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Monday 19 May 2014

Little Luxuries


(Photos taken and reproduced with the permission of Pat Hainsworth. Images are the property of Skipton Branch of The Embroiderers' Guild)

Monday 19th May
When I first read the title of this months talk My Second Home, I have to confess that I wasn't really sure what to expect.  Perhaps someone talking about a holiday home, maybe an exotic location?  But Pat Hainsworth surprised us all with a delightful talk about her passion for her dolls house.

The second home of the title, was indeed a 1:12 scale, Queen Ann period house with a double extension.  Pat is a self-confessed dolls house addict and has been planning and furnishing her house for over 20 years.   The main house was built for her with all the trials and tribulations of full scale building.  Like most of us, the fun part is furnishing and Pat is no different.  The hobby allows her to indulge in her other passion which is needlework.  She has lovingly crafted tapestry rugs and carpets and made miniature quilts and cushions.  But a house must be kept clean and what better instrument than a feather duster made from budgerigar feathers! 

This is a serious hobby with a price tag to match.  The collection that Pat brought to show us came with the instruction "look, but don't touch"!  However it was good to hear that Pat's granddaughter is allowed to play with some of the pieces of this lovely collection and that will one day, it will be hers to keep.   Until then it gives Pat immense pleasure to look after her second home. 

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Are we nearly there yet?


(Images are the property of Skipton Branch of The Embroiderers' Guild)

Tuesday 13th May
Our final session with Jackie Lunn and we have almost finished!  Those of us who have seen the piece are so proud of what we've achieved. The 3D map is stunning and the individual squares are works of art! 

There are a few more stitches to finish the borders and we need to add some extra details to the map.  Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the estimated total of over 400 hours work. 

It will be ready to start its Summer tour at the Ingleton Underground Overground Festival 24-26 May, before going to Grassington Festival 13-28 June.  We're pleased to announce that it will be on show at FatFace in Skipton High Street throughout July and will then go to Yarndale 27-28 September.

Monday 5 May 2014

May in the Dales

(Images are the property of Skipton Branch of The Embroiderers' Guild)

Monday 5th May
A dry day in the Dales is always something to be thankful for but a dry Bank holiday Monday.....? Almost unheard of!  And so we found ourselves at Kettlewell for their Mayfest celebration of Wool and Ale.  We were in good company too with the Guild of a Spinners Weavers and Dyers with lots of local artisan makers selling a variety of handcrafted items.

As a last minute addition to our programme of events this year, we were unable to finish our own StArt project in time for the festival.  But we took the Broughton Road Women's Group Story Cloths and they proved to be a big draw and a great opportunity to talk about stitching with all the lovely folk who visited.  The use of felted wool in background to the cloth was meant it was perfect for the occasion.

Thanks to Jill and Sue who had a very early morning start to set up the stand and to everyone who contributed small items for sale or who made their way up into the Dales to come and support us.