2011 Newsletters
The Branch newsletter comes out every two months and is available in printed form at our meetings.
For technical reasons, some older newsletters are missing from the website - our apologies!
The Branch newsletter comes out every two months and is available in printed form at our meetings.
For technical reasons, some older newsletters are missing from the website - our apologies!
November/December 2011
Please collect today your new Programme card for 2012. Thanks must go to Pam for arranging what promises to be another exciting year, with a great selection of talks from some well-known, and a few less familiar, speakers. Due to higher travel costs, tutors and speakers have had to increase their charges, so we have decided to have some ‘in-house' activities next year to off-set this expense. These promise to be interesting and a little different and we hope you will continue to give these events your full support.
It was very disappointing that so few members attended the Bring and Share lunch last month. Those present enjoyed an amazing spread of delicious food, with time to chat with one another before the AGM. Again we would have liked to see more of you at this part of the afternoon; it is a time when important issues are discussed and decisions taken. A lively and colourful talk by Linda Rudkin concluded the meeting.
This is your Branch and if you have any views or ideas please let us know. The current financial climate affects each one of us and certain aspects of running the Branch are beyond our control, but hopefully, we will all continue to enjoy sharing our love of embroidery, not just with our Branch, but at Regional and National level also. Any comments or suggestions can be made, in confidence, to Jo, Rosemary or Ann.
Equipment for Hire
The Branch is very fortunate to have three pieces of equipment which are available for members to hire on a monthly basis for a very reasonable sum.
• A smock-gatherer is useful for gathering fabric for traditional smocking or experimental fabric- manipulation.
• The embellisher looks like a sewing machine, but without thread, and uses a number of barbed needles to embed fibres, fabrics and papers to create a new surface. Just experiment and have fun.
• The drum-carder is used to blend wool fibres before spinning or felting. Unique colours can be blended if desired. Straightforward to use, instructions included with the machine.
If you would like to borrow any of these please speak to Gill Wilmshurst.
Our speaker today is... Annette Morgan - quilter, tutor and author who is familiar to many from her attendance at textile and quilt shows. She not only teaches quilting, but a whole range of textile techniques, and is a quilt judge also.
Crossed Threads from Tankerton is in attendance.
Next month...
• Please bring basic sewing kit (needles, scissors, thimble), and pen or pencil for surprise activities
• Our Branch archives will be on display - view photographs and projects from the past 40 years!
• There will be a Show Table - if you have attended day schools (Linda Miller or Ineke Berlyn) or the residential weekend, or any other course, we would love to see what you have produced - whether completed or work-in-progress.
• Seasonal fare will be served at tea-time
• A bumper book raffle will take place ~ new books from Search Press and A & C Black.
We extend a warm welcome to....
Kate Amos from Herne Bay and
Charlotte Watkinson from New Romney - a returning member.
**STOP PRESS**
A NEW SHOP ‘The Sewing Space' has just opened in Sandgate, near Folkestone. It is very early days so is not fully stocked, but do visit if you are in the area. Further details will follow, but in the meantime visit their website www.thesewingspace.co.uk
Book Reviews
Teresa Gilewska
Pattern Drafting for Fashion Vol 3 - Draping
A&C Black, 2011, ISBN 978-1-4081-5390-1
Vol 4 - Seam Assembling and Finishing
ISBN 9781-4081-5389-5
Aimed at the more experienced seamstress, volume 3 demonstrates how to work with the grain of the fabric to achieve a unique garment with a perfect fit. The specialised techniques are thoroughly explained and illustrated.
Volume 4 concentrates on the basic techniques through every stage of the assembly of the garment, and how attention to detail will reward the maker with an exceptional and beautiful item of clothing.
This is a comprehensive set of publications, with highly detailed and clear, concise diagrams and instructions, which will prove invaluable to students, and anyone wishing to improve their dress-making skills.
Kate Haxell
Twenty to Make - Fabric Flowers
Search Press, 2011, ISBN 978-1-84448-699-1
Kate has created twenty fabulous flowers, from simple felt to sophisticated silk, perfect to adorn bags, clothing, shoes and hats. Using scraps of materials and simple sewing, they are easily made in an afternoon, and will enliven a plain garment or add glamour to an evening gown. As always, full colour photographs and clear instructions make this latest volume in the series excellent value for money and an ideal project book.
Kim Thittichai
Layered Textiles, New Surfaces with Heat Tools, Machine and Hand Stitch.
Batsford, Sept. 2011, ISBN 978-1-8499-4008-5
This is Kim's latest book exploring further techniques using heat tools together with many new synthetic products. There is a good mix of how-to projects and finished pieces by students and professional artists, which will inspire not only those new to this kind of work, but encourage the more experienced to take their work forward. Anyone familiar with Kim's work will want to add this title to their bookshelf.
June Hill
Diana Springall - A Brave Eye
A&C Black, Sept.2011, ISBN 978-1-4081-4707-8
Through June's highly readable text we gain an insight into Diana's life, from her early childhood, through her years at Goldsmith's College to her subsequent career as an embroiderer, providing a family home for herself and two young sons. The book is richly illustrated with Diana's work from throughout her forty year career, including her many and varied commissions. It also includes work from her own large private collection - many well-known textile artists have benefited from Diana's patronage. She is warm, generous, quite without ego and an advocate for needle and thread. A champion of the Embroiderers' Guild, Diana was Chairman for seven years, steering it back to life after a difficult period.
This is a book to treasure, a must-have volume for every embroiderer's bookshelf.
PARMESAN & THYME SHORTBREAD (18-20)
75G Butter
85g Plain Flour
85g Grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
Good pinch cayenne
1.5 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
Method
Cream butter then add rest of ingredients and pull mix together with hands.
Form into sausage 23cm long then wrap in cling film - place in fridge for half an hour.
Cut into rounds and place on baking tray leaving space between.
Bake 20 minutes. 150 C 140 Fan Gas 2. Leave on tin until cool.
Many of us enjoyed these biscuits at the Bring and Share lunch. Thanks to Pat Hume for the recipe. Ed.
We wish you all a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.
If you have not already done so, would you please advise Linda Stears of your e mail address. These are held only by Linda in her capacity as Membership Secretary and Marion Hitch, as Secretary. It is not only a speedy method of transferring information to you all (in the case of a meeting cancellation, for example), but helps us save money on postage and stationery. E mail would only be used for bona fide Guild/Branch matters and not passed on to anyone else. Thank you. Ed.
Olympic Postcard Project
Cameroon is ‘our' country and thanks to Pam, Rosemary and Stephanie, we have fifteen different images, each portrayed in embroidery and we thank all members who have stitched a postcard. It is hoped these will be completed very soon and displayed for you all to see, before they are sent off to HQ. Eventually the postcards from all the branches will be displayed at one of the venues during the Olympic Games next summer.
Wall-hanging in Memory of Hilary Clancey
Hilary was a member of the East Kent Embroiderers Guild for a number of years until her death.
The wall-hanging was designed by Helen Wild (Guild member) and the embroideries were worked by Kathy Alston, Wendy Durrell, Helen
Wild (Guild members) together with other craft friends of Hilary's.
The unveiling of this new quilt, three years in the making, will take place during the united morning Church Service at Swalecliffe Free Church, Herne Bay Road on Sunday 2nd October at 10.30am.
Cedric Clancey, Hilary's husband and the congregations of both Swalecliffe Free Church and St.John the Baptist Anglican Church warmly invite members of the East Kent Embroiderers Guild to join us for this special occasion.
A Date for your Diary...
Thursday 27th October 2011
Elham Christmas Market
Fundrasing for the Pilgrims Hospice
6pm - 9pm
at
Elham Village Hall, High Street, Elham
Kent CT4 6SX
You are invited to start your Christmas shopping here!
Festive fairy lights and music, mulled wine and mince pies will get you in the mood whilst you browse the many stalls selling all kinds of crafts, including bags, dolls, jewellery, gifts, clothing, plants, cards and food! Plus a bumper raffle with great prizes.
VILLAGE TEXTILES
C&G APPROVED INDEPENDENT CENTRE
THANET, KENT
New Courses starting September 2011
C&G Level 2 Certificate in Design & Craft
EMBROIDERY 7716-39
MACHINE EMBROIDERY 7716-45
Each course extends over 120 hours, lasts one year and is held on alternate Fridays for 20 weeks.
C&G Level 3 Certificate in Design & Craft
EMBROIDERY 7716-61
MACHINE EMBROIDERY 7716-67
Each Level 3 course extends over two years and is held on alternate Fridays for 20 weeks per year.
I shall also be offering 3 x 5 week Non-Accredited courses on Alternate Wednesdays
Autumn Term - Print & Stitch
Spring Term - Creative Canvaswork
Summer Term - Design & Stitch using Triangles
Please contact BARBARA INCHLEY for more information.
Tel.: 01843 847705
e-Mail: inchley@btinternet.com
website: www.barbarainchley.co.uk
****
Following the Village Textile Exhibition in August, I was pleased to receive the following from Barbara:
"The External Verifier from C&G visited the Exhibition on Saturday afternoon & I am pleased to say that as a result of that visit one of the students - Stephanie Syvret - is to be nominated for a C&G Gold Medal for Excellence for the work produced for C&G Level 2 Certificate in Design & Craft Embroidery 7716-39.
She goes on to start Level 3 Certificate in Design & Craft Embroidery 7716-61 in September."
Congratulations to both Stephanie and Barbara. Ed.
Book Reviews
Marrianne Mercer
Button Jewellery
Search Press, May 2011 ISBN 978-1814448-654-0
This is the latest in the Twenty-to-Make series and is packed with brilliant ideas for a collection of colourful, cute and quirky button jewellery. Using vintage, recycled or new buttons, with the addition of wires, cords and beads, detailed instructions inspire a range of trendy, wearable items, suitable for all ages and different skill levels. As always, this series offers excellent value for money and many hours of creative fun.
Susan Cariello
Twenty Floral Bags to Make
Search Press, 2011 ISBN 978-1-84448-676-2
For ‘bag-ladies' everywhere, this is a book packed with inspiration, and from just six simple patterns twenty or more unique bags can be made. Comprehensive, step-by-step instructions with clear colour photographs enable all abilities to achieve professional results. Simple embroidery can be used to adorn and personalise each bag, together with beads, sequins and buttons, creating the perfect matching accessory for any outfit and all occasions.
Angie Hughes
Stitch, Cloth, Paper and Paint
Search Press, 2011. ISBN 978-1-84448-733-2
This is a re-issue of popular teacher and artist Angie Hughes' book in soft-cover format. Fully illustrated in colour with detailed and comprehensive instructions, it offers an inspiring range of mixed-media techniques for anyone wishing to experiment and expand their knowledge to add another dimension to their textile work. A fabulous book, essential for every textile artist.
Search Press has recently taken over the book supply for the Embroiderers' Guild Bookshop. Every book purchased benefits the Guild - visit www.egbookshop.com for more information.
Day School - 20th August
Machine Embroidery with Linda Miller
Quirky, colourful and happy! That describes Linda Miller and her embroideries, and a sunny Saturday this summer saw a group of us learning how to create our own little gems. Linda started with a comprehensive demonstration and then we were off. Machines whirred, colours were considered and by lunchtime things were taking shape. Another demo on how to finish and present our work had us all stitching frantically and then it was time for a show-and-tell. Everyone had managed to complete a small piece of work, and some were designing another. We all agreed it had been an enjoyable and inspiring day . Ed.
Issue 3 June/July 2011
Our speaker today....is Ineke Berlyn. Ineke is an international prize-winning artist, who combines her love of colour, fabric and travelling to create an ever-changing collection of work and books. For the past ten years Ineke has been working not only in UK, where she lives, but in her native country of the Netherlands.
www.inekeberlyn.com
Also today...we have Alison Smart trading as Smartfrog Patchwork and Quilting. Alison has a great selection of things to tempt us including printed and plain cottons, calico and muslins plus unusual yarns and threads for embellishing. Alison also offers a longarm quilting service.
www.Smartfrogquilting.co.uk
Next Month...our speaker will be Yvonne Brown. Yvonne creates beautiful fabric art inspired by the arts and crafts of the medieval period. She enjoys a wide range of textile related arts including quilts, wall hangings and contemporary embroideries.
www.yvonnebrown.co.uk
Please Park Prettily A Reminder....
We are fortunate in having an extensive car park at this hall. However, in order to accommodate our large membership it is necessary for us all to park up as close as possible to the next vehicle. A little consideration will ensure that everyone has a parking space. Thanks for your cooperation. Ed.
Residential Weekend, Folkestone - April 2011
Another superb weekend at the Clifton Hotel, organised for the last time by Barbara Grayson, Margaret Earles and Elizabeth Stewart. I would like to thank them all on behalf of all the participants over the years as they have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring these events to fruition. No easy task but always done with good humour, efficiency and grace - a hard act to follow. Our grateful thanks ladies, we shall miss you.
Rosemary Crippin, President.
The residential weekend will continue at the same venue under a new committee of Ursula Hodson, Jenny Simmons and Rosemary Crippin.
Free Machine Embroidery with Carol Naylor.
After a late start due to the joyous Royal wedding which the staff at the Clifton hotel had arranged for us to watch, it was down to work - no time for celebrations! Carol was a delightful tutor who demonstrated what seemed to be a simple technique of intensive machine stitching directly into painters' canvas to create landscapes, using a variety of threads and fabrics, including rayon, metallic, wool and cotton. However, many machine needles later and considering design, proportion and the importance of making a coloured palette, we discovered it proved to be a steep, albeit absorbing, learning curve.
Our brains were buzzing and we all enjoyed exploring this new technique, looking at embroidery through an artist's eye. We found it difficult to tear ourselves away at the end of each day, even if Jenny was having trouble with her groynes. At the end of the course it was fascinating to see how different everyone's work was. Carol had endless patience and was mine of information ably assisted by her artist husband Albert, who kept popping in with advice from time to time.
The most enjoyable part of the weekend, apart from the tuition, was the comfortable surroundings, very helpful staff, good food, weather and to be able to share and make friends with like-minded people. I am already looking forward to next year.
Rosemary Crippin. May 2011.
Handstitching with Barbara Inchley
The morning of the much anticipated Royal Wedding - why did they choose the same day as the start of our Embroiderers' weekend? The hotel, as always, was very accommodating of our request to set up a TV so those who wanted to could watch the spectacle. In the event everyone, including the hotel staff crowded into the lounge to view the Event Of The Year before starting our first session with the tutors for an hour before lunch.
Barbara Inchley had prepared lovely samples to give us ideas for our contemporary landscapes; What's this - transfer paints, wax resist - shock! horror! this is a handstitch class - Oh well - let the papers dry and go for lunch. Now the fun bit - iron our ‘artistic masterpieces' to fabric and see what comes out - interesting! Onto this coloured fabric we placed shapes of sheer fabric to make a pleasing backdrop for embellishment - this proved more difficult than it sounds, bits of sheers being placed again and again until the right result was forthcoming.
At last - needle and threads to the fore - grasses, cow parsley, flowers, trees and stone walls adorned the prepared fabric. Such was the output that for the first time ever the handstitchers had more to display at the final ‘show and tell' than the machine embroidery group. We all had a great weekend and felt we had been stretched out of our comfort zones. Huge thanks to Barbara who had handstitched her samples while not being able to feel her fingers, thankfully improving now after a carpel tunnel operation. Again our grateful thanks to Barbara, Margaret and Elizabeth for organising another lovely weekend for us all.
Pam Young May 2011
We extend a warm welcome to new member Jean Arnold from Deal.
I have been contacted by a former member of our branch, Margaret Marshall now in her eighties, who is living in Tenterden. Unfortunately, her eyesight is not good so she is unable to sew and she is no longer mobile but she would love a chance to chat with like-minded ladies. If any members would like to visit or telephone Margaret, especially those who remember her, please contact me, Ann Sparkes, to be put in touch.
Olympic Postcard Project
Many thanks to all who have volunteered to stitch a postcard. Why not come along to ‘Early Sewers' session in July for inspiration and assistance for this project. 10am - 12 noon. There is a small charge of £1 to cover hall-hire and don't forget your packed lunch! Tea and coffee available.
Book Reviews
Cross Stitch Flowers
978-1-84448-680-9
Cross Stitch Herbs
978-1-84448-680-6
Both titles by Sophie Helene, published by Search Press this year, will delight lovers of cross stitch. Each book contains attractive, full colour charts for over 50 designs with suggestions for use along with comprehensive technical tips and information. Modestly priced at £7.99 each, they are useful and inspiring for both the beginner and more advanced embroiderer.
Bunting and Pennants
Kate Haxell
978-1-84448-698-4
Sophisticated, vintage or quirky - bunting is the modern way to decorate the home or garden. This latest in the '20 to make' series, just published by Se
arch Press, is packed with quick, easy and affordable styles for all occasions. Beautifully presented in full colour this is a delightful little book - a bargain at £4.99 - particularly appealing to the young-at-heart.
Embroidery - 200 Questions Answered
Deena Beverley
978-1-84448-660-1
Publ. Search Press 2011, £9.99
A compact, yet comprehensive volume, covering all aspects of the subject, from how-to-start, tools and materials, through stitches and techniques to finishing and presentation. Usefully indexed within each colour-coded chapter, this is an essential book for every embroiderer, but would be especially beneficial for a student or novice.
What's on ......
Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 June
The Church of St. Mary and St. Ethelburga,
Lyminge
As part of Lyminge Festival, an exhibition of quilts, wallhangings and other quilted items by Ethelburga Quilters in this magnificent and ancient church.
10.00am - 5.00pm, Sunday 11.45am - 4.30pm.
Free admission, demonstrations.
Also a flower festival in the Methodist Church
and a Garden Safari.
More information from Liz Coleman 01303
863197 or liz.coleman@virgin.net
2010 Newsletters
Issue 6 November/December 2010
It was lovely to see so many of you at our 40th Birthday Party in September and we thank everyone for helping to make this a day to remember.
We enter our 41st year and trust that you will continue to support our Branch; financial constraints will affect us all in one way or another and we hope you feel that we still offer good value-for-money with an exciting Programme arranged for 2011.
Welcome to our new President, Rosemary Crippin, and new Committee Members Jennifer Simmons and Ann Turner.
Congratulations to Georgina Osborne on winning the Book Token for being the best tea-making volunteer. Remember ... the more times you volunteer, the greater is your chance of winning that token next year!
Embroiderers' Guild Challenge
Details of this exciting new competition, open to all members, are in the Autumn issue of Contact. Do consider having-a-go as it would be great to see more entries from East Kent. Closing date is 9th September 2011.
Croydon Branch
has a few places available on the following workshop. Please contact Lesley Mead on email lesleym@stmatthew.org.uk if you have any queries and to register your interest.
Beading workshop with Heide Jenkins on Saturday 27 November at Purley United Reformed Church hall, Brighton Road, Purley (very near and just north of, Purley Cross). Time is 10.00 to 3.30 and the cost is £14.00. Please bring your own lunch.
Our meeting today......is Corners.
We have the embellisher and drum carder available for you to try. If you have not used either piece of equipment before, someone will be on hand to give advice and help. Don't forget they can be borrowed, for a nominal sum, to use at home.
The bonnet project ‘Roses from the Heart' is still active and Sylvia will welcome more participants to try to complete ‘our' ship, The Edward.
Sam Beresford has a needle felting project which can be worked by hand or by machine.
Ann Sparkes is ‘re-visiting' Padded Ladies, a hand-stitching project.
The Suitcase Sale will run for a limited period during the day and will be your opportunity to bag a bargain, or sell unwanted items.
Next meeting....
Our speaker will be Lorna Bateman, a teacher and designer who creates designs and 3-dimensional hand embroidery. Her techniques include silk ribbon, stumpwork and beaded embroidery. Her delightful sheep pincushion project featured in the January 2010 issue of Stitch magazine.
There will also be a bumper Raffle which will include, amongst other prizes, many new books, courtesy of Search Press.
And there will be some seasonal fare to enjoy with our cup of tea.
Colliery Days
Publ. Canny Keepsakes, 2010, £12.99
This is a delightful nostalgic project book written in the Northern idiom by two friends Florrie and Betty and inspired by a colliery village at the Beamish Open Air Museum. This attractively illustrated soft back volume contains seventeen projects including bags, quilts, cushions and dolls, for which full-size templates are provided. Comprehensive instructions are given for each item, using straightforward patchwork and stitching techniques. This would make a lovely Christmas gift for any keen needlewoman.
Jan Horrox :: Introduction to Making Cloth Dolls
Publ. Search Press, Sept.2010, £9.99
A long-awaited how-to-do-it book from Jan Horrox, already well-known in the world of cloth dolls. Using the full-size templates provided, and following Jan's detailed instructions, three basic dolls can be created. Clear, step-by-step colour photographs guide the maker through all aspects of construction. The fun part is the dressing and decoration of the doll and Jan suggests many ways of using varied craft techniques to achieve a unique character. This is a colourful and reasonably-priced book, containing a wealth of information; a must-have volume for anyone wishing to create their own totally individual doll.
Janet Edmonds :: From Print to Stitch
Publ. Search Press, Sept.2010, £17.99
Janet's inspirational how-to-do-it book, with sumptuous colour photography and detailed step-by-step instructions covers every aspect of the subject. Chapters on materials, tools, colour and design are followed by a comprehensive section on several different types of printing, concluding with a stitch glossary for both hand and machine. Packed with information this is highly recommended as a must-have volume for all textile students; the more experienced crafter will be inspired to experiment and push the boundaries to bring a new dimension to their work.
Pearl Louise Krush
Redwork Winter Twitterings
Available from Search Press, Nov.2010, £6.99
A charming soft-cover book containing eight projects including a quilt, sewing set, apron and table runner, all worked, as the title suggests, in red thread. Whimsical designs feature birds on a winter/Christmas theme and are perfect for creating seasonal items for the home or as gifts.
Jacqui McDonald :: Crewelwork
Publ. Search Press, Oct..2010 £10.99
This is a perfect guide to crewelwork. Compact in size, handy to fit into a bag or pocket, with a lay-flat spiral binding, the book contains full colour photographs of great clarity. Jacqui, a graduate of the Royal School of Needlework, covers every aspect of this traditional technique and the detailed instructions will inform and encourage all embroiderers. An excellent, value-for-money volume.
Many thanks to Search Press for generously donating copies of all these new books which will be prizes in our Christmas Raffle. Ed.
A Date for Your Diary........
8 April 2011 - 21 April 20011
The Eleventh Ramster Exhibition of Embroidery and Textile Art
Ramster, Chiddingfold, Surrey GU8 4SN.
And finally ...
We wish you all a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year!
Issue 3 May/June
Branch 40th Birthday
18th September 2010
Thanks to members who have made suggestions for our 40th (Ruby) Birthday celebration. We thought it would be fun if everyone wears something red for the afternoon - you can go the whole hog with a complete red ensemble if you wish. But a scarf, or maybe just some jewellery would suffice - please enter into the spirit and help make it a day to remember!
As we are all stitchers, in some form or another, it is appropriate that we mark this occasion by making something. We would like you to decide what this ‘something' is and Jo will explain at the start of the meeting how you can do this.
Early Stitchers
A reminder that Early Stitchers will not take place in June because Young Embroiderers' will be using the hall. There will be Early Stitchers in both July and August, from 10 am. (If the sun is shining we can sit outside). Do take this opportunity to come in and sew on an informal basis - Pam and Sam will be on hand to offer assistance if required.
Because we will be using the hall for other things, please note that after August there will be no Early Stitchers for the remainder of the year, that is September - December incl.
Our Speaker today is......
Janice M Lawrence, who studied embroidery at the London College of Fashion after graduating from the LSE with a Geography degree. She has given talks and day schools for Guilds and Societies and taught in Adult Education. She is a member of the New Embroidery Group and an elected member of the Art Workers' Guild. She has exhibited widely and has provided a variety of commissions for churches in South East England.
Next month......
Ruth E Smith has had an extensive career as an artist and embroiderer. She was a City & Guilds tutor for 20 years from the 1970's and has an MA Degree in History of Art & Design which she took in 1992. She has done voluntary and free-lance work with Hampshire County Council Museums and Archives Service working with the collection of embroidery and textiles and also has been Regional Chairman of SEW EG. She has had several publications, including Miao Embroidery of SW China, about which she will be talking on Saturday 19th June.
Those of us who attended the Regional Day at the University of Kent in 2008 will remember Ruth delivered, in spite of huge technical difficulties, a fantastic lecture. We were enthralled as she told us in great detail about the delightful folded paper booklets made and used by the Miao women, to keep threads, patterns and family photographs.
At the Day School on Sunday 20th June, Ruth will show us how to make a similar booklet with fifteen compartments, in which we too can keep threads, photographs or other personal treasures. If you do not want to miss this wonderful opportunity make sure you add your name to the list today.
We extend a warm welcome to recent new members:
Susan Marks and Ann Abrams both from Faversham, Linda Bowden from Capel-le-Ferne and Marie Fitchett from Boughton-under-Blean
Branch website
We hope you have had the opportunity to view our branch website and enjoyed looking at the different sections. Our webmistress, Wendy Dowden, is very keen to have lots more photographs of members' work, so if you have any images that she could use please have a word with her.
From time to time we may take photographs of branch activities, eg. workshops and day schools etc. to use on the website. If you would rather your face and/or work does not appear on the site, please let Wendy know.
Branch web address is:
www.eastkentembroiderers.org.uk
Want to look at a book before you buy? Google "Kent Libraries" for access to browse the whole library catalogue. Join the library and get your 4 digit pin number from the library and you can manage your account on-line, check availability, renew and reserve. Books are sent to the library of your choice for 25p! Best of all you can ask for new books to be bought in the suggestions part of the website. By asking we can build a strong sewing library for us all to use. Highly recommended.
Diana Baldwin.
VILLAGE TEXTILES
C&G APPROVED INDEPENDENT CENTRE
THANET, KENT
New Courses starting September 2010
C&G Level 2 Certificate in Design & Craft
- EMBROIDERY 7716-39
- MACHINE EMBROIDERY 7716-45
Each course extends over 120 hours, lasts one year and is held on alternate Fridays for 20 weeks.
C&G Level 3 Certificate in Design & Craft
- EMBROIDERY 7716-61
- MACHINE EMBROIDERY 7716-67
Each Level 3 course extends over two years and is held on alternate Fridays for 20 weeks per year.
I shall also be offering 3 x 5 week Non-Accredited courses on Alternate Wednesdays
- Autumn Term - Fragmented landscapes
- Spring Term - Themed embroidered book
- Summer Term - Embellish and stitch
-
Please contact BARBARA INCHLEY for more information.
Tel.: 01843 847705
e-Mail: inchley@btinternet.com
website: www.barbarainchley.co.uk
Residential Weekend 9 - 11 April
See gallery for photos!
"The best we've ever had" was overheard at the end of the Guild Weekend - and although I haven't been a ‘weekender' for many years, I could fully understand [and endorse] the comment. And yet it nearly never happened.
Back in February the Guild Weekend faced cancellation, and thirty-two members, extreme disappointment. Fortunately, Barbara, Elizabeth and Margaret are calm, resourceful and I T literate, and thanks to their stirling efforts, within two weeks we were informed that the Clifton Hotel in Folkestone could accommodate us. They did, and much more. The staff were friendly and helpful, the food delicious, the beds comfortable, and even the weather was brilliant. It was the perfect setting for a splendid weekend.
It was with some trepidation that I had signed up for the ‘Interlocking Triangular Necklace' group as I am no expert in beading, but I need not have worried. Heide Jenkins was an inspirational tutor, and showed us not only how to create the ‘basic' triangle, but also how to adapt it in a variety of ways. She brought examples of necklaces, chokers, earrings, bracelets, pendants and brooches using the technique, and encouraged us to develop and experiment with our own ideas. She made light of a very nasty cough and a serious eye complaint, and moved round her students swiftly, explaining methods, solving problems and generally inspiring confidence. As a result the ‘show-table' on Sunday afternoon was covered with unusual and fascinating works of art [albeit some, like mine, still ‘in progress'] and I am sure that the ‘Show and Tell' table at the Guild meeting will display what a lot we learnt from Heide. Even as a relative beginner, I felt a great sense of achievement by the end of the course, and that feeling seemed to be shared by the rest of the group.
It really was a great weekend; excellent tuition, delightful company, and happy atmosphere all round. Most profound thanks must go to Barbara, Elizabeth and Margaret for making it all possible and so seemingly effortless, and to the staff of the Clifton for looking after us so well. The good news is that they can take us again next year.
Joy Congdon.
FOLKESTONE FUN AND FROLICS
This year's Guild weekend had to be moved at short notice, and we were fortunate that an alternative venue was found at the Clifton Hotel in Folkestone. The new accommodation was good, and the food was plentiful and excellent, so well done the committee!! The only downside was the lack of parking, but we all coped, somehow.
While the hand-stitchers did their own thing and produced some interesting beadwork, those of us working with our trusty sewing machines worked with Angie Hughes, using spraying, bleaching, stencilling and printing to produce some wonderful effects on cotton velvet. This we then embellished with sweetie papers and foils. Finally, we used a variety of machine embroidery techniques to add definition and to produce a richly coloured embellished surface.
On the second day we worked with metallic foils on black velvet, and once again used machine embroidery to enrich the surface. We all produced two or three pieces of work over the period, which, when displayed at the end formed an impressive and satisfying body of work.
Many thanks to Angie, who proved to be a warm and generous tutor, full of exciting ideas for us to try. Also full credit and thanks to Barbara Grayson, Margaret Packer and Elizabeth Stewart for their sterling efforts to ensure we had a really good, enjoyable and productive weekend.
Barbara Inchley
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For details of Branch Weekend 2011 please contact Barbara Grayson.
What's on......
29 May
Blackheath Embroiderer's Guild Blackheath Village Library, Blackheath Grove, London form 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, lunch between 12.30 - 1.30pm cost for the workshop is £15.
Hand made pots with some braiding. Workshop is led by Helen Deighan. Some places are available and if members would like to come, they can google her on crosswayspatch. Can members contact Gillian Richard on gillyr@mac.com , who is the membership secretary, to confirm a place.
11 May - 4 June Small But Perfectly Formed Textile Art by Wey Valley Workshop at Guildford Cathedral Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm Sunday 12.30 - 5pm. Info from 01483 547860 or 01276 471124
www.weyvalleyworkshop.co.uk
4 - 6 June Oast Showcase - Exhibition of all sizes of quilts, wearable art, cushions, bags and novelties. Simon Langton School for Boys, Nackington Road, Canterbury CT4 7AU Fri/Sat 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm. Entry £3 adult, £2 concessions, under 14s free. Plentiful free parking, disabled friendly. Supporting five local charities. More info from 01303 863197 or
www.oastquilters.co.uk
5 June Embroidery Day Out
Tunbridge Wells Embroiderers' Guild
Groombridge Village Hall, Groombridge, Kent, TN3 9QX. Maggie Grey will be presenting two demonstrations in the morning, followed by a talk in the afternoon. Traders Fay & Kay and Winfred Cottage will be present, plus d4daisy books. Tickets, including lunch cost £15 and can be purchased via their website www.tunbridgewellsembroiderersguild.co.uk or by post from Galleybirds, Fielden Road, Crowborough, E. Sussex TN6 2HJ.
4 - 12 June South East Open Studios
Full Guide and artist directory on www.seos-art.org
16 - 19 June Textile Exhibition Windsor
Diploma and City and Guilds - East Berkshire College, St. Leonards Rd, Windsor, SL4 3AZ. Wed/Thur 10am - 9pm, Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat.10am -4pm. www.eastberks.ac.uk or 01753 793120
19 June Kingston Branch has organised a coach trip to the National Needlework Archive in Newbury followed by a visit to the Silk Mill at Whitchurch. The coach leaves from outside Surbiton Library, Ewell Road, Surbiton at 8.30am, due to return at approximately 6pm.
Cost per person £15, including entry fees. Family and friends welcome to join in!
You are welcome to join us. Please contact Jen Ford on jenford@globalnet.co.uk or 01372 372206
14 - 15 August Village Textiles
Exhibition of work by Village Textiles including those completing City and Guilds Levels 2 and 3 Stitched Textiles. The Old School, Church Street, Minster, Nr, Ramsgate, CT12 4BX. 10am - 5pm, Admission £1. Tea, coffee and homemade cake will be available. Crossed Threads will also be attending offering a range of embroidery supplies. Further details from Barbara Inchley on 01843 847705.
NB. All information given in good faith. If travelling any distance please check/confirm with contact number. Ed.
Issue 2 March/April
Forty years ago, a small group of ladies all sharing a love of embroidery, thought it would be a good idea to get together and form a branch of the Embroiderers' Guild. The inaugural meeting of the East Kent Branch took place on 12th September 1970. Looking back at the Minutes, it is interesting to note: "Members to pay 2/6 (12 ½ p) for each meeting, held every six weeks. Activities will consist of lectures, mutual aid, visits, competitions and exhibitions. Teas should be served at the end of the meeting, and there should always be a Bring and Buy stall with anything appertaining to sewing". How reassuring to know that we have carried these principles forward and they are still important to us today. Sadly most ladies from that first meeting have passed away, but I am delighted to report that Marjorie Easton continues to attend regularly.
We will be celebrating our Ruby Birthday on 18th September and no doubt a celebratory cake will be on the agenda. However, we welcome your suggestions and ideas for making this special day "Extra Special". Please contact me, or any Committee Member. Ann Sparkes.
East Kent Branch is now officially ‘on line'
www.eastkentembroiders.org.uk. We thank our webmistress, Wendy Dowden, for setting-up this valuable showcase for our Branch, where visitors and members alike can access information and news. Some ‘tweaking' will inevitably take place along the way, and we hope eventually to have links to other sites of interest.
Another local group, Oast Quilters, also has a new website www.oastquilters.co.uk
We are pleased to welcome to our meeting today, Jane, with a treasure trove of goodies from Crossed Threads of Tankerton. Do take the opportunity to stock up on supplies for your next project.
Our speaker today is............
Jean Littlejohn, internationally renowned textile artist. She works extensively with her friend Jan Beaney publishing booklets under Double Trouble Publications of which there are 24 to date. She is a member of the 62 Group of Textile Artists. One of her passions in recent years has been the use of the embellisher in which she has also investigated the theme of Pathways. Check out the 62 group website at www.62group.org.uk
Next month.........
Barbara Walters a freelance artist and lecturer who has taught a range of Adult Education and City and Guilds classes. She is Chairman of the Sussex branch of the Embroiderers Guild and a member of the Landscape and Arts Network and the Society of Eastbourne Artists.
New members
We extend a warm welcome to recent new members Vivienne Richards of Folkestone and Anne Matthews and Christine Birbeck both from Deal.
Old Auntie what's her Name!
A knitter can take a pair of needles and a little dab of yarn, make a simple pot-holder in an afternoon and be spoken of as being ‘so talented'.
A crocheter can spend months working on a complicated afghan, only to have it referred to as "just something old Auntie what's her name made". This is said in a tone of voice that insinuates she made the pitiful thing after they hauled her away in a padded wagon and kept her sedated in a secluded attic until she mercifully died and was no longer tormented with the compulsive desire to crochet.
If they do somewhat like the afghan, people often insult ‘Old Auntie' by asking her to crochet one for them; only they want it in a different pattern, size, shape and colour, with heavier or thinner yarn. And they need it in a couple of weeks. As Old Auntie hesitates, trying to think of a nice way to turn them down, they promise in a patronizing tone to "pay her for the yarn". Chances are they will offer about half of what the yarn cost, with no thought to the hours of work involved in making the item.
When Old Auntie receives such an insolent request, she should tell them which store they can purchase the yarn from, how many ounces it will take and how much per ball it costs. Then she should inform them of the ‘Crafters Pricing Code', which takes the price of the materials used in the project and multiplies it by three or four to come up with a reasonable selling price. After deducting the sum they have already spent on the yarn, her fee will be the remaining figures, depending on the complexity of the pattern that they find, purchase and deliver to her.
If they've been particularly condescending, Old Auntie should inform them she needs to be paid in advance when they bring her the yarn, and she will get to it when she can find the time. She should also graciously tell them, while leaning over and patting them on the hand, that unless the pattern calls for an expensive specialized hook, they wont have to buy a hook for her as she owns most sizes!
If they still persist in having such an article made, Old Auntie can tell them she is really too busy to do such a large project but, she might be able to make time in her busy life to teach them how to crochet, and that it probably wont be very many years before they master the ability to try such a complex pattern themselves. The clincher will be that she usually starts most beginners on making a dish cloth. Old Aunt what's her name will rarely hear from the snobbish free-loaders again!
Thanks to Sheila Horton for supplying this tale. You can substitute almost any hand craft instead of crochet and it still rings true! Ed.
Margaret Beal Burning Issues Workshop
Margaret shows you innovative and popular soldering iron techniques to create finished pieces and unique surfaces for further stitching, whether by hand or machine. Techniques are easy to learn and can be combined with other mixed media or embroidery.
£20
Saturday 8 May 11.00 am - 4.00 pm
Venue: Aylesford Community Centre, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7AU
Free parking
Easy access M20
Bring your own lunch
Tea/Coffee/Biscuits 50 pence for the day
Contact angelaecollins@hotmail.co.uk to book.
Snippets.........
Make a Tea Cosy Competition - details on www.nationalneedleworkarchive,org.uk
Morsbags Competition - Sew, Salvage and Save! All entries exhibited at the Knitting and Stitching Shows 2010 and winners announced at Ally Pally. Full details on www.morsbags.com
Oast Quilters present Oast Showcase at The Simon Langton School for Boys, Nackington Road, Canterbury.
Friday 4 June to Sunday 6 June 2010
Full details will follow in the next newsletter.
A new book is to be published at Easter by Sue Rangeley, entitled ‘Embroidered Originals' featuring her beautiful bags, wearables and cushions. Full details are on her website www.suerangeley.co.uk.
Interesting random websites:
www.thehappyzombie.com
www.stilltasty.com
www.st.margaretsphotodiary.blogspot.com
www.susanhinckley.com
Issue 1 January/February
A Happy New Year to You All
We can have too much of a good thing - hopefully by the time you read this the snow will be fast disappearing!
It's that time to make resolutions and apart from the obvious ones of taking more exercise and eating more healthily (after we have finished up all those Christmas goodies!) perhaps there are some stitching goals we can achieve. Learn a new technique, or just a new stitch? Re-discover those UFOs lurking in the cupboard and aim to complete at least one.? And then, why not share the results with us all - there is a Show and Tell table at every meeting and we love to see your all achievements.(You don't have to say anything if you prefer not to).
Please remember to let me have any contributions for the Newsletter - this is your space for news, views and pictures.
Ann Sparkes ~ amssws.sparkes@virgin.net ~ 7 Bedingfield Way, Lyminge CT18 8JH
Good News from Hampton Court Palace
Just before Christmas, Branches were informed that Hampton Court Palace had agreed to Anthea Godfrey's request for an extension to the Embroiderers' Guild license, until September 2011. The Guild will have to pay a higher rent (in the region of £25K) but it does mean that it will not have the additional expense of having to move twice. It is still researching and evaluating options for a permanent new home and will keep Branches informed of its progress.
Our speaker today (weather permitting) ... is Sandra Meech.
Originally from Ontario, Canada, Sandra trained as a graphic artist and designer then took a C & G course in patchwork and quilting, continuing to make contemporary art quilts today. She completed a Diploma in Stitched Textiles with Distinction at Windsor with Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn. Much of Sandra's work is inspired by the Arctic landscape and the textile traditions of the Caribou Inuit people. She creates sketchbooks, diaries and photos and her talk to us will be on Journeys as a source of inspiration. www.sandrameech.com
Next month...our speaker will be Liz Ashhurst,
who trained at Chelsea and Goldsmith's Colleges of Art. She is a member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen, the Embroiderers' Guild and chair of the New Embroidery Group. Her talk will feature her journeys to Hungary and Poland, illustrated by slides and examples of folk art and embroidery. http://newembroiderygroup.net/
Just our cup of tea.................
Don't forget our Best Tea Volunteer challenge - a £20 Book Token for the Hostess with the Most. It is so easy...the more you volunteer to help with the teas, the greater your chance of winning. So don't leave it to somebody else. It could be YOU.
Early Birds
Those present at the last meeting will recall that for January and February we are trialling a new idea with the hall being open from 10 am for members to come in and stitch on an informal basis. You may use the time to work on your UFOs or WIPs - Sam Beresford and Pam Buck will be on hand to offer assistance if required. Please note that this facility will not be available in March because the Young Embroiderers' Group will be in the hall, but if popular we may continue in April and May.
Please remember to bring your own refreshments and lunch, and note that at 12 noon the committee will need to prepare the hall for the afternoon's meeting. You can, however, remain in the hall until the meeting commences, but note that you will need to pay the usual £2 entrance fee and have your name ticked on the register.
Which brings me neatly to another matter...................Entrance to Meetings. Fire Regulations dictate that we must have a complete record of all persons on the premises, so it is imperative that all members ensure that their names are ticked on the register. Unfortunately, this does take a few minutes and queues inevitably build up at the door, but by having the correct money ready (£2), and saying your name clearly it is hoped we can process everyone as swiftly as possible. Queries about any other matters can be dealt with by the appropriate Committee member once you are in the hall. Unless you have attended the morning session, remember that the doors open for the afternoon meeting at 1.45 pm.
Please note where the fire exits are situated; should an emergency situation arise please leave the hall and proceed to the far side of the car park. Parking anywhere near the entrance to the car park is forbidden as this could restrict access of emergency vehicles. Your co-operation is appreciated. Ed.
What's on...
22 - 24 January
Stitch and Creative Crafts Show Sandown Park Exhibition Centre, Esher, Surrey. 10.00am - 5.00pm and Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm. Admission: Standard £7.50, Concession £6.50. For full details contact: 01822 617744 or visit the website: www.sccshows.co.uk
25 January - 6 February
Textiles and Paintings - Guildford
The Uncanny: Exploring an Uncertain Reality. Textiles by Rosina Godwin and Paintings by Jane Askew. Harvey Gallery, Harvey Road, Guildford, Surrey. Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm and Saturday 10.00am - 12.00noon. For further details contact: 01483 518539 www.harveygallery.co.uk or www.rosinagodwin.co.uk
21 Dec 09 - 14 June 10 A Fairyland of Flowers Beatrix Potter and Cicely Mary Barker. V & A Museum, Room 102
20 March - 4 July Quilts V & A Museum, room 39 and North Court. Showcasing the V & A's collection of patchwork and quilted covers, bringing together over 300 years of British quilting history. Charges apply.
13-18 February Afghanistan Inspiration UK, Greenstede Gallery, Chequer Mead, De la Warr Road, East Grinstead, W. Sussex RH19 3BS 01342 325577 www.chequermead.org.uk and online at www.oneearthtextiles.co.uk. Selected European Tour to start at Fashion Embroidery & Stitch (supported by Madeira UK), NEC Birmingham, 25-28 March 2010.
Trip to Krakow, Malopolska region, Zakopane & the Tatra mountains with Liz Ashurst and Jill Bingham
4 - 11 MAY 2010 Cost of Trip: £699
A unique opportunity to explore this relatively unknown and unspoilt area of Poland. We will be looking at the art, textiles, architecture & natural history of the region whilst compiling a small sketchbook of our journey illustrated with sketches, photos and ephemera.
Further info: Liz Ashurst Tel: 01737 240440 or Jill Bingham Email: www.lizashurst@ntlworld.com
