Events in October 2023

Show and Tell (14.9.23) – an array of beautiful quilts were shown by Deborah Mather drawing our attention to the wonderful imagery, techniques and fabrics. Members were particularly impressed by the colours and exquisitely detailed stitching.

Julia Triston, a professional maker, educator and author in stitched textiles and contemporary art and design techniques, spoke to us via zoom on 21st September. The main themes were Julia’s own journey within textiles, Contemporary Appliqué, Culture, Colour and Cloth, Design, Lace, Text in Textiles and Upcycled Cloth.

A Silk Paper workshop was held with Anne Arnold from Solway Woolscapes on the 28th of September – a fabulous time was had by all experimenting with silk papermaking. Members tried their hand at sandwiching silk fibres between two pieces of mesh netting and then sticking them together using an adhesive. Dried petals, skeleton leaves and other items were used to enhance their work – the results were stunning.

Members enjoyed an Experimental Day on October 6th.  The Mystery Activity was inspired by work completed at the SST Gathering some weeks before.  Pre-prepared packs full of luxurious fabrics and threads were distributed and members were invited to experiment with stitch techniques linked to various given phrases. 

Events in November 2023

Margot McIntyre, on the 19th October, presented us with a vibrant array of beautifully embellished garments, all handmade and exquisitely detailed.  Many of the jackets and coats were expertly modelled by committee members and others (catwalk style) so that all could see the wonderful stitching.

Sales Table on 26th October at Heathhall - many thanks to Greta for organising this event. We had many donations of fabrics, threads, sewing kits and other resources. In total we collected £215.00 which went to the Trussel Trust. 

Events in December 2023

Dumfries Christmas Tree Exhibition: On December 5th members of the committee were honoured to decorate a tree for this year’s festival with member’s hand-stitched ‘homes’. We had a whopping 46 contributions on the given theme ‘Going Home for Christmas’, ranging from handmade cottages to motor homes, bird houses to dog kennels and versions of the ‘old woman’s shoe’, amongst others. A really big thank you to all of those who took the time to contribute. 1271 people visited St John's Church where an array of 70 Christmas trees were bedecked with decorations made by members of the local business community and social groups.  After expenses the profit was £6738.36, and this has been equally divided between St John's Church and Dumfries & District flower club. Substantial donations to charity will be made by both organisations. 

A Christmas Celebration: Thursday 14th December saw our Christmas Lunch – and very festive it was too. Mabie House Hotel made for a wonderful venue, the food was fabulous, and the staff looked after us all really well. It was lovely to see everyone dressed in their best and enjoying the christmassy atmosphere. A big well done to the three Christmas Competition winners, and a huge thank you to Linda Watson, Anne Anderson and Anne Armitage for organising such a successful event. A big debt of gratitude is also owed to Anne Hill for her presentation and the amazing quilts she shared with us all.

Events in January and February 2024

Entitled ‘Operation Stairway’, this Corners Session informed members about our future Triennial project to be held at Gracefield Arts Centre in 2025. Members enjoyed a fun-filled hour and learnt that everyone is to complete an image/portrait of themselves. Materials needed were discussed including embroidery hoops, fabric backgrounds (anything except white) that a full range of threads can be used and that accessories can also be added to the portraits, e.g., jewellery, etc. Illustrated photos and reference books were also shared with the membership.  Members were also informed that all skills and techniques are acceptable including digital/hand/machine embroidery, applique, tapestry, padded work, or a combination of some/all.  Portraits can be realistic or cartoon-like, etc.  Hoops need to be filled. Big and bold is the way to go!

Events in March

Corrine Young’s presentation and workshop 21st and 22nd March: Corinne Young, an award-winning textile artist based in North Lancashire, is renowned for her three-dimensional embroidered heirloom artwork. Her stitched plant sculptures are inspired by botanical specimens, plant meanings, and historical artefacts, and she still uses handmade linen paper as a base for her embroidery. Members enjoyed a full day’s workshop making this paper from flax fibres, and then embroidering them to reflect meadow flowers.