Inspirational Yarndale

(Images are the property of Skipton Branch of The Embroiderers' Guild)

27-28th September 2014

Greetings from Yarndale!  A two-day extravaganza of wool, fibres and art!  For those of you who can't make it to Skipton this weekend, here is a panoramic view of our 'pen'.

The overwhelming response to our display was inspirational. So many visitors were stopped in their tracks by the StArt project and everyone stayed to admire the details and listen to the story of how it came into being.  One lady had been told by her friend 'if you see nothing else today, you must see the Embroiderers' Guild stand'.

The work displayed has inspired young and old alike.  The range of stitched art, the fabulous colour combinations and the creativity of our members work has been a joy to behold!  

Yarndale is open from 10-4:30 on Sunday 28th September so why not come along?  We have FREE taster workshops today, demonstrating contemporary crewel work, Florentine work and some free embroidery that is guaranteed to use up all your scraps of wool!

AGM

(Images are the property of Skipton Branch of The Embroiderers' Guild)

Monday 15th September

The branch AGM is usually a time for taking stock of the year's events and achievements.  This can sometimes be a dry review of membership numbers and attendance but at Skipton, we have had such an action-packed year that some serious editing was required!

Right for the start, the new committee threw themselves into promoting and publicising the work of the Guild. From January to May we showcased our best work in a highly successful exhibition at Craven Museum and Gallery that was curated by Gail Marsh.

The StArt in the Dales project brought about a collaboration with Grassington Guild and textile artist Jackie Lunn and encouraged us to engage with the community via local arts festivals and taster workshops.  The finished work has toured the Yorkshire Dales throughout the Summer, receiving praise and admiration wherever it was displayed.  The highlight was the Tour de France weekend where the StArt project was seen by thousands of visitors in the shop window of Fat Face in Skipton High Street.  Deputy manager, Alanah Whittaker-Thompson wrote: "We feel very lucky to have been able to host this amazing piece and love to support our local area particularly when it is something so creative!"

Elizabeth Johnston and Sue Sissling thanked Jill and Claire for all their hard work to bring the project together.

But don't think that this is all that has been happening in the branch.  Our programme of talks and workshops has given plenty of inspiration and members have been busy stitching at home, on holiday and at Summer schools.  Just look at the photo to see a selection of the work brought in to share.

The Committee remains unchanged with the exception of Clare Hutchinson who has resigned for health reasons but will continue to offer support and advice to the branch.  Elizabeth Johnston takes up the role of Programme Secretary for 2015.