Events City

Its a couple of years since I have been to Events City at Trafford Park. However with two free tickets, I thought I should make an effort. I picked Judith up and we battled the motorway traffic and arrived just as it opened. As usual we split up and arranged to meet for lunch. Another "as usual" was that there was nothing that I needed to buy but would no doubt spend money. I had a saunter all around before homing in on certain stalls and exhibitions. I spent some time at the Images of Brazil competition and "as usual" was not surprised to see a piece there by our member, John Clarke. Watching the Olympics brought back wonderful memories of my time there a couple of years ago , so I dont know why I didn't make an effort to compete. However when I saw the winning piece I realised just why!!!!

A better map than I could draw

I love humming birds

The Winning piece, stunning!!!!

Johns piece, and details. Well Done !!!!

I spent much of my time chattering to friends from Chelford, Rochdale , Parbold and Bolton plus tutors that I knew. Above is a sample by Wendy Cotterill. I did a short class with her at the National AGM. We have taken her details as a possible summer school tutor.

On a final note, an hour before we were to leave ,I had bought nothing so decided to invest in a few beads and 10 rolls of sellotape.

Out and about, Pendle

Yesterday was the AGM of Pendle, a very pleasant affair. Officers were elected and committee agreed. Sue gave the Chairs Report, reminding us of all that we have done over the year. She also acknowledged the assistance given by members of her committee and others. Nice to be complimented!!!I took only a couple of photos but will add another , I had taken my leaves and collected some ready for the AGM but also took along a piece that I had worked on recently. It is to be a gift to my phiseo who has new rooms, painted yellow. I chopped up pieces of lace, dyed them all in the same dish , watching the variety of shades and then applied them, adding stitches and beads. I loved doing it cos the colour made me feel so happy.

Out and about Carlisle

Sandra McF and I drove up to Carlisle last Sunday. The local branch was exhibiting in Tuille House, in celebration of their 60th anniversary. I had hoped that the roads would be more quiet than during the week and we made it in just under 2 hours. We passed an awful accident on the southbound motorway , and the police had closed it further north, The tail back was miles but fortunately cleared by the time we returned home. Linda one of the members and also a trustee was on duty and several other members were stitching so it was a very relaxed but welcoming exhibition. We were really impressed with the wide range of techniques and quality of work. I had to write to Gill to tell her how much I admired her autumn leaves. Do call if you can make it.

Out and about, Gawthorpe Hall

Last Saturday, Patricia Sue and I met at Gawthorpe Hall for our second stitch and chat days. Patricia has done a great deal of preparatory work and we were eager to start. Unfortunately there was some mix up and we were without a RKS member of staff. Fortunately we are adaptable and able to offer some limited stitching. I took along my leaves stitched for the National Stitch day  and Patricia had loads of stitched samples.  We shared our threads beads and equipment. The theme was Zodiac so we identified our own and had a go. Two members of the public came in to see us but then access was limited due to insurance worries. However the two guests were full of praise and loved their day. I believe both might well join the Guild, one in Bolton and another at Parbold. We were a little disappointed but relieved that three of our members were unable to attend and we had a really good chance to chat. Our final date is in October.

A few reminders, everlasting landscapes anytime please but I hope to see some at the AGM in October. Any leaves to be brought there too. AND Fri Sept 12th, an invitation  from Gawthorpe Hall . to those who stitched the CBP pieces.

National Stitch Day

Yesterday was the newish Guild initiative of a National Day of stitch. About 1/2 the branches in the NWR were taking part this year. It was suggested that we could make leaves and literally make a path between Lands End and John o Groats. We will see!!!I joined members of Pendle this year at Townley Hall, Burnley. I had the wrong time, arriving early and so as it was a glorious morning, I sat in the gardens .stitching. I was approached by members of the public and did chat quite a lot. Pendle members arrived and we went in doors. Refreshments were provided for us as we set up a small exhibition and began our leaves. Foot fall was rather slow to begin with but we soon began to engage the public with conversation. They were interested and full of compliments about our work.

I enjoyed the opportunity to actually spend time and chat with my felloe stitchers. Thank you Sue for your organisation.

Out and about. Keswick

Last Sunday, I drove up to Keswick. Its ages since I had been that for north in the Lakes and when I saw Skiddaw I remembered that it was the only mountain in the Lakes that I have not climbed. For a few minutes, I was tempted but then a reality check, I'm older, wiser and less fit!!!
Anyhow my purpose was to visit the Keswick Branch exhibition and meet with the,members there. I found the village hall in Threlkeld quite easily and was greeted by Pat the secretary who immediately offered me a cup of tea. A perfect welcome after a couple of hours in the car. I then met Debbie the new chair . We chatted about the branch, the problems still caused by the winter floods and the actuality of being a small isolated branch.

Debbie and Pat

Chats, demos and exhibits

The Keswick Banner

By chance I raised the Travelling Book idea and then went to my car and brought it in to show members. They, like me were very impressed and I might see two pages from then in the distant future. A light lunch and then I drove back, frustrated by the lines and lines of traffic cones for non existent road works but happy that I had seen all the lovely work and put more names to faces.

Stop Press

Mollys Cup is "Pods seeds and fruit" so I was on the right lines but not exactly there!!!