Category: News

Can you keep a secret?

Well, I now have proof that my husband can!

Yesterday I had a trip to Abingdon. I didn’t know anything about it until the last minute, and I had no idea why I was going. DH announced that we were having a trip, and we duly arrived at the Embroiderers’ Guild SEW Regional Day.

What fascinating talks!

Firstly Diana Springall reminded us that good design always starts with mark making and due consideration of the source. The PA system wasn’t working at it’s best, so I think that several attendees (including my DH who had forgotten his hearing aid) missed the main points of her talk. Drawing is something that scares us all – but the examples she showed (including Alice Kettle, Jan Beaney and Eirion Short) showed that detail is not always required – and MARKS that mean something to the creator are so much more important.

The second talk was a visual delight. Michele Carragher inspired us with behind the scenes stories of TV series on which she has worked. Follow the link to find out more – you won’t be disappointed.

So, why were we there? Well, I didn’t know until the very last moment! The excuse to get me there was to take along a few of my hand dyed threads. We weren’t really selling, but people did come along and take a look. Finally it was time to hand out the awards. One went to a Young Embroiderer. So good to see that there is still an interest in stitching by the very youngest generation. (It reminded me of a project I’m planning for my 6 year old grand-daughter – we must get on with it.) The competition had also been displayed – and everyone had voted. Carol from Wokingham Branch won again! She is a very good example of a proper member. In spite of a very busy life she always manages to produce something – we should all learn from her and stop making excuses about being too busy …..

There was one award left on the table. To my utter amazement it was waiting for me! Anne Walden Mills mentioned my name and I almost fell off my chair!

Many of you in the SEW Region will remember Betty. She was a delightful lady who loved embroidery and the Guild. It was such a surprise and pleasure to receive this award in her memory.

Ouch and carry on!

The New Year has started with a few leaps and ‘bumps’, but the main thing is to carry on regardless!

While not feeling 100% I have been able to crochet an odd line or two for a throw which was intended to be for my own use. However, a certain little grandson has fallen in love with the colours – so guess where it will be going…….?

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I followed a pattern, but have had fun extending the colours and moving them around to suit my own satisfaction. The weaving in of the ends will be fun! That’s my next task – and then on to the border.

Did you know that just 15 minutes of creativity a day can do a lot to spark your enthusiasm and inspiration. The important thing is to DO something. It doesn’t have to be part of your intended life’s work – just something that stimulates those creative juices in some way. Several of us have committed to this in 2015 and it isn’t too late to join us. If you would like more information please complete the correct parts of the form below.

I am delighted to say that I have managed to find a suitable local venue for a small series of Embellisher workshops. More details will follow soon, and the best news is that you don’t need to transport or even own your machine as I have some that you can borrow.

The even better news is that I can probably do the basics of dyeing at the same venue! That will mean that there will be even more fun and games to be had. I’m planning a series of workshops that will result in enough colours for Joseph’s amazing coat!

Looking back – and onwards!

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Christmas is more or less over, and the new year almost here. Best wishes to you all and here’s to a very creative 2015.

We’ve had an odd year, with health issues taking priority at times. As a result we haven’t been able to be as visible as usual, and that may continue for at least the beginning of the year. 2014 was also odd because we saw far more incidents of shop-lifting than previously. Although samples have been taken in the past – this year saw the disappearance of even more. Threads and knitting yarn also ‘disappeared’, and so too did a number of ‘arty’ materials. Sadly these were taken at venues which we love attending. The irony is that we have maintained our prices for several years – if you see increases in the near future you will understand why – we have to pay the bills.

This year really will see the amalgamation of all the websites! I think there is just one more technical difficulty to overcome before we can finalise everything, and you will be the first to know when it is done. I’ve also been more creative again! I’ve maintained my 15 minutes a day – and more – and I’ve been writing about it in a private diary. This will continue during 2015, and you can join me over there if you wish. There is currently a small charge of £10.00. That works out at less than 28p a day – and if you subscribe before the end of January 1st you will also have access to all the posts of 2014. Subscriptions after that date will increase. There is a little more information here where you can also subscribe via PayPal. Hopefully it will help to kickstart your creativity – I’ve found a committment to 15 minutes a day over the last few years to be an enormous help and inspiration.

So, what about you? Do you fancy committing to those 15 minutes a day? Join us in Be Creative on Facebook, or use the form or leave a comment below. 15 minutes may not seem much, but you will be amazed at how your inspiration will flourish once you just get going. Some of you already know, but I also publish regular journaling prompts – so you can join us with those too.

 

 

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