Faires and Pixies, talk by Norma Hutchinson

 Norma is one of our members, and she gave us a really interesting insight into her textile journey since she retired from teaching. Her theme was inspiration, and how to get it! She showed us her sketchbooks, filled with drawings that may eventually make their way into designs for embroideries, and also how poems, music and fairy tales can spark ideas for pieces like the ones below. On the theme of fairy tales she had several pairs of exquisite tiny fairy shoes, made from all sorts of exotic fabrics and findings, gorgeous. We got into small groups and came up with fairy names, and then thought about what stitches we could use to bring them to life - surprisingly few, like straight stitch, fly stitch on wings, French knots for fairy dust. It made us think how a simple idea can lead down all sorts of different paths that could inspire a piece of work. She had also made exquisite little concertina books, and a hat inspired by 'Forest', one of our challenges. Also a plethora of cushions and bags, she is one busy lady!

Stitched Trees, day school with Mary Duncan

 Members enjoyed a day school with Mary, producing two wall hanging each, all ready for Christmas!

Stitch and Chat/Show and Tell 3rd November

 Unfortunately Isobel Luke was unable to deliver her talk due to being unwell. We all hope you feel better soon, Isobel! So a stitch and chat was slotted in instead, and members brought some things they had been working on over lockdown some people have been very busy!

Day School with Morag Grey

Some of our members enjoyed a innovative day school with Morag, making these unusual scarves. Here Jean McAllister describes the method.

We started off with 3,4 or 5 tee shirts. The number used  depended on the thickness of materials. We Cut off from armholes and up 1 seam to make a long rectangle/ scarf shape. 

We then machined down 4 cms vertical lines and then 4 cms across.

The next step, with very sharp scissors and strong thumbs, was to cut a cross in within each square.

The final step was to machine wash the scarf, which took on a different look depending on materials and colours used. Here are some photos of the finished scarves.

 on the We started off with 3/4or5 tee shirts. The number used  Here are a few photos of the scarves we produced.

We started off with 3/4or5 tee shirts. The number used  depended on the thickness of materials.Cut off from armholes and up 1 seam to make a long rectangle/ scarf shape. 

We then machined down 4 cms vertical lines and then 4 cms across.

The next step, with very sharp scissors and strong thumbs, was to cut a cross in within each square.

The final step was to machine wash the scarf, which took on a different look depending on materials and colours us on the thickness of materials.Cut off from armholes and up 1 seam to make a long rectangle/ scarf shape. 

We then machined down 4 cms vertical lines and then 4 cms across.

The next step, with very sharp scissors and strong thumbs, was to cut a cross in within each square.

The final step was to machine wash the scarf, which took on a different look depending on materials and colours used.

 of materials.Cut off from armholes and up 1 seam to make a long rectangle/ scarf shape. 

We then machined down 4 cms vertical lines and then 4 cms across.

The next step, with very sharp scissors and strong thumbs, was to cut a cross in within each square.

The final step was to machine wash the scarf, which took on a different look depending on materials and colours used.