Practical evening Friday 31st January 2014; Chain and knot stitches

groups of members busy sewing

and behind the scenes our beloved treasurer Anne Petch working on receipts

Origami fabric flowers with Mary Bull 18th Jan 2014

On Friday, 29.11.13, Linda Patrick brought a number of her Victorian and Edwardian Christening Gowns from her collection to Lincoln Bailgate.

Early gowns were quite tiny as infants were christened very early in life, often at a week old. Mainly white fine cotton lawn was used although well off families chose silk, which perished over time. 'One-size-fitted-all', with cleverly fitted adjustable draw-string ties at the neck and waist. Minute pin-tuck pleats attached a bodice to the long full skirt. Robing of lace echoed an earlier fashion for an over dress, revealing a richly embroidered underskirt. Fine stitching was worked on the bodice with lace or pin tucking forming a V which matched the inverted V formed by the robing with embroidery on the bodice echoing the design on the skirt.

Linda explained how Ayrshire white work embroidery became popular about 1840 and beautifully worked panels for the bodice and front were commissioned for high status robes. As fashions changed, broderie anglaise, lace and pin tucking came in to favour and were hand worked until the introduction of sewing machines in 1880’s.

Living and sewing in Lincolnshire, Linda is a christening gown designer who sells bespoke hand embroidered and reproduction gowns, most recently three of her gowns were featured in the BBC series "The Paradise" She also repairs and restores family gowns and has some original gowns for sale.

For a more detailed look Linda's website http://www.littledoves.co.uk/ is filled with examples of her christening gowns, rompers and accessories.

Judy O'Neill and Mary Paulger 

Lyn Rochester with a daisy lawn: Stitch club 16th November 2013

This was Lyn's example piece

and some were similar

and others went into new directions

We all enjoyed a marvellous day together. 

Felting a landscape with Liz Emery: workshop 26th October 2013

Using techniques described by Liz we built up our landscapes starting with wisps of fleece and building up to more defined images. It was marvelous to see the various views emerging.

Heart quilt stitch club with Julia Welch 19th Oct 2013

After lots of machining

lots of ironing took place

Here is Julia about to show us how to spray glue the machined pattern onto the wadding and the backing.

and above is some quilting in the gutter

we all had a marvellous day

change of venue for painting with felt

We have a number of places left on the painting with felt workshop being run by Liz Emery on Saturday 26th October 2013

Venue:  change of venue from North Hykeham to
LINCOLNSHIRE YMCA

ST. RUMBOLD STREET

LINCOLN

LN2 5AR
Time:  10:00 - 16:00.

details below