Print and a pattern - a Journey: Talk by Astrid Weigel

 Today's talk was something a bit different, as it was about the conception and creation of design for textiles. Astrid took us through her career journey from watching her mother at the sewing machine making clothes and toys, inspiring her to a career in fabric. After leaving school she spent a year doing an Art Foundation course, which helped her choose her path. She did a two year course in fabric design and developed an interest in furnishing patterns particularly.

She has worked for luminaries such as Sandersons and John Lewis, before going freelance, producing designs for curtains, cushions, wall hangings and more. She had a break to raise her family, and then started again by having a website and Etsy shop, and now sells her work all over the world.

The process starts with drawings on paper, and making colourways, to screen printing. Astrid had brought along examples of the process, some of which you see below. Her designs are modern and very fresh, clean colours. Astrid will be taking a day school shortly where we can make a lampshade in the style of the one below. More of her work can be seen on her website www.astridweigel.com

talk - My Journey in Patchwork and Textile Art' by Susie Stehli

 Our new term session kicked off with a fascinating talk by Susie, who brought along a stunning selection of patchwork and art quilts she had made over many years, tracing her journey from the early days and evolving as time went on. They were meticulously made and so neat and colourful, we were all seriously impressed! Susie is doing a day school in October based on the gingko picture below, so looking forward to that. She was really enthusiastic and a delight to listen to.

Susie's work can also be viewed on her website www.susiestehlidesign.co.uk, and she also has a shop in Arbroath Main Street call H'Art and Soul where she runs workshops and exhibitions.

New Session starts with Member's Summer Projects

 It was lovely to meet with old friends after the summer break (though the 'summer' bit was very short!). We enjoyed a fascinating talk by Susie Stehli (see the next post), and members had brought along things they had made over the break. We then had tea and a super spread of homemade cakes brought be some of the committee.

New Sessions for Autumn 2023 starts 13th September

 After the summer (!) break, Angus Embroiderers will be meeting again, with the first session on Wednesday 13th September at 2.00 pm at Guthrie Village Hall. It will be a talk by Susie Stehli, entitled 'My Journey in Patchwork and Textile Art', followed by refreshments.

Non-members are very welcome, details on the 'About Us' page above, so if anyone is interested in any form of embroidery or textile art, please come along to an enthusiastic and friendly club where we'll be delighted to see you.

AGM, challenge and tea

 Today was our last meeting of the term, and we had our AGM. Maggie and Isabel are standing down after doing their stint of sterling work as Secretary and Chair, and are replaced by Allyson Angus as Secretary and Nancy Craig as Chair. Meg Woomble is now Vice Chair. Minutes will be sent out in due course.

The challenge this year was 'My Favourite Place', and members brought along a diverse selection of themed work, which was won by Linda Walker with a gorgeous collage textile made of flotsam and jetsam. I must have had a senior moment as I forgot to take any photos (sorry, ladies!) - must be my age 😬.

We had a super spread of sandwiches, cakes, strawberries, cookies and birthday cake (my landmark one, hence the senior moment 😄🎂).

Hope everyone has a lovely summer, and look forward to meeting again in September.

'A Long Walk' - Day School with Sheila Mortlock

 A fun day was had by all with Sheila, playing with paints and mediums. Everyone had brought references from their favourite walks, and interpreted these onto paper. Each was given an A3 sheet of paper which they cut lengthways into three and taped together to make a long strip. It was dabbed with gesso, and things pressed into it to make textures, such as bubble wrap, sponges etc. Then white acrylic paint was added, and the process repeated. Then PVA glue was added and they glued on bits of scrim, tissue paper, paper, and things to raise the surface. When dry, paints were added in colours to suit the references.

Then came the fun bit, with marks being made with paints, twigs, brushes, crayons, pastels and inks, and imagination! Once dry, the paper was folded into a concertina book to take the memories home.

Finding Art in Retirement - talk by Gerrie Somerville

 Retirement opens up so many opportunities for people to try new things, or to take up something they have always wanted to do but life gets in the way. Gerrie is on such person. Although good at art at school, she didn't take it further but went into teaching, and also had a family. Only when she retired was she able to take up art again , encouraged by her husband (who bought her the box easel below, fast turning into a Picasso painting), and taking adult education classes.

Gerrie likes to use watercolour and acrylic paints, and showed us her materials and tools. She brought along a selection of her paintings, and quite varied they were. She also makes prints, cards, and fridge magnets to market her work, and takes part in North East Open Studios (running in September). More of Gerrie's work can be seen on her website www.gerriesomerville.com.