"Telling Tales" at Ilminster

Branch member, Janet Rose, has sent us this poster for a textile show that promises to be well worth a visit.

Janet will be exhibiting her family history panels and will be at the 'Meet the artists' event on 13th April, should anyone happen to be in that part of the world.

Butterflies all around ...

Heather Everitt's talk provided a fascinating look into her life as a textile artist/maker with all its highs - such as getting her work accepted by Liberty's store in London - and lows - the very long hours that go into creating a body of work for exhibitions.

So, we were delighted that Heather agreed to make the long journey from Devon to Leamington to give us the benefit of her expertise in a workshop to create a stitched butterfly panel.

These are some from Heather's collection - which are even more stunning in the 'flesh'!  
  

Thankfully, we were provided with a template and very clear instructions by Heather on how to approach the layering and appliqué techniques used to make our butterflies.  Choice of fabrics and colours - as always involving much deliberation - meant that each butterfly was a very individual creation.  

  

 

 Then machine stitching personalised them still further.

This is Heather with Heidi, her stalwart vintage Bernina

It was a really well organised and enjoyable day, and both newcomers and more experienced embroiderers felt we had spent a very worthwhile few hours learning a technique that will surely prove to be very useful and adaptable.