Tag: Worthing Tuesday Embroiderers Guild - Page 3

The Road to Mandalay

Jennifer modelling an intricate head-dress

This week we had a fascinating talk from Jennifer Hughes, who shared her knowledge and enthusiasm for the textiles of Burma. Jennifer brought a wonderful collection of textiles with her to illustrate her talk, some of which she modelled for us. Great hilarity was caused by her demonstration of how and why men and women tie the wrap-around ‘longhi’ in different ways (don’t ask!)

There were some wonderful little snippets of information. For example, every man in Burma has to be a monk for a period of time, so every family has a connection to the monastery, and religion is closely woven into the fabric of society. Another little snippet was where the term ‘white elephant’ comes from. Apparently pale-coloured elephants were prized, but a ruler could cause frustration and embarrassment by giving someone a white elephant. The elephant would take great time and expense to care for, but the recipient could never get rid of it as it was a gift from the ruler.

A belt with shells and coins. Wealth is worn rather than hidden away.

Isobel Moore: ‘Swirls of Paper, Fabric, Stitch and Beads’

At our March meeting, members enjoyed a fantastic talk by Isobel Moore, who shared some of her wonderful machine-embroidered textile art with us. Her work (and her talk) were so well-liked that the forthcoming workshop on the 26th April booked up almost immediately. Don’t despair though, if you go on the waiting list then you may just squeeze in if there’s a cancellation.

February Workshop Group

Look what the Workshop Group made this month. Pam Bennett wrote: ‘Here is a photo of my finished zippy bag from our last workshop. Hope to make a couple more for Christmas presents. Thanks to Wendy for an excellent day’.

It would be good to add more photos if anyone has them.

P.S. I am trying to get my head round a different way of sending new posts to people who have subscribed via the link on the Home Page. If you receive spaghetti instead of something sensible, please let me know!

February Meeting

At the February meeting, we were treated to an interesting talk by member Ruth Walker, who talked us through her ‘textile journey’. Ruth brought with her a beautiful collection of her work, including machine-embroidered bowls, pictures and bags. By her own confession Ruth has quite a ‘thing’ about bags, and they are such a good vehicle for displaying a range of techniques. Ruth also showed us a wonderful range of designs based on peacocks. Some years ago she was treated to a magnificent display by a peacock who shook his tail-feathers at her and ‘strutted his stuff’, and peacocks have featured in her work ever since. Thanks to Ruth.

We had a whole-day meeting this month, so there was plenty of time to ‘sit and sew’, and to see what people are working on. Jill showed people the results of a recent embellishing course she has been on, and demonstrated how she makes background fabrics using scraps and threads (don’t forget that the branch has an embellisher that you can rent for just £5 a month). And thanks for the encouraging feedback on the website everyone. Do keep sending in the photos – we are starting to build up a good range in the ‘gallery’.

Little Miss Muffet

The monthly workshop group had a good day this month learning how to make tuffets. These were made over a ‘former’, with a padded top, and can have little button-legs added. Photos by Sue Bush.

If anyone was wondering who Miss Muffet actually was, Mr Google tells us that she was the daughter of Dr Thomas Muffet, a famous 16th-century scientist who studied insects. Apparently Daddy’s work wasn’t such a great hit with his daughter!

Kaffe Fassett’s Colour at Mottisfont

On Thursday 11th January a group of EG members went to see the Kaffe Fassett exhibition at Mottisfont Abbey. Kaffe Fassett is reported to be delighted with the way his work was exhibited at Mottisfont. Unlike most exhibition galleries, the normal white walls were replaced with colours that either complemented or toned with the work on display. EG member Daphne Dedman wrote: ‘Seven of us went, and everyone thought it was worth the trip. The first room was painted blue, and had alot of blue and white items. As we progressed round the rooms, the walls were painted in complementary colours and the items got brighter’. Scroll down through the images below for a taste of the exhibition (photos by Daphne).

Findon Christmas Tree Festival

We took part in the Findon Christmas Tree Festival this year for the first time. This is a fund-raising event when the wonderful old Church of St John the Baptist is filled with Christmas trees decorated by local groups and societies. They ranged from children’s groups to a ‘Men in Sheds’ group. It was a lovely sight. Unfortunately the low lighting made it difficult to photograph, so only a few of the close-ups came out. Apologies for the lack of focus!

Here are some of the decorations after they were taken off the tree, so you can see more detail.