​These individually designed flags are the branch’s contribution to the Exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral which is due to finish on Sunday. They were made by Ann Smith, Celia Bell, Vernice Church (who made three), Christine Hill, Maria Fraser (who made one in support of the Ukrainian soldiers fighting in East Ukraine) and Eva and Barney Fraser, both members of the Young Embroiderers’. They are being displayed along with almost 1000 other flags of thanks created by groups and individuals throughout the country. As well as the flags of thanks a magnificent quilt known as the Armistice quilt is also on display.

Clare R kindly led Stitch Day this month by showing members how to make fun patchwork bags.

Thank you Vernice for the photos.
​Ros

On Saturday 22 June our branch celebrated National Stitch Day in St Peter's Church, Marlborough and in the Library at Calne.  The four photos below are taken in Marlborough - Clare R, Ann S, Maria F & Vernice C.

The photo below is taken in the Library at Calne.  Clockwise: Chris C, Linda W, Christine H, Lindsay S & Ann K

Thank you to Christine H and Vernice C for the photos.
​Ros

Our day started with a demonstration from Jenny on how working herringbone stitch on the back of white organza could produce some wonderful effects. The group had a choice of three designs which had been drawn on the organza by Jenny prior to the workshop. The choices were a rose, a violet or a monogram. 

Once everyone was happy with their Shadow Work technique on flowers and monograms Jenny showed the group the first embellishment to their work. This was how to create and sew eyelets. Every design had possibilities for eyelets. Then some people started to do the stems of their flowers. 

The group then learnt how to attach a wide ribbon with a feather design. They were reminded by Jenny’s demonstrations how to attach using feather stitch, pin stitch and thorn stitch. Then it was time for lunch.

In the afternoon Jenny demonstrated further embellishments like how to attach a bobbin paper, sequins and stamps. The group were shown every process that they would need and the beautifully illustrated instruction books will be very useful. It was a wonderful day! 

Here is the link to Jenny's website:  www.jennyadin-christieembroidery.co.uk

Report and photos Jane S
​Thank you Jane, Ros

Flags of Thanks is a project to reflect gratitude and support for the Armed Forces Community and is open to all members of the Embroiderers' Guild. Neil Stace the "Sewing Soldier" from the BBC TV programme "The Sewing Bee", is spearheading the project. He is asking the nation to create customised quilted flags that reflect their gratitude and support for the Armed Forces Community, for those currently serving and for veterans. All the flags will be displayed in a public exhibition in St Thomas’ Church, Salisbury from 24 – 30th June as part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations. 

After the display, his plan is to join the flags together to make something useful like quilts. As a gesture of support these will be gifted to veterans who are or have previously been homeless. The quilt is symbolic of having a home and the making of quilts has been a part of the Armed forces, dating back to the Crimean War. Neil believes that receiving such gifts that have been personally made will have a considerable positive impact on the individuals. His target is a 1000 flags! The design can be patchwork, applique, embroidered, drawn or painted with washable fabric ink and should have a military theme or a message of thanks. 

The following members of Marlborough and District Embroiderers Guild made flags for this event:  Vernice C, Ann S, Christine H,  Celia B, Maria F and two of her grandchildren.

Report:  Maria F and photos: Vernice C
Thank you Maria & Vernice, Ros

The Trustees Award is an annual event to celebrate five Embroiderers' Guild members nominated for their acknowledged support of their branch and local community in the name of stitch. 
​
This year, 2019 two nominations were put forward independently for Marlborough & District Embroiderers Guild, both of whom were successful in receiving an award. The committee and membership would like to congratulate both Yvonne Miles and Vernice Church on this outstanding achievement. 

​Yvonne, nominated by the Marlborough & District Embroiderers Guild Committee, has been a branch member since 1995, during which time she has been active on the committee. Her roles have included programme organiser, branch secretary and branch chair between 2008 and 2013.

​Vernice, nominated by branch member Nikki Vesey Williams, joined the Guild about 20 years ago. She is a member of both the Windsor and the Marlborough branches. Since becoming a committee member in 2014 she has scheduled interesting and varied speakers and workshops.

Text taken from newsletter, thank you Maria
​Photos Ros

Alison Hulme discovered stitch after a challenging event in her life.  She first tried cross stitch and then silk ribbon embroidery and stump work.  Alison joined the Salisbury Embroiderers Guild and went on to take City & Guilds at Fareham College.  She worked as a volunteer at Eastleigh College and then she was encouraged to take a Degree Course in Stitched Textiles.  Alison choose feet as her design topic and showed us examples of her work.

​Alison now prints her own fabrics and makes them into aprons and bags.  She gives talks and workshops to share her printing techniques.

Last year Alison exhibited at the Knitting and Stitch Show and she has tutored in France at a craft retreat.

We hope you will return sometime Alison as we would love to learn to make these wonderful fabrics.

Report and photos by Ros