End of year Review - July 2008/09 ...

The end of July meant we had come to the end of our craft year - we'll all be meeting up again in September and those projects that were unfinished, should (hopefully) have been completed. Unfortunately, 2 of our 'Stitchery Doers' won't be returning next term - both of them have been excellent students. One is sadly suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and will be unable to attend, the other has moved out of the area. However, 2 'newbies' joined the group several weeks ago and since, have been enjoying their 'doing' time with us. We all hope they'll return with their completed summer work for us to see.

As you'll have noticed to date, all students have been very busy during their year with me. They have worked their way through a wide range of 14 needle-based crafts that have included:

beading, canvas work, crochet, cross-stitch, dressmaking/sewing, embroidery,
goldwork, knitting, needlelace, patchwork, quilting, rugwork, stumpwork, temari

All have also looked through magazines and/or books for new or inspirational future ideas - some I'm sure will appear next year as a specific 'stitchery' item!

Most of the projects to date, have been completed entirely by hand although a few students used their sewing machine at certain stages or to finish a particular technique. Everyone has had several projects 'on-the-go' at all times with many initial 'sparks of interest' fuelled by seeing another student's project 'take shape'. I wonder what will be on the agenda for the new Autumn/Winter term in a few months time?

By the way - when I mention the word 'student', these 'Stitchery Doers' are all over 21 !!!!!