Bolton AGM

Last night we held the 28th  AGM for our Branch.It was as always, a very busy and unusual night. It began with a required fire drill, good job it had just stopped raining!!!!

Next Ann's granddaughter, Phoebe came along and explained very clearly what it is like to live with diabetes. This year she is an ambassador for Juvenile Diabetes Awareness . Phoebe then drew the winning raffle ticket for our own bag raffle and the proceeds were given to this charity.

The winner was one of our newer members,Brenda F. pictured  above.

The AGM commenced , reports were given, the committee was re elected and Ann handed over her badge of office to Clare. It was then Clare's first task to present Ann with an orchid plant to thank her for all her work as Chair over the last three years. We wish Clare all the best and know that our Guild is in safe hands.

The evening continued, Ann demonstrating how to make a sari waste brooch and then we all had a go. In addition to this , those who had attended the Lace workshop were asked to say a few words to explain their inspiration and method used for their work.

Finally the evening ended with the voting for Molly's cup . I was delighted to see that my good pal Pauline had won. Clare was able to present her with our Rose bowl.

The newsletter was distributed but a few more messages were announced. Our Xmas competition is “An angel” and next years Molly's cup is the technique, “Gold work”. “2014 is our pearl anniversary so Clare invited ideas to make it a year to remember.

Several of us then showed and told what we had been doing during the summer. Jackie brought along the quilt that had won so many prizes recently. See photo on previous pages. However she is now the owner of a brand new Husqvarna sewing machine,redundant to her use. She would like to sell it for £250.00  ono. A bargain.

Finally an apology from me, my camera seems to be behaving badly!!!

Out and About, Quilters

Judith and I went along to the Quilters exhibition today. It was really worthwhile. Firstly there was a really friendly greeting and then we saw the amazing quilt ,created by Jackie, that had won numerous awards at the national exhibition. Below see Margaret and Judith, admiring it.

Judith was then drawn to this next quilt, made by Hilary, which I believe won the visitors vote. Congratulations.I really liked the Christmas themed room where we chatted to Audrey, who was catching her breath after demonstrating.

The blue quilt was made by Ann for Phoebe ,her granddaughter and the blue “man” a star wars character??? for her grandson. The dragon was made by Pauline .

We had a couple of hours there, refreshments, lots of chatter and still time to buy lovely fabrics. A morning well spent.

Out and about,Padiham

I attended the AGM at Padiham today. Mona the Chair and Kathryn the treasurer had resigned so we welcome Nan as Chair and Wendy as treasurer. We thanked and presented the retiring officers with flowers and wish the incumbents well.

empress Mill had set up an amazing range of products for us. Christine explained how various threads were made and could be used.The photo is a bit blurred as she never stands still!!!!

Charles demonstrated the crash technique and William accepted money for sales.I went to a craft fair at GMex last Saturday with Ann Barbara and Judith, spent a fortune but still found things I wanted from the stall today. There is a much bigger range at their shop in Colne and on line and they will be visiting Bolton later this year.

City and guild news

City & Guild Courses run by the N W Region

Our new tutor is Elizabeth Couzins Scott, who is a respected tutor and member of the 62 Group. The courses will be run in Poulton le Fylde.

There will be an Registration Meeting on Sunday 30^th September, for both Levels 1 and 2, which are being offered, when people will have a chance to meet the tutor, confirm which level they are to take, and have questions answered.

The course fee, which is expected to be £210, will be payable on that day. If the prospective student is not already a member of the Embroiderer’s Guild, then membership would also need to be arranged.

Creative Techniques – on the textile pathway

Level 1 Course number 7111/02

• Level 1 dates:
• 7th Oct;  4th Nov;  6th Jan;  Feb 3rd;  3rd March; 7th April  Plus a half day 7th June - Verification/exhibition
• Level 2 dates:
• 21st Oct;  18th Nov;  20th Jan; 17th Feb; 17th Mar; 21st April; Plus a half day 7th June - Verification/exhibition.
• There is the possibility that another series will be offered for Level 2. This has more teaching hours required, but has advantages over the current one. Information on that is still coming in.
• If we decide to go ahead with the other series 7716, then we will need 3 more sessions, plus a further year starting in September 2013. Fees would then be adjusted accordingly.
• Suggested extra dates for 45 hour course are: 19th May; 16th June; 21st July

Please contact Monica Selway for details: monica.selway@which.net, or phone 01744 88 2535

Summer School July 12

Jennifer B and I have just returned from another amazing summer school at Alston Hall. We were both in the same class, Stump work , lead by Nicola Hulme.  I was not sure what to expect and was quite daunted when I saw her display. However , Nicola is an enthusiastic and patient teacher and we were inspired. There were only 8 of us in our group  and we all decided to try to learn as many techniques as reasonable. By co incidence we all created similar backgrounds on which to put our pieces. I began with a leaf…it took ages…..in fact the whole evening……but it was rather large. The following morning I began a flower and then a spider. I made more leaves, far less complicated but quite effective.  I loved both making and the results from my blackberry.When I arrived home this evening I decided that the balance of the picture was OK and that it did not need  to add any more pieces.

Jennifer's work is the in the middle of the middle photo. Nicola is coming to lead a day school for us in June,ribbon work. Book your place as soon as possible!!!!

Summer school is a lovely weekend. We work hard but also play hard. There is time to sit and chat with the many friends that you make. I can hardly believe that I was in the room this morning at 7.55 am.  but I needed extra time to compensate for the time i spent in selling raffle tickets. The other tutors were Sheila Smith ,leading work on felting and Janet Browne who helped members to devise a journey in applique and stitch.Their students all raved about their tutor and the work that they were able to personally achieve.

Tutors for next years summer school have been announced.Check them out on the web site. I cant yet make up my mind what to choose but I have until Xmas to decide. Applications due in early January2013. Come and join us.

EGM / SUMMER MEAL

Almost thirty of us met tonight at the Ridgmont.We were greeted by Ann who offered us Kir Royal, Bucks Fizz or a fruit juice. A good start to the EHM as all committee members except Ann were prepared to stand again. Sadly Ann felt that having been Treasurer before the Chair, she should step back. Luckily Clare was prepared to stand as Chair. There was little other business so we could then move upstairs and enjoy a delicious meal.

Why the stick? Poor Ann has a very bad back / leg. We hope she gets better very soon.   I have another more respectful  photo.

 

NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2012

NEWS

If you are coming up for your 25 year badge please let Ann know.

Headquarters will be putting our subscription up by £2 in September.

Workbox magazine has increased the price by 50p due to higher postal charges and will now cost £2.55p from the next issue. As we pay in advance I will have to collect £3 the next time to cover this.

The members competition for the 2014 Regional Day will be “Black Magic” (2013 is entitled King Cotton)

The 2013 AGM will be held from 5^th – 7^th April at Cheltenham.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

Gawthorpe Hall
Weds 8th August Toys and children's samplers
Children and adults can enjoy the skills and play things of bygone days. Demonstration of doll making by Carolyn Eastwood  and textile artwork based on 'family pets' by Ann Marie O'Brien.Event held in stockbridge room opposite tea rooms from 11am until 4pm.Free entry.
Weds 5th September - Embroidery open day. A chance to see some of the true beauties of embroideries that lie within the depths of this amazing collection.
Demonstration by Gail marsh. 'Traditional meets Contemporary' show case
of embroidery/ fashion work by local designer rabia sharif.
Same location, time and free entry to event as above.
Weds 10th October. Tools of the trade Investigate the beauty that can be found in some of the most practical
tools that were used throughout the years. Rag rugging demonstration by Jennifer hacking. 'Up cycling textiles' showcase of local textile artist Saima Mahmood
Same time, venue and free entry to event as above.

Altrincham Branch are holding an exhibition from Sat 15^th – 30^th September Tues – Sat 11am – 4pm, Sun 2pm – 5pm, at the Knutsford Heritage Centre, 90A King Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ED. Details www.knutsfordheritage.co.uk

The Postcards will be displayed at :- Plympton Library (no date yet): St Martin in the Fields, London 2^nd August – 22^nd September: Artrix, Bromsgrove 8^th October – 4^th November.

10 Plus Textiles have an exhibition on until 31^st August at The Changing Fashion Gallery in Stoke-on Trent, Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm and Sun 2 – 5pm. There is a leaflet for further details.

The Knitting & Stitching Show will be in Harrogate from 22^nd – 25^th November this year.

ADVANCE NOTICE

Don’t forget Molly’s Cup title will be “Redo, Rework, Reform”

We need ideas for things to buy or pay for with the returned 40% of our loan to H.Q. – eg. An expensive speaker, a Friday evening talk followed by a workshop on the Saturday – this would need firm commitment from members and possibly payment in advance – or any other ideas you may have.

REMINDERS

If you have any items for the Sales Table please see Jackie Martin.

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

.

Out and about ,Padiham

Monday was the last date in the current programme at Padiham Branch. There was a wide range of entries for our competition, based on inspiration from one of the talks during the year.Kathryn had kindly donated a trophy, in memory of her mother. Mona was able to present this trophy and a small gift to Nan.Nan will keep this trophy for one year. Joan explained the registration documents needed by HQ and we were entertained with a quiz whilst we awaited strawberries and cream. The sales table,Library and raffle operated as usual. Finally we were asked to “show and tell”, explaining how and why we embroidered a piece. Joan found time to explain how she created her work , as well as handing out our summer letter. Once home I read this and looked at next years programme. It certainly looks interesting and I look forward to another delightful year. Advance notice….bring your purses to the AGM as there will be a superb stall of fabric/threads etc.