Wednesday, 29 August 2012

September 8th–A.G.M and Talk by Nikki Parmenter on ‘Experimental Textiles’.

Our September meeting will be preceded by our AGM when new members will be voted on to the Committee and reports given on the year’s events.  Do come along to support our hard working committee and remember to bring your subscription for the new year which starts this month.

By the way have you completed your registration on the Guild website?  If not you can fill in a form and hand to Carole who will load it into the system for you.

The AGM will be followed by our speaker Nikki Parmenter – who takes her inspiration from a variety of multi-cultural sources which are rich and complex.  She is intrigued by the symbolism created by different races and societies and the way in which objects, natural phenomena, birds and animals, are given magical properties.  She will talk about the inspiration for each piece; the importance of good solid research and the use of drawing.  A sample of her work is shown below.

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Friday, 24 August 2012

PHOTOGRAPH UPDATE

The following photograph of our Hands-on session in July – Using Modern Materials – was provided by John Clark – a montage of work from Sue, Tracey and me on Tyvek, Lutradur and Bonded Foils.

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The next pic’ shows a piece of work (in progress) influenced by Sue Rangeley’s new Book –‘Embroidered Originals’ and made by Pat Bean.

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Friday, 17 August 2012

TALK by SUE SERCOMBE ON THE HISTORY OF THE SEWING MACHINE

Sue entertained us with a slide show of a selection of Machines and their history – starting in 1755 – some made in Germany, France, USA and here in Manchester.

She had brought part of her own collection of machines which were fascinating to see at close hand and she started her talk by saying that although many people still have collections of machines – inherited from family members – they are usually not worth much, as there were so many made that most of them were eventually worth only scrap value!!

I have taken the following pictures from the internet being some of the variety talked about by Sue.

image The Windsor machine

image  A Singer – I learnt to sew on this type (my mothers) – a hand operated model.

image It was eventually adapted to become a treadle but I never really liked it as my feet and hands seemed to work in different directions and my stitching met itself coming the other way!!!

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However this was the one that fascinated me the most as it was made in Colditz by the prisoners, ostensibly to make theatrical costumes, but needless to say other clothing was also being made at the same time!!
Co-incidentally I did in fact see it on a television programme earlier this week - about the making of an ‘escape aeroplane’ which showed this machine in one of the scenes.Thanks to Sue for a fascinating afternoon.

Thursday, 2 August 2012

CREATIVE STITCHES AND HOBBYCRAFTS SHOWS - EVENT CITY, TRAFFORD CENTRE, MANCHESTER. 13-15 SEPTEMBER

All details for this show, sponsored by Women’s Weekly magazine, will be found on the exhibition website.

For the first time PRESTON THREADS, the exhibiting group of Textile Artists which I belong to,  will be showing their work, based on – “an Exploration of Colour” which includes the original design/sketchbooks.

Do hope you will be able to drop in to see us – I shall be stewarding on the Friday so come and have a chat about my ‘Blue Collection’ of books, bags and panels.

P1020435     P1020423

ALSO - ONE STEP ON TEXTILE ARTISTS GROUP
will be exhibiting ‘TIFFANY IN STITCHES’.
From 4th September to end October at Samlesbury Hall near Preston
and includes work by 6 of our members.

           fantasy Peacock AS

You will find more images of other pieces on the Blog entry for May.

PROJECT LINUS AT CHORLEY

I have just heard that Linus will be holding an Open Day event on Saturday 4th August at -
Craftypatch, The Old Stables, behind 20/22 West St Chorley PR7 2SJ 01257 277324

You are invited to ‘pop in’ and have coffee and a chat with Lesley.