May's Meeting

We welcomed new member Michele, taking our numbers now to 23. Even though we do car share quite a bit, the car park is getting quite full now so we will soon be introducing a waiting list.

Nevertheless, do still get in touch in you're interested in joining us. We are one of the few groups that welcomes absolute beginners and is happy to do some teaching. If we can't accommodate you immediately, Maria may be able to let you know about new groups starting nearby or, perhaps, help you start your own new group.

On the 'up' side then, in addition to the lovely embroidered purses from last Sunday, and despite the lovely hot weather recently and being able to get outdoors more now, the ladies have been busy stitching; take a look:

Bag -  by Anne 

Crocheted pincushion - by Chris

Quilt blocks - by Heather

Tea light mat - by Lesley 

Fabric postcard- by Karen

I know we're a patchwork and quilting group, but it is lovely to see all the other crafty efforts by the group members. As we saw with the free machine embroidery, sewing disciplines can be mixed-and-matched so it's great to find out about, and maybe try, new things.

And, after the success of out first weekend workshop, it looks like we'll now be planning another. This time it'll be a 'bag day'; more on this later as the plans firm up.

Creeping up on us fast, we're looking forward to Warley & Childerditch Village Fayre coming up on June 29th, followed by the Brentwood Arts Festival July 5th - 12th ........ and in there somewhere will probably be our first Christmas themed project for 2014.

Machine Embroidery Workshop

Well, these photos just go to prove that you can do free machine embroidery/quilting if you give it a go, and nine of the group did give it a go today under the guidance of Essex based textile artist Alex Waylett. All bar one had done some free machine embroidery/quilting before so, for those of you who are still a bit reticent to drop those feed-dogs and go for it, this just proves you can go from the absolute beginning to a beautiful embroidered/quilted purse in a day.

Anne's

Chris's

Gemma's

Pam's

Elaine's

Karen's

Shirley's

Tina's

Wendy's

Well done everyone.