecing	Carolyn Cullinan McCormick
The About.com Guide to Family Crafts	Sherri Osborn
Quilted Bags & Purses	Mary Jo Hiney
Feltmaking	Deborah McGavock & Christine Lewis




Hire of Equipment (per month)

Smocker £2.00
Heat Gun £2.00
Soldering Iron £2.00
Beading Mould £2.00


Library Books 20p per month

Out and about

2011-10-31T14:01:00.001-07:00

The Isle of man Branch is in my area so I was very pleased when they invited me over last weekend. Liz the Chair met me at the airport and took me to her home.She and her husband ,wined and dined me and I was so relaxed I hardly wanted to go to a meeting.

I had been asked to talk about my life with the Guild and my NW involvement. I have never before given a talk and was quite worried. I filled my suitcase with 15 of my pictures which again I dont really show to people but they were admired and gave me a focus for my talk. I believe that it went well and I now realise that I missed a few things that I wanted to say. I then invited questions and did my best to explain what I understood about the recent problems. I had taken lots of photos on a CD and memory stick but there was little time to show them…another time!!!

On Saturday I lead a workshop making felt jewellery. Again it was a good experience for me. The members were warm and welcoming and had lots of laughter and banter. It reminded me of my Bolton branch and I felt quite at home. members worked hard and several completed a necklace. Others saw new applications for the technique and were making decorations for Christmas .

I sent some time looking through a book created to show and explain about the Bonnets for Convict women. Really interesting and I wish that we had done something similar before ours were sent off.

Thanks Isle of Man for your welcome and hospitality.

October meeting

2011-10-24T02:10:00.001-07:00

We had a very busy meeting last Tuesday. We welcomed several guests, one who had come requesting help. Anna wanted some of us to add stitching to some photographs that she was assembling into a Photo montage of Bolton. I chose one about the Library but am now pondering about just what to do . Marilyn gave a short report about the AGM that we had attended at the weekend.

Jackie Martin lead our meeting.She had asked us to bring in black thread, felt, fabric,press studs and hooks and eyes. Very odd, I couldn't imagine what we were about to do.

As usual,Jackie worked wonders. She adjusted the length of her talk so that we could attempt a practical. First however, she showed us samples of embellishment, many ,many samples.

From this she developed the idea of embellishment and gave us pre mounted fabric on which we made patterns , using our hooks and eyes etc. This was then assembled in a simple way and we had made a needle case.

By the end of the evening there were several finished needle cases and promises from the rest of us to bring them along in November. It amazes me how Jackie thinks up these simple challenges and how enthusiastically they are met.

REMINDER, ALL PHOTOS FOR ANNA DUE THEN TOO.

EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD - BOLTON BRANCH

NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2011

GUILD NEWS

Contact magazine has arrived. Please pick up your copy if you haven’t already done so.

There is a copy of Material Matters (which used to be In Contact) for any one who hasn’t access to the internet, plus a letter from Terry Murphy. There is also a copy of Kathryn’s October bulletin.

Programmes for all the North West Area branches are available, so if you would care to visit any other branch Marilyn will bring the folder to meetings.

The details of the 2012 Summer School courses are now available and can be booked from Jan 15^th2012

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

Preston Threads – from 2 - 4 pm at Brabin’s Shop & Gallery, 20 – 22 Talbot St. Chipping, Preston PR8 2QE. The shop is open from 9 – 5 7 days a week but closed between 1 – 2 weekends.

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair from October 20 – 23^rd at Spinningfields, Manchester. Opening times – Friday 10 – 7; Saturday 10 – 6; Sunday 10 – 5. There is an entrance fee of £6, concessions £5

Rhythm in Stitch is still on at Gawthorpe Hall until 30th October every afternoon except Monday & Friday

Project Linus has a coffee morning and sale on Nov 12^th from 10.30am – 1.00pm at Parbold Village Hall. Entrance £2 including refreshments.

The Embroiderers’ Guild Collection exhibition at Barton Grange, Garstang – 17^th -19^th November. Entrance free but you will need your membership card. Stewards are still needed if you can give a half day.

Edgeworth Craft Group meet at the Barlow Institute, Edgeworth in the library with different programmes for afternoons and evenings including Textile Pictures, Felt making and Paper Work. For further details see Lesley King.

Warrington branch invite visitors to attend their Nov. 3^rd meeting with Helen McCook (See Poster)

Macclesfield Heritage Centre is holding a workshop entitled “Memories are made of this…” on 10^th Nov from 10am – 3.00pm. Phone 01625 612045/613210

ADVANCE NOTICE

Don’t forget the Xmas competition is a Christmas Cracker. Also we are stitching our Bulgarian Postcards at our Christmas party meeting. Come along for inspiration or to finish working or lacing your card.

Next year Molly’s Cup title will be “Redo, Rework, Reform”

. The North West Regional Day will be held on Saturday 28^th April2012. Tickets £25 includes lunch and refreshments.

REMINDERS

Sign tonight up for the Hillary Hollinsworth Day School on November 19^th

Also we need to sign up for the Knitting & Stitching Show at Harrogate,Saturday 26th Nov. Members £15.00. Leave from Ann's at 8.30 am.

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

Requirements for Oct meeting

2011-09-23T09:43:00.001-07:00

As promise, please read below, the requirements needed for the demo and practical, lead by Jackie.

Usual sewing equipment

Black thread, sewing or embroidery

Black hooks and eyes and press studs

Black felt 2.5x5.75 inches

Lining fabric,maybe black 6 x2.75 inches

Bondaweb 6x 2.75 inches.

Sounds fascinating……

September meeting

2011-09-22T02:41:00.001-07:00

Tuesday was our annual AGM. A slightly more formal night but luckily we had already introduced the new committee at the EGM in July. Reports were read, balance sheets poured over and then Ann gave flowers to Eileen and Val. The main issue at AOB was the announcement of the resignation of PH. This was met with great concern and after quite a heated discussion, Val and Ann will meet together and send a formal letter to HQ. Members signed up to the forthcoming day school and Saturday was picked as the most popular date for the trip to Harrogate. Some places still available for both events.

I now publish our newsletter…..

September newsletter

We hope you all had a good summer and are now looking forward to our embroidery evenings. A few reminders and hopefully some new information for you.

v Postcards, we plan a work evening and party in December. Come along and share ideas and or stitch your Bulgarian card.

v Barton Grange , Garstang ,17 to 19th Nov, exhibition from The Collection, stewards wanted Otherwise take your membership card and a friend when you visit.

v Sat 19^th Nov is a Hilliary Hollinsworth day school for us

v Sign up for the coach trip to Harrogate Knitting and Stitching, max £20,00 {If 15 attend}

v NW Region AGM at Garstang, Sat Oct 15^th, all members welcome

v Ideas wanted for new books for the Library

v Unwanted/duplicate gifts accepted for the Raffle, by Judith

v Check out the new stuff always arriving at our sales table.

v Mollys Cup Sept 2012 will be ”Redo, Rework , Reform “.Plenty of time!!!!

v Craft exhibition and shop at Astley Hall, Sunday Oct 9 and Dec 4.

v Exhibition and workshops at Audlem. See poster for details.

v The Play day was successful so we plan another based on embossing and foiling fabrics. Bring your own lunch and split the hire cost of the room. Let us know if you are interested.

v Have you started your Cracker for our Xmas meeting/competition?

v Have you seen the leaflet about the Edgworth Craft club?

v Platform Gallery ,Clitheroe. Open Craft Exhibition till Ist Oct. Free

v Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Spinningfields, 21 to 23 Oct, £6/5

v Preston Threads exhibition, Brabins Shop, Chipping,PR8 2QE, every day 9 to 5 except 1 till 2 weekdays. From 3^rd October for a month.

We were then informed that Aberkhan was opening next to Asda at Burnden Park……more shopping opportunities!!!!

Finally we were given good news about Florence and Pam C. Both had been in hospital but now on a speedy road to recovery.

During this very busy evening we were asked to vote for our favourite piece in the Mollys Cup competition. Even though the idea of broderie perse seemed daunting to some, there was an impressive range of work.

Ann presented Jackie with the Rose bowl for her very popular fan. Finally some of us had the time to Show and Tell. Jackie brought an award winning Quilt, Joan a cross stitched picture of her family,Lesley wore her Nuno felted waistcoat, Brenda a felt picture, Barbara and I showed the pieces made at our play day.

A very busy night and we look forward to the programme ahead.

Play Day Saturday, 13th August

2011-08-13T11:35:00.001-07:00

We organised a play day today. The idea came from the fact that we all buy amazing products but by the time we come to use them, we have forgotten what to do! So the focus of this day was to experiment with the various interlinings , painting then ironing ,heating with a gun and then using a soldering iron. Eight of us met and shared the hire costs of the room and our various expertises. I was really frustrated that I came with an idea ,using Lutrador but when I arrived the fabric had magically disappeared. My best experiments were with a new fabric called Crash. It is quite a delicate fabric which absorbs the paint well and can then be heated and further marks made with a soldering iron. I attempted to make battery tea light decorations and was quite satisfied with the effect.Several members had never used Angelia so had a play with this. Eileen followed instructions from a Stitch magazine and made a lovely bowl.

Brenda made a 3 D flower using Vilene,

and Julie is making a remarkable box.The range of work produced was again quite amazing and we all learned something new.

We all agreed that it was a good day and we are planning another. Next time we will bring along embossing powders and heat guns and also transfer foils. You are all welcome.

Out and about

2011-07-24T12:23:00.001-07:00

Today, Sunday, Barbara and I went to the Embroidery 2000 exhibition at Astley Hall,that I had told you about. It was a glorious day so we sat outside at the cafe and ate lunch. We then went upstairs to the newly refurbished stables. We were warmly greeted by Margaret and then began to study the exhibits.

The works were based a poem, chosen by each embroiderer. The work was exquisite. Jacky had alerted me to the details of the exhibition and we loved her work.

This was our favourite piece in the exhibition and the photo does not do it justice sorry, Jacky.

Another by Jackie.

This nuno felt piece was created by Margaret,colourful and beautifully stitched.

All I can say is that I strongly recommend that you visit this exhibition,open Sat and Sun 12.00 till 4.00 until Sept 4th.

EGM and Summer Meal

2011-07-23T02:58:00.001-07:00

Tuesday was our formal EGM meeting but for the last couple of years we have met at the Ridgmont and combined it with a delicious meal. Of course we did the same this year. The committee were announced and introduced. Several members were retiring and volunteers have been found to replace them. Clare will replace me at IT Rep, Lesley replaces Pauline as Programme Secretary and Brenda B replaces Eileen H as the Librarian. The rest of the committee remains. These persons are “committee elect” until being ratified at our AGM in September but their names can now be printed on the programme. A workshop was announced, see below.

CREATIVE INTERLINING WORKSHOP

Saturday 13^th August at Bank Top

Please bring:-

Assorted Vilene , Bondaweb , Lutrador etc

Paints, brushes and newspaper to dry on.

Black bin liner and tape for table

Parchment to iron on

Heat gun, soldering iron, craft knife and cutting mat

Notebook and pen

Usual sewing stuff and/or machine.

Angelina , beads, voiles ,fibres to trap, little bits of fabric

Thread for hand and/or machine sewing.

Embellisher if you have one

Ideas, instructions from magazines and books

Stitch no 25,31,41,43,49,69,70 71

Your own lunch – tea and coffee will be provided.

Lots of IMAGINATION !!!!!

JULY NEWSLETTER

An index for STITCH magazine is available from the Web - very useful

Workbox has suddenly and surprisingly ceased trading.

Louise Gardener exhibition at Quarry Bank until Sept.

Natural Progression at Salmesbury Hall until the end of July

Exhibition by Embroidery 2000 at The Coach House Gallery, Astley

Hall, Chorley , Saturday and Sunday until Sept 4^th

Bolton Branch AGM Sept 20^th. Bring your broderie perse piece.

Further details and programme available in Chairman’s letter due

end of August.

Good food shared with good friends.

Return from Summer school,

2011-07-18T12:29:00.001-07:00

I returned last night from a weekend at Alston Hall. The NW Region of the Embroiderers Guild takes over the venue, once a year for an incredible weekend. This year the tutors were, Liliane Taylor, Frances Pickering and Nicola Jarvis.Frances started her class on Thursday and the group created amazing “Books to Cherish”. Liliane gave inspiration to create huge “Pictorial Collages”. In a conversation with her ,, she told me that she is booked to speak in Bolton in October. I will look forward to that.I chose the “Modern 3D Crewel work taught by Nicola.

We began after dinner on Friday,selecting fabric, threads and designs. I had decided that I did not want to work in wool so took along perle thread. I was more inspired by a traditional design than the 3D offered but as always with embroiderers , we all moved off in different directions.

We worked hard and then moved into the bar for a little R and R.A good nights sleep and up for a cooked breakfast and I was stitching again soon after 9.00am. Morning coffee and home made biscuits .buffet lunch, afternoon tea and scones and then another 3 course meal in the evening punctuated our stitching,

I was also in charge of selling our raffle tickets and taking photos of the event so often went on a ramble to get some fresh air and shake down the food! You can work as much or little as you wish but again on Saturday, some of us did not reach the bar until well after 10.00pm.

Sunday followed the same format but after lunch we began to tire and think about clearing up. We held a mini show and tell in our group and then visited the two other groups to see what they had done. Afternoon tea was served at about 4.00 to set us up for our journeys home.

Alston Hall is a comfortable venue set in very pretty gardens.It even boasts a croquet lawn. Several of the regulars were unable to spend the whole weekend with us but called to see old friends. On Saturday, Jennifer Bamford and Sandra Kedzlie arrived and then on Sunday, Betty Mansfield and Pauline Hannon . If you have ever thought about joining us , but were not sure , then do think again. Persons of all abilities are accepted. Friendships are made and a whole weekend of stitching whilst being tempted by excellent food is a dream come true.

This was my weekend stitching, soon to be finished.

Nicola proudly displays our work,

Padiham Branch

2011-07-05T01:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I went over to Padiham again. It was the last meeting of the “year” so we celebrated by having a “Show and Tell”. Joan the secretary began the event, showing inspiration from her city and guilds days.

I was really impressed that every member had brought along something to show and was happy to stand up and discuss their work. It made a very good mini exhibition and we can always learn from our colleagues.

Mona the chairman completed our event, telling us about the highs and lows of bookbinding.

Finally having already been refreshed by tea or coffee , we were treated to strawberries and vanilla cream, by members of the committee.

We meet again in September for the AGM and and some other activity,yet to be confirmed. Members from Bolton (or in fact any other branch member who might be reading this} can join Padiham as well as their home branch. Fees to HQ are already covered by local membership so only the Padiham fee is needed.Padiham meets on the first Monday of the month , from 2.00 till 4.00.It takes me about 1/2 hour to get there and we have a large, free car park. As a new branch we would appreciate all support.

Extra information

2011-06-24T01:37:00.001-07:00

I am sure we all enjoyed Laura's talk and I had intended to add her contact details,

laurajhughes.hughes18@googlemail.com

I am also still working on my competition piece and have found a couple of useful web links. Go to Wikipedia and type in broderie perse and when you have read this go to the extended link.This will bring up a long article and photos from an American Quilts link. Hope its useful. Val

June meeting

2011-06-22T12:27:00.001-07:00

I was intrigued by the title of our meeting last night,From North Wales to Nottingham in the Textile World. Laura Hughes soon to graduate, gave a very slick computer generated talk. I wish I had her IT skills. Her home is in North Wales but she chose to study for her degree at Nottingham University. Accomplished in many fields , she has concentrated on weaving and more especially using recycled materials like cassette tapes. I was also amazed that she actually brought her working loom along with her……quite a visual aid!!! Laura poses in one of her jackets,below.

Laura had many samples which she was happy to pass around so we could study the pattern and feel the texture. We all wish Laura success as she begins her career.

BOLTON NEWSLETTER JUNE 2011

· Ridgmont meal Tues 19^th July, £20.00. Have you a seating request?

· Casket workshop, this Saturday, £5.00, including lunch. Spaces.

· National AGM weekend Southport 30 March 2012.Pauline Hannon to Chair the W/E

· NW Reg AGM Preston, Sat 28^th April. Have you finished your “Two peas in a pod”

· I have spare copies of NW Reg Journal, £1.50, a good read and colour pictures!!!!

Competitions

· Molly’s Cup , please suggest Themes for the next competition, this evening

· Xmas, stitch a cracker

· I’m sure your Persee piece is almost completed. See it in September.

Postcards

We are planning a Bulgarian themed party and practical for our Xmas meeting. Postcards will be displayed at the National AGM prior to the Cultural Olympics.

Visits and exhibitions

· We are planning a trip to Harrogate in November, are you interested?

· Preston Threads exhibition, Rossendale Museum till July 31^st. details on poster.

· Five of us attended a service of dedication for the pulpit fall at Nancy’s church last Sunday .The congregation was delighted with the gift. Photo on Blog.

Sadly HQ has increased our fees by £2 and we feel unable to absorb these costs so must charge £39.00 next year. It still amounts to less than £4.00 a meeting.

At the EGM we hope to elect our committee. All positions are” available” but some committee members are prepared to stand again. However, the booking secretary, IT Rep and librarian pasts are vacant. I am pleased to say that there has been interest in all of these vacancies. I will continue with the blog until someone feels able to take it on.

http://begstitchers,blogspot.com/

Ann also added that I had heard today that Workbox had folded. We are all saddened as it was a popular magazine. The article about the Pulpit Fall was ready for printing in the next edition so they kindly sent me a proof copy.

Out and about

2011-06-22T12:03:00.001-07:00

Last week as area 2 rep , i was invited to visit Rochdale branch. I had a very warm welcome and recognise and was also recognised by a number of members. It was a very busy meeting. Rochdale had just organise a very successful cream tea exhibition. They are planning visits and workshops galore. The speaker was a lady from Empress Mill who spoke about the making and uses of thread. It was very interesting and of course made even better by bringing along a shop. Empress Mill is holding an open workshop on Friday 1st July,

On Sunday I went to Helmshore Mill to “Follow the thread” which I believe was organised by the Friends of Helmshore. Again I knew quite a number of people. There were demonstrations and sales tables from a variety of textile crafts. The mill was open and the water wheel worked.Outside they were visited by a family of Alpaca.

Nancy's Pulpit Fall

2011-06-12T08:39:00.001-07:00

This morning, five of us attended a dedication service at Nancy’s church. We were warmly welcomed but a little concerned as we could not see the work. Andrew the minister had “hidden” it so that it could be officially unveiled.Part way though the service he removed the cover and began to discuss the symbolism of the piece. We were invited to stay for coffee and many of the congregation came to say how much they liked our work. Christine, Nancy's sister sends her best wishes and agreed that Nancy would have really approved. We were then asked to pose for photographs against the Pulpit Fall.An article and more pictures will appear soon in the Workbox magazine.

Out and about

2011-06-10T02:38:00.001-07:00

On Monday, I attended the Padiham branch meeting. As acting chair I had asked my friend Barbara Ryall if she would be prepared to do a talk. She had agreed and Monday was the day!!!!

Her talk was called Mix to Match ,an intriguing title and really made me wonder what she would say. We began to unpack her car. It took ages as she had brought so many of her completed embroideries , worksheets and books.

Barbara is a very talented artist and her embroideries really reflect this ability. I know that I am biased, but I was really inspired by her talk. I can never achieve work of her standard but there is always hope. I know that Barbara enjoyed the afternoon and was quite exhausted,answering the many questions posed to her,but delighted by the enthusiasm to which she was met. I know that several members were so inspired that they wanted to race home and begin a new project.

May meeting

2011-05-18T08:36:00.001-07:00

I was so sorry to miss last nights meeting but I had just landed after a 21 hour journey from my holiday to Sri Lanka. I had a lovely time and Ann tells me that the same was had by you all. I love the flower pictures created by Barbara Jepson and was delighted to be introduced to her at the Ten Plus exhibition in Salford a few weeks ago.Ann remembered to take a few photos

Barbara is holding a mini yurt that she had made.

Bolton Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild

NEWSLETTER - MAY 2011

Thought I would begin by sharing this message from Pam Cumberbatch, I have replied with my congratulations.

“Just a quick email to tell you about being involved in "the" project. I was really proud to be a part of the Royal School of Needlework team that created Catherine's dress. It was a surreal moment to see it being worn on the TV. Now isn't that something for the CV. There is more info on the RSN website if you are interested. See you soon Pam C”

My apologies for misinformation on the last newsletter. The meal at our EGM costs £20. 00, but is still a bargain!!! Melon can be offered for those who do not want antipasti, just note it on your reply slip.
Ann has now sent our 23 bonnets away and thanks all involved.
Workbox wants to publish my article about Nancy’s pulpit fall. I hope to photograph it in situ, first.
The Paper Shop Company seems to be concentrating on line. Shops in Burneside and the Lowry have closed.
What about Molly’s Cup…is your embroidery persee begun? We want to see the entries at our AGM in September.
I am not yet sure of my role as Guild Liaison Officer , but do let me know if you have any questions , issues or even compliments that you want raised,

· The Olympic postcards will be displayed at Edinburgh University, Plymouth University and Much Wenlock. (The origin of the modern Games stems from the Wenlock Olympic Games held in 1860). Have you completed your postcard (Bulgaria) yet? If so bring it along to show us. Remember that the postcards must be landscape format, mounted on the card provided and backed.

· “Threads Transformed” – an exhibition of textile work from Preston Threads at Rossendale Museum from 7^th May to 31^st July 2011, daily from 1.00pm to 4.30pm. Admission Free

· “Rhythm in Stitch” – a contemporary twist to textiles by Bolton Progressive Threads at Gawthorpe Hall from2nd April until 30^th October 2011, daily except Mon. and Fri. from 1.00pm to 5.00pm. Demonstrations 2^nd Sat. of each month.

Finally, I am so sorry to miss the meeting this evening. I hope Ann will remember to take some photos.

Latest updates

2011-04-28T10:48:00.001-07:00

I was very sorry to miss the NW Regional Day this year. Ann,Clare,Barbara,Florence and Margaret represented us and said what a good time they had all had. Paddy Killer lived up to her reputation with an excellent talk about her inspiration for work. Isn’t it interesting how friends can co ordinate their clothes?

Ann has also collated and sent off 23 bonnets that were made for the Convict women.She would like to thank all involved.

Sadly I will miss the next meeting. Please remind Ann to take some photos so that they can be included in this Blog, Val

April meeting

2011-04-20T13:04:00.001-07:00

Pauline was unable to attend last nights meeting but managed to find , at short notice, a replacement speaker. Joanne Rothwell is actually a local girl who gave a talk about “ Drawing in Stitching.”

She explained how her work began about 10 years ago and that she was driven by the drawing aspect but that her embroideries are created straight onto the fabric, using the needle and thread as the marking agent.

I think we were all very impressed by her French style furniture and collection of little animals. Quirky!!!

Joanne exhibits and works at Heskin Hall Craft Centre, well worth a visit.

Eileen has finally completed the restoration of the masonic banner that we were given . It features a scene over the Bolton moors and we were given it to “cut up” but knew that we could not do this.Bolton museum has accepted it and it will be archived along with other masonic regalia.

Nancys pulpit fall is also finished at last.It will be given to her family and hopefully dedicated at her local church. We are delighted with this work by a small number of our members.

NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2011

Lots has been and is about to happen this month. First I have been asked to send you best wishes from both Pauline Hannon and Betty Mansfield. Barbara and I spent time with them both at the AGM in Dundee . Whilst there I tackled Terry about the answers to the questions submitted by Bolton members at the extraordinary meeting at Garstang. True to his word, I now have answers which are available here, tonight. Reports are available on the web site .Ann has also compiled a report about the Garstang meeting which is here if you wish to read it. After the recent troubles with the Guild I am certain that we are following the right path and that we will strengthen and grow.

Sad news, it seems that the Pendle Heritage Centre has had to close. Good news, there are lots of exhibitions elsewhere. Progressive Threads are at Gawthorpe until the end of October. There is a weekend event at Helmshore on June 18/9th... Embroidery 2000 exhibits at Booths supermarket in Lytham from May 9 until June 4th .Preston Threads is at Rossendale museum from 7th May until 31st July, 1 till 4.30 but not on Monday or Friday. The South Cheshire branch will celebrate 21 years with an exhibition at Audlem in September. Diana Springall is up in Appleby soon, a talk at 7.00pm followed by a day school over 3rd and 4th of May. I would love to be there but have other plans. Do try and visit some of these exhibitions and let me know if you hear of others so that I can publish on the newsletter.

Ann, Barbara, Clare, Margaret and Florence went to the NW Regional meeting at St Anne’s last Saturday and I believe they all had a good day. The venue for 2013 was announced, Kirby Lonsdale and also the competition title, King Cotton. As you know next year we need pieces based on “Two peas in a pod”. I am still waiting for inspiration.

Thinking of competitions, Molly’s Cup this year is Embroidery Persee. We would like your pieces for the Sept AGM. Branches are getting more enthusiastic about the postcards. We are investigating venues for them to be displayed. I know that some of our members have completed their BULGARIA card. Bring it along to a meeting to inspire the rest of us.

Finally, our EGM is followed by another meal at the Ridgmont at a cost of just £20.00 Sign up ASAP...

Padiham

2011-04-07T07:26:00.001-07:00

Monday was the IGM of Padiham and District branch. It was necessary to elect 3 officers and a committee. This was done. The Constitution was signed.

Plans for the future were discussed and we hoped to have a formal show and tell but time was against us. Mona the new chair presented me with some lovely flowers and I will continue to attend for the foreseeable future, but just as a member. I will meet with the officers and pass on relevant paperwork and the photos that I have taken and perhaps soon , they will have their own blog. I wish them all the best for the future and remind all readers that they are entitled to attend any Branch meeting , so do go to Padiham some time. They meet on the first Monday of the month{ unless a Bank Holiday} 2 till 4 at the Unitarian Church. Free parking and disabled access/facilities.

Out and About

2011-04-07T07:13:00.001-07:00

On Friday,1st April ,Barbara and I set off for the National AGM at Dundee. We had a lovely journey up, sunshine and continual chatter.After a quick change we walked to the formal reception at the City Hall.We met up with old friends including three Chairs, Kathryn,Pauline and Betty.

A glass of wine and then a walk to the hotel for an excellent meal. We were seated on the same table as Anthea so there was lots of chatter. After the meal we played embroidery dominoes and then Beano beetle.

The AGM on Saturday went well. There were several reports and time allowed for questions. The overall atmosphere was of friendliness and optimism for our future. Diana Springall was presented with the Broderers prize.

Lunch was provided at the hotel and then we had the option of two more lectures. Barbara and I attended both. The first was Georgina Follett who showed us her exquisite enamelling and later Frances Leonard explained how a branch of the V and A was being set up in Scotland and how students were being taught conservation skills.

There was another formal dinner that evening where whilst sipping wine we were entertained and then piped in by a local piper.

Some of the ladies had made a special effort with their dress. Barbara and I felt quite under dressed.

However it was explained that these fascinators had been made at a workshop on Thursday.

Pauline Hannon welcomed us to dinner. Her first job as the new Chair.Another lovely meal and then we were entertained by Alistair McMinn who showed us slides about his time in Manila. He then presented Anthea , as retiring Chair with a rose bowl.

On Sunday, Barbara and I went on the organised trip to a jute factory. We returned to the hotel and said our fond farewells to everyone. I decided to travel home over the Forth Bridge as I had never crossed it before. A very pleasant weekend and we are looking forward to the next in Southport.

Saturday day school

2011-03-27T06:57:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was quite a change for our Branch. We decided to hold a different sort of day school. Members were asked to bring their own copy of Stitch and we worked a treasure casket designed by Janet Humphrey. Her instructions were very clear so we did not need a teacher. Ann provided some card templates and Vilene. At home we had had time to plan what we wanted to do, so many of us had decided our colour palate. We began by painting our Vilene and then the fun bit, finding suitable lace bits to embellish

our caskets. Apart from me, everyone used their sewing machine to attach these pieces. {I decided to hand stitch instead.}We had a break for lunch, pizza, salad and pavlova and time for quite a chat.

I planned to use the marbled fabric that I had made at a former day school to line my casket. This meant that I moved away from my usual pink colour scheme. I also included some of the pieces of friendly plastic from another day school.

We had the usual ending to our class where we all displayed our work and discussed what would happen at the next class on Saturday, 26 June and all that was left was the tidying up. All this for £5.00. Places available for part 2.

Meeting March 15th 2011

2011-03-16T04:53:00.001-07:00

“Beware the Ides of March”. I wonder if Ann realised the date. What a busy night. We almost needed a bigger room, so many members and guests came to hear and see Diana.

Firstly, we needed to collect a pack to continue our group installation,kindly made up by Judith. Then some of us put on the hats we have made for the Convict women and posed for a group photo.

Ann read the usual messages and then tried to compact a 3 hour meeting with the COE last Saturday into a 10 minutes report. Audrey then showed us 2 bags that she had just completed.

Jackie then displayed the next stage in the Pulpit Fall that some of us are making in memory of Nancy.

Finally, the highlight and main reason for the meeting. Diana Shone a member of Ten Plus Textiles began to speak to us. She began with a n explanation of her skills and inspiration,backed it up with a PowerPoint presentation of some of her work and finally showed us many of her pieces. Exquisite handbags and scarves were passed around for our closer inspection. I have made no secret of my love and respect of her work. Strong visual images is such delicate fabric and thread. Incredible. You can see some of Diana's work at the Salford exhibition that I have reported on earlier in this Blog.

March newsletter

Ø Regional Day at St Annes, last day to apply for tickets is 15^th March.

Ø Competition entries for the above can be taken and entered for you

Ø Voting for National Chair closes on 23^th March.

Ø National AGM at Dundee,2^nd April. Barbara and I are attending.

Ø There are a few places left for Summer school

Ø Ann and I attended a meeting with Terry Murphy at Garstang on Saturday. We both have copious notes which will be transcribed at a later date. Thank you to all those who submitted questions. Many were answered and those that were not will be emailed to him again. The main thrust and feeling about the Guild was, of optimism. The mistakes of the past have not been forgotten but used to learn from . The Guild has a much stronger financial structure and will continue well into our future.

Ø Friends of Helmshore mill, June 18^th and 19^th, exhibition, demonstrations etc and tables available for either. See Val for details.

Ø Ann Morrell and Lynn Setterington are giving talks and workshops at Stockport on April 9^th. Cost £35.00. Details from Pauline or me.

Please let me know of exhibitions etc that you hear about to add to this newsletter

Out and About

2011-03-09T12:45:00.001-08:00

I seem to have been quite busy , recently. Today, Barbara went along to a branch meeting at Altrincham. We were met by the Chair, Sandra and Diane who apologised and said that the speaker was poorly. However we were delighted to hear that Diane was going to “fill the void” with a talk that she is actually planning for Bolton. Diane is one of my absolutely favourite embroiderers and her work is exquisite so we had a lovely time. It is very interesting to visit other branches and see how they operate,I can recommend it.

Padiham Branch seems to be viable. In February Kathryn the NW Chair lead the meeting and canvas squares were made. Four members brought along their pieces to the March meeting.

I demonstrated the felt jewellery in March. I hope to see several finished pieces being worn at our IGM in April.

Photos found!!!!

2011-03-02T03:03:00.001-08:00

Do visit ……………..

Bradbury House,Market Street,Glossop,SK13 8AR.Open until 26 March.Further details,01457 686007.[Public car park adjacent to venue]

Out and about

2011-03-02T02:30:00.001-08:00

I was invited to the exhibition at Glossop last Saturday.It was a very interesting event.The mayor opened the exhibition and recounted that his wife was doing a tapestry, but he knew that it was not embroidery and that he had been to see the Bayeux Tapestry and was told that this was actually an embroidery!On Sunday my computer collapsed and I cant see the photos to add to this article, so hopefully it will continue……

February meeting

2011-02-18T09:47:00.001-08:00

Julian Jefferson entertained us in February with is”Breaking New Grounds” talk. Julian is a man of many talents, I believe he is a hand quilter but last night excited us with his new approach to lace making. Forget lace hankies and think big!!!

Jewellery, handbags and pictures, he had them all.What made it so interesting was the range of “threads” that he chose to use. Have a look in detail at www.margorsonn.com

February 2011 Newsletter

Ø Please check out page 22 of Contact and vote tonight using the envelopes provided. Also have a look at another article about us on page 18.

Ø Exhibition at Salford Museum until June 12^th....10+r20.The train stops at Salford Crescent and then just a five minute walk. Worth it.

Ø Quaker Tapestry at Blackburn Cathedral until the end of this month. Follow the signs to city centre and then the department stores car park, less than five minutes walk.

Ø We now have 29 bonnets for Australia, well done. I am planning another article for either Workbox or Contact.

Ø The Market Hanging can now be seen in the BOLTON LIVES section of the museum.

Ø The Pulpit Fall is getting towards completion.

Ø I am amazed that such a varied programme can be created from so little money. It is only due to support for our raffle and sales table. Do bring things to sell but if they are large or are magazines, we cannot store so please take home if not sold.

Ø Reminder to look at our Library. Only a small part is on show at any meeting but do hunt in the boxes if there is a specific book that you want.

Ø Have you ever borrowed any of our other items, check out the list in the Library.

Ø Tickets for the NW Reg Day available, £26 with a hot lunch and £21 without. Cheques to Pam by 1^st March. I believe it will be an excellent day. Check who is going and share cars. Its less than an hour away. Dont forget the competitions. Send details by 15^th March or just take on the day.

Ø I went to a NW committee meeting last week. I have a quote from Terry Murphy “Members ,not the collection are the heart of the Guild”

Ø As you will know the move to 1, Kings Road , Walton on Thames, KT12 2RA [01932 260738} has been successful

Ø We were given a breakdown of where our £21.00 is spent. At the moment 1/3 of it is to maintain the collection, so it has been decided to de accession a large part of it, placing it into more accessible folios and reducing the costs.

Ø It is still intended to return the cash loans made at the end of the century.

Ø Janet Jardine a long standing and very hardworking officer at HQ has been promoted to a well deserved Executive position

Ø Our installation is growing. We still want felt birds and flowers and wrapped straws.

Ø I am relinquishing my NW Regional IT post in Oct so it would seem obvious to do the same at Bolton. Please come and chat if you think this very little job is within you scope. It can be as hard or easy as you wish.

Ø If the Blog is a problem then I will continue with it as long as you promise to look at it. I try to keep both the Bolton website and blog updated .

Ø http://begstitchers.blogspot.com

Ø www.embroiderersguild.com

Ø The next 2 day schools are based on STITCH no 59, June 2009 .They will be self help sessions where we can share skills. The cost including lunch is £5.00 per session. Look in the magazine for ideas and what to bring, but as a start

· Your own copy of STITCH

· Cash to buy double sided pelmet Vilene

· Backing fabric[maybe quite rich}

· Lots of little bits to embellish onto fabric

· Velvets, sheers , beads, sequins, ribbons, lace and wire

· Threads to join the Vilene and also fancy threads.

· Ruler, pen, pencil, scissors card and general sewing equipment.

Use this as an opportunity to use up all those tiny bits that you have saved for that “special piece”

There is no specific size and you may work with a machine, or hand stitch or both.

It is not necessary to bring a suitcase full of bits!!!

Finally Ann announced that Joan Unsworth was very poorly, sadly she died that evening. Funeral Wed 23/02/11

Out and about in February

2011-02-12T12:25:00.001-08:00

Ann and Mike ,Pauline and I went to the opening of the retrospective exhibition by Ten Plus today. They were celebrating twenty years together. As usual we met many friends and were especially delighted to see both Diane Shone[below}

and Barbara Jepson{her work below}

as Pauline has booked both speakers for later this year. The exhibition is certainly worth a visit, wide ranging techniques from members as associates. Today was extremely busy so I will go back again when it is a little more quiet. It took me 20 minutes from Bromley Cross railway station and a five minute walk from Salford Crescent. There is a lift and a cafe on site.

Out and About January 2011

2011-01-31T11:51:00.001-08:00

I have just about recovered from our Feast last Saturday. Ann asked me to tell everyone that The Market Hanging is now displayed in the new local history section of the Museum. We must all call and visit.

Today Marilyn Barbara and I went to Blackburn Cathedral to see the Quaker Tapestry. This year is the 30th Anniversary of its conception and you can see 39 of the 77 panels. The3re is also a shop selling calendars, postcards etc, etc.

The Cathedral is really accessible. Follow the signs for the Town Centre and park in the Shopping Centre . Its a 2 min walk from there. Open every day except of course Sunday. There is a coffee bar in the crypt too. Really worth a visit.

Jacobs Feast 2011

2011-01-29T09:30:00.001-08:00

Seventeen of us joined together today for our annual Feast. It is a time to socialise ,eat drink and a short activity. The date is published on our calendar and sadly Ann had become double booked and was unable to attend{ but at least she did make her very popular meringue for us to share}

I began the meeting , introducing the birds needed for our latest installation. We also hoped to wrap straws but time was limited and this will be a later task.

We worked for an hour and then shared a delicious lunch.We had also planned to make up our Convict bonnets so I produced a quiz based on Australia and New Zealand. There were some very good scores!!!! Jackie and Marilyn brought machines to assemble the bonnets.

We are promised a few more but today we have 22 on display.

Coffee, tea and cake in the early afternoon and a final display of the birds stitched today.

We are still accepting canvas squares, birds and bonnets. See a member of the committee.

January 2011 meeting

2011-01-19T05:41:00.001-08:00

January newsletter.

A Very Happy New Year To you all.

· I believe that there is much activity at HQ and will let you know after my next NW committee meeting. The move is imminent

· Thank you to those braving the awful weather for our Dec meeting and congratulations to Jackie for her winning postcard. There were fewer entries than normal but I am sure that you will now be wearing your new badge whilst clutching your bonnet brim.

· Have you planned your Lights Fantastic piece? No rules, anything goes. They will be taken to the NW Regional meeting in St Anne’s. Later that year, the Embroidery Persee . We also have postcards of Bulgaria to complete

· Pauline tells me that there is a new book available. See www.ruthnorbury.com for details.

· Are you coming to the Jacobs Feast? Sat 29^th Jan 11.30 till 3.30. We will make birds, bonnets and have a quiz. Usual sewing stuff and a pen please.

· Ann has requested more greetings cards and I would like information for this newsletter.

· Quaker Tapestry exhibition at Blackburn Cathedral, all of Feb, Mon to Sat, 10 till 4.30 Free

· Macclesfield Branch till Feb 18^th. “Sampling”. Details on main NW web pages

· Help needed to restore some Victorian vestments.

· There are some places left for Summer School.

· Marilyn has details about NW Regional Day in St Annes and all competition entries

Pauline Ann and I stepped in at the last minute to lead the January meeting. At Harrogate, last year, Ann and I joined a metal work shop so decided to demonstrate. Pauline put together an inspiration board and we finished our samples.

Ann made her sample into a picture and I made a book cover. We both played around with the idea of making brooches . Finally this was the challenge for the night. We put together a hand made felt backing and piece of tomato tube. Members picked, at random a kit and began.

We made coils and curls, jewels and punched pieces. Brooch backs were distributed and hopefully we will see the finished results at our next meeting. Many members said that they both enjoyed the activity and the chance to catch up and chat after the Christmas holiday.

Ann had been very busy. She brought along four pieces for our Show and Tell. Here she proudly shows us her first ever quilt, made for Phoebe her granddaughter. Please bring along any work that you have completed, to our next meeting. We love to see what you have been doing.

New Year confusion

2011-01-05T12:16:00.001-08:00

Very sorry. I am ahead of myself. The meeting is January 18th 2011 . Soon after the Jacobs Feast on Sat 29th and the Feb meeting is as advertised.

Urgent changes to Feb Meeting

2011-01-05T12:12:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, hope you had an excellent Christmas and my greetings to you in the New Year. As you may know, Barbara will be unable to lead the Feb meeting so Ann, Pauline and I have worked together. We are planning to stitch into metal so can you bring along......

Craft knife and cutting board or scissors to cut metal. Mouse mat on which to emboss. Gold ,silver or fancy threads.Dead Biro or embellishing pens.

We will provide the felt and metal and in the cupboard there are some threads. We will also raid our stockrooms and provide as many materials as we can but the list above is just a guide. IF you have any easily accessible then it will save us all sharing.

We will have samples to handle, instructions and a sampler board. Do hunt around for metals, especially tomato paste tubes and the like. It could get addictive.

Please pass the word around. Look forward to seeing you. Val

December meeting

2010-12-08T12:00:00.001-08:00

Christmas newsletter

Thank you for all the postcard competition entries, hopefully they will inspire us to create Bulgarian postcards but remember that these MUST be mounted on board. No rush for these.

Other competitions include “Lights Fantastic”, for April and Embroidery Perse for our AGM in September.

Have you signed up for the Jacob’s Feast on 29^th Jan. Bank Top Church, 11.30 to 3.30. Please bring your finished bonnet brims, canvas squares and usual sewing equipment.

Barbara is unable to speak in Jan so we are having a metal workshop. Please save tomato tubes etc so that we can experiment. Bring usual sewing kits, scissors to cut metal if available, shiney threads.

Ann has requested hand made cards again, as stocks are getting low.

There has been move staff changes at HQ. Ann will bring the Newsletter from Kathryn and message from Anthea which explains “all”.

Please let me know if you have any items for our Bulletin. AND most important, the committee would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. Looking forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Sadly due to the awful weather, the support for last nights meeting was far less than normal. Even I did not want to set foot outside my door and I was the tutor for the night!!

We began with a show and tell. Phil showed us his most recent Christmas hanging.

However we went ahead and I demonstrated how I make felt embroidery. I had made kits for all members and instructions were given.

All members began to make a felt bead necklace and I hope to see them being worn in January. Philip is excused.

Our usual excellent festive food was unfortunately missing so Ann managed to make mince pies and we judges the Christmas competition. Jackie produced an excellent festive postcard seen aboveand was presented with her gift, a lovely box that Ann and I had seen and bought at the K and S in Harrogate.

Please bring tomato paste tubes,and sewing equipment to our amended January meeting……snow permitting.

Out and About

2010-11-28T06:20:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-28T05:35:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-11-18T10:44:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-18T10:21:00.001-08:00

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 29^th 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

2010-11-06T04:17:00.001-07:00

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.

Oct Newsletter

2010-10-21T08:02:00.001-07:00

· CONGRATULATIONS to both John and grand daughter Sarah who both have work exhibited at Alexandra Palace and Harrogate. Sarah has also been awarded the De Denne prize for her embroidered clogs.

· COMPETITIONS, Dec is the embroidered, Christmas themed postcard. Molly’s Cup for the AGM is Brorderie Perse, NW region rosebowl is April is “Lights Fantastic”. There are more competitions at this venue, check with Marilyn for details.

· ONGOING PROJECTS You will be delighted to hear that the Market Piece is ready to be hung in the Library. The fabric is here for you to add your name tonight. A planning meeting for Nancy’s pulpit fall will be arranged tonight. We hope to see you bonnet brims at the next meeting. Olympics postcards to be mentioned later.

· SALES TABLE. Under new management .Packs available for Brorderie Perse, Xmas Comp and mystery bags all at 50p.

· EXHIBITIONS. Great Northern Craft Fair at Spinningfields, Manchester, Fri Oct22nd 10 till 7 [£6/5}, Sat 23^rd, 10 till 6 ,[£9} and Sun 24^th, 10 till 5{£9}.

· XMAS WORK EVENING. Please bring usual sewing equipment, beading needle and a bodkin. Beads and threads, especially metallic’s to complement green purple and blue felt. £1.00 for your kit.

· NW REGION You are welcome to attend meeting at other branches. Marilyn has a list of programmes and of course they will also be on the website.

· POSTCARDS .Olympic {not Xmas} need to be laced onto 2000 grey board and backed in calico. Finished size,6x4” Name etc on back in waterproof pen.

EILEEN P has supplied some notes about Bulgaria. Briefly, on the Balkan Peninsula, has a Black Sea coastline, quite mountainous, hot summers and cold winters. Religion mainly eastern orthodox Christianity.

Embroidery is cross stitch, back stitch and satin stitch often using stylised flowers. Red often used and outlined in black Some Turkish influences. Do ask her for more details.

VERA made a request for childrens quilts to be donated to the Huddersfield Hospice. Details from her.

LESLEY gave details of an exhibition/course at Norgreen Village Hall on Nov13th.Cost £50.00.

October meeting

2010-10-21T07:48:00.001-07:00

We were delighted to greet Liz Almond a former founder member to our meeting. She spoke about her Blackwork Journey and brought with her perhaps the greatest number of finished pieces , that I have ever seen.

We were introduced to Hugh Starkie {above} and how this began the journey for Liz.

Liz shared so many tips about creating a blackwork piece, which would help both the beginner and more experienced embroiderer.Liz has a website

www.blackworkjourney.co.uk

that you might like to investigate.

At this meeting we were delighted to welcome back as visitors, Lily and also Helen, over from Ireland. Ann also had the pleasure of presenting the Molly Lee Rosebowl to Margaret Hulton.

October meeting

2010-10-21T07:22:00.001-07:00

STOP PRESS

2010-10-01T08:00:00.001-07:00

Page 33 of The Bolton News,Friday,1st October. Check out the picture and very short article. They did not use the article that we sent!!!! However the photo looks OK. Thank you, John.

AGM September 10

2010-09-26T09:20:00.001-07:00

36 members attended our AGM on Tuesday. What a busy night. The formal part took about an hour but there was so much else to do. Maggie Wilde had been invited to come and tell us about the bonnets made for women convicts sent to Australia. Unfortunately, Maggie had recently suffered a really bad accident and broke her leg, thus unable to attend. She kindly sent a DVD that was to be shown, for our use. We send her our good wishes. We had already purchased fabric and cut out bonnet brims ready to embroider with hearts and flowers so members just needed to make a choice of a convicts name.

As usual we had our annual competition for “Molly’s Cup”. This year we used the same theme as that of the NW Region, Buildings and Architecture. There were perhaps less entries than usual but I am delighted to say that the Rose bowl was won by Margaret Hulton. It is the blue bag at the front. Margaret sent apologies for the night so she will have a formal presentation in October.I will then include a better photograph.

We also collected some of the canvas blocks that members are making for our next installation. They certainly look colourful. BUT we need lots more , so keep going.

The local newspapers had been invited to see and photograph our Bolton Market Hanging. Neither were able to attend so John did the honours.

In addition to all this, Barbara showed us the latest designs for Nancy’s Pulpit Fall and asked for volunteers to firstly machine applique the roundels and then for hand stitchers to add details.A meeting of those interested is planned.We plan to use threads donated by Geoff, Nancy’s husband and then we were able to sell quite a lot of fabric and thread donated by Nancy’s husband.

We managed a short Show and Tell, too. Jackie had brought along the two quilts featured in the previous article. Eileen brought photos of her latest ecclesiastical commission. She also shamed us by bringing along details about Bulgaria and her postcard!!!! I will type up this information for our next meeting. No excuses then, for lack of knowledge. Florence shoed us a baby quilt that she has just completed and finally I showed everyone the bowl that I made at summer school, reminding everyone of the great weekend that one has ,at Alston Hall. So as I said at the start,a very busy night.

Out and About

2010-09-05T08:21:00.001-07:00

Yesterday , Ann and Pauline invited me to join them on a trip to The Great Northern Quilt Show in Harrogate . It was a lovely day, travelling in a coach with members of the Quilters Guild and meeting several people that I knew. The buzz went round that Jackie Martin, one of our members had won two awards.

We all rushed around to see these two wonderful quilts. I cannot the patience that one must have to make such amazing creations.The use of colour and technique emphasise their beauty. Well done Jackie and I am proud to call you a friend.

There were some incredible quilts to see. Of course there were also the obligatory stalls as well as demonstrations and mini workshops. We watched a very interesting demonstration by Maggie Davies, who was using a paper product in her work. Later we joined a Folk Art Anemone workshop lead by Jane Rollason.

Here you can see Ann and Pauline busy at work. Finally we wandered around the rest of the exhibition and saw that Pauline had also won an award for her mini quilt seen to the right of Anns

piece. So a very good representation by members of our guild. It made the very early start for me all worthwhile.

The market hanging

2010-08-23T12:22:00.001-07:00

Pretty impressive, don’t you think? Thank you Lesley for your imaginative idea and leadership throughout this work. Lets hope that we do find a suitable permanent home for it. Would all contributors sign the fabric that I will bring to the AGM and then we will attach to the back.

Out and about

2010-08-01T13:22:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday, Barbara Ann and I , visited the current Progressive Threads exhibition,”Whispers from the past”.

It is a lovely venue, good parking and cafe and the exhibition room is well lit. You can see above that Ann and Barbara are intrigued . Ann is checking to find photos of herself. Why? How?Maybe Pauline piece of work will explain this.

A deckchair!!!!

The exhibition lasts until30August. Mon to Fri 12 till 4 and weekend 12 till 5.00pm. Small entrance charge to the site.
Helmshore Mills Textile Museum. BB4 4NP

Summer school 2010

2010-07-25T06:53:00.001-07:00

Last weekend Jennifer Bamford, Eileen Holmes and I, attended the NW Region, Summer School at Alston Hall. By co-incidence we had all chosen Kath Danswans Silk Bowl class. We began with a huge silk cap which Kath promised would be transformed into a stunning creation, similar to her own. Kath demonstrating.

Managing the huge cap was quite a challenge to us all. We then added water soluble and stretched it into a frame and began machine stitching. This was my start and almost competed vase. I still need to add beaded raindrops

Jenny Burns found a new use for her vase and then you will see some of our nearly finished items.

Ruth Peel demonstrated how to make and bead, stunning tassels.

And finally Annette Morgan ran a three day course”Dying to Stitch”.This time fabrics were dyed using microwaves and then embellished with stitches.

So just a taster to show what happens at our summer school. I have added the new details to the Web site BUT you cannot apply until Jan 2011. I have lots more photos if anyone would like them.

July Meeting

2010-07-23T07:15:00.001-07:00

We had a most unusual July meeting. Due to varied commitments by members of the committee it was decided to combine our EGM and Annual meal into one evening. So about 40 members attended a short EGM at Ridgmont House where the committee for 2010 –2011 was approved. We then celebrated with a Kir Royal or Bucks Fizz and then moved upstairs to enjoy a delicious meal.

Ann plans to send our the usual Chairs letter during August but wanted to remind all members that the Mollys Cup competition to be judged at the AGM in September is Buildings and Architecture.

Also for anyone unable to attend the EGM, Ann announced that our country for the postcard challenge is Bulgaria.More details about this in September.

June meeting

2010-06-16T01:53:00.001-07:00

Well we certainly saved the best until last. I was delighted to see that one of our founder members, Eileen Pepper , was to talk about “Tudor Times “ and was not disappointed. One clue to this, was perhaps the variety of artifacts and embroideries that were displayed.

Eileen gave an amusing and comprehensive talk about the hardships of life in Tudor times. She passed around a range of items including a tussie mussie and a hand made orange and clove pomander.

Ann our Chair was not able to just sit and listen as she was used as a model. Eileen had loaned her a thin white shift and then proceeded to dress Ann in rich Tudor clothing.

As Ann said in her vote of thanks, that Eileen gave us such an informative and entertaining talk and we all wish that we had such History teachers when we were at school .Thank you Eileen.

EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD - BOLTON BRANCH

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2010

GUILD NEWS

A message of sympathy was sent to the family of Charles Gotto, the Guild President from the North West Region, tragically killed in a farming accident, as it was too far for anyone to attend the funeral.

Summer School at Alston Hall – There are a few places left for Elaine Peel’s Beaded Tassels workshop from 16^th – 18^th July, or as a day student for the Saturday at a cost of £44, including morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. Contact Sheila Shaw (s.shaw@sk12.demon.co.uk) for further details or to book.

EXHIBITIONS

There are quite a lot of these at the moment, so I have listed them briefly. If you are going further afield this summer, the Embroiderers’ Guild website has a long list of exhibitions from all over the country and beyond.

BANKFIELD MUSEUM Boothtown Road Halifax - 10+ Textiles. Until July 4th Tuesday – Saturday 10 – 5. Sunday 1 – 4.

DRUMCROON GALLERY 2 Parson’s Walk Wigan - Textile Narratives. Until June 22nd, featuring the work of Val Jackson & Jane McKeating. Tel. 01942 233303

TOUCHSTONES GALLERY Rochdale - Knit One Purl One – an exhibition of contemporary knitting & crochet. Until 4^th July, Monday – Saturday 10 – 5, Sunday 12 – 4.30.

PLATFORM GALLERY Clitheroe – Artefact. Until July 17^th, including work by textile artists Alice Kettle and Isabelle Wright as well as other artists working in glass, ceramics etc

WHITWORTH ART GALLERY Oxford Road Manchester - The Manchester. Until July 1^stMonday – Saturday 10 – 5, Sunday 12 – 4. Thomas Wardle & India.

The HARRIS MUSEUM and Art Gallery in Preston - Embellished: The Art of fabulous fabrics, runs until November 2010. Open Monday- Saturday 10am – 5pm except Tuesday 11am – 5pm. Tel. 01772 258248.

FARFIELD MILL Sedburgh Cumbria – Trees in the Park, quilted textiles by Turning Point. Until July 11^th. AlsoWear It – wearable textile art from July 11^th - September 19^th. 10.30 -5 daily. Tel. 015396 21958.

WEST PARK UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Harrogate. An exhibition by Harrogate Branch of the Guild from June29th – July 10^th Wednesday – Saturday 11 - 4 Tel. 01257 463113 for information.

ECCLES FARM Eccles Lane Bispham Green Nr. Ormskirk. City & Guilds Textiles Exhibition, June 30^th – July10th, Wednesday – Saturday 11 – 4 Tel 01257 463113.

HELMSHORE MILLS TEXTILE MUSEUM Holcome Road Helmshore. Whispers from the Past – Bolton Progressive Threads. From July 3^rd – August 30^th, daily 12 – 5. Tel. 01706 226459. NB There is an admission charge.

TURTON TOWER 10 Decades of the Barlow Institute in Stitches Edgeworth Craft Group – 10 tapestries depicting images from local, national and international events to commemorate 108 years of the Barlow Institute. From Augush4th – 30^th. Normal entrance fee applies.

ADVANCE NOTICE

The AGM will be on September 21^st and we will be having a talk about the project to make a bonnet for every woman who was deported to Tasmania.

REMINDERS

Don’t forget the EGM will be held at Ridgemont before our annual summer meal on 20^th July, starting at 7.00pm. If you would like to join the committee, please let Ann know before the meeting.

Don’t forget that Val has set up a blog for Bolton EG at http://begstitchers.blogspot.com/ .

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

June Day School.

2010-06-13T12:55:00.001-07:00

I was double booked on Saturday and was therefore unable to attend the day school. A friend from Australia was returning home after a few days with me. However , Fiona had formally lived in Bolton for one year and I encouraged her to join our guild. So on the way to the train we called in.Our members were busy making canvas work squares to be collated into an installation. Fiona was given a warm welcome and was frustrated that we did not have the time to join in. She was impressed with the range of colour and techniques used. I have promised to send her a photo of the finished work.

Out and about

2010-06-06T09:35:00.001-07:00

As area 2 rep for the NW committee, I plan to visit as many of the branches in my area as possible. I began in May with a visit to Glossop. After a very warm welcome, I looked forward t0 their speaker, Maggie Wilde who told us about bonnets being made to recognise the women convicts deported to Australia in the 18th century. There has been some publicity about this, but Maggie was so enthusiastic and made this project come to life. I went back to my Branch and she has now been invited to our AGM in September. I’m sure there will be many bonnets made by our members.

It was a glorious day on Wednesday as I drove over to Little Morton Hall to see the Altrincham exhibition. I was really impressed as always with their work and the extra special setting that was chosen. Sandra the Altrincham Chair was there and we had time for a chat too.

On Saturday I went to celebrate with Rochdale at their cream tea. Of course they also had an exhibition and many “shopping opportunities”. I was really honoured when Jan the Rochdale Chair asked me to present a silver badge to Marjorie Davies who had just completed 25 years with the Guild. A delightful day.

May meeting

2010-05-25T02:23:00.001-07:00

This time I will begin with the newsletter, composed by our secretary, Marilyn.

NEWSLETTER – MAY 2010

This email was received from Kathryn last week
I have just had some bad news via Neil Hitchens - Charles Gotto the Guild President was killed in a farming accident on Sunday. This is a terrible tragedy not only for his family and friends but also for the Embroiderers' Guild he was working very hard to raise our profile and promote the Guild's aims.

REMINDERS

Don’t forget that Val has set up a blog for Bolton EG at http://begstitchers.blogspot.com/ . Please log on and become a follower.

Also just a reminder that the Guild web address is www.embroiderersguild.com and then enter your username and password which is on the back of your current membership card.

EXHIBITIONS

MACCLESFIELD and District Branch regret that their exhibition "Samplings", due to take place from 22 May to 26 June in The Silk Museum, Macclesfield, has been postponed until January 2011. New dates and a new venue will be announced in the Autumn. Meanwhile we regret any inconvenience caused, should members who have seen our announcement in the NW Journal not receive news of this postponement in time and go to The Silk Museum expecting to see our work.

PRESTON Branch will be holding an exhibition from 17^th – 31^st October 14 – 4 Mon – Sat 2010 at Preston Minster

The HARRIS MUSEUM and Art Gallery in Preston - Embellished: The Art of fabulous fabrics, runs until November 2010. Open Monday- Saturday 10am – 5pm except Tuesday 11am – 5pm.

CHELFORD and NORTH CHESHIRE EG – Rags to Riches – Saturday 22^nd May 2010, 10am -4pm at Chelford Village Hall, Knutsford Road, Chelford SK10 9AS. £3 admission charge for adults. For more information go to www.chelfordstitchers.blogspot.com or contact 01606 871450.

ALTRINCHAM Branch is exhibiting at Little Moreton Hall from Wednesday 2^nd June – Sunday 6^th June from 11am – 5pm. National Trust charges apply.

ADVANCE NOTICE

The Theme for the Rose Bowl Competition 2012 was voted on at the Regional Day and will be “Two Peas in a Pod”. The 2011 Theme is “Lights Fantastic” and will be held at King Edward and Queen Mary School, Lytham St Annes 0n April 16^th 2011. The Madeira lecture is by Paddy Killer.

The Embroiderers’ Guild is launching a project to produce embroidered postcards for Olympic Year 2012 rather in the style of “Rainbow Squares” Each branch will be allocated a participating country, to be drawn at random. More details later.

FINALLY

Please go and look at our library as we have bought several new books at the Regional Day.

Marilyn refers to the Guild website. Using the appropriate passwords, the e newsletter is now available.[Val}

The meeting

Ann Christy came to talk to us in May. She was the former IT Rep on the NW committee and supported me in setting up this Blog. Thanks Ann. She then became the Vice Chair but is currently our NW secretary. Ann was asked to present Barbara with her certificate for taking the second prize in Manchester.

The title of Anns talk was “From a Distance” and could have been interpreted in many ways. However Ann told us of the joys and pitfalls of distance learning when she studied for her C and G. She demonstrated her IT skills, with a computer presentation of her work and of course better than this,a display of her actual pieces. We all appreciate those tutors who explain the inspiration for their work and then bring it along for closer inspection

Assembling the Market piece.

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A busy few days, NW Regional Day, a Branch meeting and then 4 of us met to work on the market piece and all within 5 days. Is this a record?

Rough placement before we began the stitching. Anns husband

is on hand to record our enthusiasm.

Lesley checks on one piece.

The piece grows. Ann Lesley and Pam adjust the placements.

After warm home made scones we were re energised and managed to attach all the items. We still await 2 or 3 pieces but know where they will fit. Ann volunteered to join together the separate panels , Over half of our members have contributed to it and I am sure that Lesley will be delighted with our completed piece. I will put together an article and hope that Workbox will again publish it. Next time I report on this could /should be to show it in its finished state.

April Meeting

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Ann Burrows paid us another welcome visit this month. Several of us had completed our haberdashery pieces from the day school and displayed them for Ann to see. She was delighted. Ann spoke about her family and how she incorporated photos of them into her work. Another skill for us to learn, maybe another day school to book.

Some of our day school pieces.

NW Region Day

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Saturday 17th April was a bright and sunny morning. Eight members of Bolton Branch made their way to the Manchester Conference Centre anticipating a wonderful day. The venue was excellent, within a reasonable walking distance from public transport. Morning coffee and afternoon tea were included in our tickets and the hot lunch was delicious. The morning began with the usual formalities but then Anthea Godfrey had come up from Hampton Court and gave a very comprehensive account of the present situation I am sure that the problems of the past are now buried and feel that we have a much stronger foundation to plan for our future.We were then treated to two speakers. In the morning a “local” , Hilary Hollingworth described her love of darning. Many of her pieces were quite tiny but exquisite in their execution. After lunch, Alysn Midgelow Marsden explained her thought processes when planning her work. Looking at her many incredible completed pieces, I could appreciate this pre planning. I must take this on board!!! Our day was relaxing and as always it was lovely to meet up with so many embroidery friends.As usual we all spent more than anticipated at the stalls but our day was “made” by Barbara Ryall who won the second prize for her piece based on Florence.

Our chair looking at a display

Formalities ready

Barbaras piece in top right corner

We are now looking forward to our next Regional Day on April 16th 2011 at KEQMS, Lytham St Annes. The Rose Bowl competition is Lights Fantastic.

The Market Panel

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I’m sure that Lesley is pleased with the work now submitted for the Market panel. There have been many arrangements and re arrangements of the pieces but we are still waiting for a few promised items. Philip has added the lettering. Some of us will meet on April 21st to begin attaching the individual pieces to the backing fabric.

March meeting

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Elizabeth Smith had been recommended to us by a number of people so I eagerly anticipated her talk called “Fabric of Life”. I was not disappointed. The first thing was the range of items that Elizabeth was able to display. Panels, hangings, Christmas decorations, installations and a huge floor cushion. Next was the variety of colour and texture. Look at the photos to get a taste of what we saw. Elizabeth had a number of differing inspirations for her work, frequently, like many of us , going back to the natural form but then applying a contemporary slant. Much of her work had been done in cooperation with community groups. some of it is installed in public buildings.

Elizabeth elizabethrfsmith@blueyonder.co.uk will be exhibiting at Touchstones in Rochdale from May1st this year. I would recommend a visit.

Workshop 13/03/10

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Ann Burrows has visited our branch several times before, so we were looking forward to her return. She lead us with a title “Haberdashery with machine and/or hand embroidery”. Firstly we looked at some of her examples and then began the task of arranging our own “bits “into a pleasing arrangement. There was quite a lot of exchange and swapping between members. Ann and I were both applying old , paper packets containing needles but exchanging the colour helped with both of our designs. There was lots of chat about what a particular fabric meant to a person. When looking at our work, families and friends will not be forgotten. We were encouraged to add old photos, buttons, zips and anything else that would have been found in a haberdashery. This task took us until lunchtime. Again we were treated to delicious home made bread, soup and lemon tart . Ann takes photos of our work.

We worked hard after lunch , stopping only for a quick cup of tea and then had the usual display of work. As always I am amazed by the way we all approach the same theme in differing ways. Ann will be visiting us again in April and we hope that all members will bring their finished work to show her.

February newsletter

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This is the last meeting at which you may order tickets for the Regional Day on Saturday 17^th April at the Manchester Conference Centre. The tickets cost £28 including lunch and teas and coffees. Please tell me (Marilyn) if you wish to go. I have copies of the entry/insurance form for the Rose Bowl competition if you wish to enter. If you don’t fill the form in and return it by 15th March, you may still enter but your work will not be insured . I also have entry forms for the Coats Anchor Award “For Excellence in Embroidery”, plus details of the traders and speakers.

If you would like a copy of the North West Journal, please could you let me know as these must be ordered by 31^st March. The Journal is full of information and articles and costs just £1.50p.

We are archiving the Branch minutes at Bolton Library, and would like to put a potted history of the Branch with them. If you have any memories of events such as the Hospice hanging please could you write them down so that we can compile this. Val is collating this information.

Don’t forget that Val has set up a blog for Bolton EG at http://begstitchers.blogspot.com/ Have a look and give your comments.

EXHIBITIONS

Blackrod Stitch and Knit are having an exhibition at St Katharine’s Parish Church on 13^th March

Chelford and North Cheshire EG – Rags to Riches – Saturday 22^nd May 2010, 10am -4pm at Chelford Village Hall, Knutsford Road, Chelford SK10 9AS. £3 admission charge for adults. For more information go to www.chelfordstitchers.blogspot.com or contact 01606 871450.

The Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston - Embellished: The Art of fabulous fabrics, runs until November 2010. Open Monday- Saturday 10am – 5pm except Tuesday 11am – 5pm.

The ARC Gallery Chester – Cheshire Textiles Contemporary textile Artists’ new work – runs until 4^th March at 4, Commonhall Street, Chester. Further information at www.thearcgallery.co.uk

The Creative Stitch and Hobbycrafts Show at Aintree takes place from23rd-25^th April. Val will book tickets if you wish to go.

Dates for your Diary

9^thApril 2010 The National AGM at Nottingham University

15^th – 18^thJuly – Summer School at Alston Hall. I have details of the courses.

Finally

If you have any donations for the sales table please bring them along to any meeting. If there are any large items which do not sell you will have to take them home as unfortunately we have no storage space.

Lorraine Traer-Clark, an EG member has just launched a company offering specialist textile tours in the

UK, supporting our textile heritage, local textile artists and professionals. I have a copy of the textile holiday tours brochure if you are interested, or you can request a copy from www.textileholidaytours.co.uk

Barnyarns are offering free sewing machine needles if you join their newsletter group by going to the website (www.barnyarns.co.uk) and clicking on “Claim a Free gift.” You will also receive a discount coupon.

Marilyn.

February Meeting

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I woke again to see a blanket of snow , very pretty but I am getting fed up with it. I had to cancel my class at the gym as the snow kept falling. I wondered how many members would actually make it to our meeting that evening? However we had a pretty good turn out. Lesley was leading our meeting. We had been asked to bring along our market pieces, whether finished or not .[ Creating the panel is our final act of celebration for our 25th Anniversary]. This gave Lesley a chance to place them on the backing fabric. We were then asked to cut and hem them and if time allowed, begin to make price labels.

Barbara the took a few minutes to explain her thoughts behind the design of the pulpit fall, which we plan to make in memory of Nancy a former member.

Bookings were taken for the Regional Day in Manchester and some members even took applications for the competitions. Only 2 places remain for the next Day School.

Connecting Threads our 25th Anniversary Exhibition, May 2009.

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There were far more pieces than we had first anticipated, but all were displayed. Our venue was the Rivington Art Gallery. Below {second}] shows most of our Silver competition pieces. Selection of photos for this display was totally random. Many thanks to members for their permission to publish.

Jacobs’ Feast. Saturday 30/01/10

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Members were actually queuing outside the door, before it opened yesterday. I’m not sure if it was in anticipation of the food, the activity or both. Our activity was marbling on fabric using shaving foam as a support medium.

Eileen displays the sort of piece that we could attempt. Then how to mix colours on the shaving foam.

Maureen looks absorbed by the task

Margaret and Florence concentrate on their work

Phil, Pauline and Julie have no time to talk.

Ann and I dry our samples.

We then had a break for lunch. As usual there was an amazing range of foods and it was good to be able to take a break and chat to people. Almost half of our members were able to attend that day so the volume of chatter was quite high!!! After lunch we worked on some of our samples. Most of us chose to make something simple like a book mark or a bracelet and are saving our better pieces for reflection and inspiration, later. So thread, beads and sparkles were applied to our book marks as seen with Judith,.

And then as always at the end of a practical we gathered together to have a brief show and tell.

So another Jacobs feast came to an end. We left clutching our samples and thinking of how we were going to use them. I wish we could incorporate them into the Building and Architecture Competition at Manchester.

January meeting

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It was good to see everyone at the start of our New Year. Hugh Barton had been invited to come and talk to us about the Embroideries of Lancaster Priory Church. He gave a really informative talk about these works, all designed and worked by his parents of whom he is immensely proud. His talk was illustrated with a large number of slides and of course he brought along samples of work. I was particularly interested in the original hand coloured sketches.

Lesley then assembled pieces brought along for out Market Hanging. Next month we hope to see many more pieces, either completed or wanting advice. The meeting will focus on this. However Barbara will also bring her ideas for the memorial panel in memory of Nancy.

Members were reminded about the Jacobs Feast on Sat.30th Jan and the materials needed to attempt foam marbling. {Phone me if you have forgotten} Other dates for our diaries are 9th April, National AGM at Nottingham, 17th April Regional Day in Manchester and Summer School, Alston Hall, 15th to 18th July.Members are being encouraged to participate in the Buildings and Architecture competition at our Regional Day.

Earlier group pieces of work

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This is a huge wall panel to be seen at the entrance to the Royal Bolton Hospital. It was created to commemorate the closing of the Bolton Royal Hospital. Individual slips were completed by members and then stitched together .

Details of the crewel work piece.Quite a challenge to keep track of it as it was passed amongst our members.

Our crewel work fire screen was designed for and now found in Smithills Hall Museum

The banner is made of small off white squares, mounted on a blue background showing a wide range of embroidery techniques.

Details of the tablecloth. Members were asked to use the flower theme on any shade of green fabric.

A small exhibition at New Chapel {the oldest in Bolton} showing our tablecloth and welcome banner. You can also see that we had earlier had a BUG competition.

This is work in progress .....for our Rainbow Squares. We finally completed 5 strips that were exhibited at Manchester Central {GMex} , Quarry Bank Museum and our NW Regional AGM.

Programme Jan –July 2010

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January 19^th Hugh Barton ‘Embroideries at Lancaster Priory Church’

February 16^th Work/Planning Evening for Bolton Market Hanging led by Lesley King

March 16^th Elizabeth Smith ‘Fabric of Life

April 20^th Anne Burrow ‘Family Connections’

May 18^th Ann Christy ‘From a Distance’

June 15^th Eileen Pepper ‘Tudor Times’

July 20^th E. G. M., Show & Tell

We will also hold a Jacobs Feast on Saturday 30th January, starting at 10.30 at Bank Top UR Church. The practical will be led by Eileen Holmes.

On Sat March13th Ann Burrows will lead a workshop “Haberdashery with Hand or Machine Embroidery”

The June 12th workshop has yet to be confirmed.

Welcome to the first edition of BEG Stitchers

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Bolton Embroiderers Guild has just had an amazing year,celebrating our Silver Anniversary. At our meeting in December, Kathryn Thompson the NW Regional Chair presented badges to 10 of us who joined in the first year.

Our celebrations began with a very successful exhibition at Rivington Art Gallery .Even though the gallery is in the centre of a country park and not on a bus route we estimate that we had over 500 visitors, during our 9 nine days of opening. perhaps you were one of our visitors? If so thank you for calling and you might like to know that the "Silver" competition, judged by the visitors was won by Jennie Whittle.
Our annual meal held at the Ridgmont House at beginning of July was extended to include former members and members of the NW regional committee. In the end there were about 40 of us able to attend.Barbara Demaine our first Chair helped me to cut a commemorative cake . Photo albums were passed around and finally everyone was given a pair of silver scissors bearing a 25th Anniversary ribbon. A lovely evening for everyone. We are planning a group piece based on the Open Market in Bolton.This necessitated visits to sketch and photograph the products. We plan a wall hanging depicting fruit and flowers,fish and vegetables etc. I am quite pleased with the rainbow trout that I have sewn.

1/10/10
by B.E.G.Stitchers