VARIATIONS - Exhibition at Silk museum, Macclesfield

Everyone is invited to view our latest exhibiton, details below..........

These two photos show one of the exhibits, 'Patchwork of Life' by Margaret Steeden.

The concept of patchwork of life is reflected in the half empty/half full sections, the emptiness & gaps in one's life, the isolated squares, the purity of new life and the richness and closeness of family and friends. The green squares represent the green grass that tempts us but is no where as rich and full filling as life. Tonal change reflects the wealth of knowledge and wisdom gained throughout life.





This closeup shows the detail of the hand embroidery employed throughout the piece.

Recycling Workshop with Jen Holmes

Better late than never................. Our November Workshop was on Recycling with Jen Holmes

She designed the workshop to encourage us to be experimental in the use of recycled materials within our embroidery. Her staring point was that embroiderers' like to collect and work with found materials and create a piece of art.
We were asked to take 3 categories of materials : papers, plastics and found objects (natural, metals,plastics and packaging).
The session was very enjoyable an she managed to get us to think more three dimensionally and create free standing pieces.

Jen Holmes is part of TELA and has exhibited in Tameside and at Farfield Mill near Sedburgh
http://www.tela-art.co.uk/
and also part of
http://www.weddingadornment.co.uk/exhibition.htm

Ann's Monsters

Ann Holmes made these little darlings for her grandchildren for Christmas. The largest 4 were for the grandsons and the mini one for her granddaughter, it has fancy pink clothes and sparkly hair. Ann got the idea after seeing similiar monsters in a magazine advert. The shiny black fabric was a find on the sales table one Thursday and after working out the pattern needed Ann used both sewing machine and hand stitching to complete the finished items. The fun bit came with the decorating with a variety of beads, braids, sequins and glittery materials. Ann says it was worth all the hard work and aching fingers just to see their faces when they unwrapped them. Well done Ann very inventive!!!!!!!!!!

February meeting - Golden Hinde

On Thursday 21st February 2008, Sue and her daughter Sarah brought their golden wares and works of art to show us how it is done! Golden Hinde is owned by Sarah and mum acts as chief advisor. Sue entertained us with her goldwork stories that spanned 30years regularly interrupted by Sarah! what a dynamic team they made.

Betty is getting some tips on a goldwork course she has enrolled on!

The mobile shop Sue and Sarah brought with them was far too tempting for most members and the kits sold very well. I personally bought a telescopic magnet for all those dropped pins and needles.We are looking forward to the Workshop that Sue will be leading in October.

January Meeting 2008

This is Michelle Harper who gave a very informative and interesting talk on her work as a free lance textile conservator. Michelle is professionally accredited and is based in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent and can honestly say that her working days are never alike. She has worked on diverse projects such as the mask worn by John Merrick, the elephant man, wall hangings in National Trust and British Hertiage properties as well as private assignments where family heirlooms are displayed to advantage. The example given was that of a corset that was mounted so that it is took on the natural shape of the female form! Michelle can be contacted at info@michelleharpertexcon.co.uk for talks or commissions.

On the display table this month were items completed by Margaret Waring, the fourth in her series of granddaughter bags was proudly displayed. (Photo below) The colours were particularly subtle in this piece.

ROSE BOWL WINNER & BAG LADIES

The AGM this year was well attended and after the agenda was finished members voted on the Rose Bowl entrants. The range of exhibits was very pleasing from the traditional to the more contemporary and this range was reflected in the winner and runner up.

Hazel Weselby with her fabric book and the Rose Bowl. Pat Rigley came second only one vote behind with a wonderful piece of hardanger.


A selection of bags brought by members for the exhibition of bags of all shapes and sizes.

EMBROIDERY IN TRUST EXHIBITION

These photgraphs were taken at the Stitch and Creative Crafts Show at Manchester Central (formally GMEX) 1st September 2007.

The North West region of the Embroiderers Guild had a large stall and a very impressive display of elected work by the Region's branches to represent our celebration of the Guild Centenary in 2006.

There were nine exhibits by members of the Macclesfield Guild.

The seven pincushions based on a 17th century man's cap as well as Pat's work took centre place on the display table along with other vessels and artefacts.

Close up of the work of seven members, Barbara Cheeseman, Sue Guy, Chris Harris, Ann Holmes, Janet Toft, Anne Williams, Margaret Waring.

View of the top of Pat's knot garden box.

Little Moreton hall inspired alot of black and white pieces along with Elaine and Hilary's sampler.

Close up of the sampler inspired by Little Moreton Hall.