Christmas Message

 Hello everyone 

 

I hope you are well and no doubt preparing for Christmas, which may be a very different affair for many of us this year.

 

Many people have felt isolated & found the lack of social activities very difficult.  I have to say that I'm thankful for my love if crafting, something I have always enjoyed. I find that it empties my head if all the clutter - at least for a while.  It has certainly been a help this year.

 

The Committee and I are looking forward to the return of our monthly meetings, we are determined that the group will continue to flourish as it has for so many years.  We had hoped to start back in February with that 'highlight of the year' the AGM, but sadly, that seems unlikely.  The talk of a possible surge after the Christmas period means that our meetings will be further delayed, as events continue to undermine plans.  We will of course, keep you updated, so please watch this space (as they say!).  We have agreed that membership subscriptions paid in 2020 will be carried forward to 2021, when we can hopefully get back on track.  

 

I would like to thank all of the Committee for their good work, and support during this year, I do hope that it will not be too much longer before we are rushed off our feet again! 

 

I would also like to say a big 'Thank you' to you, our members, for your continued support during this very strange year.  I am hopeful of better things in 2021, particularly as the vaccine rollout brings us some much needed light at the end of the tunnel. 

 

The Committee & I wish you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas, we look forward to a bright new year when we are free to enjoy getting back to doing the things we love with those we care about.  

 

 

Best Wishes to you all, STAY SAFE

 

Gina

 

 

PS.  A note from Pat

Just a reminder about  2021 Yarn bombing and Cosby Quilters display at the community Church we are doing a Harry Potter theme  We are still needing croqueted faces  see the Cosby BlogSpot October and 4 “ squares  for our quidditch  pitch ,  also tree shapes  6” or 8 “ for the forest behind Hagrid’s Hut . if you have some spare time after the Christmas break, as it looks like we are not getting back to normal any time soon.  We have wool if you need any.

Jan has completed the Castle and background , and Sue is on her 2^nd flying pupil, Elaine as offered to do an owl. Gina is becoming an expert on putting faces on Sue Skelton’s faces and I know a few of you have been making squares.  

Members Projects 11.12.2020

Pat has been working to complete projects.  The project bag from Gill's free machining class and the flower quilt from her winter weekend retreat.  The necklace from Viv's class the other year.  The tea towels have been waiting to be done about ten years.  The hen is a newish pattern and the round bin started a couple of years ago at Knuston finished the other week and a screen.

6/11/2020 - Members Projects

 Sue Skelton has created a Tour de France quilt for a Tina.  Tina is disabled and has, for want of a better word a fixation  with the Tour de France and other cycling races.  She watches all the television programmes.  Sue made a quilt for Tina's mother and immediately got a request to make a Tour De France quilt.  She wanted the quilt made in the colours of the jerseys that the riders wear when they have achieved something.  The yellow is for the stage winner and also the the final winner of the race.  The green is for the leading number of points for each day usually achieved by the sprinters.  The Polka dot is for the mountain stages and the white is the young winner.  The names represent the British riders who have worn the various jersey up to now.

Instructions for Faces

 

Faces

Use two strands of double knitting and a 5.5 crochet hook

Starting with face yarn

Ensure that you leave long ends at the beginning to use for fixing to background.

Magic ring, chain 1 and make 6 DC in ring join, chain 1 

Round Two:  2 DC in each stitch around (12 DC), join, chain 1

Round three: 2 DC in each stitch around (24 DC), join, chain 1

Round four: 2 DC in first stitch, 1 DC in next stitch, repeat around, join chain 1 (36DC)

Round five: DC in first three stitches, Half Treble in next 2 stiches, Treble in next eight stitches, HT in next 2 stitches, DC in next 6 stitches, HT in next 2 stitches, T in next eight stitches, HT in next 2 stitches, DC in next 3 stitches join and fasten off.  Join hair colour in same place.  HT in next four stitches, 2 T in next treble, repeat 9 times in all, HT in next four stitches.  Fasten  off.

For female use the same pattern but knot strands into the side for long hair using one knot.

October update from Gina

 Hi all,

I hope that you and your families are all keeping safe and well, and hopefully your crafting is keeping you sane in these difficult times.  I've just finished 2 sets of curtains for the lounge which have been on my 'to do list' for far too long.  Anyway I'm glad to say that they are up so I can then get on with something more inspiring (and far less useful)!! 

Following on from the success of the 2020 Cosby Yarrnbomb event, I just wanted to update you on a few things:

 

Our display was very well received.  You may be aware that a section of the display has been passed onto a local childminder who has put it up in her conservatory for the children to enjoy - so it's gone to a good home and is in use which is great.  The event raised over £1,000 for the local school, which I'm sure was very welcome.  

 

I'm sure you will be pleased to know that we have wasted no time, and Sue Wilson, Jan, Pat and I met a couple of weeks ago to discuss ideas and begin planning for next year! 

The theme is 'Up and Away' and Sue and Jan have decided to create a display of the Quiddich game from Harry Potter.   It is very ambitious and should look very striking, we are determined to build on this year's success.  

The pictures on the attachments to give you an idea of the scene: the railings on the left hand side will have Hogwarts towers the willow tree with the ford anglia lodged in its branches; and on the right hand side railings, the Quiddich contest - the arena, with the stands, towers and  the cheering crowds (made up of lots of small faces),  in the front, the players will do battle on their broomsticks.   As I said it is very ambitious, hence the long timescale for working on it, which will enable us to achieve this goal.

We would like to involve you, our members, in this project, and are calling for those of you who knit or crochet to join in by making some items please.
4" round flat faces in crochet, the attached pattern is a guide if required, or you can go freestyle. The pattern is also on the blogspot,   Either add the features yourself or pass onto Sue or Jan for someone else complete.

4" knitted squares in any colour and any stitch - these will be joined together to create the grandstand and viewing platforms

6-7" knitted fir trees, (pine tree shaped) in any shade of green
We also need knitted rocks, which should be slightly padded to make them 3-D - these will be used for the foreground.  Jan is currently working on the design and asks you to get your thinking caps on and get in touch with her with your ideas on how to create them - I'm sure that some of you will be able to help us with this and more details will follow when agreed.

 

For any more accomplished knitters, we are also in need of a white owl.

Please contact Sue or Jan for more information, and to let them know if you can help with this, I'm sure they will happily involve willing volunteers in other areas of the piece. 

Wool is available via Sue and Jan if required.

As far as evening meetings are concerned, there will be nothing further until Feb 2021 at the earliest.  This should be the AGM, and the Committee will discuss how to proceed in the new year.  

 

Thank you to those of you who have made a flower panel, Jo is planning to start work on the letters section for the banner.  Members can still create a piece for this, details on the blog. I (Gina) have the background fabric just let me know & I will post out to you .

 

I know many of you have been making masks (as I have myself), Pat has elastic (£1 for 5 yds)  and iron on Vilene (£1 per yd) - if anyone is in need please contact her.

I hope we can meet up again before too much longer - in the meantime stay safe,

Always good to hear that you have received this e mail  and how you are getting on.
Regards
Gina  

 

Cosby Yarn Bomb

 Pictures of the yarn bomb installations by members of Cosby Quilters.

Boxes Wanted

Do any of our members have any storage boxes like this or other ones with lids for storing our yarn bombing items in the barn.  Please contact Pat Screaton if you have any.

Cosby Yarn Bomb

Cosby Quilters yarn bombing display.  Thank to all those who have knitted and crocheted.  The yarn bomb is on until the 21st September.

Cosby Yarn Bomb

Sue Wilson has started to put together the second section of the yarn bombing for Cosby.  They are work in progress and we still need more leaves and flowers and snakes and a Bagheera.  

Contact Sue Wilson 07840 204543 or Jan Gamble 0116 2867996 if you want to help or have any items already made.

Gillymac Courses

Pat and 4 other people did Gill's 2020 doodle challenge for five weeks and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are interested in free machine quilting Gill has an offer on her website for the last three years doodles for £25.  There are 80 doodles in all.  Pat says that it can become quite addictive and something different to do.  You can, if you want, just draw the doodles and not sew.  Here are some examples of of Pat's doodles.

Gill's NewsLetter

80 Doodles to Improve your FMQ and a bonus Ebook The third and final doodle challenge finished last weekend. It was AMAZING. We had people doodling and Free Motion Quilting in the UK, Ireland, US, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Australia.  I have created a video package of all the tutorials for the past three years and a bonus ebook is to be added to this bundle shortly to make it easier to reference the 80 doodle videos in the package.    To access all the 2018/2019/2020 Doodle videos,  the Facebook group, which will stay open during this year, and receive the ebook during August, the link is here.

Teen Sewing & Sustainable Fashion I have created a free Summer Sewing Video Series for Teens. In fact, it is perfect for younger children as well if there is adult supervision. Sustainable fashion will only be a reality once teens are able to understand the work that goes into every garment they buy. The free classes cover sewing scrunchies, bunting, drawstring bags, a soft toy and a reversible tote bag.  The video series is completely free – it is being covered by Berkshire Life and the Daily Express 🤞🏻 over the Summer, so do take advantage of it – whatever age you are.

New Classes via Zoom    Swoon Quilt Class, Solstice Quilt Class, Doodle Quilting Class, Ruler Quilting Class and Patchwork for Beginners    All class are taught via Zoom and all come with accompanying video tutorials accessible via my website and yours to own forever. If you have never used Zoom - don't worry, I will help you. 😊 Zoom Class Details GillyMac 2020 Virtual Retreat  I am thrilled to announce that next Monday the Winter 2020 GillyMac Virtual Retreat goes on sale. The retreat takes place from 23rd-25th October and the project is my latest quilt, Flower Power. I have a feeling that places will fly out the door for this one so if you want to know more then keep an eye out Monday 20th July when I will email a reminder to you all that booking has open.  Thank you for reading this update. I hope to sew with you soon.  Warmest Wishes, Gill  Copyright © 2020 GillyMac Designs, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in at our website Our mailing address is: GillyMac Designs 14 Westfield Road Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 5AU United Kingdom Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.