Summer School, July 13

I cant believe how quickly, Summer School comes around, must be my age. I had been gathering “interesting yarns and threads” for a few weeks, but then only needed the usual sewing stuff.Quite a relief when I think of some of the lists of requirements that I have received. My course was called “That Darned Stitch” lead by Patricia Barrett.

My en suite single room was available as soon as I arrived on Friday afternoon. After checking in , I took my yarns etc to the workroom, called the Garden room. Pat arrived and we organised our room and met with fellow “workers”. Bedrooms have tea and coffee facilities so I met with a friend and made us both a cuppa. Then it was time to call in the bar and see who had arrived this year. Dinner was at 7.oo and by 8.30 we were ready to start stitching.

Pat wanted us to experiment with as many yarns as possible. I began with a cover for a needle case. I tried to use my own threads but Pat had brought along an amazing range and we were all tempted. Whilst trying the techniques we had time to think of our first piece. Pat had demonstrated a technique that I thought would transfer to a Klimt postcard that I had brought along, but that would have to wait till morning as the bar beckoned.

Breakfast was at a civilised 8.30 and then we began. I worked on my Klimt piece whilst other techniques were shown. Morning coffee and home made biscuits, a 2 course buffet lunch, afternoon tea and cakes, and a three course evening meal had to be fitted in to our busy day.It was a good job that we had a short walk through the glorious gardens, to our workroom. I also wandered around taking photos and selling raffle tickets.

Sunday followed a similar pattern, but this time I began a piece based on the rocks you see on the way to Harrogate. Can anyone remember their name? At morning coffee we organised the raffle draw, with 12 prizes to be won.We broke at 3.00 to visit the other members and see what they had been doing. Very impressive books had been created by the Isobel Hall group and Amy Senogles had persuaded her group to use recycled materials to create beautiful pieces. Tea, scones and cakes were the final offering at 4.00 before we left for home, worrying which course we would choose next year.

There were spaced available this year and I really don't know why. It is a truly wonderful weekend,organised by the NW regional committee, great value for money. Alston hall is only 1/2 hour way and set in glorious gardens. Rooms are en suite, food is “too much “,a good bar,great tutors and the chance to make wonderful.like minded friends. There should be a display of work at the AGM in Oct and more details , and then you can apply in Jan 14. Why not come along and try it. Like me , I'm sure you will be hooked.