Christmas 2013

 

THE DECORATED TREE

 

 

 This years theme was a basket with any colour plus silver and as usual there was a huge range of different interpretations on the tree.

 

The winner was Gwen(centre) with her all silver basket. Second Belinda (left) and third Margaret (right)

MACCLESFIELD MAKERS DAY

This was our second time standing at the Macclesfield Makers Fair day. We had a room to ourselves and made the most of it. We had the Sales Table where we displayed a wide range of goodies made by members.

 We had a sale of silk activity bags and notions that always go down well. People like a rummage and a bargain.

The silk scarf rail is always a riot of colour and displayed a full range of techniques.

 

In addition Beryl and Annette organised painting sessions where members of the public could come and have a go.

Silk Route Talk

 On the 4th November we had a very informative talk by Jim Gaffney from Textile Traders . Jim and wife Diane have been in the business of buying, selling and putting on exhibitions since 1984.

 We were entertained by Jim and his stories that were illustrated by a wide range of ethnic fabrics.

 They keep a blog that tells of their travels throughout Asia.

 Jim finished the afternoon off with a sales table of the most delightful scarves, fabrics and garments. Most who attended were tempted to buy something.

Easter Card Competition

At last I can upload the images taken in April of our Easter card competition. My computer is now talking to Blogger so here goes.

 

 Here are the entries this year, they all contain some silk within them and a click to enlarge will reveal a wide range of techniques.

The winner was Gwen Kay for her delightful embroidery on a piece of painted silk. As Gwen is a relatively new member this was a excellent achievement. I particularly like the fresh spring colours and the simplicity of the overall effect.

DYEING!!!!!!!

We've been dyeing so far this year.

Two workshops on Procion dyeing. The first with ice the second in plastic bags.

Members have been experimenting with natural fabrics in particular cotton and silk and creating very serendipity designs which we are going to use later in the year. Details are hush hush so far.

cotton dyed in a plastic bag

silk velvet dyed in plastic bags

cotton dyed in plastic bags

cotton ice dyed

cotton dyed in plastic bag

silk scarves dyed in plastic bags

cotton dyed twice, once in ice and then clamped and put in plastic bag

silk scarves dyed in plastic bags

cotton shirt buttons dyed in plastic bags

 

 

The ice dyeing gave us some superb serendipity results that were almost floral in pattern. the group also learnt how to achieve more of a block colour effect by adding the soda ash later rather than presoaking fabric before dyeing.

 

Next is Natural dyeing with natural dyes!!!!!!!!!!!!

Workshops

Over the last year we have had some shorter workshops that allowed members to produce some very interesting work. These brooches were produced using manmade fabrics cleverly cut and sewn together decorated with beads.

These tassels used up leftover wools and threads. They are wrapped around a double piece of card, cut and tied off. They can be finished off with beads and members were very happy with a quick activity.

INDIGO DYEING and HAVE A GO DAY

 

In mid August we had an afternoon of dyeing! Sandy organised us the week before and we tied and folded and twisted fabric ready for the indigo dye bath.

 

 

 

Here Louise, Kath, Sandy and Chris are busy untying their fabric and leaving it on the clothes rack to dry.

a selection of drying scarves and fabric pieces.

Jean untying her linen that she made into a stunning jacket, see below

 

Jean's asymmerical jacket is topped stitched in white and looks stunning with her white linen trousers.

This square scarf was originally a failed russet attempt and has been revitalised by tying with string and dipping in the indigo vat.

This picture shows a variety of fabrics and tying techniques, the very dark strips are cotton lace.

This silk georgette scarf was folded and wrapped around a pole to create this stunning effect.

Three revitalised scarves the two outside ones have been clamped using square cutouts to create these patterns.

 

The programme for the coming year starting September includes a series of dyeing sessions where we will use a full range of dyes and techniques including, Procion, Disperse, Acid, space dyeing, ice dyeing and more indigo.

 

We are currently getting ready for our HAVE A GO Day on the 15th September when we are OPEN for the general public to visit us and try out some of the activities that we get upto on a MONDAY afternoon.

 

IF YOU LIVE NEAR TO MARPLE, STOCKPORT DO COME AND VISIT US AT ST MARTINS CHURCH HALL, SK6 5DT

 

BETWEEN 10am AND 4pm.

 

YOU CAN HAVE A GO AT silk card making, silk flowers, silk painting,

YOU WATCH microwave scarf making, using by products of the silk industry, silk painting

YOU CAN enjoy homemade cakes and a cuppa

YOU CAN VIEW our exhibition of all things silk

YOU CAN BUY silk products that members have created.

 

The last one we held two years ago was a great success and we gained many new members, most of whom are still with us!!!