Patchwork Bag - Charlotte Shafto

Charlotte came to the meeting bearing huge bags containing a variety of of exquisite quilts she has made over the years. Two of her favourite patterns being the Star and the Log Cabin. Her wonderful sense of colour was very evident and huge appreciation was apparent. Non of us know how she produces so many, as she has a very busy life and also visits Spain frequently where she and her husband spend quite a lot of time.She admits that it is her passion. The following day she encouraged and cajoled 12 enthusiastic ladies - some experienced patchworkers and some not - to work hard to produce lovely bags. Her enthusiasm and experience was very evident and she gave us all the hints and little wrinkles that help to make them look quite professional. We went home swearing that they would be ready to show at the next meeting!! We will see how many have managed to at this busy time.

Young Embroiderer's

10 young people attended a fun-packed afternoon making felt hearts with their initial on to hang on the back of their chair on Christmas day. Dee Newson had made up very attractive packs for them to work from. Despite all the merry chatter they learnt button hole stitch, back stitch, how to sew a button on - and when it came to the stuffing there was lots of laughter.All went home with a completed heart! Not a bad days work. Well done Dee.
It was a lovely meeting and an enjoyable way to spend two hours.

Felt Jewellery - Val Coleshaw

A lively workshop making felt beaded jewellery, was held on Saturday 3oth October by Val Coleshaw.Val inspired all to be creative, and wonderful results were produced by all at the end of this fun filled workshop.





Hi Liz,
I wrote a card to you this afternoon but have yet to post it so THANK YOU and of course Andy for your excellent hospitality. I felt very comfortable with you both.I think you have a great Branch and have already discussed it with my Chair. I too have photos that I will forward later this week. The flight home was a bit hairy. The pilot and co pilot were both foreign and as we travelled into the clouds and they dimmed the lights, the winds buffeted us and there was some lightening. I started to imagine that I had been abducted by aliens. another travel story!!! I am home now , curtains drawn, cat close by. Just get interrupted by the kiddies on trick or treat times. Good job I remembered to buy a bag of sweeties. There are a few minor typos on your welcome sheet, will mention it in a day or two. I had 58 e mails awaiting me and still have some to respond to so I must dash. So after a “messy” start I thought my trip over to you was a really pleasant experience and I'd love to come again.
Send my thanks and best wishes to your branch,
Val

Katie Chaplin - Japan Crafts

Katie gave us a fascinating demonstration and talk on the Kimono, bringing with her a body to dress as she spoke. We had little idea how complicated is for a Japanese woman to put this garment on! The following day she was very well organised with kits and transfers to use to complete a piece of Shashiko embroidery.During the afternoon we had a hilarious time chasing our Temari Balls around the floor and under the tables.All in all a very successful and enjoyable day.

The Royal Manx

This was a great success with much interest taken in the Roses of the Heart project. Marie and Dee were kept busy talking about the beautiful bonnets. Suzanne, Isobel and Sheila had their work cut out explaining the techniques on the embroidered squares. Membership forms were taken by both past members and the public so we are looking forward o welcoming some new people at our next meeting.

Queenie Festival July 1st & 2nd

The Queenie Festival was blessed this year with fantastic weather which made the crowds appear. Our stand looked magnificent. Thanks to all who contributed their work. It gave the members who helped a great deal talk about with pride.We were quite hoarse by the end of the two days. It was really good to see such beautiful work and diversity of techniques put together. We had a a tremendous amount of interest taken and are hoping to have attracted a few new members.

Jean O'Neil's Memorial Day

Just wanted to let you know that yesterday we all had a wonderful day celebrating the life of Janet's sister, Jean, who was a member with us and who sadly passed away a year ago.

Janet organised a very happy remembrance day for Jean - we all sewed hearts of various sizes and styles, as well as sampling some wonderful cakes!! I don't mean just a few cakes, I mean loads of cakes!!! We had such a tremendousl variety and beautifully displayed that it really was a very enjoyable feast.

Thanks to Janet for organising everything and thanks to Sheila (Dove) who did a tremendous job in keeping tea and coffee on the go - and it was 'real' coffee, not instant!! Thanks also to all who made cakes and helped during the day and thanks to everyone who attended.

Money raised through raffle and donations for goods sold will be donated to Hospice. We will confirm the amount raised at the next branch meeting.

Yesterday brought us all together to sit, sew, chat and sample wonderful cakes and coffee that we it may be something we could do again in the future.

Thanks again to all concerned.

Regards............Angela

The Bunting Project

This year we are hoping to offer visitors to our exhibition at the Queenie Festival and Royal Manx Show an opportunity to stitch. We appreciate this may help to not only encourage new membership but also be public spirited offering an opportunity for creativity.
We have decided to stitch festive bunting. This could be used at numerous events as an ongoing project. Visitors young and old will be offered the chance to stitch a triangle in a variety of meduims, using different designs.
We would appreciate a variety of threads, fabrics, buttons,ribbon or lace and would be if you would bring them along to our June meeting.

Garden in History - Pat Kelly

It was a great shame that although 9 people signed up for this workshop only 5 turned up! 2 sent their apologies as they were ill. They missed a real treat. As usual Pat had done her research and not only brought along a great deal of source material but gave us a very interesting potted history of gardens from the time of the Egyptians to the modern day. We then were asked to take one of the many photocopies as inspiration and to roughly design our own garden! Easier said than done. However everyone not only managed to do that but also to make an enthusiastic start on the embroidery. It is always fascinating to see how everyone interprets their ideas. The day passed all too quickly with much laughter and chatter not to mention numerous cups of tea and coffee to keep us going! Thank you Pat, for a most enjoyable day.

Tatting and Chatting - Judy Morrey

Judy gave us a very interesting and enthusiastic talk on her passion for tatting and how it all began. She told us a little about the history of the craft and showed us some lovely shuttles that she had collected over the years. Some members were already enthusiasts but those who were beginners managed to produce little pieces to be proud of.