Since writing the last blog, Grassington Embroiderers' Guild has been host to a bonanza of creative fabric work in our "Stitching in the Dales" three day workshops.
I had signed up for a course with Mary McIntosh and cannot speak more highly of her skills as a teacher and the preparation she had done for the three days. Each student had a large table to work on with an iron and the use of a central table full of items needed during the day.
By using bleach and a decolourant, screens, stamps and stencils, we created pattern fabric lengths from plain black cotton, linen and velvet.
Embellishing the designs with stitch, foils and organzas gave another dimension to the finished fabrics.
Instead of designing a length of fabric, I decided to design specifically for a gilet. Cutting an initial pattern out of waxed paper, applying bleach and decolourant to texured stamps, and finally using a paint brush to add further details, the finished fabric can be seen below. The next step is to embellish with stitch! I will try to remember to include a photo of the finished product!
It really was a fabulous few days of creativity and we can recommend the course to any one.
Upstairs the alternative workshop was taking place "Extract, Fragment and Remake" with Shelley Rhodes.
The finished work illustrated such attention to design detail and colour. What fabulous pieces!
We are already looking forward to next year's "Stitching in the Dales" as we know Jan has managed to book two more inspiring tutors!
This month's talk at Grassington Embroiderers' Guild was with Betty Brown and her love of "Pattern and Patchwork". With an emphasis on using recycled fabrics her approach to patchwork is a contrast to the work created with fat quarters.
Sadly I was unable to make this meeting and photos from members illustrate it was an excellent afternoon.
Don't forget June 22nd - 23rd is Grassington Embroiderers' Guild Exhibition at Church House Grassington. There will also be free needlework workshops during the day.
