TEXTILE ARTS  CRAFTS  KNITTING  STITCHING

 

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6th March 2010 - “Inspired by Nature” - All Day Design and Stitch Workshop with Barbara Walters

This was the first time there had been an all day workshop with an external tutor. Members had been advised to bring any natural inspirational objects such as shells, stones, flowers and feathers plus basic design and embroidery equipment. Even so everyone was still somewhat mystified as to what to expect at this workshop with textile artist Barbara Walters, but it was obviously from the display of her work which she had brought with her that she had created some admirable stitch and art work including both hand and machine embroidery.  

However, the level of enjoyment of today’s session with Barbara by the members depended entirely on their individual views of City and Guilds: those who relish this type of activity had a great day and achieved or learned a lot but those who actively avoid anything connected with C&G-type study did not. Many resisted involvement and chose to do their own thing which they did with their usual enthusiasm.

Nevertheless, this did not stop the workshop participants producing some very interesting design work using their respective items of inspiration –from shells and stones to leaves, flowers, feathers and even a ball of jute string. After a series of design exercises they produced a concertina type publication inspired by their chosen source. It’s not clear how these might translate into pieces of stitchwork but perhaps it is enough just to produce a design. 

Towards the end of the afternoon the completed pieces were brought together and displayed for everyone to see. And afterwards we all admired the various pieces brought in for Show and Tell by members. Amongst these were a number of postcards indicating that last month’s talk was highly inspirational and bodes well for next month’s practical sessions. 

41 members attended the meeting and there were two visitors. There was one further renewal bringing the total membership now to 55.

Barbara's exhibits

Members' design booklets

Members' Show and Tell