Embroiderers' Guild - the UK's leading crafts association
sharing opportunities for discovery and creativity
1 Kings Road, Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 2RA
T: 01932 260738 - E: administrator@embroiderersguild.com
Embroiderers' Guild - the UK's leading crafts association
sharing opportunities for discovery and creativity
1 Kings Road, Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 2RA
T: 01932 260738 - E: administrator@embroiderersguild.com
Chat from the Chair
It was lovely to see the array of decorated bags at the last meeting - really colourful and imaginative! I hope that if you have not yet finished yours (and this includes me!), you will do so. It would be good to have a big display of them all at Mildred Higgins Day in July. I was also impressed by the number of people who have already finished their postcards and by their high standard of work.
So please use your imagination and skills again to produce something for the 'Colouritious' competition. Remember there are four categories this year - so a greater chance of winning a threads gift voucher. Here is a reminder of the different sections, just in case you have forgotten - 'Technique', 'Design', 'Members' Choice' and 'Speaker's Choice'.
If the idea of a competition does not appeal, you could always make a piece of work for 'Everyday Life in Africa - A Challenge'. There is a lot of expertise and talent among our members and we all enjoy seeing what others have done, so don't hide your work away, take the plunge and let us have a brilliant display.
If you have not yet read February's 'In Contact', please do have a look. There is some interesting information about changes and developments at HQ, concerning, for instance, The Collection; The Books Service; the Regeneration of the Guild and Janet Jardine becoming Head of Member Services.
I think, overall, HQ is making a concerted effort to improve communication with members. However, this failed over Christmas when we did not receive Anthea and Christine's message (which appears to have been a last-minute thought). I contacted Dora Mack to ask for an explanation about this. Her reply is as follows:-
"I am sorry about the Christmas message. - I did send it out to all Chairmen on 22-12-10 right in the middle of Christmas. I only received it on 20-12-10. I realised it would miss the Branches' Christmas meetings and also some January ones. I have heard of one other Branch who did not receive it, as well as you. I think you will now have a copy, but attach one here for your information.
Until we meet
Regards, Dora"
Although I was in Australia at the time, I was checking emails every two or three days and again checked the backlog on returning home. I found nothing, so where the email went remains a mystery.
With best wishes
Dee.
Lincolnshire Branch of the Embroiderers? Guild welcomes you to our meeting
To ensure that we all get the best out of meetings and workshops
We should try to share our knowledge and expertise and encourage enthusiasm and learning in a friendly, relaxed way.
We should listen quietly and with respect to speakers.
Don?t be afraid to ask questions. You will probably find you?re not the only one who doesn?t know the answer.
Please do remember to turn off your mobile phone or switch to silent mode.
Branch Meetings
March 19th Sarah Lawrence and Nicky Dillerstone ? ?Test and Explore? - Bring a basic sewing kit and scissors, also any products you have bought and forgotten how to use.
April 16th Morning
Cathedral project - a recap with Jane and Barbara and the start of our branch piece for the Cathedral exhibition in the summer of 2012. Afternoon Linda Miller - In Stitches. www.lindamillerembroideries.co.uk
May 14th A day with Alysn Midgelow Marsden. In the morning: Tarnished Stitches and in the afternoon a mini-workshop. Information about her and her work can be found at www.artsderbyshire.org.uk/find_artist/minisites/alysn.mm/
June 11th Morning Inspiration from Japan - a starting point for a personal piece for the regional exhibition in 2012. Afternoon speaker, textile artist Liz Welch
July 9th Mildred Higgins Day Guest Speaker Alison Mercer. This year's competition Colouritious.
Workshops
April 17th Linda Miller Pictorial Machine Embroidery. Places are still available.
July 10th Alison Mercer - stitched sketchbooks.
Other Dates for your Diary
May 21st Regional Day Lutterworth speaker Jean Littlejohn.
July 15-17th Summer school BGC Lincoln ? Dionne Swift; Carol Naylor; Christine Benson and Owen Davies. See noticeboard for more details.
June 25th to July 4th 2012 Lincolnshire Embroiderers'Guild exhibition Cathedral Inspirations and Other Work at Lincoln Cathedral.
Imperial Chinese Robes an Exhibition at the V and A.
Ranging from sumptuous robes and accessories worn by the emperors and empresses of the Quing Dynasty (1644-1911)for state functions to the beautiful garments that were worn daily, the exhibition at the Vand A showcased the intricate techniques and rich colours of the Chinese silks used in the costumes. For important rituals the emperor wore 'official' dress. Its colour was symbolic of natural forces or seasonal order: blue for the Altar of Heaven, yellow for the Altar of the Earth, red for sacrifices at the Altar of the Sun, pale blue for the Altar of the Moon. Many of the robes have distinctive cuffs in the shape of a horse's hoof. The Qing were originally a nomadic people from Manchuria in north-east China. Although they adopted many elements of Chinese culture, they also liked to be reminded of their Manchu heritage. The emperor's festive dress is also known as 'dragon robe', since it is usually adorned with the dragon motif. The empress was entitled to wear the dragon robe like her husband but she could choose other patterns as well.
Most of the robes on display were beautifully embroidered with exquisite depictions of birds, butterflies, dragons and flowers. Mainly embroidered in satin stitch many of the robes were also couched in fine gold threads and edged in fine embroidered braids. The highlight of the exhibition for me was the empress? festive robe made in bright yellow silk gauze with double sided embroidery of dragons, mountains and waves. The fine embroidery was amazing and the same standard on the back of the work as the front that was seen ? quite awe inspiring!
Vivienne Brown workshop March 5th
Vivienne marks 30 years of giving talks and workshops for the Embroiders? Guild and similar organisations. She is an experienced teacher of Machine embroidery, and a very accomplished botanical artist. The workshop on the 5th march was titled, ?The computer as a tool for the embroiderer?. Vivienne and her husband worked together as a team to provide us with a very busy and interesting day. We looked at how we could change images with the computer scanner and printer to produce fantastic patterns. Printing onto silk, cotton and a variety of special papers.
We looked at how we could use clip art, and how we could use our own photographs and designs on fabric and paper. We all enjoyed the day; it stretched us, and was a great experience. With such a lovely tutor, who clearly enjoys sharing her knowledge, and at the same time learns from her pupils, we all moved forward with our computer skills.
We have invited Vivienne to give a talk to the guild next year on something completely different.
Hilary Farley