My Saturday Solace...

I found the - Needlework Tapestry Guild - at one of the craft shows in Melbourne many years ago... At that time I was living another life and didn't really have much time to do more than look and admire. When I moved suburbs I was delighted to discover that this group met locally and so I joined. I was a rather nervous joiner as my needlework skills were/are at the best of times not consistant but I was quickly put at my ease and made to feel part of the group...

They are a great group who share a common interest of needlework, stash building, laughter and fun. As they stitch there is general chat, giggles, 'show and tell' plus cups of teas to keep the needles working. For anyone starting a new project or uncertain of a particular stitch there is a wealth of wisdom, advice and encouragement. From time to time there are low cost work shops which everyone can participate in. The group are regulars out at the various shows that come to Melbourne demonstrating their prowess with needle and thread. They also meet regularly and hold 'sit and stitch' sessions on a Saturday - the above link I have included will give you all the finer details...

Unfortunately I still don't get time to participate as much as I would like to but when I have the opportunity it is top of the list... I often say when I come home that they are my sanity saver as I am once cocooned within the group inspired by beautiful work that I see - real life is suspended for a short while and my world is balanced... I took some hasty photos - my apologies in advance to all those I may offended with my less than great photography...

Bob is as far as I know the only bloke currently attending - he sits in his corner and stitches away - his work is wonderful... and covering many topics including pieces for his twin grandsons... This is the start of his latest project...

Heads bent in quiet prayer..

...the concertration level is high - in between the laughter...

There is glorious eye candy galore...

From the more traditional canvas work....

to very fine stitching...

These colours are my weakness and this photo doesn't do the shades or stitching justice...

L who was stitching this hen was recouping from an injury to her right hand - so she stitched with her left hand - that is dedication for you...

E was stitching using plastic canvas - something else I have on my 'to do 'list

These flowers 'grew' as you watched them - the work was so even...

A's other passion is books - she even stitches them...

Some members take time out to browse through the many magazines and books which are part of a self contained library and offer even more ideas to think about...

This beautiful cross stitch made me want to find the one I had at home which was similiar...

and this house sampler was building quite nicely into a neighbourhood...

Once a year in October the Guild holds their exhibition where there just so much to look at and wonder about - I believe the theme for this year will be 'Black and White and colours in between' - definetely worth a look if you are Melbourne based...

Well that was my Saturday... LOL - did I do anything you ask???? Not likely I was too busy 'catching up' on all the gossip and looking at the stitching...

Take care until next time...

*Matching thread colours to patterns you want to stitch is like playing tattslotto - the colours (numbers) you already have are never the ones you need to complete (win) it :-)

Sharon xxx