December meeting

Our December meeting is earlier than normal due to the number of activities later in the year. We walked in to the Centre to see really traditional festive decorations. It was the usual busy night , lead by Jackie who had made kits for us , so all we needed was a needle. Love classes like these. I am sorry Jacky but due to my extra tasks, I forgot to take photos  so you will have to make do with my own scissors keep, that I finished during the evening.Thank you again for the time and trouble, we all enjoyed the task.We had a small display of fairy feet, sorry I should say FFarie slippers.One member who shall be named…Brenda had not only finished a pair but also had them mounted. Wont repeat what I said to her!!!The standard for our Xmas Competition, The Holly and the Ivy, continues to rise.It is inspiring to see how members interpret the title.The prize was won by Pauline . Holly and Ivy were two angels!!!Very Clever.Clare presented Pauline with a lovely festive plant that I cant spell.I sold all the photographic fabric that I had acquired and then a few more tickets for Jean and Jan.I will now make them available to the Region. Have a really Happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you twice in January, our meeting and then our Jacobs feast.

NEWSLETTER –December-2013

NEWS

The Rose Bowl competition titles are “Black Magic” for 2014 and “Something Old, Something New” for 2015.

The members’ challenge for 2014 is “Tree Rhythms”. Closing date for entries - 14^th Feb 2014. Pick up an entry form today.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

• Gawthorpe have Workshops available. See events@gawthorpetextiles.org.uk or telephone 01282 773963 for details.
• Lucinda Attwood is running embroidery classes at the Friends Meeting House in Silverwell Street, Bolton. on Mon. 10-12am, Tues 2-4pm, Weds 1-3pm. Call Lucinda (07977821119) or ask Brenda Cooper for further information.
• Grayson Perry Tapestries On Tour at Manchester City Gallery 24^th October – 21^st January.

See www.artfund.org/news/2013/06/05/grayson-peery-tapestries-to -tour

· Bolton Progressive Threads have an exhibition of contemporary textiles in felt, thread and mixed media inspired by Bolton Museum’s rich and diverse archive collection- “History Uncovered”, 4^th November- 26^th January situated in the Work Town Gallery at the end of Bolton Lives Gallery.

· “Challenges” an exhibition by textile group Metaphor exploring different themes and media, from now until January 5^th at Farfield Mill, Sedbergh. For more information about exhibitions visit www.farfieldmill.org .

ADVANCE NOTICE

January’s meeting on the 21^st January is “Recycling Textiles” with speaker Amy Senogles.

REMINDERS

The Beryl Dean Teaching Award has been launched again and will go to a teacher who is personally passionate and professionally inspirational and highly competent, recognized by students and peers alike. The prize will be £1000 to be spent on taking the teacher’s professional expertise to the next level. The 20^th December is the final date for nominations.

Ann is in need of handmade Get Well or open greeting cards for sending to members if you have any to spare.

If you have any items for the Sales Table please see Jackie Martin. Jackie also needs clear envelopes (like the ones cards come packed in) if you have any please keep them and pass them on.

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

Sheelagh Madden now has some new DVDs in the library, including, “In Stitches” by Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn and also “Nations of the World in Stitch” about the Olympic postcards. If there are any library books you think would be suitable for us, please tell Sheelagh Madden. (An ISBN would be helpful)

If you hear of any interesting exhibitions or events that you think may be of interest, please let Brenda Brown know and details can go on the newsletter.

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

Just been to see out tree and its now worth £250.00 Brilliant!!!!!

Out and about, Padiham

It was the Christmas party at Padiham yesterday. The committee had organised food and a quiz. The competition “Twelve days of Christmas “ was judged by the members. an amazed Glen won.her pieces was seven swans a swimming. There was a wide variety of pieces showing that we are a talented group. Sue produced the finished banner and it took a number of members to display it.

We were also delighted to hear that Wendy had had her piece for Gawthorpe accepted into the collection. No meeting in Jan so see you all on Feb 3rd. Happy Christmas.

Out and about, Harrogate

A group of us  filled a mini bus and set off for the Knitting and Stitching at Harrogate on Saturday.Much better than driving!!! Firstly I took Ann to meet Jan and Jean as she will be hosting them in June.{tickets going very fast.After our meeting next week available to the north west} Coffee and then we split up to follow our particular interests. There were many stalls and exhibitions but I spent much of my time chatting to friends I have made through the Guild. Many send greetings to Bolton. I met with Ann and Barbara for a very brief lunch and then I had booked a class with Katie Caplin.  A Japanese technique that she called “usheeah”.It is a padded fabric to make into a picture. I was surprised that we used double sided tape and there was no stitching involved but it is certainly quite quick.We used traditional kimono fabric and the end result was pleasing.I will let you know when I finish mine. I am still busy with my “holly and the ivy” for Tuesday.Doubt whether I will also have my fairy slipper ready either. Being in 2 branches does mean twice the work!!!

November meeting

I had no idea what to expect from this meeting. It was presented by Nawal Gebreel and called Talking Textiles. However it was a delight. Nawal displayed some of her work but it came to life later!!!She gave a PowerPoint presentation, explaining how she had progressed from designing for fashion houses to setting up her own business. How she began with painting and mixed media , moving on to discharge on velvet and how she has succeeded with these scarves. well to call them scarves is really an insult as they are individual works of art. She sells them throughout the world. Nawal asked for a volunteer and so Brenda had the honour of trying on many of these creations.Apart from the beautiful fabric and amazing “creases”, the scarves could be tied in such imaginative ways. Do contact Nawal for further information nawal@gebreel.com

Breaking news….. the Christmas tree bid is now £175.00

Tickets for Jan and Jeans talk and workshop selling quickly. Bolton members have the next meeting to purchase before being opened up to the NW branches.

Our Christmas tree

Months ago, Barbara approached our Guild with an idea. Each year at this time the Lowry outlet holds a display of decorated Christmas trees which are subsequently auctioned off. all proceeds are donated to the St Francis Children's Hospice in Manchester. She thought that we could get involved,making decorations.

The Branch agreed and we decided to limit the colour to silver and white, the shapes to a bird, star and circle . Kits  with appropriate felt beads and ribbons were assembled and we began. The idea was to bring back finished decorations each month but there was some panic when in September Barbara announced that all work must be ready for the following month.

Jackie and Ann had supported  Barbara with the collation of kits so the three of them, ably assisted by Phoebe, Ann's  granddaughter, went along to the Lowry to decorate the tree. There were 120 decorations  on our tree,and members had been really generous donating gifts which were wrapped to compliment the tree and placed underneath. I  believe these totalled more than £300.00

The proud tree decorators, Ann with Phoebe, Barbara and Jackie. I went along a few days later and thought it was amazing.better still there had been two bids already on our tree. £75.00 currently but I would hope for several more bids  before long as the charity is well worth supporting.

November day school.

Lucinda Allwood lead our workshop yesterday, “Beaded FFaerie Slippers.”

I was delighted that we only needed to take a hoop and beading needle as I am up to my eyes in competition pieces for Christmas. Lucy had kindly assembled kits for us to use. I just wish I had planned ahead and taken my beading mat as I kept scattering my beads across the table.Above is the sample that we could aim for. Underneath, a quick photo of Lucy as she never stood or sat still!!!

Lunch was again a delight, thank you Brenda and Judith and we had an added celebration as Its Barbara s birthday today. Ann placed candles on the cake and we sang to her. Doesn't she look bashful in the corner?We were also delighted to see the new kitchen installed at Bank Top. Well done to all the fundraisers and workers.

Finally we were given instructions as to how to assemble our slipper [I say slipper as my fairy is likely to be one legged!!!}and then had our show and tell. i look forward to seeing many pairs of slippers very soon.

Out and about, Padiham.

Our November meeting, welcomed Rubina Porter who was to tell us about the orphanage project. I had suggested to a couple of our members that they might like to attend as they missed her visit to Bolton a couple of weeks before. Ruby spoke again about her love and dedication to this amazing enterprise. She presented a very good slide show and is able to name every person that she photographs. She brought amazing Kantha work quilts worked by the orphans and finally we were able to support her cause by buying scarves, bags, cards and assorted items .My Christmas presents are sorted!!!