Category: Guild Meeting

February 2021 “Hands Across The Border” from Anne Hardcastle

Welcome.

Spring is coming…..I counted three yellow and four crocus flowers in my garden yesterday and today there are more than a dozen.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is crocuses-2-1024x769-1.jpg

 Spring makes me think of planning journeys and on Saturday 6th February we will welcome Greta Fitchett with her talk `Traveller’s Tales`, delivered via Zoom.

“TRAVELLERS TALES : Come along on a journey to places such as Venice, Hong Kong, Morocco, Turkey and Spain, as well as local UK travel – places that have inspired quilts, wallhangings and themed Journal Quilts.”

Looking further into the future. Deborah [NIPG President] and I had a Zoom talk with representatives from the Irish Patchwork Society (IPS) about `Hands Across the Border` 2021.  

The `Hands Across the Border` exhibitions, a joint venture by NIPG and IPS [Irish Patchwork Society] are held every other year and 2021 will celebrate 30 years of our association. It was sparked off all those years ago by making use of funding for  cross-border initiatives at that time. It is the turn of IPS to host the opening in the year that they are also celebrating their 40years.

So here is a synopsis of the essential details- full rules and entry form will be available here on the NIPG website. 

TITLE;  ` Hanging Together Again`  

SIZE;  30inches wide 40inches long ( all quilts are to be the same size) 

DEADLINE for submission:- 1st July 2021 (no late entries as they need to be photographed for the catalogue.)

OPEN ONLY to NI Patchwork Guild members [& Irish Patchwork Society].

NOT ACCEPTED :- glass fronted / framed / mounted quilts / quilts made from kits / workshop samples.

ACCEPTED:– Original work only. The work should have been completed within the last 2 years.

The work should NOT have been previously exhibited.

Quilts are not for sale during the exhibition and only available for collection at the end, which is anticipated to be up to one year after the opening.

By entering a quilt you agree to have it photographed for publicity purposes and the exhibition catalogue.  

For more details about labelling, hanging sleeve and packaging please see HERE

I would encourage everyone to think about making a quilt for `HATB`.  Examples from the 2019 and 2017 exhibitions are available to view on NIPG website. 

It would be really great to have a good showing from NIPG in recognition of 30 years.

The title` Hanging Together Again¬ gives plenty of scope for the imagination.

 My challenge now is to find a NI gallery for the exhibition some time after August 2021!!

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday 6th February some time after 10.00.

Meanwhile, stay safe and carry on quilting


Anne Hardcastle

Here are a few images from the 2009 Hands Across the Border, opened in Dublin by then President Mary McAleese.

January Demonstrations according to Brian.

January 2019 Demonstrations 

One of the most popular events in the NIPG Calendar, when members themselves take on the demonstrations. Attendees gather themselves into groups and move from one demonstration table to the next. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Brian said: ” The meeting seemed to me to be a complete success – all five presenters knew their subject and presented it clearly with pertinent hints and tips and had time to answer questions. In every case they drew gasps and appreciative comments as they revealed their work. “

In addition to a wonderful morning, in the afternoon our Chair, Paula demonstrated stencilling on velvet. Photographs of some of the results are at the bottom of this blog.

Lindsey’s – Jig-saw Quilt

Brian said, “On arrival we saw a very impressive looking jig-saw in lovely patterns which looked much too complicated to be the subject of such a short talk. But Lindsey quickly demystified the construction, thew in a couple of pertinent hints and even distributed the key pattern and back up information. “

  • Lindsey’s Jigsaw Quilt 1

  • Lindsey’s Jigsaw Quilt 1

Anne J’s – Twisted Squares


Brian said, “Which turned out to be ‘Not Necessarily Squares’ but were certainly twisted. Again a clear exposition of the required techniques was presented and questions answered.”

  • Anne’s Twisted Square

  • Anne’s Twisted Square

  • Anne’s Twisted Square

  • Anne’s Twisted Square

  • Anne’s Twisted Square


Joanne M – Improvised Curved Piecing

Brian said, “As It happened I saw much the same talk on TV this week where it was NOT done half as well and took an hour. Joanne had lots of variety to show, demonstrated the basic technique several times and still had time to move on to monochrome and then various multiple nested curve examples. “


  • Joanne’s Improv

  • Joanne’s Improv

  • Joanne’s Improv

  • Joanne’s Improv

  • Joanne’s Improv


Anne H – Soft Fabric Boxes

Brian says: “Anne H gave us a well thought out talk: starting with plain, useful although pretty boxes and then developed her theme into more ornate and fancy in different sizes. “

  • Anne H’s Fabric Boxes

  • Anne H’s Fabric Boxes

  • Anne H’s Fabric Boxes

  • Anne H’s Fabric Boxes

Irene McW – Printing on the Cheap

Brian said: “The title said cheap but the message was how one can use found and simple objects of any description to produce cloth. Gasps of admiration were herard from the group, as we were shown them. Whether one can be as successful without the backing of Irene’s brain and talent only time will tell. “

  • Irene’s Printing

  • Irene’s Printing

  • Irene’s Printing

  • Irene’s Printing

Images of Stencilling on Velvet with Paula

Christmas Meeting 2018 Sat 1st December

Hello Everyone

BRING YOUR MUG TO THE MEETING

We know that some people are particular about starting Christmas celebrations or even mentioning Christmas too early. Others, of course, would celebrate it all year round.

Now, as we hold our meetings on the 1st Saturday of the month, and the 1st Saturday of December is on the 1st,  hopefully we can be forgiven for celebrating Christmas at  the December meeting on the 1st of  December.

Lots and lots going on that day.

BRING YOUR MUG TO THE MEETING

Hopefully you’ve remembered our Christmas Challenge.

“Make a Bottle Gift Bag for 1 or 2 bottles”  

Bring one and take one home

Every year, NIPG members demonstrate their imagination, talent and hard work.  with this year’s challenge, we are exciting to see what you bring.

Here’s quite a complex pattern, but it’s a bit different. Just search YouTube or Pinterest and you’ll find much more straightforward patterns, which shouldn’t take too long – just in case you haven’t remembered to make one.

BRING YOUR MUG TO THE MEETING

Here’s a message from our Chair, Paula to give you a small indication of what’s happening on Saturday.

Did we mention that you should bring your mug with you?

Hi to All

Although we have four weeks to Christmas this is our Christmas meeting . Please bring you own cup/mug !! 

We will have a floral demonstration and if you purchase a ballot ticket – three lucky members will take home one each of the arrangements.  The ballot will cost £2  and will pay for the flowers.

Please all bring along your ‘make and take bottle bag‘ . They will all be displayed, afterwards you will be given a bag to take home -not your own .

We will have tea coffee and eats provided by our catering ladies, a big thanks to them for all their hard work.

Adrienne will be collecting all the money for Glenada*, see below for prices and more information.

If you can bring change, this will help Adrienne greatly,  as  trying to get the right change can be time consuming.

Kaffe Fassete tickets –  there are still a few available, for the talk in the Ulster museum so please get yours and save disappointment .

Workshops  –   Mary Walker will have the requirements listing for oa great workshop being held in February –  confetti patchwork.

Actually you probably have all the requirements in your stash.

I visited the exhibition last Saturday with Clare and we both were impressed with the venue and the work.

looking forward to a great meeting

Paula

P.S. Did I mention that you should bring your own mug/cup?

Glenada* – the yearly trip to Glenada in Newcastle, where we sew, sew, sew and sewialise and have great fun. It’s the perfect way to get to know your fellow NIPG members. Bring whatever you like to sew – hand or machine and yes, you may bring your own refreshments.

Every year without fail and working quietly in the background, Adrienne organises and collect the money for Glenada. This year is no exception and she has worked hard to get these reasonable prices.

Weekend Rate – includes meals and use of room for sewing.

Double Room £ 91.00 each

Single Room £ 107.00

It would be great if you could have the correct money for Adrienne, either cash or cheques. Thank you.

AGM Sat 2nd June

Hello Everyone

Since we last posted, we have all in every sphere of our online existence, been grappling with GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation 2018. We’ve known for a while that it was imminent, yet suddenly the date of implementation arrived! Then the bombardment of emails to confirm that you still want to be part of be contactable by email. We don’t contact you by email through our website, but this is the opportunity to unsubscribe/unfollow us. Our Privacy Policy, fairly standard has been put up on the website.  

Members voluntarily gave us their contact details when they signed up at the beginning of the 2017 – 18 season. At the beginning of the 2018 – 19 season, we shall be issuing new membership forms which will comply fully with the GDPR. At that time, if you don’t re-register we shall remove all your details  from our databases and shall destroy any memberships listings which may contain your data.

Someone sent this to us and it’s so good at describing what has been happening.

Last 2017 – 18 Meeting Saturday June 2nd

Here is a small message from our Chair, Paula, with some additional words about our AGM.

Hello ALL

Summer is here and so is our last meeting of the Guild year, looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

The Guild Committee has, behind the scenes been working very hard on your behalf and there are exciting announcements to be made about our forthcoming season. You’ll only hear about them if you attend.

Let’s face it, there would be no Guild without those who volunteer to get everything in place, from the tea and coffee (important things first) to the venue, the speakers and so it goes on.

WE need three new members to complete our committee . I do hope we will get some volunteers as we have a very exciting years which you will all find out at the AGM on Saturday 3rd

Yes, the plea for you to seriously consider giving up some of your precious time to help. This is going to be an exceptional year and your help, no matter how small would be very welcome indeed.

What do you get out of it?  The satisfaction that you have given a little bit back. Without volunteers there would be no Guild. Enough said.

Please remember to bring cup to enjoy your tea at the end of the meetng. See you all then  Paula

 

Galloping towards Saturday Sept 2nd

We’ve had a  somewhat wet summer here in Northern Ireland, fortunately we can always find  plenty to do as we are gallop towards our first 2017 – 18 Guild meeting on Saturday 2nd September.

August is Craft Month and  we have been enjoying many exhibitions, workshops and talks all over Northern Ireland – too many wonderful projects to mention and there’s still a wee bit of time in the month to catch something else.

alkisti_hou

Days of blue skies and fluffy clouds and sunshine. as evidenced thanks to an Instagram photo from @alkisti_hou, have been punctuated with rain, as of  just  now,  at the time of writing, the rain is pouring down, or ‘bucketing’ as we call it.

Luckily there is no shortage of things to do, including   the odd excursion to one of the many establishments serving  refreshments. Such as   “The Dark Horse” near the Cathedral Quarter and the tenth establishment to receive one of the special Game of Throne’s doors.

Tourism Ireland Unveils the Last Door. The Dark Horse, Belfast

Not that everyone in Northern Ireland is  “Game of Thrones” mad, though it may appear that way and if you follow on, you will see why it is being mentioned in connection with the first Guild meeting of our season.

It is impossible to live in Northern Ireland and not be aware of  GoT and it is so exciting to see the many visitors coming to here to visit  GoT film locations  and we hope  enjoy our hospitality.

3883967054_bb2277e7a3_b
The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney.  18th Century Avenue of Beech Trees. Aka Kingsway in Game of Thrones.

What are the Game of Throne doors?

One of the most iconic scenes and most visited site is the Dark Hedges, aka Kingsway to GoT fans. Locals have always known and loved this avenue. The beech trees are 300 years old,  so  no surprise to hear that some were felled during fierce storms.  A sad demise for such proud trees, and a dilemma of what to do with them. Someone came up with the idea of using the fallen trees to carve out scenes from each of the GoT series.   Ten in total.  

The intricately carved door depicting scenes from the final dramatic moments of Series 6. Location : The Dark Horse.

These, such as the one above, have been placed in different locations throughout Northern Ireland. In April 2017 Tourism NI launched a “Journey of Doors passport” –  visit the 10 Game of Thrones Doors across Northern Ireland and collect a unique stamp at each of the locations.

Why all this talk of GoT? During the summer  some of our members have been  engaged, under Valerie Wilson’s direction, in embroidering the Game of Thrones tapestry now hanging in the Ulster Museum.

Jayne McClenaghan is the link between GoT  and our forthcoming programme, about which, we are very excited; a varied and interesting series of talks and workshops.

Indeed our 2017 – 18 season kicks off on Saturday 2nd September, with the aforementioned, Jayne  who with others,  has spent some of her summer embroidering the GoT tapestries.    [Seamless, if long winded link?]

Jayne’s talk is entitled ‘Improving lives through craft’, intriguing? Find out more about her at her blog  One Day At a Time.  This gives you a glimpse into her life: in addition to working part time as a nurse, embroidering GoT, and teaching patchwork and quilting, she volunteers at the National Trust property Mount Stewart .  Where she finds the time for all her activities is a puzzle. Jayne certainly proves the truth of the old adage: “if you want something done give it to a busy person”. Lucille-Ball-Quote

The committee has been working hard to make the programme current, varied and related to NIPG interests and activities. There will be a mixture of talks, short afternoon workshops, and all day workshops. Also a few Friday workshops which proved so popular last year.

We apologise for the delay in posting our forthcoming programme. In addition to confirming speakers, venues have to be confirmed. Though we are indeed fortunate to have our base in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, at times they need the space we use for events they are organising.  We will be posting our programme very soon so keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the last few weeks of summer.

Happy Sewing

NB Header photo shows a few of the quilts seen in situ on the beds in various cottages in the Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra. 

 

Link to Jayne Mcclenaghan’s Blog: “Busy times for the NI Patchwork Guild”

Jayne has posted a great summary of what’s been happening with NIPG, so here’s a link to her blog. You might want to see what she’s up to in Mount Stewart. Would love to know how she finds the time  to do all that she does?

The Guild had a demonstration and display at the Create a thon in the Ulster Museum in April. Yet again we discovered how many ladies can’t/ won’t sew, majority being under 40 years old.The display demonstrated the variations in patchwork as well as the process. Examples from the past up to modern day. There were many…

via Busy time for Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild — one day at a time

Important words from Brenda. May Meeting is at St Dorothea’s.

Members and friends

Brenda Richardson at the Creative Crafting Exhibition in Titanic Quarter

Spring is well and truly here with lots of blossom and buds on the trees.
The May meeting is on Saturday 6 May in St Dorotheas, Gortland Park Belfast 
[Postcode is BT5 7NQ, for your SatNav
Situated at the junction of the Gilnahirk Road and the Lower Braniel Road.]
As usual doors open at 10.00 a.m. with tea & coffee.
The speaker is Pauline Openneer from Donegal whose talk is entitled “Tweeds and More”.

Caroline Bag

Sundays workshop is in the Museum as usual, where we shall be making a Caroline Bag. You can make the bag in any fabric you like.
The last workshop of this quilting year is on Friday 12 May in Orangefield  Presbyterian Church, Castlereagh Road from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

Valerie McKeown

The tutor is our own Valerie McKeown, and she will be teaching us to make a Dragonfly Cushion. I think there are still a couple of places left.
The June meeting is our AGM and I am hoping that we will get some names for committee as there are 4 vacancies.
If you are willing to serve please speak to me or a committee member at next Saturdays meeting.

Cuddlies;

Well done everyone.
We have to date 154 Cuddlies, well over the target of 100 for the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Maternity Hospital.
If any one has any more please bring them on Saturday as I would like to hand them over at the A.G.M.
Hope to see you all on Saturday.
 
Brenda

Letter from Brenda & link to Jayne McClenagh’s report on the Jennie Rayment Visit

First the letter from Brenda…

Hello Members and Friendscapture
It was lovely to see so many of you at the November meeting we had over 60 people to here Jennie Rayment.
Jennie is full of life and gave us a very informative and entertaining talk. I was particularly interested in her microwave dying and am definitely going to try it. I was able to attend both her workshops on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. On Saturday everyone went home with 2 cushion panels of different designs all we had to do at home was add the bindings and backs. On Sunday we were all were all able to complete a ‘Scrappy Zappy Do’ wall hanging perhaps you have already scene the photographs on facebook.
The competition for a new Guild Banner is still open. The idea of a new banner is to bring the Guild a bit more into the 21 century and have something to display at exhibitions etc. Please keep your entries coming and it would be helpful if you coloured them in. Lets have some more for the December meeting.
Just a couple of reminders;
The Christmas challenge is any article depicting ‘A Winters Tale’
We are still looking for contributions for the Christmas Hamper please bring them to the December meeting.
Secret Santa this has been a long tradition in the Guild when everyone brings a wrapped present to the value of about £7 these are then put in Santa’s Sack and you get to pick something. It should ideally be connected to sewing and something you would like to receive yourself.
That’s all for now see you in December.
Brenda

 

Now here’s a  link to an excellent report on Jennie Rayment’s visit to the NIPG by Jayne McClenaghan from her blog  “One day at a time” Jennie Rayment- Fabulous Folding Fanatic — one day at a time.  Lots of photos demonstrating how its done.

We were very fortunate to have Jennie at the NIPG such a treat to have he entertain us as she showed off her quilts which you can see to the let and below. I thoroughly enjoyed her afternoon workshop which was a change to machine sewing and piecing large pieces of fabric.It felt very therapeutic to…

Thank you Jayne, your post really gives a flavour of the day and Jennie’s infectious and fun personality. Gorgeous photos too.

 

Reaching Out

 image1
 Angela McCormick and Pat Pauley facilitated the making of the Belfast WAVE quilt.
 image2

 Instead of making one large quilt, they decided that a triptych worked much better. Each panel shows the thoughts and concerns from the women who took part.
Chair’s Charity
Each year the current Chair can nominate a Charity of their choice. At every meeting we have a Ballot, and the money is collected at the end of the season.

So, this year we were delighted to present a cheque for £650 to Elizabeth DIckson, Chair of the Board of Quaker Service to be given to the Quaker Cottage, a cross-community family day care centre in North and West Belfast.

–Show and Tell, was the usual riot of colour and quilts! Sadly we weren’t able to take any photos, but if anyone would like to submit photos of recently finished quilts, we’d be delighted to post them here.

Folk Museum’s Craft and Skills Sunday.
On the Sunday, Jan Kirkwood and I demonstrated patchwork at the Folk and Transport Museum. We were busy all day and really enjoyed showing the visitors what we do.
Jan had brought a hand-operated Singer sewing machine with her, which proved very popular with children!

Almost time to meet up again for our 2016 – 17 season.

Here’s a message from our Chair, Brenda Richardson.

Hi Everyone

Well the summer is almost over and I noticed the other day that the nights are also drawing in. 

I hope you have all had a good summer and got lots of sewing done.

The new Guild year starts on Saturday 3rd September in the Parochial Hall at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

 

UFTM-map-web

 

Following some of last year’s comments, the committee have decided to have an earlier start to our meetings.  Doors open 10.00 a.m. and the meeting will start at 10.45a.m. with the speaker being introduced at 11.00 a.m.

The theme for our first meeting is Reaching Out. We will hear from:-

  1. Lydia Black about reaching out in Uganda
  2. Angela McCormick and Patricia Pauley will talk about helping with the Belfast WAVE quilt.
  3. There will be the ever popular Show and Tell, so please bring along your new work to show.  Quaker Cottage
  4. We will be presenting a cheque to Quaker Cottage in respect of last year’s charity collection.
  5. You will hear about the workshops up until Christmas.

 

So come along early to catch up, pay your fees (still only £30) and see what’s new about the 2016 / 2017 year.  The membership form is attached

 

Don’t forget to bring your cup and wear your name badge. If you haven’t already made one you have a few days before the meeting!

Looking forward to seeing everyone,

Brenda

 

NIPG Form for website

NB This form is an image, so you can’t complete it online. However, you can print it. Using the right click on your mouse select,  “Save Image as”…. whatever you like. Current members will have received the form in the email which Brenda has sent everyone. If you haven’t got that email, or if you have a question, please get in touch.