March 2025 Meeting

 For our March meeting we had a lovely discussion, with a show and tell, about the work that we were currently doing.  A few members were working on their blue challenge pieces for this year's Swindon Open Studios and there was advice given about how to tame the peacock material that we were asked to incorporate - that part certainly is a challenge!

Other members had been working on their new Arts and Crafts piece - there are some beautiful pieces of work there that will also be on show at Open Studios in September.  We are also planning on another visit to Kelmscott Manor in May to get more inspiration.

Apart from the pieces being prepared for the exhibition this year members also shared other items that they were working on.  This was very varied and included a beautiful dress adorned with silk paper, a thread scroll with an amusing message, embroidered fabric tops for boxes, intuitive daily stitching and improv quilting.

The stitch for this month was Chain.  Most of us forgot to bring our stitch with us this month, so only a couple of photos this time.

February 2025 Meeting

 At our February meeting we had a great discussion where all members shared their sewing tips.  There were a big variety of tips including:

•  the best ways to thread a needle and tie a knot (or not tie a knot)
• websites like the RSN stitch bank and people to watch on You Tube
•  various bits of equipment that could be used
• looking after your hands and shoulders
• don't unpick, but go where the stitching takes you

We all learnt something new and the time flew by.

Members also brought in their Straight Stitch samples that had been worked on during the month.  Here are some of them.

JANUARY 2025 MEETING

We had a lovely meeting in January.

It started with the AGM, looking back on 2024, reviewing the workshops and exhibitions held during the year.  We all agreed it was a very successful one.  Some of us learnt new skills from other members imparting their knowledge at the workshops.  The Swindon Open Studios event was enjoyed by participants and visitors alike.  The rest of the AGM business was quickly concluded, and the new committee was elected for the coming year.

Swindon Open Studios will again be a part of our year in 2025 and we will be exhibiting in the Jenner Hall on the first weekend - the 20th and 21st of September.  We are extending our Arts and Crafts theme for another year as it is such a big topic, and we all felt there was more to explore.  We also have a 'blue' challenge to work on this year, these pieces will be displayed together on our special display structure.

Another monthly challenge was set where we will be exploring a stitch each month.  The stitch for January is straight/running stitch.  It will be interesting to see how each member approaches this.

The rest of the meeting was taken up by members doing their own work, catching up with each other, and deciding on the calendar of events for our future meetings.

A very enjoyable start to 2025.